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Principal Engineer Jobs in Virginia (NOW HIRING)

BCI Inc

Principal Engineer

Dahlgren, VA

Principal Engineers are oftentimes sought out by BCI to serve as Subject Matter Experts in their field on a part-time or as needed basis. BCI's areas of expertise include Human Systems Integration ...

High Industries

Principal Engineer

Arlington, VA

The Principal Engineer provides strategic and technical leadership for all engineering services within a region or national account. This role ensures alignment of engineering operations with ...

Hazen and Sawyer

Principal Engineer

Fairfax, VA · On-site

Hazen and Sawyer is seeking a Principal Engineer for our Fairfax, VA office. Why Hazen and Sawyer: * Founded in 1951 by the son of Allen Hazen (developer of the Hazen-Williams equation), we are an ...

Chesterfield County

Principal Engineer

Chesterfield, VA · Hybrid

$84K - $128K/yr

What You Do and How You Do It This Principal Engineer will serve as a manager within the Development Section of the Department of Utilities. The position is responsible for managing a team of Senior ...

Chesterfield County, VA

Principal Engineer

Chesterfield, VA · On-site

$84K - $128K/yr

What You Do and How You Do It This Principal Engineer will serve as a manager within the Development Section of the Department of Utilities. The position is responsible for managing a team of Senior ...

Bechtel

Principal Engineer - Electrical

Reston, VA · On-site

$144K - $176K/yr

The Principal Engineer - Electrical will support the development and execution of combined cycle power projects in the Electrical discipline. In this role, you will utilize individual technical ...

Hazen and Sawyer

Principal Engineer

Roanoke, VA · On-site

Hazen and Sawyer is seeking applicants for a mid-level engineer for the planning, design, and construction administration for water/wastewater assignments. The preferred candidate will have the ...

BCI Inc

Principal Engineer (BMD)

Dahlgren, VA

Basic Commerce and Industries, Inc. (BCI) is seeking to fill one (1) Principal Engineer to provide Operations expertise in support of Missile Defense Agency (MDA) at the Naval Surface Warfare Center ...

Hazen and Sawyer

Senior Principal Engineer

Fairfax, VA · On-site

$128K - $177K/yr

Hazen and Sawyer is seeking a Senior Principal Engineer for our Fairfax, VA office. Key Responsibilities: * Delivering public sector water and wastewater facilities planning and design projects

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All JobsPrincipal Engineer JobsPrincipal Engineer Jobs in Virginia

Principal Engineer information

See Virginia salary details

$73.4K

$146K

$210.7K

How much do principal engineer jobs pay per year?

As of Jul 17, 2026, the average yearly pay for principal engineer in Virginia is $145,957.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $117,500.00 and $171,500.00 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 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
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Principal Engineer jobs near you
Principal Engineer

Principal Engineer

Basic Commerce & Industries Inc

King George, VA • On-site

Full-time

Re-posted 28 days ago

Job description

Basic Commerce and Industries, Inc. (BCI) is seeking to fill Principal Engineer positions in support of the Naval Surface Warfare Center Dahlgren Division (NSWCDD) Integrated Combat Systems Department (V), Electromagnetic and Sensor Systems Department (B), and other customers within NSWCDD and their tenant organizations. Principal Engineers are oftentimes sought out by BCI to serve as Subject Matter Experts in their field on a part-time or as needed basis. BCI's areas of expertise include Human Systems Integration/Human Factors Engineering, Interoperability, Training, Operational Systems Safety, and Weapon & Combat Systems Engineering. BCI's work force of employees and consultants includes human factors engineers, operational engineers and former naval officers and enlisted subject matter experts.
Job Location: Dahlgren, VA
Telework: Minimal with Task Leader Authorization; these are not remote positions
Job Start Date: Summer 2026
Shift: Days~ 0800-1600
Experience Required:
Successful candidates must have a minimum of 25-30 years US Navy surface warfare experience gained while on active duty senior enlisted or officer serving on carriers, DDGs, CGs, LCS, large deck or smaller amphibious ships, or land-based test sites, etc. OR 25-30 years combination US Navy, civil service, or industry experience. Required specialized experience is required in such programs as Aegis Combat and Weapon Systems, Aegis Ballistic Missile Defense (ABMD), Ship Self Defense System (SSDS), Integrated Air and Missile Defense (IAMD), NIFC-CA, DDG-1000, Littoral Combat Ship (LCS) or US Coast Guard. Advanced writing and speaking abilities a must. Two (2) years' experience with Microsoft Office Suite applications (Word, Excel, PowerPoint) is required. Ability to interface at the flag/O-6 level is a must. A formal degree supporting systems engineering, software engineering or significant analysis experience is a plus and could be a requirement for some positions.
Description of Duties:
These billets are anticipated to provide senior level systems engineering, analysis and program level support to multiple customers within NSWCDD, and potentially NAVSEA, NAVAIR, ONR, various Navy PEOs, etc. Duties for these positions may include: (1) Providing review and recommendations on combat systems integration technical issues including red teams and failure review boards; (2) Strategic planning; (3) Providing SME support to NSWCDD programs managers in the area of product and task definition, review of products, and other task tracking and program support; or (4) Providing engineering expertise in the conduct of conceptual studies, AoAs and other major analytical studies. Must have excellent organizational skills and be able to perform efficiently and effectively on multiple projects under tight deadlines. Must have strong interpersonal skills and be able to communicate effectively, both verbally and in writing, with the BCI team and customers.
Minimal travel may be required.
Applicants must be US citizens. Applicants will be subjected to a security investigation and must meet eligibility requirements for access to classified information.
Equal Opportunity Employer/Veterans/Disabled

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