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Principal Engineer Jobs in Michigan (NOW HIRING)

NextDeavor Inc.

Principal Engineer

Kalamazoo, MI · On-site

$130K - $160K/yr

Principal Engineer Full-time Kalamazoo, MI, US Exclusive confidential search -- details shared with qualified applicants. Benefits You'll Love * Medical coverage including prescription drug benefits

NextDeavor Inc.

Principal Engineer

Kalamazoo, MI

$130K - $160K/yr

Principal Engineer Full-time Kalamazoo, MI, US Exclusive confidential search -- details shared with qualified applicants. Benefits You'll Love * Medical coverage including prescription drug benefits

THOMSON REUTERS

Principal Engineer

Ann Arbor, MI · Hybrid

Principal Engineer CoCounsel is our most advanced AI offering to date - combining generative and agentic AI capabilities to help legal professionals move beyond prompting and start delegating. As a ...

THOMSON REUTERS

Principal Engineer

Ann Arbor, MI

As a Principal Software Engineer, you will set the technical direction for the backend, AI orchestration, and identity systems that turn frontier models into reliable, secure, production-grade ...

THOMSON REUTERS

Principal Engineer

Ann Arbor, MI

Principal Engineer CoCounsel is our most advanced AI offering to date - combining generative and agentic AI capabilities to help legal professionals move beyond prompting and start delegating. As a ...

BoehringerPRD

The Senior Principal Engineer, Automation will serve as an Automation Process-specific Subject Matter Expert (SME) for one or more aspects of the aseptic manufacturing process System Integration ...

asrcfh

Principal Engineer

Sterling Heights, MI · On-site

ASRC Federal Advanced Research is currently seeking a Systems/Principal Engineer to support autonomy vehicle integrations in Sterling Heights, Michigan. Considering the state of the world today ...

asrcfh

Principal Engineer

Sterling Heights, MI · On-site

ASRC Federal Advanced Research is currently seeking a Systems/Principal Engineer to support autonomy vehicle integrations in Sterling Heights, Michigan. Considering the state of the world today ...

Belcan

Principal Engineer

Kalamazoo, MI

Principal Engineer Pay rate: $130k - $160k/hr Location: Kalamazoo, MI Area Code: 269 ZIP Code: 49001 Start Date: Right Away Keywords: #PrincipalEngineer #KalamazooJobs Benefits: * Medical / Health ...

Kiongroup

Software Principal Engineer

Grand Rapids, MI

$143K - $214K/yr

Dematic Corp. has a need for a Software Principal Engineer in our Lifecyle Solutions & Services Modernizations and Upgrades (LSS MU) group. The ideal candidate will have experience working in the ...

Kiongroup

Software Principal Engineer

Grand Rapids, MI

$143K - $214K/yr

Dematic Corp. has a need for a Software Principal Engineer in our Lifecyle Solutions & Services Modernizations and Upgrades (LSS MU) group. The ideal candidate will have experience working in the ...

Kion Group AG

Software Principal Engineer

Grand Rapids, MI · On-site

$143K - $214K/yr

Dematic Corp. has a need for a Software Principal Engineer in our Lifecyle Solutions & Services Modernizations and Upgrades (LSS MU) group. The ideal candidate will have experience working in the ...

ZF

Principal Engineer-Eng'g Qual

Farmington Hills, MI · On-site

What you can look forward to as Principal Engineer- Engineering Quality: * Lead and manage Global Quality Systems for the ADAS Division, ensuring alignment with customer, regulatory, and ZF business ...

Fabcon Precast

Principal Engineer

Grandville, MI

Certify engineering work of the office as required, ensuring conformance with established programs and objectives. Provide technical support for internal contacts. Maintain design standards to ensure ...

Fabcon Precast

Principal Engineer

Trenton, MI

Certify engineering work of the office as required, ensuring conformance with established programs and objectives. Provide technical support for internal contacts. Maintain design standards to ensure ...

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All JobsPrincipal Engineer JobsPrincipal Engineer Jobs in Michigan

Principal Engineer information

See Michigan salary details

$64.5K

$128.3K

$185.2K

How much do principal engineer jobs pay per year?

As of Jul 31, 2026, the average yearly pay for principal engineer in Michigan is $128,316.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $103,300.00 and $150,800.00 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 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 engineers make $500,000 a year?

Principal engineers, especially in high-demand industries like technology, aerospace, and finance, can earn $500,000 or more annually with experience, advanced skills, and leadership responsibilities. Compensation often includes base salary, bonuses, stock options, and other incentives, particularly at large tech companies or startups with significant growth potential.

What does a principal engineer do?

