Principal Engineer
$154K - $193K/yr
Job Summary PRINCIPAL ENGINEER (PUBLIC WORKS/ENGINEERING DEPARTMENT) SALARY RANGE $154,629.57 - $193,111.15 Annually $12,885.80 - $16,092.60 Monthly $74.34 - $92.84 Hourly BENEFITS - 4-Day Work Week ...
$154K - $193K/yr
Job Summary PRINCIPAL ENGINEER (PUBLIC WORKS/ENGINEERING DEPARTMENT) SALARY RANGE $154,629.57 - $193,111.15 Annually $12,885.80 - $16,092.60 Monthly $74.34 - $92.84 Hourly BENEFITS - 4-Day Work Week ...
$154K - $193K/yr
Job Summary PRINCIPAL ENGINEER (PUBLIC WORKS/ENGINEERING DEPARTMENT) SALARY RANGE $154,629.57 - $193,111.15 Annually $12,885.80 - $16,092.60 Monthly $74.34 - $92.84 Hourly BENEFITS - 4-Day Work Week ...
Eastvale, CA · On-site
$154K - $193K/yr
Continuous Job Summary PRINCIPAL ENGINEER (PUBLIC WORKS/ENGINEERING DEPARTMENT) SALARY RANGE $154,629.57 - $193,111.15 Annually $12,885.80 - $16,092.60 Monthly $74.34 - $92.84 Hourly BENEFITS - 4-Day ...
Eastvale, CA · On-site
$154K - $193K/yr
Continuous Job Summary PRINCIPAL ENGINEER (PUBLIC WORKS/ENGINEERING DEPARTMENT) SALARY RANGE $154,629.57 - $193,111.15 Annually $12,885.80 - $16,092.60 Monthly $74.34 - $92.84 Hourly BENEFITS - 4-Day ...
Lake Forest, CA · On-site
$138K - $217K/yr
Principal Engineers are expected to provide District-wide technical leadership in capital improvement planning, infrastructure master planning, hydraulic modeling, asset management, engineering ...
Lake Forest, CA · On-site
$138K - $217K/yr
Principal Engineers are expected to provide District-wide technical leadership in capital improvement planning, infrastructure master planning, hydraulic modeling, asset management, engineering ...
Menifee, CA · On-site
$137K - $176K/yr
CAREER DESCRIPTION Principal Engineer (Traffic) OPEN TO THE PUBLIC This recruitment is being held to establish an open eligible list to fill current and future Principal Engineer (Traffic) positions.
Menifee, CA · On-site
$137K - $176K/yr
CAREER DESCRIPTION Principal Engineer (Traffic) OPEN TO THE PUBLIC This recruitment is being held to establish an open eligible list to fill current and future Principal Engineer (Traffic) positions.
Irvine, CA · Hybrid
$120K - $180K/yr
JOIN CANNON as an Electrical Principal Engineer in IRVINE. Irvine offers warm weather, beautiful scenery, and is a top bicycling city with miles of on-road bicycle lanes and mountain bike trails. It ...
Irvine, CA · Hybrid
$120K - $180K/yr
JOIN CANNON as an Electrical Principal Engineer in IRVINE. Irvine offers warm weather, beautiful scenery, and is a top bicycling city with miles of on-road bicycle lanes and mountain bike trails. It ...
Irvine, CA · On-site
$120K - $180K/yr
JOIN CANNON as an Electrical Principal Engineer in IRVINE. Irvine offers warm weather, beautiful scenery, and is a top bicycling city with miles of on-road bicycle lanes and mountain bike trails. It ...
Irvine, CA · On-site
$120K - $180K/yr
JOIN CANNON as an Electrical Principal Engineer in IRVINE. Irvine offers warm weather, beautiful scenery, and is a top bicycling city with miles of on-road bicycle lanes and mountain bike trails. It ...
Irvine, CA · On-site +1
$113K - $175K/yr
JOIN CANNON as a STRUCTURAL PRINCIPAL ENGINEER in IRVINE. Irvine offers warm weather, beautiful scenery, and is a top bicycling city with miles of on-road bicycle lanes and mountain bike trails. It ...
