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Principal Engineer Jobs in Virginia (NOW HIRING)

Stratus Team, LLC

Principal Engineer

Richmond, VA · On-site

$140 - $210/hr

Principal Engineer Full Time Level 8 Richmond, Richmond, VA, US 6 days ago Requisition ID: 1377 Stratus ® is an integrated, multi-disciplinary engineering, architecture, interior design, and ...

Judge Group, Inc.

Principal Engineer - C++

Reston, VA · On-site

$155K - $255K/yr

Senior Software Engineer / Lead Engineer / Principal Engineer (C++) Location: Hybrid - Reston, VA Level: Senior Engineer (L4), Lead Engineer (L5), Principal Engineer (L6), Senior Principal/Architect ...

DigiCert

Principal Engineer

Herndon, VA · On-site

Job summary The Principal Software Engineer is a senior technical leader responsible for designing, delivering, and evolving critical services within the DNS platform. This role leads complex ...

High Industries

Principal Engineer

Arlington, VA · On-site

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 ...

Intrepid

Principal Engineer

Dahlgren, VA · On-site

$170K - $215K/yr

As Principal Engineer you will be responsible for the support to senior Government personnel in the ongoing development, testing, and fielding of shipboard HPM weapon systems. You will keep program ...

Arenatechnologies

Principal Engineer

Dahlgren, VA · On-site

$170 - $215/hr

As Principal Engineer you will be responsible for the support to senior Government personnel in the ongoing development, testing, and fielding of shipboard HPM weapon systems. You will keep program ...

Bechtel

Principal Engineer - Mechanical

Reston, VA · On-site

$159K - $231K/yr

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

Bechtel

Principal Engineer - Mechanical

Reston, VA

$159K - $231K/yr

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

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All JobsPrincipal Engineer JobsPrincipal Engineer Jobs in Virginia

Principal Engineer information

See Virginia salary details

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$146K

$210.7K

How much do principal engineer jobs pay per year?

As of Sep 4, 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.

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.
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Principal Engineer jobs near you
Infographic showing various Principal Engineer job openings in Virginia as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 91% Full Time, 6% Part Time, and 3% Contract. Highlights an 86% Physical, 5% Hybrid, and 9% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $145,957 per year, or $70.2 per hour.

PRINCIPAL ENGINEER

Engineering Services Network, Inc

Virginia Beach, VA • On-site, Remote

Full-time

Re-posted 16 hours ago

Key responsibilities

  • Support the Naval Surveillance and Advanced Radar Systems ISEA by acting as the Subject Matter Expert for specified radar systems, including system development, integration, troubleshooting, and fleet maintenance support.

  • Participate in planning meetings, design reviews, and develop life-cycle support plans to ensure system requirements are met.

  • Assist in radar system testing, evaluation, monitoring production, analyzing manufacturing issues, and supporting fleet operations during engineering development and system maintenance.

Job description

Job Title
PRINCIPAL ENGINEER
Location
Virginia Beach, VA TELEWORK - VA US (Primary)
Job Description
Principal Engineer to oversee Engineering Services in support of the NSWC PHD Surveillance and Advanced Radar Divisions' role as Acquisition Engineering Agent, Software Agent, and In-Service Engineering Agent during initial Radar production contracts, major modifications, and system life cycle events for the systems and listed below:
AN/SPS-48
AN/SPS-67
AN/SPS-52
AN/SPS-73
AN/SPS-49
AN/SPS-55
AN/BPS-15
BridgeMaster
AN/SYS-2
AN/BPS-16
AN/SPQ-9
AN/SPS-40
AN/SPS-64
AN/SPY-3
NGSSR
MFR/VSR DUAL BAND
AN/TPS-80
AN/SPS-77
AN/SPS-74
VMS
AN/SPS-75
AN/BPS-17
AN/BVY-SERIES
SIMRAD
HELIOS
GBAD
AN/SPY-6(V)2
AN/SPY-6(V)3
AN/SPS-80
EASR
AMDR
Responsibilities:
The Principal Engineer will support the Naval Surveillance and Advanced Radar Systems ISEA with the following:
  • Act as the ISEA's Subject Matter Expert (SME) for the Radar Systems noted above with respect to system development, ship/shore-based integration, troubleshooting and fleet maintenance support
  • Attend planning meetings and participate in design reviews to ensure that system requirements are addressed.
  • Participate in the planning for long-term system supportability and develop various life-cycle support plans
  • Support operational, developmental, and life-cycle test and evaluation efforts
  • Monitor system production (both initial and modifications), analyze and recommend action on manufacturing and production problems
  • Assist in radar fleet support during engineering development, system maintenance, and introduction of a prototype

Experience:
  • Ten (10) years' experience in conducting engineering development of Combat Systems elements is required
  • A minimum of four (4) years of experience with Naval Surveillance and Advanced Radar Systems
  • Practical experience in performing engineering design, modification, or test and evaluation for shipboard navigational and surface search radar systems
  • Practical experience in design requirements, technical documentation development, manufacturing, testing, and fielding of Navy radar systems
  • Practical experience troubleshooting shipboard radar systems
  • Experience with developing technical documentation, technical reports, and documenting engineering activities.
  • Experience in underway test and evaluation and data analysis for Navy radar systems
  • Working knowledge of Change Requests & Engineering Change Proposals.
  • Knowledgeable with US Navy installation planning process (JFMM)
  • Familiar with US Navy Underway Operations
  • Interpersonal and Communication skills
  • Computer Skills to include Microsoft Office, Word, Excel, Access, Power Point, Outlook, and Teams

Job Requirements
Qualifications and Educational Requirements:
  • A Master's Degree from an accredited university in engineering, computer science, math or physics is required. For equivalency purposes, two years of experience with Naval Combat Systems Integration is considered equivalent to one year formal education/training.
  • Must have an active DoD Secret Clearance

Preferred Skills:
  • Proficient with Microsoft Office Suite including Word, Excel, PowerPoint, and Project
  • Familiarity with Adobe Acrobat Pro
  • Knowledge of Shipboard Installation practices IAW NAVSEA Tech Spec 9090-310
  • Knowledge and experience in Acquisition and Systems Engineering, Logistics, Integration and Test and Evaluation

Clearance Requirement

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