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Principal Engineer Jobs (NOW HIRING)

City of Menifee

Principal Engineer (Traffic)

Menifee, CA · On-site

$137K - $176K/yr

CAREER DESCRIPTION Principal Engineer (Traffic) OPEN TO THE PUBLIC This recruitment is being held to establish an open eligible list to fill current and future Principal Engineer (Traffic) positions.

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 ...

Materials Sciences LLC

Principal Engineer

Horsham, PA · On-site

We are seeking an experienced and highly skilled professional to join our MSC team as Principal Engineer . This individual will serve as a Subject Matter Expert (SME) within the technical arena ...

2K

Principal Engineer

Los Angeles, CA · On-site

Coach Principal Engineers and Tech Leads to foster a culture of technical rigor and continuous improvement. • Risk Management: Identify and mitigate technical debt, performance bottlenecks, and ...

Materials Sciences LLC

Principal Engineer

Horsham, PA · On-site

We are seeking an experienced and highly skilled professional to join our MSC team as Principal Engineer . This individual will serve as a Subject Matter Expert (SME) within the technical arena ...

Skydance

Principal Engineer

Austin, TX · On-site +1

$217K - $246K/yr

The Principal Engineer plays a critical role in driving innovation and ensuring that the organization stays at the forefront of technology trends. This role does not manage or have direct reports or ...

Wood Rodgers

Principal Engineer

Sacramento, CA

$126K - $158K/yr

Wood Rodgers, a leading engineering consulting firm, is hiring a Principal Engineer to join our Geotechnical Department. In this role, you'll work on a wide range of projects including work related ...

KORE1 Technologies

Principal Engineer

Denver, CO · Remote

This Principal Engineer will lead the design and implementation of these AI-driven systems while also shaping the broader architectural direction of the platform. This is a highly hands-on technical ...

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All JobsPrincipal Engineer Jobs

Principal Engineer information

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$74K

$147.2K

$212.5K

How much do principal engineer jobs pay per year?

As of Jun 26, 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 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.
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Principal Engineer jobs near you
Infographic showing various Principal Engineer job openings in the United States as of June 2026, with employment types broken down into 89% Full Time, 3% Part Time, 1% Temporary, and 7% Contract. Highlights an 93% Physical, 2% Hybrid, and 5% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $147,220 per year, or $70.8 per hour.
Principal Engineer / Sr. Principal Engineer - Structural Design

Principal Engineer / Sr. Principal Engineer - Structural Design

Northrop Grumman Corporation

Whiteman Air Force Base, MO • On-site

$116K - $213K/yr

Full-time

Medical, Life, PTO

Posted 22 days ago

Northrop Grumman rating

8.1

Company rating: 8.1 out of 10

Based on 342 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

108th of 520 rated manufacturers

Job description

RELOCATION ASSISTANCE: Relocation assistance may be availableCLEARANCE REQUIRED FOR START: YesCLEARANCE TYPE: SecretTRAVEL: Yes, 10% of the TimeDescriptionAt Northrop Grumman, our employees have incredible opportunities to work on revolutionary systems that impact people's lives around the world today, and for generations to come. Our pioneering and inventive spirit has enabled us to be at the forefront of many technological advancements in our nation's history - from the first flight across the Atlantic Ocean, to stealth bombers, to landing on the moon. We look for people who have bold new ideas, courage and a pioneering spirit to join forces to invent the future, and have fun along the way. Our culture thrives on intellectual curiosity, cognitive diversity and bringing your whole self to work - and we have an insatiable drive to do what others think is impossible. Our employees are not only part of history, they're making history.

Please note that this opportunity is contingent on program funding. Start dates are determined after funding confirmation.

Northrop Grumman Aeronautics Systems has an opening for an Principal Engineer Structural Design / Sr. Principal Engineer Structural Design.The position is based in Oklahoma City, OK; Palmdale, CA; or Whiteman AFB, MO.