Irvine, CA · On-site +1
$113K - $175K/yr
JOIN CANNON as a STRUCTURAL PRINCIPAL ENGINEER in IRVINE. Irvine offers warm weather, beautiful scenery, and is a top bicycling city with miles of on-road bicycle lanes and mountain bike trails. It ...
Irvine, CA · On-site
$113K - $175K/yr
JOIN CANNON as a STRUCTURAL PRINCIPAL ENGINEER in IRVINE. Irvine offers warm weather, beautiful scenery, and is a top bicycling city with miles of on-road bicycle lanes and mountain bike trails. It ...
Irvine, CA · On-site
$113K - $175K/yr
JOIN CANNON as a STRUCTURAL PRINCIPAL ENGINEER in IRVINE. Irvine offers warm weather, beautiful scenery, and is a top bicycling city with miles of on-road bicycle lanes and mountain bike trails. It ...
$170K - $215K/yr
Job Summary: The Principal Engineer, Algorithm - ECG is a senior technical leader responsible for the architecture, development, and advancement of electrocardiogram (ECG) signal processing ...
$170K - $215K/yr
Job Summary: The Principal Engineer, Algorithm - ECG is a senior technical leader responsible for the architecture, development, and advancement of electrocardiogram (ECG) signal processing ...
Irvine, CA · On-site
$170K - $215K/yr
Job Summary: The Principal Engineer, Algorithm - ECG is a senior technical leader responsible for the architecture, development, and advancement of electrocardiogram (ECG) signal processing ...
Irvine, CA · On-site
$170K - $215K/yr
Job Summary: The Principal Engineer, Algorithm - ECG is a senior technical leader responsible for the architecture, development, and advancement of electrocardiogram (ECG) signal processing ...
Irvine, CA · Hybrid
$129K - $194K/yr
Principal Engineer - Drinking Water Treatment The Principal Engineer -Drinking Water Treatment is responsible for leading planning and design of water treatment projects. This includes business ...
Irvine, CA · Hybrid
$129K - $194K/yr
Principal Engineer - Drinking Water Treatment The Principal Engineer -Drinking Water Treatment is responsible for leading planning and design of water treatment projects. This includes business ...
Irvine, CA · Hybrid
$129K - $194K/yr
Principal Engineer - Drinking Water Treatment The Principal Engineer -Drinking Water Treatment is responsible for leading planning and design of water treatment projects. This includes business ...
Quick apply
Irvine, CA · Hybrid
$129K - $194K/yr
Principal Engineer - Drinking Water Treatment The Principal Engineer -Drinking Water Treatment is responsible for leading planning and design of water treatment projects. This includes business ...
JOIN CANNON as a CIVIL SENIOR PRINCIPAL ENGINEER to grow and shape Cannon's Water Resource operations in Orange County, based in our IRVINE office . Irvine offers warm weather, beautiful scenery, and ...
JOIN CANNON as a CIVIL SENIOR PRINCIPAL ENGINEER to grow and shape Cannon's Water Resource operations in Orange County, based in our IRVINE office . Irvine offers warm weather, beautiful scenery, and ...
Irvine, CA · Hybrid
$150K - $220K/yr
JOIN CANNON as a CIVIL SENIOR PRINCIPAL ENGINEER to grow and shape Cannon's Water Resource operations in Orange County, based in our IRVINE office . Irvine offers warm weather, beautiful scenery, and ...
Irvine, CA · Hybrid
$150K - $220K/yr
JOIN CANNON as a CIVIL SENIOR PRINCIPAL ENGINEER to grow and shape Cannon's Water Resource operations in Orange County, based in our IRVINE office . Irvine offers warm weather, beautiful scenery, and ...
Irvine, CA · On-site
$150K - $220K/yr
JOIN CANNON as a CIVIL SENIOR PRINCIPAL ENGINEER to grow and shape Cannon's Water Resource operations in Orange County, based in our IRVINE office Irvine offers warm weather, beautiful scenery, and ...
Irvine, CA · On-site
$150K - $220K/yr
JOIN CANNON as a CIVIL SENIOR PRINCIPAL ENGINEER to grow and shape Cannon's Water Resource operations in Orange County, based in our IRVINE office Irvine offers warm weather, beautiful scenery, and ...
