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Principal Engineer Jobs in Iowa (NOW HIRING)

Principal Electrical Engineer

Marion, IA · On-site

$138K - $169K/yr

PRINCIPAL ELECTRICAL ENGINEER Division: ESCO Power and Safety Solutions Location: Remote Reports to: Electrical Design and Engineering Manager Exempt or Non-Exempt: Exempt Status: Full-Time Typical ...

Principal Electrical Engineer

Marion, IA · On-site

$100 - $125/hr

PRINCIPAL ELECTRICAL ENGINEER Division: ESCO Power and Safety Solutions Location: Marion, Iowa Reports to: Electrical Design and Engineering Manager Exempt or Non-Exempt: Exempt Status: Full-Time ...

Principal Electrical Engineer

Hiawatha, IA

$138K - $168K/yr

Principal Electrical Engineer Reports to: Manager, Electrical Engineering Department : Engineering Work Model: Full-time, On-site - No Travel Required Schedule : Monday - Friday 8am-5pm Company ...

Principal Electrical Engineer

Hiawatha, IA · On-site

$138K - $168K/yr

Principal Electrical Engineer Reports to: Manager, Electrical Engineering Department : Engineering Work Model: Full-time, On-site - No Travel Required Schedule : Monday - Friday 8am-5pm Company ...

Principal Electrical Engineer

Cedar Rapids, IA · On-site

$136K - $166K/yr

Principal Electrical Engineer Reports to: Manager, Electrical Engineering Department : Engineering Work Model: Full-time, On-site - No Travel Required Schedule : Monday - Friday 8am-5pm Company ...

Showing results 41-60

Principal Engineer information

See Iowa salary details

$69.5K

$138.3K

$199.6K

How much do principal engineer jobs pay per year?

As of Sep 8, 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.

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 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.

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.

How much does a principal engineer get paid?

A principal engineer's salary typically ranges from $120,000 to $180,000 annually, depending on experience, industry, and location. They often have advanced technical skills, leadership responsibilities, and may receive bonuses or stock options as part of compensation.

What do principal engineers do?

Principal engineers are senior technical leaders responsible for designing, developing, and overseeing complex engineering projects. They provide technical guidance, set standards, and collaborate with teams to ensure the successful implementation of solutions, often using tools like CAD, programming languages, or engineering software. They typically have extensive experience and may mentor junior staff while contributing to strategic planning.

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 September 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% Internship, 88% Full Time, 7% Part Time, and 4% Contract. Highlights an 84% Physical, 5% Hybrid, and 11% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $138,279 per year, or $66.5 per hour.

Principal Electrical Engineer

Marion, IA • On-site

$138K - $169K/yr

Full-time

Re-posted 27 days ago


Job description

PRINCIPAL ELECTRICAL ENGINEER


Division: ESCO Power and Safety Solutions

Location: Remote

Reports to: Electrical Design and Engineering Manager

Exempt or Non-Exempt: Exempt

Status: Full-Time

Typical Working Hours: 7:30am to 4:30pm

May be required to work extended hours including holidays and weekends due to the 24 hours, 7 days a week, 365 days a year type of service ESCO provides its clients.

Synopsis:

The Principal Electrical Engineer position is a leadership level position within the technical delivery structure of ESCO Power. This position serves as a key technical resource for external customer project delivery, supporting complex commercial and industrial applications on multiple projects simultaneously. Work executed will be within a multi-discipline power team. This position requires acquisition and mastery of multiple power skills and technologies. Technical strategic leadership and mentorship is required of this role.

Background and Work Experience:

To be considered, candidates should have:

  • Completion of a Bachelor's degree program in Electrical Engineering from an accredited college, technical school, or university and ten years or more of related work or industry experience; or
    • A combination of equivalent education and or experience will be considered with solid evidence of success.
  • Demonstrate understanding of complex electrical principles and solutions.
  • Demonstrate to be highly proficient with computer technologies including but not limited to Windows Operating Systems, and the use of Microsoft Office Word, Excel, and Outlook.

Preferred:

  • Licensed Professional Electrical Engineer
  • Demonstrate proficiency with the following: power distribution and design, protective relay programming, and communication networks.
  • Experience with the use of AutoCAD software.


Responsibilities and Duties:

The Principal Electrical Engineer will be responsible for, but not limited to:

  • Develop and execute multiple large, complex low and medium voltage power distribution projects simultaneously.
  • Perform project deliverables independently while adhering to scope, schedule, and budget constraints.
  • Troubleshoot electrical distribution systems, develop new designs, and execute retrofit projects.
  • Perform load studies and utilize power quality meters to evaluate and improve system performance.
  • Serve as Subject Matter Expert (SME) in S&C, G&W, Eaton, and other manufacturers of electrical distribution gear, and provide knowledge and support to
  • Ensure coordination of electrical engineering and design is conducted according to IEEE, NFPA, and customer standards.
  • Deliver the highest level of technical expertise in the bid
  • Provide quality assessments of overall work performed by the
  • Provide guidance and training to others with less experience through mentoring and project leadership.
  • Work with the Electrical Design and Engineering Manager to help develop and execute strategies to retain and improve business with key
  • Collaborate with team members across all ESCO Group Business Units to integrate power, controls, and automation solutions.
  • Maintain professional client
  • Utilize, support, and enhance ESCO's standards and best
  • Understand and follow all safety, conduct, and policy requirements established by ESCO and clients.
  • Other duties and responsibilities as assigned or deemed necessary by management.

Interpersonal Skills/Characteristics:

  • Self-starter that exhibits a high level of initiative and resourcefulness.
  • Excellent organizational and time management skills.
  • Willingness to take on and complete multiple project assignments quickly and efficiently.
  • Develops meaningful relationships to build trust.
  • Strong written and verbal communication skills.
  • Adapts behavior to changing circumstances.
  • Work produced demonstrates excellent attention to detail and accuracy.
  • Excellent customer service and teamwork skills.
  • Provides effective coaching and feedback.
  • Able to effectively communicate and train others in areas of expertise.
  • Creates a culture of personal ownership.

Travel Required:
Accommodate up to 25% of overnight travel for services at out-of-town client facilities. The amount of travel is largely dependent upon project scope, schedule, and assigned tasks.


Physical Demands:

The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

  • While performing the duties of this job, the employee is frequently required to stand; walk; sit; use hands to finger, handle, or feel; reach with hands and arms; climb or balance; stoop, kneel, crouch or crawl; and talk or hear.
  • The employee must regularly lift and/or move up to 10 pounds, frequently lift and/or move up to 25 pounds, and occasionally lift and/or move up to 50 pounds.
  • Specific vision abilities required by this job include close vision, distance vision, color vision, peripheral vision, depth perception, and ability to adjust focus.
  • Physical activity such as climbing up and down stairs (may be several flights) and/or ladders, and walking long distances while carrying equipment.

Work Environment:

The work environment characteristics described here are representative of those an employee encounters while performing the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

  • While performing the duties of this job, the employee is frequently exposed to moving mechanical parts, risk of electrical shock, and vibration.
  • The employee is occasionally exposed to wet and/or humid conditions; high, precarious places; fumes or airborne particles; toxic or caustic chemicals; outside weather conditions; extreme cold; and extreme heat.
  • The noise level in the work environment is usually moderate, but may be exposed to very loud areas.

**All necessary personal protective equipment is provided to meet and in some instances exceed OSHA Regulations.