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Principal Engineer Jobs in Austin, TX (NOW HIRING)

Dell GmbH

Software Principal Engineer

Austin, TX · On-site

$140 - $200/hr

Principal Engineer, Software Engineering The Software Engineering team delivers next-generation software application enhancements and new products for a changing world. Working at the cutting edge ...

Skydance

Principal Engineer

Austin, TX · Remote

$217K - $246K/yr

The Principal Engineer plays a critical role in driving innovation and ensuring that the organization stays at the forefront of technology trends. This role does not manage or have direct reports or ...

Skydance

Principal Engineer

Austin, TX · On-site +1

$217K - $246K/yr

The Principal Engineer plays a critical role in driving innovation and ensuring that the organization stays at the forefront of technology trends. This role does not manage or have direct reports or ...

Skydance

Principal Engineer

Austin, TX · On-site +1

$217K - $246K/yr

The Principal Engineer plays a critical role in driving innovation and ensuring that the organization stays at the forefront of technology trends. This role does not manage or have direct reports or ...

Dell, Inc.

Software Principal Engineer

Austin, TX · On-site

$178K/yr

Principal Engineer, Software Engineering The Manufacturing Diagnostics Engineering team delivers next-generation software application enhancements and new products for a changing world. Working at ...

ANS

Principal Engineer- Civil

Austin, TX

$147K - $189K/yr

As Principal Engineer - Civil, you will be the strategic and technical leader driving the success of our civil engineering team. This role combines hands-on expertise with visionary leadership to ...

ANS

Principal Engineer- Civil

Austin, TX · On-site

$147K - $189K/yr

As Principal Engineer - Civil, you will be the strategic and technical leader driving the success of our civil engineering team. This role combines hands-on expertise with visionary leadership to ...

Graphcore

Principal Engineer

Austin, TX · On-site

Job Summary We are looking for an experienced Principal Engineer to join our System Management team and help lead the development of critical interfaces used by internal and external customers to ...

Graphcore

Principal Engineer

Austin, TX · On-site

Job Summary We are looking for an experienced Principal Engineer to join our System Management team and help lead the development of critical interfaces used by internal and external customers to ...

Dell, Inc.

Thermal Principal Engineer

Round Rock, TX · On-site

$152K - $209K/yr

What you'll achieve As a Thermal Principal Engineer, you will work with a cross-functional engineering team to deliver a range of commercial products ranging from AI, HPC, Enterprise and Storage ...

Dell, Inc.

Thermal Principal Engineer

Round Rock, TX · On-site

$152K - $209K/yr

Responsibilities Thermal Principal Engineer The ISG Thermal Engineering team leads and delivers the development of innovative and compliant thermal design solutions, as well as cross-functional ...

Q2 Software, Inc.

Principal Engineer

Austin, TX · On-site

As a Principal Engineer, you're the technical authority for our most complex customer engagements. You'll design and guide integration architectures, advise customers and internal teams on technical ...

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Showing results 1-20

All JobsPrincipal Engineer JobsPrincipal Engineer Jobs in Austin, TX

Principal Engineer information

See Austin, TX salary details

$73.3K

$145.9K

$210.6K

How much do principal engineer jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 25, 2026, the average yearly pay for principal engineer in Austin, TX is $145,891.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $117,400.00 and $171,400.00 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.
More about Principal Engineer jobs

What are the most commonly searched types of Principal Engineer jobs in Austin, TX?

The most popular types of Principal Engineer jobs in Austin, TX are:

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For Principal Engineer jobs in Austin, TX, the most frequently searched job titles are:

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The top searched job categories for Principal Engineer jobs in Austin, TX are:

What cities near Austin, TX are hiring for Principal Engineer jobs?

Cities near Austin, TX with the most Principal Engineer job openings:

Principal Engineer jobs near you
Infographic showing various Principal Engineer job openings in Austin, TX as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 91% Full Time, 5% Part Time, and 4% Contract. Highlights an 84% Physical, 5% Hybrid, and 11% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $145,891 per year, or $70.1 per hour.

Software Principal Engineer

Dell GmbH

Austin, TX • On-site

$140 - $200/hr

Other

Posted 4 days ago

Job description

Principal Engineer, Software Engineering

The Software Engineering team delivers next-generation software application enhancements and new products for a changing world. Working at the cutting edge, we design and develop software for platforms, peripherals, applications and diagnostics - all with the most advanced technologies, tools, software engineering methodologies and the collaboration of internal and external partners.

What you'll achieve:

As a Software Principal Engineer, you will develop advanced modules, optimize performance, and contribute to architectural choices. You will collaborate across teams to deliver robust, secure solutions.

Join us to do the best work of your career and make a profound social impact as a Principal Engineer on our Software Engineering team in Austin, Texas.

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