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Principal Engineering Jobs (NOW HIRING)

GeoSoils Inc

Principal Engineering Geologist

Carlsbad, CA · On-site

$110K - $150K/yr

The Principal Engineering Geologist will lead and oversee site investigations, including planning and executing field work such as subsurface exploration, mapping, preliminary investigations, grading ...

ARM

Principal Engineering Lead

San Jose, CA

The Principal Engineering Lead will be the primary point of contact for our customers' product engineering teams. Your team will assist the customer from prototyping to volume production, solving ...

K2M Design Inc.

Principal - Engineering

Cleveland, OH · On-site

Position Overview The Principal in Charge (PIC) is a key strategic leader within K2M's business team, responsible for strengthening client relationships, guiding project success, and driving business ...

K2M Design Inc.

Principal - Engineering

Cleveland, OH · On-site

Position Overview The Principal in Charge (PIC) is a key strategic leader within K2M's business team, responsible for strengthening client relationships, guiding project success, and driving business ...

K2M Design Inc.

Principal - Engineering

Cleveland, OH · On-site

Position Overview The Principal in Charge (PIC) is a key strategic leader within K2M's business team, responsible for strengthening client relationships, guiding project success, and driving business ...

DevSelect

Engineering Architect

Redmond, WA

The Principal Engineering Architect is responsible for developing and deploying operational tools to support the IT department around Microsoft's System Center suite of tools. The Principal ...

RICK

Principal Engineering Designer

San Diego, CA · On-site

$43.50 - $58.50/hr

As a Principal Engineer Designer in San Diego, CA you will have an opportunity to work with a multi-disciplinary team on meaningful, landmark projects in Southern California. As a RICK team member ...

SSA Marine

Principal Engineering Lead

Long Beach, CA · On-site

$200K - $250K/yr

The Principal Engineering Lead position is responsible for the overall engineering strategy, technical governance, and delivery of all engineering activities for the POLA (Port of Los Angeles) Cruise ...

Microsoft

Principal Engineering Manager

Redmond, WA · On-site

... Principal Software Engineering Manager, your responsibilities will include: • Lead, grow, and coach a diverse and inclusive team of engineers to thrive in the fast-changing world of AI. • Set ...

Microsoft

Principal Engineering Manager

Redmond, WA · On-site

$220K - $331K/yr

The team is looking for an action-oriented Principal Engineering Manager who will expand the scope of our governance and provisioning products across human/non-human identities accessing applications ...

RICK

Principal Engineering Designer

San Luis Obispo, CA · On-site

$43.50 - $55.50/hr

As a Principal Engineering Designer in San Luis Obispo, CA you will have an opportunity to work with a multi-disciplinary team on meaningful, landmark projects in the San Luis Obispo region. As a ...

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Principal Engineering information

See salary details

$36.5K

$109.4K

$182K

How much do principal engineering jobs pay per year?

As of Jun 26, 2026, the average yearly pay for principal engineering in the United States is $109,393.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $85,000.00 and $125,000.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What engineers make $500,000?

Senior engineers in specialized fields such as software engineering, data engineering, or systems architecture can earn $500,000 or more annually, especially with experience, advanced skills, and leadership roles. High compensation often includes base salary, bonuses, and stock options, particularly in technology companies or startups with significant growth potential.

What engineers make $300,000 a year?

Senior engineering roles such as Principal Engineers, Software Architects, and Engineering Managers often have salaries reaching or exceeding $300,000 annually, especially in high-demand industries like technology, finance, and aerospace. These positions typically require extensive experience, advanced technical skills, and often involve leadership responsibilities or specialized expertise in areas like cloud computing, AI, or cybersecurity.

What does a principal engineer do?

A principal engineer is a senior technical leader responsible for designing and overseeing complex engineering projects, setting technical standards, and guiding engineering teams. They often have deep expertise in their field, use tools like design software, and may influence product development strategies. Their role involves both technical problem-solving and leadership to ensure project success.

What job makes $10,000 a month without a degree?

Principal engineering roles typically require a degree, but high-paying jobs without a degree include roles like software developers, sales managers, or skilled trades such as electricians and plumbers, especially with experience and certifications. These positions can reach or exceed $10,000 per month through expertise, certifications, and performance, often in technology, sales, or specialized trades.

What is the difference between Principal Engineering vs Senior Engineering?

AspectPrincipal EngineeringSenior Engineering
Required CredentialsBachelor's or Master's in Engineering, extensive experience, often professional certificationsBachelor's or Master's in Engineering, several years of experience
Work EnvironmentStrategic, cross-team leadership, high-level project oversightTechnical execution, project development, team collaboration
Employer & Industry UsageUsed in large organizations, tech firms, engineering consultanciesCommon across industries, startups, mid-sized companies
Search & Comparison IntentUnderstanding senior technical leadership rolesTechnical expertise and project contribution

Principal Engineering roles focus on strategic leadership, cross-team coordination, and high-level project oversight, often requiring extensive experience and advanced credentials. Senior Engineering positions are more hands-on, emphasizing technical skills, project execution, and team collaboration. While both roles are vital in engineering organizations, Principal Engineers typically operate at a higher strategic level compared to Senior Engineers.

More about Principal Engineering jobs
What job categories do people searching Principal Engineering jobs look for? The top searched job categories for Principal Engineering jobs are:
Principal Engineering jobs near you
Infographic showing various Principal Engineering job openings in the United States as of June 2026, with employment types broken down into 94% Full Time, 2% Part Time, 3% Contract, and 1% Nights. Highlights an 93% Physical, 2% Hybrid, and 5% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $109,393 per year, or $52.6 per hour.
Principal Engineering Designer

Principal Engineering Designer

RICK ENGINEERING COMPANY

San Luis Obispo, CA • On-site

$43.50 - $55.50/hr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement

Posted 19 days ago

Job description

If you are looking for a place to grow your career and make a difference – RICK is the place for you!

As a Principal Engineering Designer in San Luis Obispo, CA you will have an opportunity to work with a multi-disciplinary team on meaningful, landmark projects in the San Luis Obispo region. As a RICK team member, you will help clients and communities turn their dreams into reality. You will learn from and work alongside industry-leading experts and together shape the future of tomorrow. At RICK you will find an abundance of opportunities for mentorship, growth, and (of course) fun! Learn more by visiting www.rickengineering.com

Qualifications


Candidate will have BSCE plus four (4) years' experience in land development or the equivalent work experience of 8 years.

Experience must include:

  • Ability to prepare grading and public improvement plans from conceptual design to final documents to support residential, multi-family / mixed use and corporate campus development
  • As well as preparation and processing of technical studies and site plans to obtain entitlements for land development projects

Must have knowledge of:

  • Jurisdictional codes, standards & procedures preferably in the San Diego area
  • AutoCAD or MicroStation/CADD experience desirable


What We Offer

  • Additional compensation offered with overtime and bonus potential.
  • Generous Benefits Package
  • Medical, Dental, Vision, Profit Sharing, 401K, and Life and Disability Insurance and Personal Leave
  • Company Events
  • Holiday Parties, Team Building Activities and Events


RICK Engineering Company is an Equal Opportunity Employer


Rick's employees are protected by laws designed to protect employees from discrimination on the basis of race, religion, color, sex, pregnancy, gender identity, sexual orientation, parental status, national origin, age, disability, family medical history or genetic information, political affiliation, military service, or any other non-merit based factor. These protections extend to all management practices and decisions, including recruitment and hiring practices, appraisal systems, promotions, and training and career development programs. Rick's employees are also protected against retaliation if they engage in a protected activity, whistleblowing, or the exercise of any appeal or grievance right provided by law.