Irvine, CA · Hybrid
$150K - $220K/yr
JOIN CANNON as a CIVIL SENIOR PRINCIPAL ENGINEER to grow and shape Cannon's Water Resource operations in Orange County, based in our IRVINE office . Irvine offers warm weather, beautiful scenery, and ...
Irvine, CA · Hybrid
$150K - $220K/yr
JOIN CANNON as a CIVIL SENIOR PRINCIPAL ENGINEER to grow and shape Cannon's Water Resource operations in Orange County, based in our IRVINE office . Irvine offers warm weather, beautiful scenery, and ...
JOIN CANNON as a CIVIL SENIOR PRINCIPAL ENGINEER to grow and shape Cannons Water Resource operations in Orange County, based in our IRVINE office . Irvine offers warm weather, beautiful scenery, and ...
JOIN CANNON as a CIVIL SENIOR PRINCIPAL ENGINEER to grow and shape Cannons Water Resource operations in Orange County, based in our IRVINE office . Irvine offers warm weather, beautiful scenery, and ...
Irvine, CA · Hybrid
$150K - $220K/yr
JOIN CANNON as a CIVIL SENIOR PRINCIPAL ENGINEER LAND DEVELOPMENT in IRVINE. Irvine offers warm weather, beautiful scenery, and is a top bicycling city with miles of on-road bicycle lanes and ...
Irvine, CA · Hybrid
$150K - $220K/yr
JOIN CANNON as a CIVIL SENIOR PRINCIPAL ENGINEER LAND DEVELOPMENT in IRVINE. Irvine offers warm weather, beautiful scenery, and is a top bicycling city with miles of on-road bicycle lanes and ...
This Principal Quality Engineer, NPD will be part of Edwards Lifesciences growing Transcatheter Heart Valve (THV) business in Irvine, CA. We are looking for a strong engineer with solid technical ...
This Principal Quality Engineer, NPD will be part of Edwards Lifesciences growing Transcatheter Heart Valve (THV) business in Irvine, CA. We are looking for a strong engineer with solid technical ...
JOIN CANNON as a CIVIL SENIOR PRINCIPAL ENGINEER to grow and shape Cannon's Water Resource operations in Orange County, based in our IRVINE office . Irvine offers warm weather, beautiful scenery, and ...
JOIN CANNON as a CIVIL SENIOR PRINCIPAL ENGINEER to grow and shape Cannon's Water Resource operations in Orange County, based in our IRVINE office . Irvine offers warm weather, beautiful scenery, and ...
$77.2K - $90.3K
3% of jobs
$90.3K - $103.5K
9% of jobs
$103.5K - $116.6K
9% of jobs
$123.2K is the 25th percentile. Wages below this are outliers.
$116.6K - $129.7K
10% of jobs
$129.7K - $142.9K
10% of jobs
The median wage is $153K / yr.
$142.9K - $156K
14% of jobs
$156K - $169.2K
13% of jobs
$177.1K is the 75th percentile. Wages above this are outliers.
$169.2K - $182.3K
15% of jobs
$182.3K - $195.4K
11% of jobs
$195.4K - $208.6K
5% of jobs
$208.6K - $221.7K
3% of jobs
$77.2K
$153.6K
$221.7K
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.
| Aspect | Principal Engineer | Senior Engineer |
|---|---|---|
| Credentials | Typically requires 8+ years of experience, advanced technical skills, and often leadership or mentorship experience | Usually requires 3-7 years of experience with strong technical skills |
| Work Environment | Leads complex projects, influences technical strategy, collaborates across teams | Focuses on executing technical tasks, supporting project development, and mentoring junior staff |
| Employer & Industry Usage | Common in large tech companies, engineering firms, and organizations with advanced technical hierarchies | Widely 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.

