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Principal Engineer Jobs in Virginia (NOW HIRING)

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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.

Associate Principal Engineer (construction)

Synerfac Technical Staffing

Sterling, VA • On-site

$150K - $180K/yr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Re-posted 12 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

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