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Principal Engineer Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Wood Rodgers

Principal Engineer

Sacramento, CA · On-site

$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 · On-site

$220K - $250K/yr

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 ...

Milwaukee Tool

Principal Engineer

Milwaukee, WI · On-site

Principal Engineer Principal Design Engineer - L & L INNOVATE WITHOUT BOUNDARIES! At Milwaukee Tool we firmly believe that our People and our Culture are the secrets to our success - so we give you ...

Skydance

Principal Engineer

Seattle, WA · Remote

$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 ...

Skydance

Principal Engineer

Austin, TX · Hybrid

$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 ...

Skydance

Principal Engineer

Santa Monica, CA · Remote

$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 ...

Skydance

Principal Engineer

Austin, TX · Remote

$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

Roseville, CA · On-site

$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 ...

Thomson Reuters

Principal Engineer

Eagan, MN · On-site

Principal Engineer CoCounsel is our most advanced AI offering to date - combining generative and agentic AI capabilities to help legal professionals move beyond prompting and start delegating. As a ...

THOMSON REUTERS

Principal Engineer

Eagan, MN · Hybrid

Principal Engineer CoCounsel is our most advanced AI offering to date - combining generative and agentic AI capabilities to help legal professionals move beyond prompting and start delegating. As a ...

THOMSON REUTERS

Principal Engineer

New York, NY · Hybrid

Principal Engineer CoCounsel is our most advanced AI offering to date - combining generative and agentic AI capabilities to help legal professionals move beyond prompting and start delegating. As a ...

Stratus Team LLC

Principal Engineer

Tampa, FL · On-site

The Role The Principal Engineer (PE) is responsible for providing senior-level technical leadership on engineering projects. This role focuses on leading the design, analysis, and construction of ...

Stratus Team LLC

Principal Engineer

Miami, FL · On-site

The Role The Principal Engineer (PE) is responsible for providing senior-level technical leadership on engineering projects. This role focuses on leading the design, analysis, and construction of ...

Stratus Team LLC

Principal Engineer

Richmond, VA · On-site

The Role The Principal Engineer (PE) is responsible for providing senior-level technical leadership on engineering projects. This role focuses on leading the design, analysis, and construction of ...

Stratus Team LLC

Principal Engineer

Richmond, VA · On-site

The Role The Principal Engineer (PE) is responsible for providing senior-level technical leadership on engineering projects. This role focuses on leading the design, analysis, and construction of ...

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 ...

Skydance

Principal Engineer

Seattle, WA · Hybrid

$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 ...

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All JobsPrincipal Engineer Jobs

Principal Engineer information

See salary details

$74K

$147.2K

$212.5K

How much do principal engineer jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 6, 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.

How much do principal engineers get paid?

Principal engineers typically earn between $120,000 and $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 their compensation package.

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.
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 July 2026, with employment types broken down into 96% Full Time, 1% Part Time, and 3% Contract. Highlights an 87% Physical, 5% Hybrid, and 8% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $147,220 per year, or $70.8 per hour.

Principal Engineer

Wood Rodgers

Sacramento, CA • On-site

$126K - $158K/yr

Full-time

Re-posted 18 days ago

Job description

Description
Are you a dynamic leader seeking a career where you can expand business opportunities, foster a positive working environment, manage projects successfully, and enhance employee relations? Do you possess flexibility, proactivity, approachability, a knack for problem-solving, and a good sense of humor? If so, you’ve found the right place!
 
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 to water resource focused projects (dams, levees, canals, pump stations, pipes), landslides, commercial, industrial, transportation, and public works.
This is a Senior Associate, salary, exempt position.

A day in the life as a Wood Rodgers' Principal Engineer
  • Develop and maintain internal and external client relationships, including project and non-project related face-to-face meetings.
  • Prepare scope and fee estimates in response to requests for proposals
  • Develop and execute services and analyses indicated in project scopes.
  • Perform engineering analysis using company and industry methodologies and standards.
  • Provide work direction and training for engineering staff in exploration, sampling, laboratory testing, analysis, and report writing.
  • Plan and execute field investigation programs.
  • Prepare geotechnical documents, including reports and technical memorandums.
  • Review of PS&E packages for compliance with the project’s geotechnical report requirements.
A note on salary pay ranges
The range does not reflect geographic variations and may fluctuate above or below the stated amount. Offers will be based on several factors, including experience, education, skills, licensure, certifications, training, and location. Base pay is just one part of the comprehensive compensation package offered by Wood Rodgers. If you feel you meet the requirements but may be outside of the pay range, please apply anyway and let’s talk through it. 

Qualifications & Skills
  • Bachelor in Engineering (BS) in Civil Engineering/Geology.
  • Master’s degree (MS) in Geotechnical Engineering/Geology (preferred). 
  • Professional Engineer in California (PE required in addition to GE/CEG/PG preferred). 
  • Ideally 15+ years of experience in performing work as a geotechnical engineer, including extensive experience in planning and executing field investigation programs, geotechnical analysis, and preparation of technical reports.
  • Project and client management along with managing and directing staff. 
  • Familiarity with software for performing analysis including seepage, slope stability, seismic hazard assessment, liquefaction, settlement, pavement design, and deep foundations. 

How we elevate your game
Joining Wood Rodgers comes with perks to support you in your personal and professional journey.
  • A Unique Culture: We’re an engineering firm that feels refreshingly different. As inventors who ask, “why not?”, our leadership empowers employees to grow, challenge conventions, and develop creative solutions. We host grand parties, offer surprise days off, and consistently reinvest in our employees rather than focusing solely on corporate profits. While these perks contribute to our vibrant culture, it's the remarkable people at the heart of it all - individuals who are passionate about learning, teaching, helping, and collaborating.
  • Teamwork: Experience what it means to be part of the Wood Rodgers family. Be inspired by your leaders, supported and encouraged by your teammates to live a full and exciting life, and receive holistic support in your work and personal endeavors. Visit our website or follow us on social media @woodrodgersinc to get a glimpse of our dynamic community!
  • Learning + Development: Engage in leadership development programs and goal setting to unlock new possibilities for your career and life. Grow within the company through mentorship and achieve your potential as a leader from the moment you’re hired.