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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 ...

Project Manager

Victor, NY · On-site

$100K - $135K/yr

Principal Engineer Automation & Packaging Engineering Manager Manager, Program Management SUPERVISES: N/A ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS: Project Manager I * Provide support for initiating, planning, scheduling ...

New

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.

Principal, Total Rewards

Rochester, NY · On-site +1

$126K - $234K/yr

Principal, Total Rewards Job Code: 37011 Job Location: Rochester, NY or Melbourne, FL or Remote Opportunity Job Schedule: 9/80: Employees work 9 out of every 14 days- totaling 80 hours worked- and ...

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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Principal Engineer information

See Rochester, NY salary details

$73K

$145.3K

$209.7K

How much do principal engineer jobs pay per year?

As of Jun 26, 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.

Can you make $500,000 as an electrical engineer?

Principal engineers in electrical engineering can potentially earn $500,000 or more annually, especially with extensive experience, advanced skills, and leadership roles in high-paying industries like aerospace, defense, or energy. Such salaries often include bonuses, stock options, or other incentives, but are typically reserved for senior-level positions in large organizations or specialized fields.

What engineers make $500,000?

Principal engineers, especially in high-demand industries like technology, aerospace, and finance, can earn $500,000 or more annually, often including bonuses, stock options, or profit sharing. Achieving this level typically requires extensive experience, advanced skills, and leadership responsibilities in complex projects or organizations.

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 technology, aerospace, and finance, can earn $300,000 or more annually with extensive experience, advanced skills, and often in senior or leadership roles. Compensation may include base salary, bonuses, and stock options, particularly in large companies or startups with significant growth potential.

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.

How much is a principal engineer 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 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 June 2026, with employment types broken down into 100% Full Time. Highlights an 96% In-person, and 4% Hybrid job distribution, with an average salary of $145,257 per year, or $69.8 per hour.
Principal

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Retirement, PTO

Posted 29 days ago


Hillside Family of Agencies rating

7.7

Company rating: 7.7 out of 10

Based on 20 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

9th of 231 rated social care providers


Job description


Job Summary
The Principal provides leadership in a therapeutic education setting including oversight of the day to day operations of the school. The Principal oversees enhancing student attendance, meticulously documenting academic progress, fostering productive collaborations among academic and clinical staff, and cultivating an institution that facilitates effective learning. Within this capacity, the Principal will directly manage designated school personnel including teachers, school based managers and other staff members as assigned.
Essential Job functions
  • Continually responsible for assuring that the school attains and maintains all regulatory requirements including required filings, records maintenance and funder standards.
  • Assure that instruction and curriculum are presented to students utilizing sound pedagogical practices, facilitating the highest possible education and vocational outcomes for students, within regulatory guidelines.
  • Evaluate and provide ongoing feedback to teachers and other school staff aimed at assuring high quality education and instruction.
  • Serve as instructional coach, recommending programmatic methods and guidance with student transitions, for example.
  • Appropriately accesses and is aware of internal and community resources in support of school needs.
  • Responsible for behavioral standards at the school and addresses behavior shortfalls as outlined by New York State Department of Education (SED) and Office of Mental Health (OMH).
  • Build meaningful relationships with families and school districts in order to facilitate school success for students.
  • Oversee all administrative aspects of the school including scheduling, student/practice teacher programs, building use and maintenance, counseling and guidance and the availability of required in-service and training opportunities for staff.
  • Supervise school personnel including teachers, school based managers and other staff members as assigned.
  • While this job description covers many aspects of the role, employees may be required to perform other duties as assigned.

LEADERSHIP DUTIES
  • Leadership: Communicates supports and links Hillside mission, vision, values, goals, and strategies to everyday work and establishes clear, meaningful, challenging, and attainable objectives and expectations that are aligned with those of the organization.
  • Management: Aligns the right work with the right people; delegates tasks according to people's strengths and interests. Ensures staff has the skills and resources to be successful. Provides staff with coaching, training and opportunities for growth to improve their skills. Treats staff fairly and consistently. Shares accountability when delegating and involves staff in setting their performance goals.
  • Governance: Ensures Hillside policies, procedures and all applicable governmental laws/regulations/guidelines are followed. Makes decisions and has authority to implement decisions in conjunction with the leadership structure of the given area of responsibility.

