ZipRecruiter

Log In

1

Principal Engineer Jobs in Virginia (NOW HIRING)

Hatch IT

Principal Engineer, API & MCP Platform

Reston, VA · On-site +1

$220K - $250K/yr

T. is partnering with Babel Street to find a Principal Engineer, API & MCP Platform . Please see details below: About the Role Babel Street is seeking a Principal Engineer to lead Babel Street's API ...

AdventHealth

Principal Engineer, Software

Reston, VA · Hybrid

$142K - $191K/yr

POSITION SUMMARY The Principal Software Engineer is responsible for shaping the technical direction and ensuring successful delivery of high-quality software solutions that result in remarkable user ...

next page

Showing results 1-20

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
What are the most commonly searched types of Principal Engineer jobs in Virginia? The most popular types of Principal Engineer jobs in Virginia are:
What are popular job titles related to Principal Engineer jobs in Virginia? For Principal Engineer jobs in Virginia, the most frequently searched job titles are:
What job categories do people searching Principal Engineer jobs in Virginia look for? The top searched job categories for Principal Engineer jobs in Virginia are:
What cities in Virginia are hiring for Principal Engineer jobs? Cities in Virginia with the most Principal Engineer job openings:
What are popular job titles related to Principal Engineer jobs in VA? For Principal Engineer jobs in VA, the most frequently searched job titles are:
Principal Engineer jobs near you
Associate Principal Engineer (construction)

Associate Principal Engineer (construction)

Synerfac Technical Staffing

Sterling, VA

$150K - $180K/yr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Re-posted 22 days ago

Job description

Associate Principal Engineer
Location: Sterling, VA
Shift: Monday - Friday, 8am-5pm
Type: Direct Hire
About the company:
Our Client is an expert in MEP building systems and provides integrated, full lifecycle solutions that optimize the design, construction, operation, and efficiency of buildings.
Job Description:
The Associate Principal Engineer will be responsible for providing design and engineering guidance on projects. In addition, this role attends meetings as the design expert and ensures engineering standards are maintained and adhered to.
Responsibilities:
- Provides design and engineering support to other departments as needed. Partners with team to ensure engineering standards are maintained and followed. Stays current on industry trends and issues.
- Manages conceptual design for specific projects. Prepares complex preliminary redline design layouts for estimating. Performs complex calculations for projects, such as heating/cooling loads, equipment selection and sizing, etc., depending on discipline-HVAC, plumbing, mechanical, fire protection, etc.
Performs site inspections to determine compliance with construction documents and resolves design issues during the construction phase.
- Attends project team meetings as design expert.
- Responsible for successful achievement of project goals and objectives.
- Manages a smaller group of engineers, including staffing, training, coaching and performance management.
Benefits:
- 401(k) plan with 50% company match (no cap) and immediate 100% vesting
- Medical, dental, and vision insurance (100% paid for employee)
- Annual bonus program based upon performance, achievement, and company profitability
- Term life, AD&D insurance, and voluntary life insurance
- Disability income protection insurance
- Pre-tax flexible spending plans (health and dependent care)
- Paid parental leave
- Paid holidays, vacation, and personal time
- Training/professional development opportunities and company-paid memberships for professional associations and licenses
- Wellness benefits
Disclaimer:
By applying for this job, you agree to receive calls, Al-generated calls, text messages, or emails from Synerfac Technical Staffing and our contracted partners. Frequency varies for text messages. Message and data rates may apply. Carriers are not liable for delayed or undeliverable messages. You can reply STOP to cancel and HELP for help. You can access our privacy policy at www.synerfac.com/privacy/
- A Bachelor's degree in Mechanical Engineering or Construction Management
- P.E. License
- 8+ years of relevant design engineer experience in the construction industry
- 4+ years of managing/supervisory experience
- Expert knowledge of applicable systems design, such as HVAC, plumbing, etc., as well as all design engineering aspects
- Strong computer skills, including CADD and Microsoft Office Products, such as Excel
Synerfac Technical Staffing logo

About Synerfac Technical Staffing

Sourced by ZipRecruiter

Since 1987, Synerfac has served three groups, Our Clients, Our Candidates and Our Staff. We treat all three with equal importance because we recognize the synergy of success when one group succeeds, We all succeed. Synerfac is in the business of providing opportunities and adding value. We strive to create extraordinary experiences. For our clients we provide staffing services that enable them to focus on their core competencies which will add value to their businesses. For our employees we provide permanent and temporary assignments that complement their job skills and experience while providing professional and financial rewards. For our staff –we provide careers that are balanced, uplifting and carry the highest rewards by continually improving our business process. Our goal is to enhance the lives and enterprises of all those we touch to make them better off for having known us.

Industry

Recruiting and staffing services

Company size

51 - 200 Employees

Headquarters location

Cherry Hill, NJ, US

Social media

Twitter

View All Synerfac Technical Staffing Jobs