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Principal Engineer Jobs in Riverside, CA (NOW HIRING)

AI Chopping Block

Principal Robotics Engineer

Irvine, CA · On-site

$150 - $230/hr

FieldAI is seeking a Principal Robotics Engineer to set technical direction across our autonomy software stack and to take ownership of our hardest, highest-leverage engineering problems. As a ...

FieldAI

Principal Robotics Engineer

Irvine, CA · On-site

$210 - $240/hr

FieldAI is seeking a Principal Robotics Engineer to set technical direction across our autonomy software stack and to take ownership of our hardest, highest-leverage engineering problems. As a ...

Socket.dev

Principal Robotics Engineer

Irvine, CA · On-site

$180 - $240/hr

FieldAI is seeking a Principal Robotics Engineer to set technical direction across our autonomy software stack and to take ownership of our hardest, highest-leverage engineering problems. As a ...

FieldAI

Principal Robotics Engineer

Irvine, CA · On-site

$210K - $240K/yr

FieldAI is seeking a Principal Robotics Engineer to set technical direction across our autonomy software stack and to take ownership of our hardest, highest-leverage engineering problems. As a ...

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All JobsPrincipal Engineer JobsPrincipal Engineer Jobs in Riverside, CA

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 Sep 6, 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.

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.
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For Principal Engineer jobs in Riverside, CA, the most frequently searched job titles are:

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Principal Engineer jobs near you
Infographic showing various Principal Engineer job openings in Riverside, CA as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 98% Full Time, and 2% Contract. Highlights an 76% In-person, 12% Hybrid, and 12% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $153,590 per year, or $73.8 per hour.

Principal Civil Engineer - Transportation Infrastructure

Parsons Corporation

Irvine, CA • On-site

$100K - $176K/yr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Re-posted 7 days ago

Parsons rating

7.7

Company rating: 7.7 out of 10

Based on 46 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

269th of 453 rated engineering

Job description

In a world of possibilities, pursue one with endless opportunities. Imagine Next!
At Parsons, you can imagine a career where you thrive, work with exceptional people, and be yourself. Guided by our leadership vision of valuing people, embracing agility, and fostering growth, we cultivate an innovative culture that empowers you to achieve your full potential. Unleash your talent and redefine what's possible.
Job Description:
Opportunity:
Our Parsons Irvine, California office is now hiring for a highly experienced Principal Engineer to join our team! In this role you will support major road and highway projects for Caltrans and other regional clients.
Overview:
Parsons has an exciting job opportunity for a Principal Engineer to join the expanding transportation infrastructure team with our Irvine, California office.
We are looking for an experienced engineer that can perform and oversee a variety of engineering tasks, lead and mentor engineering staff, and join an established team of experts. In this role, you will be leading engineering work and contribute to the successful project delivery for a diverse range of projects in the Southern California region. You will be part of a team which primarily supports Caltrans projects and works on various projects with the regional transportation planning agencies, counties, cities, and transit agencies. The position is office based, but offers a hybrid model (2 to 3 days in the office) and a 9/80 flex schedule with every other Friday off.
Responsibilities:
Perform various roadway engineering and design assignments requiring the application of engineering techniques, procedures and design criteria for projects ranging in size and complexity.
  • Collaborate with other engineers and clients to present highway and road designs.
  • Oversee and help develop horizontal and vertical geometry for highway and road projects, analyze cross sections, and calculate super-elevations.
  • Write and edit project specifications.
  • Utilize drafting and 3D modeling software, tools, and programs, to develop conceptual and detailed designs.
  • Perform material quantity takeoffs and construction cost estimates.
  • Prepare design calculations, technical reports, engineering plans for assigned projects.
  • Perform senior reviews of engineering documents prepared by others.
  • Lead technical proposal writing and graphics development.
  • Supervise and mentor engineers on various transportation projects.

Qualifications:
  • Bachelor's degree in Civil Engineering (or related field).
  • Minimum of 10 years of related work experience with road and highway projects, and a preference for substantial Caltrans horizontal/vertical geometrics work experience.
  • Experience in managing staff, and performing quality reviews is highly desirable.
  • Professional Engineer (PE) Registration is preferred.

Skills and Competencies:
  • High proficiency in utilizing AutoCAD Civil3D, MicroStation and/or InRoads.
  • Strong oral and written communication skills with internal staff and clients.

Security Clearance Requirement:
None
This position is part of our Critical Infrastructure team.
For more than 80 years, our experts have designed and delivered the critical infrastructure that connects and protects communities around the world. We work in collaborative teams, both within the company and with our partners and customers, to plan, design, build, and modernize infrastructure. We take special pride in projects and solutions that improve communities as well as people's quality of life by promoting economic growth, enhancing mobility, and increasing sustainability and resiliency. Powered by our people, we provide the imagination necessary to support our customers' visions-and to help them see what's next!
Salary Range: $100,900.00 - $176,600.00
We value our employees and want our employees to take care of their overall wellbeing, which is why we offer best-in-class benefits such as medical, dental, vision, paid time off, Employee Stock Ownership Plan (ESOP), 401(k), life insurance, flexible work schedules, and holidays to fit your busy lifestyle!
Parsons is an equal opportunity employer, and all qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, disability, veteran status or any other protected status.
We truly invest and care about our employee's wellbeing and provide endless growth opportunities as the sky is the limit, so aim for the stars! Imagine next and join the Parsons quest-APPLY TODAY!
Parsons is aware of fraudulent recruitment practices. To learn more about recruitment fraud and how to report it, please refer to https://www.parsons.com/fraudulent-recruitment/.

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