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Principal Engineer Jobs in Riverside, CA (NOW HIRING)

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 ...

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 ...

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 ...

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 ...

Principal Engineer

Irvine, CA ยท On-site

$145K - $200K/yr

Description Terraphase Engineering is seeking a self-motivated, goal-oriented individual to join our growing organization as a senior professional in our Sacramento, CA office. The applicant should ...

Description Terraphase Engineering is seeking a self-motivated, goal-oriented individual to join our growing organization as a senior professional in our Sacramento, CA office. The applicant should ...

Principal Engineer, Algorithm - ECG

Irvine, CA ยท 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 ...

Job Summary: The Principal Engineer, Algorithm - ECG is a senior technical leader responsible for the architecture, development, and advancement of electrocardiogram (ECG) signal processing ...

Principal Engineer - Water Treatment

Irvine, CA ยท Hybrid

$129.26K - $194.15K/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 ...

Principal Engineer - Water Treatment

Irvine, CA ยท Hybrid

$129.26K - $194.15K/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 ...

The Principal Engineer, EMC is a senior individual contributor responsible for leading electromagnetic compatibility (EMC) engineering activities across new product development and sustaining ...

Principal Engineer, EMC

Irvine, CA ยท On-site

$150K - $200K/yr

The Principal Engineer, EMC is a senior individual contributor responsible for leading electromagnetic compatibility (EMC) engineering activities across new product development and sustaining ...

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Showing results 1-20

Principal Engineer information

See Riverside, CA salary details

$77.2K

$153.6K

$221.7K

How much do principal engineer jobs pay per year?

As of May 28, 2026, the average yearly pay for principal engineer in Riverside, CA is $153,590.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $123,600.00 and $180,500.00 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 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.

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 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 are popular job titles related to Principal Engineer jobs in Riverside, CA? For Principal Engineer jobs in Riverside, CA, the most frequently searched job titles are:
What job categories do people searching Principal Engineer jobs in Riverside, CA look for? The top searched job categories for Principal Engineer jobs in Riverside, CA are:
What cities near Riverside, CA are hiring for Principal Engineer jobs? Cities near Riverside, CA with the most Principal Engineer job openings:

Structural Principal Engineer

Cannon

Mission Viejo, CA โ€ข On-site, Remote

Full-time

Posted 13 days ago


Job description

Cannon Corp
Description:

Youll Come for a JobBut Youll Stay for an Exciting Career! Engineering and Designing Reliable, Responsive, Solutions.

SINCE 1976, CANNON has provided creative solutions to clients in the energy industry, water resources, public infrastructure, and commercial and residential development. We work hard. We play hard. We have fun.

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 is one of the safest communities and the public schools have consistently ranked among the best in California.

PROJECTS INCLUDE Military and Aerospace, Commercial and Industrial Structures, Piers and Sea Walls, Foundations for Tanks and Equipment, Support Structures, Structural Assessments and Evaluations.

STRUCTURAL PRINCIPAL ENGINEER JOB SUMMARY

The Structural Principal Engineer is responsible for leading project team and delivery, managing client relationships, and providing technical leadership. This role oversees structural design, prepares engineering analyses and reports, and ensures the successful execution of projects from concept through construction. The position also includes mentoring structural engineering staff and driving business development efforts.

STRUCTURAL PRINCIPAL ENGINEER JOB DUTIES

  • Develops design fee estimates and proposals for all project types and ensures projects are delivered on schedule and within scope and budget.
  • Establishes, develops and maintains strong client relationships to support ongoing and future work.
  • Conducts business development activities, prepares and delivers proposals and presentations, and secures new opportunities.
  • Leads structural design efforts for a variety of projects and provides guidance to project engineers and design staff.
  • Serves as a technical resource and mentor to staff, providing guidance on engineering principles, standards, and best practices.
  • Analyzes complex structural engineering challenges and develops effective, practical solutions.
  • Oversee the preparation of construction documents and details for structures conforming to Cannon standards.
  • Responsible charge for the design and detailing of structural systems.
  • Effectively manages quality assurance and quality control.
  • Communicates effectively with various departments, clients, and agencies.
  • Coordinates with permitting agencies.
  • Promotes a collaborative team environment through effective communication and leadership. Participates in professional organizations and community activities to support regional growth and company visibility.
Requirements:
  • Bachelor of Science Degree in Architectural Engineering or Civil Engineering.
  • Active California Structural Engineer (SE) license required.
  • Minimum of 12 years of experience in structural analysis, design, and detailing of buildings and structures.
  • Minimum of 8 years of project management experience, including scope, schedule, and budget oversight.
  • Minimum of 3 years of experience managing engineering teams.
  • Proven track record of managing a wide variety of simple to complex projects, meeting deadlines, and delivering within budget.
  • Demonstrated success in business development and client relationship management.
  • Advanced knowledge of the California Building Code and ASCE 7, with the ability to apply and communicate requirements effectively.
  • Experience designing structural systems using timber, concrete, steel, and masonry.
  • Proficiency with structural analysis and design software such as RISA, ETABS, SAFE and SAP2000.
  • Proficiency in AutoCAD or Revit.

WE OFFER competitive salaries, relocation assistance, excellent benefits package, remote work flexibility, and an active and positive team building, work environment.

Cannon is an equal opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to status as a protected veteran or a qualified individual with a disability, or other protected status such as race, religion, color, national origin, sex, age.

Compensation details: 113000-175000 Yearly Salary

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