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Principal Engineer Jobs in Boston, MA (NOW HIRING)

Dell Careers

Software Principal Engineer

Franklin, MA · On-site

$136K - $183K/yr

As a Principal Engineer, you will design, implement, and validate complex hardware/software solutions together with our development partners to deliver critical infrastructure solutions which power ...

Venus Consultancy

Principal AI Engineer

Cambridge, MA · On-site

Principal Engineer (Backend / Platform)About Us We are a Cambridge, MA-based rapidly scaling Generative AI startup. Our platform enables thousands of AI Agents to "think" and cooperate for hours to ...

Dell, Inc.

Lab Support Principal Engineer

Hopkinton, MA · On-site

$117K/yr

Lab Support Principal Engineer Lab Support Engineering is at the heart of a worldwide lab operations team providing 24x7 lab access, service and solutions support in multiple locations. Independent ...

Armis

Principal Engineer (Boston)

Boston, MA · On-site

$220K - $240K/yr

Compensation $220,000 - $240,000 / year Department CTO Office Location Arlington Description We are seeking a Principal Engineer to spearhead the development of cutting‑edge Application Security ...

Dell, Inc.

Software Principal Engineer

Franklin, MA · On-site

$190K - $225K/yr

Principal Systems Development Engineer Our customers' system requirements are usually highly complex. Bringing together hardware and software systems design, Test Manufacturing Team Lead operates at ...

AspenTech

Principal Engineer

Bedford, MA · On-site

$127K - $158K/yr

The AspenTech Performance Engineering Solution provides a market leading integrated suite of products to optimize the performance of process industry assets across the CAPEX and OPEX cycles and is ...

CYNET SYSTEMS

Principal Engineer

North Andover, MA · On-site

$95 - $100/hr

Improves software engineering process efficiency. * Resolves software defects. * Supports effort to create efficient software engineering practices. * Performs root cause and failure analysis ...

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Showing results 21-40

All JobsPrincipal Engineer JobsPrincipal Engineer Jobs in Boston, MA

Principal Engineer information

See Boston, MA salary details

$80.4K

$159.9K

$230.9K

How much do principal engineer jobs pay per year?

As of Sep 5, 2026, the average yearly pay for principal engineer in Boston, MA is $159,940.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $128,700.00 and $187,900.00 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 Boston, MA?

The most popular types of Principal Engineer jobs in Boston, MA are:

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For Principal Engineer jobs in Boston, MA, the most frequently searched job titles are:

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The top searched job categories for Principal Engineer jobs in Boston, MA are:

What cities near Boston, MA are hiring for Principal Engineer jobs?

Cities near Boston, MA with the most Principal Engineer job openings:

Principal Engineer jobs near you
Infographic showing various Principal Engineer job openings in Boston, MA as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 89% Full Time, 7% Part Time, and 4% Contract. Highlights an 85% Physical, 5% Hybrid, and 10% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $159,940 per year, or $76.9 per hour.

Software Principal Engineer

Dell Careers

Franklin, MA • On-site

$136K - $183K/yr

Full-time

This job post has expired 2 days ago. Applications are no longer accepted.

Job description

Principal Systems Development EngineerOur customers’ system requirements are usually highly complex. Bringing together hardware and software systems design, Test Manufacturing Team Lead operates at the very cutting edge of technology to meet them. We design Test Requirements for Storage and Solutions products, and ensure those products continue through their manufacturing life meeting or exceeding KPI targets for Test Cycle Time and Yield. We’re proud to deliver programs and products to the highest quality standards, on time and within budget.What you’ll achieve:As a Principal Engineer, you will design, implement, and validate complex hardware/software solutions together with our development partners to deliver critical infrastructure solutions which power the world. You will collaborate across teams, and work within partner ecosystems to solve real-world problems and raise the bar for performance and reliability.ResponsibilitiesYou will:Designs and defines system test requirements for complex customer systems manufacturing from L3 to L11 products for multiple market segments.Determine system specifications, interfaces, and working parameters across system and rack-level diagnostics for full hardware/software compatibility.Coordinate testing methodology of subsystems into complete rack-level systems that meet performance, quality, and manufacturability requirements.Ensures the manufacturability of designs and documents Test Requirements for manufacturing; identifies, analyzes, and resolves program support deficienciesConduct analysis across all phases of development and sustaining in the manufacturing lifecycle; optimize First Pass rstands the interrelationships across engineering disciplines and partner technologies and applies that insight to optimize complete solutions.Directs the application of established engineering principles and guides the development of new methodologies for integrating Dell and partner IP.Problem SolvingWorks on complex system-level issues where analysis requires in-depth evaluation of variable factors across hardware and software domains in production environments.

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