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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 Aug 9, 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.

How much do principal engineers get paid?

Principal engineers typically earn between $120,000 and $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 their compensation package.

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.

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
Infographic showing various Principal Engineer job openings in Virginia as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 82% Full Time, 9% Part Time, and 9% Temporary. Highlights an 91% In-person, and 9% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $145,957 per year, or $70.2 per hour.

Senior Principal Engineer - Site Civil

Mannik Smith Group

Blacksburg, VA • On-site

$150 - $180/hr

Other

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Posted 4 days ago

Mannik & Smith Group rating

5.9

Company rating: 5.9 out of 10

Based on 8 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

420th of 446 rated engineering

Job description

Senior Principal Engineer - Site Civil

Department: Community Infrastructure

Employment Type: Full Time

Location: Blacksburg, VA

Compensation: $150,000 - $180,000 / year

Description

The Senior Principal Engineer is a senior leadership role responsible for technical excellence, strategic growth, and operational oversight within Rinker Design Associates engineering practice. This position combines high-level project leadership, client engagement, and staff development, serving as a key contributor to both regional success and long-term organizational strategy.

$10,000 sign-on bonus!

What You’ll Do
  • Collaborate with multidisciplinary teams for the design of land development projects from initial concept through construction administration
  • Provide executive-level oversight and technical direction on complex transportation and infrastructure projects.
  • Serve as Engineer of Record as appropriate and ensure adherence to applicable state, federal, and industry standards.
  • Review and approve engineering designs, calculations, plans, specifications, and deliverables.
  • Act as a trusted advisor to key public-sector and institutional clients.
  • Maintain and expand long-term client relationships throughout Virginia and the surrounding region.
  • Support strategic pursuits, proposals, and interviews for major Site Civil project opportunities.
  • Lead, mentor, and develop senior engineers, project managers, and emerging leaders.
  • Foster a culture of accountability, collaboration, and technical excellence.
  • Support succession planning and workforce development initiatives.
  • Collaborate with Rinker Design Associates and Trilon Group leadership on growth initiatives and integration efforts.
  • Contribute to operational planning, financial performance, and resource management.
  • Identify opportunities to expand services, markets, and delivery methods.
What You’ll Need
  • Proficiency in design utilizing AutoCAD Civil3D
  • Skill in updating, maintaining, operating and evaluating all AutoCAD software and related equipment
  • Strong attention to detail, ensuring edits requested by project manager are accurate
  • Able to fully understand and follow complex oral and written instructions
  • Ability to operate, access, and maintain diverse software applications
  • Excellent time management skills with a proven ability to meet deadlines.
  • Strong analytical and problem-solving skills.
  • Basic understanding of ISO 9000 design requirements.
Why Join RDA?

We offer a comprehensive benefits package which includes:

  • Medical, dental, and vision insurance
  • 401K Retirement Plan; Roth Contributions
  • Health Savings Account (HSA)
  • Flexible Spending Accounts (FSA)
  • Life, AD&D, short-term and long-term disability
  • Generous PTO and 8 federal holidays + 1 floating holiday
  • Parental leave
  • Supportive team culture

RDA is an Equal Opportunity Employer and maintains a drug-free workplace.

Applicants that require an employment visa sponsorship now or in the future will not be considered.

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