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Principal Engineer Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Sunbelt Solomon

Principal Engineer

Solomon, KS · On-site

Description The Principal Engineer role offers the opportunity to lead complex transformer design projects from concept through production, working at the intersection of engineering innovation ...

3VI

Principal Engineer

San Jose, CA · On-site

We are seeking a Principal Engineer to join our dynamic team, supporting major rail, transit, and facilities projects in Northern and Southern California. This position is based in our San Jose ...

VAK Consulting LLC

Principal Engineer

Dallas, TX

We are looking for Principal Engineer for one of our Clients. Locations : Dallas /Denver /Herndon . * Lead platform S/W architecture and design decisions. * Deep expertise in distributed systems ...

Frost Bank

Principal Engineer

San Antonio, TX · On-site

If so, being a Principal Engineer at Frost could be the job for you. At Frost, it's about more than a job. It's about having a flourishing career where you can thrive, both in and out of work. At ...

NextDeavor Inc.

Principal Engineer

Kalamazoo, MI · On-site

$130K - $160K/yr

Principal Engineer Full-time Kalamazoo, MI, US Exclusive confidential search -- details shared with qualified applicants. Benefits You'll Love * Medical coverage including prescription drug benefits

City of Watsonville, CA

Principal Engineer

Watsonville, CA · On-site

$130.16K - $174.43K/yr

The Principal Engineer is embedded in development services; you will ensure projects meet City standards, stormwater/NPDES-LID requirements, and applicable California laws (Subdivision Map Act, CEQA ...

DriveWealth

Principal Engineer

New York, NY

As a Principal Engineer, you will be responsible for leading the design, development, and implementation of our brokerage systems. You will work closely with our engineering team and other ...

THOMSON REUTERS

Principal Engineer

Washington, DC · Hybrid

Principal Engineer Are you inspired by the opportunity to shape the future of AI-driven technology and lead the development of the next generation of high-performance, scalable, reliable, and ...

City of Chicago

PRINCIPAL ENGINEER

Chicago, IL

$109.14K/yr

PRINCIPAL ENGINEER Job Number: 416799 Description BID/JOB ANNOUNCEMENT PRINCIPAL ENGINEER Department of Technology & innovation Delivery Division Number of Positions: 2 (Additional vacancies possible ...

BCI Inc

Principal Engineer

Dahlgren, VA · On-site

Principal Engineers are oftentimes sought out by BCI to serve as Subject Matter Experts in their field on a part-time or as needed basis. BCI's areas of expertise include Human Systems Integration ...

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$147.2K

$212.5K

How much do principal engineer jobs pay per year?

As of May 30, 2026, the average yearly pay for principal engineer in the United States is $147,220.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $118,500.00 and $173,000.00 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.

More about Principal Engineer jobs
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Principal Engineer jobs near you
Infographic showing various Principal Engineer job openings in the United States as of May 2026, with employment types broken down into 83% Full Time, 8% Part Time, and 9% Contract. Highlights an 75% Physical, 8% Hybrid, and 17% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $147,220 per year, or $70.8 per hour.
Principal Engineer

Principal Engineer

Sunbelt Solomon

Solomon, KS • On-site

Full-time

Posted 24 days ago

Sunbelt Solomon rating

7.6

Company rating: 7.6 out of 10

Based on 14 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

76th of 139 rated vehicle equipment hire

Job description

Description
The Principal Engineer role offers the opportunity to lead complex transformer design projects from concept through production, working at the intersection of engineering innovation, manufacturing excellence, and customer-driven solutions. You'll develop custom designs for distribution-class and power-class transformers, ensuring they meet customer specifications, industry standards, and internal engineering requirements. You'll play a key role across the full engineering lifecycle-design, documentation, manufacturing support, testing, optimization, and continuous improvement-while serving as a technical leader and problem-solver for cross-functional teams.
This is anonsite position, and the ideal candidate will be within commuting distance of one of our four primary facilities located in Temple, TX; Solomon, KS; Sharon, PA or Spokane, WA. Business travel for this role is expected to be 30% to our various manufacturing facilities across the US.
What You'll Do
  • Develop custom designs for distribution and power-class transformers that meet customer requirements, IEEE/ANSI standards, and internal engineering procedures.
  • Prepare engineering documentation, including Bills of Materials (BOMs), drawings, and material quotations for Purchasing, Sales, Manufacturing, and Test teams.
  • Support manufacturing and testing activities by responding to production questions, customer service inquiries, and factory test follow-ups.
  • Drive continuous improvement initiatives, including design optimization and aluminum-conductor strategies (such as transitioning to aluminum round wire).
  • Lead the development and implementation of Large Power Class Substation Transformers (138 kV, 650 BIL).
  • Analyze new proposals, specifications, and product concepts to determine feasibility and engineering requirements.
  • Apply advanced engineering principles to plan, coordinate, and recommend solutions for complex technical challenges.
  • Monitor production schedules and manage engineering workload to ensure deadlines are met.
  • Evaluate and process engineering change requests; revise and reissue production files as needed.
  • Support inventory reduction efforts by ensuring proper use of surplus or obsolete materials.
  • Review and approve new vendors based on technical suitability and product quality.
  • Provide engineered solutions, assist with troubleshooting, and summarize findings for root-cause investigations.
  • Promote and uphold safe engineering and manufacturing practices across all processes.

Requirements
  • Bachelor's degree in electrical engineering.
  • 5+ years of experience for Principal Engineer level (advanced degrees count as one additional year).
  • Proven design experience with distribution or power transformers.
  • Experience with industrial power products and helical power designs.
  • Proficiency with Microsoft Office (Excel, Word, PowerPoint) and AutoCAD.
  • Ability to read drawings, technical documents, and detailed instructions.
  • Strong written and verbal communication skills for small-group or one-on-one settings.
  • Ability to apply sound engineering judgment to solve problems with concrete variables in standardized situations.

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