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Principal Engineer Jobs in Virginia (NOW HIRING)

Chesterfield County

Principal Engineer

Chesterfield, VA · On-site

$84K - $128K/yr

Minimum Qualifications Bachelor's degree in engineering or a closely related field; five years of increasingly responsible experience in professional engineering; one year of supervisory experience ...

Bechtel

Principal Engineer - Plant Design

Reston, VA · On-site

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

ADP, Inc.

Principal Mechanical Engineer

Richmond, VA · On-site

$140 - $190/hr

Principal Mechanical Engineer Full Time Level 8 Richmond, Richmond, VA, US Stratus ® is an integrated, multi-disciplinary engineering, architecture, interior design, and consulting firm.

Bechtel

Principal Engineer - Plant Design

Reston, VA

The Principal Engineer - Plant Design will support the development and execution of combined cycle power projects in the Plant Design 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 ...

Flex

Principal Engineer - LV Switchgear (US)

Henrico, VA · On-site

$114K - $157K/yr

Job Summary To support our extraordinary teams who build great products and contribute to our growth, we're looking to add a/an Principal Engineer - LV Switchgear (US) Reporting to the Global Head of ...

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 ...

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

NetApp

Principal Software Engineer

Mclean, VA

$220K - $372K/yr

As a Principal Engineer in NetApp's Cloud Storage organization, you will lead and execute our most challenging and complex projects. You will have an opportunity to work on AWS, Azure and GCP and use ...

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Showing results 21-40

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 Sep 5, 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.

Packaging Principal Engineer II

Altria Group, Inc.

Richmond, VA • On-site

$132K - $202K/yr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Retirement, PTO

Posted 16 days ago

Altria Group rating

9.4

Company rating: 9.4 out of 10

Based on 7 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

Job description

Job Title: Packaging Principal Engineer II
Req Id: 3291
Work Model: Hybrid
Company: Altria Client Services
State/Province: Virginia
Job Description:
Shape the Future of Packaging Innovation
Are you a packaging expert who thrives at the intersection of innovation, technology, commercialization, and business strategy? Altria is seeking a Packaging Principal Engineer II to serve as a recognized enterprise leader responsible for driving the future of packaging across our portfolio of products. This position is located in Richmond, VA with a Hybrid work schedule, relocation benefits will be provided.
In this highly visible role, you will influence packaging strategy, guide next-generation technology development, and lead initiatives that enhance consumer experiences, improve operational performance, and deliver competitive advantage. You'll partner with senior leaders, product developers, manufacturing teams, suppliers, and external partners to solve complex challenges and bring innovative packaging solutions from concept to commercialization.
This is an opportunity to make a lasting impact by defining the future of packaging capabilities, sustainability initiatives, manufacturing technologies, and product innovation across the enterprise.
What You'll Do
Lead Enterprise Packaging Strategy
  • Develop long-term packaging technology roadmaps aligned with business and innovation objectives.
  • Identify emerging materials, manufacturing technologies, sustainability advancements, and consumer trends that can shape future product platforms.
  • Influence strategic investments, supplier partnerships, and capability development opportunities across the organization.
  • Anticipate future packaging challenges and create innovative solutions that support business growth.

Drive Packaging Innovation & Commercialization
  • Lead the development of breakthrough packaging solutions supporting new and next-generation products.
  • Guide packaging architecture, materials selection, graphics implementation, and manufacturing integration.
  • Ensure packaging solutions are scalable, manufacturable, consumer-focused, and commercially successful.
  • Partner with cross-functional teams to accelerate innovation and speed-to-market.

Serve as a Technical Thought Leader
  • Serve as a trusted technical leader and packaging specialist, providing guidance on advanced packaging technologies and best practices.
  • Establish engineering standards, development methodologies, and packaging design principles.
  • Lead the resolution of complex technical challenges with significant business impact.
  • Mentor and coach technical talent across engineering, manufacturing, quality, and product development organizations.