Essential Functions:

  • Work in a high-paced team environment to support program goals and schedule.

  • Develop solutions to difficult problems that are thorough, imaginative, practical, and consistent with program objectives.

  • Provide MRB dispositions for primary and secondary structures.

  • Evaluate as-built products for conformity to standards, procedures, and specifications.

  • Clearly communicate and coordinate with other disciplines during the development of design solutions.

  • Present and explain structural issues and solutions to internal management and customer representatives concisely.

  • Utilize computer-aided design (CAD) equipment and technical applications such as CATIA and Teamcenter.

  • Develop layouts, sketches, and blueprints and investigate design factors such as damage tolerance, durability, design allowables, and structural modeling.

  • Identify design errors or deficiencies and make recommendations for changes.

This position can be filled at an Principal Engineer Structural Design / Sr. Principal Engineer Structural Design level.

Basic Qualifications:

  • Principal Engineer level : Bachelors in Science, Technology, Engineering or Math (STEM) and a minimum of 5 years of experience in Aerospace structural design OR an MS degree in STEM with 3 years of related experience

  • Senior Principal Engineer level: Bachelors in Science, Technology, Engineering or Math (STEM) and a minimum of 8 years of experience in Aerospace structural design OR an MS degree in STEM with 6 years of related experience OR a PhD in STEM and 0 years of related experience

  • This position requires the ability to obtain and maintain a DOD Secret or Top Secret Clearance as well as Program Special Access within a reasonable period of time, as determined by the company to meet its business needs.

  • Experience in the design of bonded composite primary and secondary aircraft structures.

  • High level of proficiency using Unigraphics Nx or CATIA V5 in the development of aircraft structures and components

Preferred Qualifications:

  • Active in-scope Secret or Top Secret clearance (last investigation within 5 years).

  • Experience working on Special Access Programs.

  • Experience working on military aircraft.

  • 5 years or more aerospace structural design experience using CATIA.

Primary Level Salary Range: $93,300.00 - $171,000.00Secondary Level Salary Range: $116,300.00 - $213,400.00The above salary range represents a general guideline; however, Northrop Grumman considers a number of factors when determining base salary offers such as the scope and responsibilities of the position and the candidate's experience, education, skills and current market conditions.Depending on the position, employees may be eligible for overtime, shift differential, and a discretionary bonus in addition to base pay. Annual bonuses are designed to reward individual contributions as well as allow employees to share in company results. Employees in Vice President or Director positions may be eligible for Long Term Incentives. In addition, Northrop Grumman provides a variety of benefits including health insurance coverage, life and disability insurance, savings plan, Company paid holidays and paid time off (PTO) for vacation and/or personal business.The application period for the job is estimated to be 20 days from the job posting date. However, this timeline may be shortened or extended depending on business needs and the availability of qualified candidates.Northrop Grumman is an Equal Opportunity Employer, making decisions without regard to race, color, religion, creed, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, marital status, national origin, age, veteran status, disability, or any other protected class. For our complete EEO and pay transparency statement, please visit http://www.northropgrumman.com/EEO. U.S. Citizenship is required for all positions with a government clearance and certain other restricted positions.

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About Northrop Grumman

Sourced by ZipRecruiter

At Northrop Grumman, our employees have incredible opportunities to work on revolutionary systems that impact people's lives around the world today, and for generations to come. Our pioneering and inventive spirit has enabled us to be at the forefront of many technological advancements in our nation's history - from the first flight across the Atlantic Ocean, to stealth bombers, to landing on the moon. We look for people who have bold new ideas, courage and a pioneering spirit to join forces to invent the future, and have fun along the way. Our culture thrives on intellectual curiosity, cognitive diversity and bringing your whole self to work - and we have an insatiable drive to do what others think is impossible.

Industry

Space research administration

Company size

10,000+ Employees

Headquarters location

Falls Church, VA, US

Year founded

1939

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