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Principal Engineer Jobs in Raleigh, NC (NOW HIRING)

ANS

Principal Engineer- Civil

Raleigh, NC

$160K - $180K/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

Raleigh, NC · On-site

$160K - $180K/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 ...

City of Durham, NC

Principal Engineer

Durham, NC · On-site +1

$85K - $132K/yr

You must apply for both positions to be considered for either the Principal Engineer or the Senior Engineer position. A flexible work environment, top-notch management, highly qualified, competent ...

City of Durham

Principal Engineer

Durham, NC · On-site

$85K - $132K/yr

You must apply for both positions to be considered for either the Principal Engineer or the Senior Engineer position. A flexible work environment, top-notch management, highly qualified, competent ...

Relias US

Principal Software Engineer

Morrisville, NC · Hybrid

$126K - $169K/yr

The Principal Engineer will be instrumental in shaping strategic decisions, guiding technical direction, and ensuring the integration of advanced engineering practices. This role requires deep ...

New

Hazen and Sawyer

Principal Engineer

Raleigh, NC · On-site

Hazen and Sawyer is seeking a Water/Wastewater Project Engineer for our Raleigh office office. As part of our design and process teams, you will work on water and wastewater projects, including ...

City of Durham, NC

Principal Engineer

Durham, NC · On-site +1

$85K - $132K/yr

Devoted to providing engineering support, inspection, and professional civil engineering for a variety of public works, utilities, storm water, and transportation facilities/projects as well as ...

City of Durham

Principal Engineer

Durham, NC · On-site

$85K - $132K/yr

Devoted to providing engineering support, inspection, and professional civil engineering for a variety of public works, utilities, storm water, and transportation facilities/projects as well as ...

Eaton

Power System Modeling Principal Engineer

Raleigh, NC · On-site

$154K - $225K/yr

Eaton's ES AMER HQ division is currently seeking a Power System Modeling Principal Engineer. This position will be based in Raleigh, NC. We are offering relocation assistance and sponsorship support ...

Baxter

Principal Engineer, Embedded Systems

Raleigh, NC

$112K - $154K/yr

As a Principal Engineer, Embedded Systems, you will play a pivotal role in supporting embedded software development activities within our research and development team. Your primary focus will be on ...

Baxter

Principal System Engineer

Raleigh, NC · On-site

$104K - $143K/yr

As a Principal Engineer at Baxter, your contributions directly impact making a significant difference for others. It is demanding work, yet you are not isolated. Our teams collaborate across ...

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All JobsPrincipal Engineer JobsPrincipal Engineer Jobs in Raleigh, NC

Principal Engineer information

See Raleigh, NC salary details

$71.9K

$143.1K

$206.6K

How much do principal engineer jobs pay per year?

As of Jul 16, 2026, the average yearly pay for principal engineer in Raleigh, NC is $143,102.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $115,200.00 and $168,200.00 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
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What are popular job titles related to Principal Engineer jobs in Raleigh, NC? For Principal Engineer jobs in Raleigh, NC, the most frequently searched job titles are:
What job categories do people searching Principal Engineer jobs in Raleigh, NC look for? The top searched job categories for Principal Engineer jobs in Raleigh, NC are:
What cities near Raleigh, NC are hiring for Principal Engineer jobs? Cities near Raleigh, NC with the most Principal Engineer job openings:
Principal Engineer jobs near you

Principal Engineer- Civil

ANS

Raleigh, NC

$160K - $180K/yr

Full-time

Posted 8 days ago

Job description

At ANS, we’re not just a consulting engineering firm, we’re a team of trailblazers shaping the future of civil, structural, and geotechnical engineering. Recognized as one of the Best Places to Work and Top 10 Hottest Engineering Firms in the US by Zweig Reports and featured in Inc. 5000’s Top 250 for our staggering 1,748% growth, we’re proud of what we’ve built and where we’re headed.
 
We’re allergic to bureaucracy, thrive on innovation, and embrace data-driven decisions. If you love collaboration, creativity, and a fast-paced environment, we might just be your perfect match!
 
WHY YOU’LL LOVE WORKING HERE
- A supportive, dynamic, and innovative team culture.
- Opportunities to attend industry events and showcase your skills.
- A chance to directly shape the voice and vision of one of the industry’s fastest-growing firms.
 
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 deliver innovative solutions for renewable energy projects. You’ll shape long-term plans, mentor top talent, and ensure excellence across design, operations, and client engagement, positioning ANS as a trusted partner in sustainable infrastructure. 
WHAT YOU'LL DO:
  • The role requires strong technical skills in Civil Engineering design including grading, drainage, erosion and sedimentation control, stormwater management and SWPP calculations and reports.
  • The Principal Engineer will be the civil engineering lead on multi-discipline projects and interact directly with our clients.   Coordinate with the hydrology, geotechnical, structural and structural engineering teams.
  • Developing technical solutions for a wide range of projects through the application of engineering knowledge and skills to support permitting and compliance needs for a diverse client base.  
  • Review and supervise calculations performed by others to ensure quality standards are met to stamp construction drawings and reports. 
  • Provide technical leadership for staff that utilize Civil 3D including alignments, profiles, and grading features to produce engineered construction plans.
  • Assign tasks to junior engineering staff and designers for projects that you are leading.
  • Provide construction support to our clients.
WHAT WE ARE LOOKING FOR:
  • A bachelor’s degree in engineering is required 
  • Professional Engineer required 
  • Proficiency in design software such as Civil 3D, HydroCAD. 
  • Experience in renewable energy projects such as solar, wind, or battery storage is highly preferred. 
  • 12+ years of experience. 
Benefits: 
  • 401(k) + company match 
  • Health, dental, and vision insurance 
  • Life insurance 
  • Unlimited PTO
  • Professional development assistance 
  • Bonus opportunities 
  • Supportive, growth-oriented team environment
If you’re passionate about clean energy design, precision engineering, and turning data into impact, we want to meet you! Join us in shaping the next generation of solar and battery storage projects—and help transform ANS into the name everyone in renewables knows.

We may use artificial intelligence (AI) tools to support parts of the hiring process, such as reviewing applications, analyzing resumes, or assessing responses and identifying potential inconsistencies or verification signals in application materials based on available information. These tools assist our recruitment team but do not replace human judgment. Final hiring decisions are ultimately made by humans. If you would like more information about how your data is processed, please contact us.