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Principal Engineering Jobs (NOW HIRING)

eSimplicity

Principal Engineering Lead

Columbia, MD · On-site

$127K - $170K/yr

Position overview The Principal Engineering Lead will establish and lead engineering operations standards for a large-scale federal data and analytics modernization program, including CI/CD and ...

eSimplicity

Principal Engineering Lead

Columbia, MD

$127K - $170K/yr

Position overview The Principal Engineering Lead will establish and lead engineering operations standards for a large-scale federal data and analytics modernization program, including CI/CD and ...

eSimplicity

Principal Engineering Lead

Columbia, MD · On-site

$127K - $170K/yr

Position overview The Principal Engineering Lead will establish and lead engineering operations standards for a large-scale federal data and analytics modernization program, including CI/CD and ...

ARM

Principal Engineering Lead

San Jose, CA · On-site

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 ...

KBR

Principal Engineering Technician

Beavercreek, OH · On-site

Principal Engineering Technician Belong. Connect. Grow. with KBR! KBR's National Security Solutions team provides high-end engineering and advanced technology solutions to our customers in the ...

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 ...

DevSelect

Engineering Architect

Redmond, WA · On-site

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 ...

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 ...

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All JobsPrincipal Engineering Jobs

Principal Engineering information

See salary details

$36.5K

$109.4K

$182K

How much do principal engineering jobs pay per year?

As of Jul 16, 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 $200,000 a year?

Principal engineers, software engineers, and senior engineering managers often earn $200,000 or more annually, especially with extensive experience, advanced skills, and in high-demand industries like technology and aerospace. Compensation can include base salary, bonuses, and stock options, and typically requires strong technical expertise, leadership abilities, and relevant certifications.

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.

What engineers make $500,000 a year?

Principal engineers, especially in high-demand industries like technology, aerospace, or finance, can earn $500,000 or more annually, often including bonuses and stock options. Achieving this level typically requires extensive experience, advanced technical skills, leadership responsibilities, and sometimes working in senior or executive engineering roles.

What does a principal engineer do?

A principal engineer is a senior technical leader responsible for designing and guiding complex engineering projects, setting technical standards, and mentoring engineering teams. They often work on strategic initiatives, collaborate with cross-functional teams, and use advanced tools and methodologies to ensure technical excellence. Strong expertise in engineering principles, problem-solving skills, and experience with relevant technologies are essential for this role.

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 July 2026, with employment types broken down into 94% Full Time, 4% Part Time, and 2% Contract. Highlights an 87% Physical, 3% Hybrid, and 10% 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

Phoenix, AZ • On-site

$37.50 - $47.25/hr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement

Posted 20 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 Engineer Designer in Phoenix, AZ you will have an opportunity to work with a multi-disciplinary team on meaningful, landmark projects in the Phoenix 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 4 years experience in land development plus BSCE or the equivalent work experience of 8 years.
  • Experience must include the ability to take grading plans from conceptual design to final plans, as well as preparation and processing of maps and plans for subdivision and land development projects, including road design, drainage and earthwork calculations.
  • Must have knowledge of jurisdictional codes, standards and procedures preferably in Arizona.
  • AutoCad/Civil 3D experience required.

EIT preferred, ability to obtain AZ PE License within 12 months of hire preferred.

What We Offer

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

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.