Influence Enterprise Decisions
  • Collaborate with Product Development, Manufacturing, Quality, Regulatory Affairs, Supply Chain, Procurement, Brand Management, and external partners.
  • Provide data-driven recommendations to senior leadership regarding packaging technologies, investments, risk assessments, and commercialization strategies.
  • Build strategic relationships with suppliers and technology partners to expand organizational capabilities.

Advance Sustainability & Compliance
  • Lead packaging strategies that support sustainability goals and responsible innovation.
  • Provide expertise related to FDA, environmental, transportation, labeling, and consumer product regulations.
  • Ensure packaging systems meet regulatory requirements throughout the product lifecycle.

What We're Looking For
Required Qualifications
  • Bachelor's degree in Packaging Engineering, Packaging Science, Materials Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, Manufacturing Engineering, Industrial Design, or a related technical field.
  • 12+ years of progressive experience in packaging engineering, packaging innovation, and commercialization.
  • Proven success leading complex packaging initiatives from concept through launch.
  • Deep expertise in packaging materials, manufacturing technologies, packaging systems design, and commercialization.
  • Experience influencing technical direction and business strategy across organizations.
  • Demonstrated ability to lead large-scale, cross-functional initiatives without direct authority.

Preferred Qualifications
  • Master's degree or PhD in Packaging Science, Engineering, Materials Science, or a related field.
  • Professional Engineer (PE) certification or equivalent credential.
  • Experience in FDA-regulated or other highly regulated consumer product industries.
  • Experience supporting global packaging initiatives and international commercialization.
  • Track record of developing enterprise standards, technical frameworks, patents, publications, or industry-leading innovations.

The starting salary is based on but not limited to experience, knowledge, and qualifications in determining compensation decisions. The Salary Range for this position is: $132,500.00 - $202,100.00.
Why You'll Love Building Your Career at Altria
At Altria, we believe a great career starts with feeling supported - both at work and in life. Here's what you'll find here:
  • Work where life works for you - with flexible and remote options that fit your world, not the other way around.
  • Own your time - start with 15 days of paid time off, 13 paid holidays, 2 floating holiday days, and a 37.5-hour workweek so you can recharge and live fully
  • A place where you belong - where your ideas are welcomed, your growth is encouraged, and your impact is real
  • Get recognized for your work - annual merit increases and performance bonus
  • A future you can count on - 401(k) matching from day one; plus Deferred Profit Sharing, an annual company contribution in an amount equal to 13%-17% of your base salary
  • Help with your goals - get help with student loan repayment assistance, attend a conference, or gain a new certification with professional development stipends
  • Support for what matters most - comprehensive medical, dental, and vision coverage for you and your family
  • Celebrating your milestones - paid parental and bonding leave for life's biggest moments.
  • Wellness that goes beyond work - programs that care for your whole well-being at whatever stage you are in your life
  • A culture that gives back - paid volunteer days and a shared commitment to making a difference

At Altria, we offer more than benefits - we offer a career that fits your life, rewards your ambition, and celebrates your impact.
This position is not eligible for sponsorship.
Altria is a Fortune 500 company that has a leading portfolio of products for U.S. adult tobacco and nicotine consumers 21+. For decades we've been leaders in the tobacco industry, but the industry is evolving - and so are we. Our Vision is Moving Beyond Smoking™.
At Altria, we celebrate the power of diverse teams working together to shape our future. Each Altria company is an equal opportunity employer. We are committed to providing individuals with criminal records, including formerly incarcerated individuals and individuals with conviction records, a fair chance at employment. Join us as we work together to shape a better future for adult tobacco consumers, our employees, and our shareholders.
Altria is the parent company of Philip Morris USA, John Middleton, U.S. Smokeless Tobacco, Helix Innovations, and NJOY. Altria complements its tobacco portfolio with equity investments in Anheuser-Busch InBev and Cronos Group.
Learn more about Altria at www.altria.com and follow us on LinkedIn.

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