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Principal Engineer Jobs in Iowa (NOW HIRING)

Saigepartners

Principal Systems Engineer

Cedar Rapids, IA · On-site

$120 - $170/hr

Principal Systems Engineer - Tac Comm (Cedar Rapids, IA) As a key member of the team, you will design and develop military products ensuring safe and protected communication. You will interface with ...

FIT Solutions

Engineer

Des Moines, IA · On-site

$70K - $80K/yr

Principal Engineer Status: Regular, Full-Time, Exempt Location: Des Moines, IA - Hybrid POSITION SUMMARY Our culture is performance-oriented, goals driven, collaborative and fun. Our Engineers work ...

Workiva, Inc.

Principal Software Engineer

Ames, IA · On-site

$132K - $177K/yr

We are hiring a Principal Software Engineer who can operate across multiple modes of work: platform modernization, iterative product development, and high-ambition greenfield exploration. This is a ...

Bridgestone

Product Design Engineer

Muscatine, IA · On-site

$121K - $145K/yr

Once project goals are established, acts under guidance of the Department Manager or Lead/Principal Engineer to achieve those goals. Collaboration with the electrical engineering team, project ...

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Showing results 41-60

All JobsPrincipal Engineer JobsPrincipal Engineer Jobs in Iowa

Principal Engineer information

See Iowa salary details

$69.5K

$138.3K

$199.6K

How much do principal engineer jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 18, 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.
More about Principal Engineer jobs

What are the most commonly searched types of Principal Engineer jobs in Iowa?

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For Principal Engineer jobs in Iowa, the most frequently searched job titles are:

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Cities in Iowa with the most Principal Engineer job openings:

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Principal Engineer jobs near you
Infographic showing various Principal Engineer job openings in Iowa as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 91% Full Time, 5% Part Time, and 3% Contract. Highlights an 85% Physical, 6% Hybrid, and 9% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $138,279 per year, or $66.5 per hour.

Principal Electrical Engineer - Power Plant

Stanley Consultants

Iowa City, IA • On-site, Remote

$159K - $214K/yr

Full-time

Re-posted 6 days ago

Job description

Stanley Consultants is an award-winning and industry-leading global consulting engineering firm, with an unmatched commitment to culture, values, and ethics. We are dedicated to client experience and solve the most complex challenges to create a sustainable, connected, and enriched world for all. As the world changes, Stanley strategically evolves with it, integrating the latest technology, innovation, and resiliency practices.
 
With over a century of experience serving the energy, federal government, transportation, and water sectors, we have helped improve lives and shape the infrastructure systems that connect us. As an employee-owned organization with a People First approach, we stand apart from other engineering consulting and services firms. At Stanley, your voice counts, your growth matters, and your success is our success.
 
Stanley Consultants offers flexible work options, competitive pay and great benefits, a strong sense of community, and the chance to build a meaningful, long-term career!

Job Title - Principal Electrical Engineer
Location – Any major office or Remote
Job Type – Hybrid or Remote
Requisition ID - 11141
 
Are you smart-working, motivated, and energetic? Is your passion for electrical engineering contagious? Do you value work/life balance? If this describes you, we are looking for a talented and ambitious Principal Electrical Engineer where you will be an asset to drive our Power Generation, Plant Facilities, and Microgrid Clients.
 
Stanley Consultants is seeking a Principal Electrical Engineer with background in power generation, relay settings, plant facilities design, and microgrid clients.
What You Will Be Doing:
  • Design and layout of design and layout of any / all of the following: power plant site, microgrids and power distribution with medium and low voltage systems, switchgear and motor control centers; computer modeling/analysis of electrical systems; convenience power, lighting systems, grounding, and lightning protection systems.
  • design of schematic and wiring diagrams; preparation of specifications for equipment and systems.
  • Report preparation; determining code requirements; and performing and reviewing design computations.
  • Coordinate technical efforts within discipline areas as necessary.
  • Manage a design budget and schedule.
  • Proficient developing engineering drawings and specifications.
  • Perform and check engineering calculations.
  • Sizing, selecting, and specifying electrical equipment and coordinating information with vendors.
  • Perform project field site visits.
Required Qualifications:
  • Bachelor’s Degree in Electrical Engineering
  • Professional Engineer (PE) Registration
  • 10+ Years experience of relevant electrical design experience
  • Proficiency with ETAP, SKM, or similar electrical modeling software
  • Excellent communication skills and willingness to collaborate
  • Self-motivated and adaptable to evolving client, project and industry needs
Preferred Qualifications:
  • Design experience with military bases, central plants, and campus infrastructure
Work-Life Balance
We realize there’s more to life than just work. We help you meet the demands of work, family and personal life through several flexible options.
 
What we offer:
Member-Owned. Member-ownership is at the heart of our culture, aligning client satisfaction, company performance, and personal reward.
Paid Time Away. Stanley Consultants offers numerous paid holidays, generous paid time off (PTO), parental leave, and professional development leave.
Health Insurance. We provide a comprehensive insurance package including medical, dental, vision, FSA, HSA, Doctor On Demand, wellness reimbursement, and mental health resources.
Financial Health. We offer life insurance, short- and long-term disability insurance, identity theft protection, and many other benefits.
Professional Growth. When your skills grow, so do we, which is why we offer tuition assistance, professional society membership, and more.
Financial Rewards. We share our prosperity with members through company stock ownership, a generous 401K match, incentive compensation, and profit-sharing contributions to retirement 401K plans.
Click Here: A Great Place To Work  
 
Learn more about Stanley Consultants in this short video:  Working at Stanley Consultants
 
Stanley Consultants does not welcome unsolicited resumes from staffing and recruiting agencies. Any unsolicited resumes submitted to Stanley Consultants, including but not limited to resumes submitted directly to Stanley Consultants members, or any of our representatives, will be deemed the property of Stanley Consultants.
 
Equal Opportunity Employer/Protected Veterans/Individuals with Disabilities
 
The contractor will not discharge or in any other manner discriminate against employees or applicants because they have inquired about, discussed, or disclosed their own pay or the pay of another employee or applicant. However, employees who have access to the compensation information of other employees or applicants as a part of their essential job functions cannot disclose the pay of other employees or applicants to individuals who do not otherwise have access to compensation information, unless the disclosure is (a) in response to a formal complaint or charge, (b) in furtherance of an investigation, proceeding, hearing, or action, including an investigation conducted by the employer, or (c) consistent with the contractor’s legal duty to furnish information. 41 CFR 60-1.35(c)
 

We may use artificial intelligence (AI) tools to support parts of the hiring process, such as reviewing applications, analyzing resumes, or assessing responses and identifying potential inconsistencies or verification signals in application materials based on available information. These tools assist our recruitment team but do not replace human judgment. Final hiring decisions are ultimately made by humans. If you would like more information about how your data is processed, please contact us.