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Principal Engineer Jobs in Iowa (NOW HIRING)

As a Principal GenAI Engineer , you will actively engage in your engineering craft, taking a hands-on approach to multiple high-visibility projects. Your expertise will be pivotal in delivering ...

As a Principal GenAI Engineer , you will actively engage in your engineering craft, taking a hands-on approach to multiple high-visibility projects. Your expertise will be pivotal in delivering ...

Principal Software Engineering

Cedar Rapids, IA

$132.20K - $177.20K/yr

Summary The Principal Software Engineer is a senior technical leader responsible for defining and driving enterprise-scale architecture, engineering strategy, and delivery excellence across modern ...

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Principal Engineer information

See Iowa salary details

$69.5K

$138.3K

$199.6K

How much do principal engineer jobs pay per year?

As of May 28, 2026, the average yearly pay for principal engineer in Iowa is $138,279.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $111,300.00 and $162,500.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What Is a Principal Engineer?

A principal engineer oversees the research, development, and design of engineering projects for a company or organization. These engineering experts are leaders in their industries and need an advanced understanding of their discipline to manage projects and guide team members. As a principal engineer, your job duties include creating budgets, negotiating with vendors, and delegating work. You may also train staff members, set project deadlines, and work to improve engineering application processes.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a Principal Engineer, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Principal Engineer, you need deep technical expertise in your engineering discipline, strong problem-solving abilities, and typically an advanced degree or equivalent experience. Familiarity with complex software development tools, architectural frameworks, and industry certifications like AWS Certified Solutions Architect or relevant PE licenses is common. Exceptional leadership, communication, and mentorship skills help Principal Engineers guide teams and influence project direction. These competencies are essential for driving innovation, ensuring technical excellence, and delivering large-scale, high-impact solutions.

How does a Principal Engineer typically collaborate with cross-functional teams to drive project success?

Principal Engineers play a key role in collaborating with cross-functional teams, such as product management, design, and operations, to ensure technical solutions align with business objectives. They often lead architectural discussions, mentor team members, and facilitate communication between engineering and non-engineering stakeholders. This collaboration helps identify potential challenges early, streamline development processes, and deliver high-quality products. Additionally, Principal Engineers are often involved in setting technical standards and guiding teams through complex problem-solving.

What are Principal Engineers?

Principal Engineers are highly experienced technical experts who lead engineering teams, provide strategic technical direction, and help solve complex engineering challenges within an organization. They often act as mentors, set technical standards, and collaborate with stakeholders across departments to drive innovation and ensure the success of engineering projects. Principal Engineers typically have many years of industry experience and are recognized for their deep technical knowledge and leadership skills.

What is the difference between Principal Engineer vs Senior Engineer?

AspectPrincipal EngineerSenior Engineer
CredentialsTypically requires 8+ years of experience, advanced technical skills, and often leadership or mentorship experienceUsually requires 3-7 years of experience with strong technical skills
Work EnvironmentLeads complex projects, influences technical strategy, collaborates across teamsFocuses on executing technical tasks, supporting project development, and mentoring junior staff
Employer & Industry UsageCommon in large tech companies, engineering firms, and organizations with advanced technical hierarchiesWidely used across industries for experienced technical contributors

The main difference between a Principal Engineer and a Senior Engineer lies in their level of responsibility, experience, and influence. Principal Engineers typically lead complex projects and shape technical strategies, while Senior Engineers focus on executing technical tasks and supporting team efforts. Both roles require strong technical skills, but Principal Engineers often have more leadership and strategic responsibilities.

What are the most commonly searched types of Principal Engineer jobs in Iowa? The most popular types of Principal Engineer jobs in Iowa are:
What are popular job titles related to Principal Engineer jobs in Iowa? For Principal Engineer jobs in Iowa, the most frequently searched job titles are:
What job categories do people searching Principal Engineer jobs in Iowa look for? The top searched job categories for Principal Engineer jobs in Iowa are:
What cities in Iowa are hiring for Principal Engineer jobs? Cities in Iowa with the most Principal Engineer job openings:
What are popular job titles related to Principal Engineer jobs in IA? For Principal Engineer jobs in IA, the most frequently searched job titles are:
Infographic showing various Principal Engineer job openings in Iowa as of May 2026, with employment types broken down into 100% Full Time. Highlights an 80% In-person, 10% Hybrid, and 10% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $138,279 per year, or $66.5 per hour.

Principal Civil Engineer

W&M Environmental Group

Cedar Rapids, IA • On-site, Remote

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Posted 14 days ago


Job description

The Principal Engineer is a technical and business leader at Braun Intertec Corporation (BIC) and is expected to lead and guide technical practice, mentor and develop junior staff, and participate in internal and external technical organizations.

