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Principal Engineer Jobs in Rochester, NY (NOW HIRING)

The Principal oversees enhancing student attendance, meticulously documenting academic progress, fostering productive collaborations among academic and clinical staff, and cultivating an institution ...

The Principal oversees enhancing student attendance, meticulously documenting academic progress, fostering productive collaborations among academic and clinical staff, and cultivating an institution ...

Program Manager - Supply Chain Mgmt

Rochester, NY · On-site

$141K/yr

Coordinate with Principal Engineer - Cost Engineering to align BoQ/MTO/WBS structures with RFQs, bid tabs, schedules of values, and measurable pay items; ensure clean traceability from design to ...

Senior Mechanical Design Engineer

Webster, NY · On-site

$82K - $113K/yr

We are seeking a senior mechanical design engineer with at least 5 years' experience in conceptual ... Knowledge of sound mechanical design principals, shop practices, and automation and test components.

Mechanical Engineer Team Lead

Webster, NY · On-site

$145K - $165K/yr

Capable of promoting engineered solutions that meet both the technical and budgetary requirements ... Knowledge of sound mechanical design principals, shop practices, and automation and test components.

Mechanical Engineer Team Lead

Webster, NY · On-site

$145K - $165K/yr

We are seeking a Senior Lead Mechanical Engineer to be part of a fast-paced, leading robotic ... Knowledge of sound mechanical design principals, shop practices, and automation and test components.

Mechanical Engineer Team Lead

Webster, NY · On-site

$101K - $122K/yr

We are seeking a Senior Lead Mechanical Engineer to be part of a fast-paced, leading robotic ... Knowledge of sound mechanical design principals, shop practices, and automation and test components.

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Showing results 1-20

Principal Engineer information

See Rochester, NY salary details

$73K

$145.3K

$209.7K

How much do principal engineer jobs pay per year?

As of Jul 16, 2026, the average yearly pay for principal engineer in Rochester, NY is $145,257.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $116,900.00 and $170,700.00 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.
What are the most commonly searched types of Principal Engineer jobs in Rochester, NY? The most popular types of Principal Engineer jobs in Rochester, NY are:
What are popular job titles related to Principal Engineer jobs in Rochester, NY? For Principal Engineer jobs in Rochester, NY, the most frequently searched job titles are:
What job categories do people searching Principal Engineer jobs in Rochester, NY look for? The top searched job categories for Principal Engineer jobs in Rochester, NY are:
What cities near Rochester, NY are hiring for Principal Engineer jobs? Cities near Rochester, NY with the most Principal Engineer job openings:
Infographic showing various Principal Engineer job openings in Rochester, NY as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 90% Full Time, 7% Part Time, and 3% Contract. Highlights an 86% Physical, 4% Hybrid, and 10% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $145,257 per year, or $69.8 per hour.
Principal Reliability Engineer

Principal Reliability Engineer

MKS Instruments, Inc.

Rochester, NY • On-site

$109K - $182K/yr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Posted 14 days ago


Job description

A Day in Your Life at MKS:

MKS is committed to being the highest quality and reliability provider of advanced RF and DC power generators enabling capabilities for advanced plasma processing used at Scientific & Industrial customers. As part of the mission, the Principal Reliability Engineer will be responsible for supporting Power Solutions reliability and test programs including product development, design for reliability, design for manufacturability, as well as advanced reliability testing. This position will include the improvement and/or development of new design processes which enhance reliability and will also interface internally with the design engineering/manufacturing groups and externally with the customer on key reliability programs and issues.

You Make an Impact By:

  • Develop and implement reliability plans including design, validation, qualification and assessment methods to support successful new Power Solutions product introductions

  • Provide technical support throughout the product life cycle on-going sustaining activities

  • Interface with design engineering and marketing organizations to establish internal reliability testing conditions representative of customer applications

  • Perform various DfR techniques: lead the product qualification-testing, including functional testing, reliability and durability testing (HALT, HASS, ALT, etc.), in addition to ownership of reliability test equipment (reliability labs), reliability predictions (modeled and field - MTBF), reliability allocation, Design FME(C)A, Weibull Analysis, warranty collation and reporting to achieve company and customer reliability objectives

  • Support and drive Power Solutions reliability improvement activities including best practice adoption, custom hardware development, and tool automation

  • Perform root cause analysis for failures that occurred in reliability testing and/or in the field

  • Participate in cross functional team efforts during product design reviews focused on reliability concerns, critical components, and potential wear out failure modes

  • Generate reliability analysis reports for internal and external customers according to industry standards and best practices

  • Collaborate with peer engineering experts in other MKS business units

  • Identify improved instrumentation (e.g., data collection) supporting the reliability assessment of subassemblies and components, quantifying characteristics critical to overall system reliability

Skills You Bring:

  • B.S. (M.S. is a plus), Electrical Engineering, Semiconductor Material sciences or related field

  • ASQ CRE preferred

  • 8+ years reliability engineering experience in electronic systems and/or component failure analysis

  • Experienced in thermal measurement and device characterization techniques

  • Can interpret results from failure analysis tools including: X-ray, Acoustic Microscopy, Material Cross Sectional analysis, SEM/EDX, Emission Microscopy, etc.