$154K - $193K/yr
Other
Medical, Dental, Vision, Retirement
Posted 15 days ago
Job Summary PRINCIPAL ENGINEER (PUBLIC WORKS/ENGINEERING DEPARTMENT) SALARY RANGE $154,629.57 - $193,111.15 Annually $12,885.80 - $16,092.60 Monthly $74.34 - $92.84 Hourly BENEFITS - 4-Day Work Week - 11 Paid Holidays + 1 Floating Holiday - 3.5% COLA on July 1, 2026 are in addition to regularly scheduled merit increases that are dependent on performance - $2,721.01 Monthly Benefit Allowance towards Medical, Dental, and Vision starting 2026 - Employer Contribution to a Health Reimbursement Account upon completion of fifth year - Pension through CalPERS - 457 Deferred Compensation Plan through Voya Financial - 200% Employer Contribution Match to a 457 Plan up to $3,000 per year - Professional Development with Breaking the Chain Consulting - $2,500 Educational Reimbursement per Fiscal Year MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS EDUCATION: Graduation from an accredited college or university with a bachelor's degree in Civil Engineering and registration in California as a Professional Engineer. A master's degree in a field related to Civil Engineering is desirable. EXPERIENCE: Four or more years of responsible professional civil engineering experience, including experience with public works projects and three years of supervisory experience
CERTIFICATIONS: Registration as a Professional Civil Engineer (P.E.) with the California State Board of Registration for Civil and Professional Engineers required. Essential Functions EASTVALE'S PURPOSE & VALUES PROTECTING THE PROSPERITY AND WELL BEING OF OUR COMMUNITY HUMBLE; put people and purpose first CARING; be kindhearted, attentive, and responsive DRIVEN; work hard towards meaningful and creative solutions JOIN AN AWARD WINNING ORGANIZATION The City was recently recognized as a 2025 Top Workplaces organization-an award based entirely on employee feedback. This recognition reflects the strength of our workplace culture, leadership, and commitment to creating an environment where employees feel supported, valued, and engaged
This is an exciting time to join the organization. The City is actively building a new downtown area and planning to move into a new City Hall within the next few years, offering meaningful opportunities to support growth, modernization, and long-term infrastructure initiatives. Experience, Training & Licenses THE POSITION The Principal Engineer will serve as a key member of the City's Public Works/ Engineering Department and will contribute to the maintenance and operation of the City's infrastructure as well as take ownership of the execution, delivery, and reporting of high-priority capital infrastructure projects.
The Principal Engineer will serve the Eastvale community with a "can do" attitude and "get it done" approach to work in a fast-paced environment while driving solutions independently, and maintaining tight accountability with departmental leadership. WHAT YOU WILL BE DOING Supporting long-range efforts in the development of Downtown Eastvale which includes a Civic Center, City Hall, Public Library, Fire Station, Police Substation, and Lifestyle Center. Directly executing, managing, and advancing multiple construction and design projects that are part of the City's Capital Improvements program.
THE IDEAL CANDIDATE The ideal candidate for the Principal Engineer position is a highly experienced and accountable professional who brings deep technical expertise with an unrelenting urgency to correctly and timely deliver complex capital projects. This individual has extensive experience managing Capital Improvement Program (CIP) projects, including federal funding processes, fund allocation, and right-of-way acquisition. They are skilled in coordinating with multiple utility providers and federal agencies, ensuring projects move forward efficiently and in compliance with all requirements.
The ideal candidate has a proven track record of successfully delivering atypical and unique projects, demonstrating sound judgment, adaptability, and innovation. With a strong sense of ownership, they are motivated, driven, and independently chart strategic paths forward and deliver consistent updates to supervisors. ***CLICK HERE TO LEARN MORE ABOUT THIS OPPORTUNITY*** Special Requirements HOW TO APPLY To be considered for the position, all candidates must submit a completed City application, cover letter, resume, and a list of professional references here.
Applicants will be evaluated on the basis of relevant training, education, experience and writing skills as presented in the application, resume, cover letter and supplemental questions. The process may include interviews and/or performance tests. A background investigation including, LIVESCAN fingerprinting and verification of previous employment.
Applicants will be required to submit verification of the legal right to work in the United States. Upon receipt of a conditional offer of employment letter, applicants are required to complete a drug and/or alcohol test at the time of their pre-employment physical. All employees are required by law to sign a loyalty oath to the United States and the State of California Constitution at time of hire.
This recruitment is open on a continuous basis with the first review deadline date being Sunday, July 12th, 2026 at 11:59pm PST. This recruitment may close at any time without notice after the first deadline date.