The Principal Engineer is responsible for managing complex projects/programs that have significant business impact. Operates without supervision and exercises judgement to make decisions and develop solutions to ensure successful project completion. Also responsible for Principal-level technical review of proposals and project deliverables. This role has the potential to work remotely or in a hybrid capacity based on location.

UP TO $50,000 SIGN ON BONUS

Essential Duties and Responsibilities

  • Manages highly complex projects and provides technical review and project management support of projects for clients with multiple technical disciplines.
  • Prepares and makes decisions for major proposals and contracts.
  • Prepares complex engineering reports giving professional opinions and practical geotechnical solutions.
  • Perform engineering analysis using company and industry methodologies and standards and makes engineering decisions using standard formulas and computer software.
  • Interfaces with federal and state regulatory authorities on complex projects.
  • Develops and delivers client presentations as part of relationship development and assists with marketing strategies and activities pertaining.
  • Understand and manage the needs of clients through communications and proposal/project work.
  • Oversees client contracting in unit with support from corporate legal.
  • Develops and maintain internal and external client relationships, including project and non-project related face-to-face meetings.
  • Understands Braun Intertec services and has the ability to market such to clients.
  • Coordinate project assignments with other engineers and technicians within the discipline group.
  • Reviews drawings supplied by vendors, clients, engineers, and architects and recommends necessary changes.
  • Review engineering work of others and technical reports.
  • Identifies complex problems/possible solutions and take the appropriate action to resolve.
  • Efficiently and effectively manages project teams including engineering and field support personnel.
  • Leads, mentors, manages, and develops technical staff.
  • Works within established procedures and/or protocols with the ability to manage and migrate risk.
  • Represents BIC internally and externally as a technical leader and resource.
  • Consistently follows all safety policies and practices and communicates project safety requirements to all team members assigned to projects managed.

Requires Skills and Competencies

  • Strong leadership and strategic thinking skills.
  • Creative and innovative thinking in bringing successful resolution to high-impact, complex, and/or cross-department problems.
  • Ability to qualify professional opinions and recommendations of less experienced engineers and mentor in applying engineering principles and practices.
  • Ability to influence others, delegate and develop direct reports.
  • Reputation of being a technical leader in the industry regionally or nationally.
  • Excellent problem solving skills.
  • Excellent written and verbal communication skills with good interpersonal skills.
  • Ability to read, analyze, and interpret general business periodicals, professional journals, technical procedures, or governmental regulations.
  • Ability to write reports, business correspondence, and procedure manuals
  • Ability to interpret an extensive variety of technical instructions in mathematical or diagram form and deal with several abstract and concrete variables.
  • Ability to develop and progress multiple positive client relationships.
  • Highly organized and ability to prioritize work.
  • Ability to work both independently and as a team member.
  • Ability to create, maintain, and communicate project budgets.
  • Solid organizational skills including attention to detail and multi-tasking skills.

Minimum Qualifications

  • Education: Requires Bachelor's Degree in civil or geotechnical engineering or closely related field, MS or PhD desirable
  • Experience and/or Training: Minimum 15 years of geotechnical engineering experience within professional consulting services, managing client relationships, and developing new business
  • Licenses/Certificates: Valid Driver's License, Requires PE Certification.
  • Travel: Position requires offsite travel (locally and throughout United States), up to 25%.

#LI-JM1

Braun Intertec is a Drug-Free Workplace and require all new hires to complete a pre-employment drug screen test, criminal background check, and motor vehicle report.

Braun Intertec employees are encouraged to expand their skills and certifications through company provided training and mentoring.

Braun Intertec offers a competitive compensation and benefits package, including: medical, dental, vision, life insurance, 401(k) plan, PTO, Employee Stock Ownership Program (ESOP), and paid holidays.

Compensation Range:

$133,300.00 - $199,900.00

As an EEO/Affirmative Action Employer, all qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, sexual orientation, gender identity, veteran or disability status.

Braun Intertec strives to ensure that its careers web site is accessible to all. If you need assistance completing your online application, please email hrhelp@braunintertec.com.

As an Equal Opportunity Employer, Braun Intertec is committed to providing reasonable accommodations for qualified individuals with disabilities and disabled veterans. If you need a reasonable accommodation to assist with your job search or application for employment, please e-mail us athrhelp@braunintertec.com. In your e-mail, please include a description of the specific accommodation you are requesting as well as the job title and requisition number of the position for which you are applying.