  • Understands PCBA and electronic component failure mechanisms and physics of failure

  • Experienced in Design for Reliability techniques, approaches and methods

  • Experienced in applying reliability modeling techniques and tools to identify potential wear out modes (e.g., Telcordia Prediction, Weibull)

  • Experienced in HALT testing approaches, HASS profile design and ALT test methods

  • Experienced in data collection techniques and statistical analysis; experience in applied machine learning is a plus

  • Excellent communication skills. Can communicate work plans, schedules, resource needs as well present analysis and results, and drive key decisions to cross functional audiences

  • Potential travel time (5%)

Physical Demands & Working Conditions:

  • Perform activities such as sitting, standing, or typing for extended periods of time

  • Must be able to lift up to 50 lbs.

  • Regularly requires good manual dexterity and coordination

  • Occasionally moves/positions objects up to 50 lbs.

  • Frequently positions self to perform tasks and positions objects below, at, and above shoulder level

  • Regularly requires manual dexterity and coordination of objects below, at and above shoulder level

  • Must be able to communicate information and ideas so others will understand

  • Must be able to exchange accurate information

  • Operates in a professional office, laboratory and manufacturing environment

  • Constantly operates a computer and other office productivity machinery

  • Ability to observe documents and details at close range (within a few feet of the observer)

  • Dedication to safety to mitigate hazards including handling mechanical and electrical hardware, high voltage, gas, water, and heat

  • Noise level in the work environment is usually average

Compensation and Benefits:
Salary Pay Range:$109,750 - $182,900.00per year. This range is a good faith estimate of the expected salary range for this position, based on a wide range of factors including qualifications, experience and training, operational and business needs and other considerations permitted by law.At MKS, it is not typical for an individual to be hired at or near the top of the range for the role.

Bonus: This position is eligible for a discretionary annual bonus, in an amount to be determined by MKS [or as applicable].

Benefits: MKS offers a comprehensive benefits package, including health insurance coverage (medical, dental and vision), 401(k) with company match, life and disability insurance, 12 paid holidays, sick time, 15 paid vacation days, [6 weeks fully paid] parental leave, adoption assistance and tuition reimbursement [and for participation in any stock programs, signing bonus, etc.].

We are interested in a qualified candidate who is eligible to work in the United States. However, we will not be sponsoring work visas for this position, at this time.

MKS is an equal opportunity employer, including disability, veteran status and all categories protected by law. Please review our EOE statements for additional details. MKS is generally only hiring candidates who reside in states where we are registered to do business.

#LI-RS1

Globally, our policy is to recruit individuals from wide and diverse backgrounds. However, certain positions require access to controlled goods and technologies subject to the International Traffic in Arms Regulations (ITAR) or Export Administration Regulations (EAR). Applicants for these positions may need to be "U.S. persons." "U.S. persons" are generally defined as U.S. citizens, noncitizen nationals, lawful permanent residents (or, green card holders), individuals granted asylum, and individuals admitted as refugees.

MKS Inc. and its affiliates and subsidiaries ("MKS") is an affirmative action and equal opportunity employer: diverse candidates are encouraged to apply. We win as a team and are committed to recruiting and hiring qualified applicants regardless of race, color, national origin, sex (including pregnancy and pregnancy-related conditions), religion, age, ancestry, physical or mental disability or handicap, marital status, membership in the uniformed services, veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, genetic information, or any other category protected by applicable law. Hiring decisions are based on merit, qualifications and business needs. We conduct background checks and drug screens, in accordance with applicable law and company policies. MKS is generally only hiring candidates who reside in states where we are registered to do business.

MKS is committed to working with and providing reasonable accommodations to qualified individuals with disabilities. If you need a reasonable accommodation during the application or interview process due to a disability, please contact us at:accommodationsatMKS@mksinst.com.

If applying for a specific job, please include the requisition number (ex: RXXXX), the title and location of the role