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Principal Engineering Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Job Summary Reporting to an Engineering leader, the Principal Engineering Program Manager is responsible for driving the planning, coordination, execution, and delivery of complex engineering ...

Deliver quality work, and adhere to the Operating System Requirements (OSR) Initiate and maintain contacts with engineering and management for staffing of projects and support positions Develop ...

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Join Adobe as a Principal Engineering Program Manager and play a pivotal role in our Adobe Unified Platform organization, leading key initiatives to meet strategic and operational objectives for our ...

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Principal Engineering information

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$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
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.
Senior/Principal Steward for Engineering Standards

Senior/Principal Steward for Engineering Standards

Genentech

Holly Springs, GA • On-site

$116K - $160K/yr

Full-time

Posted 6 days ago


Genentech rating

8.8

Company rating: 8.8 out of 10

Based on 22 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

10th of 73 rated pharmaceutical


Job description

This role is a critical part of our Engineering team which is dedicated to ensuring technical consistency, regulatory compliance, and operational efficiency across all manufacturing and capital projects. As a Senior/Principal Engineering Standards Steward, you will serve as the custodian and strategic driver of our organization's technical specifications, design guidelines, and standard operating procedures-bridging cross-functional teams to embed best practices and prevent over-engineering that inflates costs. Working collaboratively with Subject Matter Experts, Quality, EHS, Operations, and external partners, you will champion the adoption and continuous improvement of engineering standards that enable innovation while maintaining the highest standards of GMP compliance and Lean optimization.

The Opportunity

As the Senior/Principal Engineering Standards Steward, you will own the complete lifecycle of our technical standards portfolio-from creation and validation through implementation and continuous refinement-while serving as the primary advisor and custodian ensuring alignment across all engineering disciplines and projects. Key responsibilities include:

  • Establish and manage the central repository for all engineering standards (Mechanical, Electrical, Process, Automation, etc.) with clear version control and change history

  • Drive standards relevance and currency through a formal review cadence that monitors industry trends and regulatory changes, triggering timely SME input to prevent obsolescence

  • Lead end-to-end implementation strategies for new or revised standards, including development of training materials, e-learning resources, user guides, and facilitation of workshops to ensure seamless adoption across projects and operations

  • Challenge over-engineering and gold-plating by partnering with project teams and SMEs to justify high-cost specifications and ensure standards reflect "fitness for purpose" rather than maximalist designs

  • Translate field feedback into continuous improvement by facilitating lessons-learned sessions, performing root-cause analysis, and iteratively refining standards to prevent recurring mistakes

  • Align standards with GMP requirements in close partnership with Quality, ensuring regulatory compliance without unnecessary bureaucratic layers

  • Resolve complex technical obstacles through workshops, design reviews, and consensus-building across SMEs, with the authority to escalate and document trade-offs that support project momentum

Who You Are

Requirements for Senior:

  • Bachelor's or Master's Degree in Mechanical, Chemical, or Process Engineering with 5+ years of hands-on experience in Pharmaceutical/Life Sciences capital projects, manufacturing operations, or engineering environments

  • Proven matrix leadership and stakeholder influencing capability, with the ability to build consensus among senior SMEs, challenge over-engineering constructively, and navigate cross-functional decision-making with minimal escalation

  • Demonstrated expertise in Lean Six Sigma, Agile methodologies, or continuous improvement frameworks, with a structured, analytical mindset and strong quality orientation

  • Exceptional communication, facilitation, and organizational skills, with the ability to translate complex technical concepts into clear guidance, FAQs, and user-centric documentation for diverse audiences

  • Independent and self-directed working style with proficiency in English (written and spoken); additional languages such as German or Mandarin are a plus

Requirements for Principal:

  • Bachelor's or Master's Degree in Mechanical, Chemical, or Process Engineering with 8+ years of hands-on experience in Pharmaceutical/Life Sciences capital projects, manufacturing operations, or engineering environments

  • Advanced matrix leadership and strategic stakeholder influencing capability, with proven ability to build consensus among C-level and senior SME stakeholders, challenge over-engineering at enterprise scale, navigate complex cross-functional decision-making with autonomy, and mentor junior engineers in standards governance and technical leadership

  • Demonstrated expertise in Lean Six Sigma, Agile methodologies, and continuous improvement frameworks, combined with a strategic analytical mindset, strong quality orientation, and quantifiable track record of driving cost reduction and efficiency gains through standards optimization

  • Exceptional communication, facilitation, and organizational excellence, with the ability to translate complex technical concepts into enterprise-wide guidance, develop strategic communication roadmaps for standards rollout, create comprehensive training curricula, and influence organizational behavior change across geographically dispersed teams

  • Proven strategic advisory capability with the ability to assess emerging technologies and regulatory landscapes, establish forward-looking standards strategies, and position the organization ahead of industry trends

  • Independent and self-directed working style with complete fluency in English (written and spoken); proficiency in German, Mandarin, or other key operational languages is strongly preferred for global stakeholder engagement

  • Track record of building and leading standards governance frameworks or technical communities of practice, with experience managing complex organizational change, resolving high-stakes technical disputes, and translating strategic directives into operational standards

The expected salary range for this position based on the primary location of Oregon for the Senior is $90,600 - $168,200 and the Principal is $109,900 - $204,100. Actual pay will be determined based on experience, qualifications, geographic location, and other job-related factors permitted by law. A discretionary annual bonus may be available based on individual and Company performance. This position also qualifies for the benefits detailed in this link.
This is an on-site position; no remote options are available at this time.
Relocation benefits are not approved for this posting.

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Genentech is an equal opportunity employer. It is our policy and practice to employ, promote, and otherwise treat any and all employees and applicants on the basis of merit, qualifications, and competence. The company's policy prohibits unlawful discrimination, including but not limited to, discrimination on the basis of Protected Veteran status, individuals with disabilities status, and consistent with all federal, state, or local laws.

If you have a disability and need an accommodation in relation to the online application process, please contact us by completing this form Accommodations for Applicants.


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About Genentech

Sourced by ZipRecruiter

A member of the Roche Group, Genentech has been at the forefront of the biotechnology industry for more than 40 years, using human genetic information to develop novel medicines for serious and life-threatening diseases. Genentech has multiple therapies on the market for cancer & other serious illnesses. Please take this opportunity to learn about Genentech where we believe that our employees are our most important asset & are dedicated to remaining a great place to work.

Industry

Scientific research and development services

Company size

10,000+ Employees

Headquarters location

South San Francisco, CA, US

Year founded

1976

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