Education & Experience
  • Master's degree in Education, or related field required.
  • NYS Certification in Special Education and School Building Administration required.
  • Minimum 3 years of experience as a school administrator required.

Special Requirements
  • Unrestricted, valid NYS driver's license for minimum of 1 year with a clean driving record and minimum insurance coverage that meets agency standards.
  • Must be able to work 12-month schedule

Knowledge, Skills & Abilities
In addition to demonstrating the Hillside Professional Competencies of Communicates Effectively, Personal Excellence, Cultural Competence, Builds and Leverages Relationships, Optimizes Decision Making, Builds Talent and Engagement, Manages Change, Fosters Accountability and Results, the following occupational competencies must be demonstrated:
  • Understanding of educational theories, principles, and best practices in teaching, learning, and school administration to promote student achievement and school improvement.
  • Familiarity with educational laws, regulations, and policies at the federal, state, and local levels, including special education requirements, Title I programs, and school accountability measures.
  • Strong leadership and management skills to create a positive school culture, build effective teams, and lead school improvement efforts in collaboration with staff, students, families, and community stakeholders.
  • Excellent communication and interpersonal skills to establish and maintain positive relationships with diverse stakeholders, including teachers, staff, students, parents, school board members, and community partners.
  • Ability to foster a safe, inclusive, and supportive learning environment that promotes equity, diversity, and cultural responsiveness for all students and staff members.
  • Skill in problem-solving and conflict resolution to address issues and concerns raised by stakeholders in a fair, respectful, and timely manner.
  • Proficiency in adapting to changing educational landscapes, embracing innovation, and leading change initiatives to address emerging needs and opportunities.

Physical Demands & Work Environment
The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.
  • Must be able to work a variable scheduling including evenings and weekends
  • The following physical demands are required:
    • Occasional sitting (up to 4 hours)
    • Occasional standing (up to 1 hour)
    • Occasional walking (up to 2.5 hours)
    • Occasional driving (up to 8 hours)
    • Continuous balancing (up to 8 hours)
    • Occasional balancing, bending, stooping, climbing, kneeling, pushing, pulling, reaching forward or down, reaching overhead, running, and twisting (up to 2.5 hours)
    • Weekly lifting up to 50 lbs. (community-based staff may be required to lift an empty wheelchair weighing up to 50 lbs.), 10-15 lbs. on a daily basis
    • Weekly carrying up to 55 lbs. approximately 10-100 ft., 10-15 lbs. on a daily basis
  • Manual dexterity is required, including the frequent ability to grasp in both hands and continuous use of fine manipulation skills in both hands (approximately 1-2.5 hrs.)
  • Occasional exposure to dust, fumes, gases or chemicals is apparent.
  • Protective clothing or equipment required: Close toed shoes; Protective Shields, Universal Precaution PPE, Gloves for toileting and food preparation
  • Ability to change positions as needed

$77,000 Minimum pay rate, $117,000 Maximum pay rate, based on experience.
About Us
At Hillside, we believe that healthy youth and strong families with opportunities to succeed are the foundation of any thriving community. Guided by this belief, we provide community-based services, education, and residential treatment to positively impact lives, in partnership with youth and families who have experienced trauma. From locations across Central & Western New York and Prince George's County, Maryland, our programs serve nearly 10,000 youth, adults, and families each year.
Partnering with families and communities, we deliver high-quality, evidence-based services, in the appropriate settings - whether on residential campuses or in schools, homes, or the workplace. By measuring the impact of our work, we endeavor to deliver ever better outcomes every day.
Equal Opportunity Employer: Hillside is committed to equal opportunities for all, supporting a diverse workforce, creating development opportunities for our people. Hillside is an equal opportunity employer; individuals from underrepresented and/or marginalized identities, Veterans, and disabled persons are encouraged to apply. Upon request, reasonable accommodations will be provided for the disabled.
Total Rewards: We offer a competitive benefits package to include generous paid time off, paid holidays, comprehensive medical, dental and vision coverage, flexible spending account, 403(b) retirement savings plan with employer match, and Employee Assistance Plan - just to name a few of the amazing benefits at Hillside! World changers and change makers join our talent community every day. Apply online, get on board, and grow your career with us!

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