A principal engineer is a senior technical leader responsible for designing complex systems, setting technical standards, and guiding engineering teams. They often have deep expertise in their field, use tools like design documentation and code reviews, and may influence product development strategies. Their role combines technical excellence with leadership to ensure project success.

What engineers make $200,000 a year?

Principal engineers, software engineers, and specialized roles such as data engineers or cloud engineers often earn $200,000 or more annually, especially with extensive experience, advanced skills, and certifications. Compensation varies by industry, location, and company size, with senior-level positions typically offering higher salaries. Expertise in programming, system architecture, and leadership can contribute to reaching this salary level.

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 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 engineers make $300,000 a year?

Principal engineers, especially in high-demand industries like software, aerospace, and oil and gas, can earn $300,000 or more annually with experience, advanced skills, and often in senior or leadership roles. Compensation may include base salary, bonuses, and stock options, particularly in large tech companies or specialized engineering fields.

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.
More about Principal Engineer jobs
What are the most commonly searched types of Principal Engineer jobs in Michigan? The most popular types of Principal Engineer jobs in Michigan are:
What are popular job titles related to Principal Engineer jobs in Michigan? For Principal Engineer jobs in Michigan, the most frequently searched job titles are:
What job categories do people searching Principal Engineer jobs in Michigan look for? The top searched job categories for Principal Engineer jobs in Michigan are:
What cities in Michigan are hiring for Principal Engineer jobs? Cities in Michigan with the most Principal Engineer job openings:
What are popular job titles related to Principal Engineer jobs in MI? For Principal Engineer jobs in MI, the most frequently searched job titles are:
Principal Engineer jobs near you
Infographic showing various Principal Engineer job openings in Michigan as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 95% Full Time, and 5% Contract. Highlights an 95% In-person, and 5% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $128,316 per year, or $61.7 per hour.

Principal Engineer

NextDeavor Inc.

Kalamazoo, MI • On-site

$130K - $160K/yr

Contractor

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Re-posted 17 days ago

Job description

Principal Engineer
Full-time
Kalamazoo, MI, US
Exclusive confidential search — details shared with qualified applicants.
Benefits You'll Love
  • Medical coverage including prescription drug benefits
  • Dental and vision insurance
  • Voluntary optional life and accident insurance
  • Hospital indemnity and critical illness insurance
  • 401(k) plan with company matching contributions at 100% of the first 5% of pay
  • Company provided defined-contribution retirement plan with annual contribution equal to 3% of pay
  • Bonus opportunity (15%)
  • Career development and tuition reimbursement
  • Paid parental leave
  • Short-term and long-term disability programs
  • Adoption assistance
  • Care.com membership
  • Financial planning assistance
  • Supplemental programs available (identity protection, legal protection, pet wellness)
  • Paid Time Off and up to 15 company-paid holidays
  • Relocation assistance
Become a Key Player as a Principal Engineer

You will lead advanced engineering research and development to deliver new or improved products and processes that affect product, technology, and strategic business outcomes. You will work closely with cross-functional teams and leadership to influence technical decisions and support multiple programs. This is primarily an onsite role in Kalamazoo, MI with occasional domestic and overseas travel.

Here's How You'll Make an Impact on the Team
  • Research and execute complex or innovative engineering assignments to develop new or improved methods, materials, processes, and products
  • Develop and evaluate designs, run analyses and tests, and publish findings to establish performance standards
  • Provide expert technical recommendations on manufacturing/processing techniques, materials, and process limitations
  • Lead continuous improvement initiatives and implement engineering technologies and analytic tools
  • Communicate technical proposals and presentations to internal and external stakeholders to influence decisions
  • Mentor and provide technical leadership to integrated product development teams and less-experienced engineers
  • Plan and conduct complex special assignments, review progress, and recommend major procedural changes
Here's What You'll Need to Be Successful in This Role
  • Bachelor’s degree in mechanical, aerospace, electronic, systems engineering, or a related technical discipline (MS preferred)
  • Typically 10+ years of related engineering experience
  • Advanced knowledge of mechanical, electronic, and/or optics engineering principles, theories, and industry practices
  • Demonstrated ability to lead technology projects and mentor technical staff
  • Experience with continuous improvement principles and implementation
  • Ability to plan and conduct complex analyses with incomplete data and exercise independent judgment
  • Proficiency with standard business applications and specialized data analysis, design, and project management tools
Here's What Else Might Help You Out
  • Master’s degree in a relevant engineering discipline
  • Prior experience with aerospace industry regulations and practices
  • Experience presenting technical proposals to senior leadership or external customers
Pay Range

$130k - $160k/year

Ready to Make Your Mark?

This role may fill quickly. Submit your resume to be considered.

Apply with Pioneers here