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Principal Lead Engineer Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Sr Principal Lead Engineer

$104K - $138K/yr

The Role The Lead Engineer serves as a front-line technical leader and supervisor, accountable for the successful technical implementation and quality of advanced real-time SCADA solutions within ...

Sr Principal Lead Engineer

Medina, MN · On-site

$154K - $192K/yr

The Role The Lead Engineer serves as a front-line technical leader and supervisor, accountable for the successful technical implementation and quality of advanced real-time SCADA solutions within ...

Sr Principal Lead Engineer

Medina, MN · On-site

$154K - $192K/yr

The Role The Lead Engineer serves as a front-line technical leader and supervisor, accountable for the successful technical implementation and quality of advanced real-time SCADA solutions within ...

Sr. Principal Lead Engineer

Medina, MN · On-site

$154K - $192K/yr

The Role The Lead Engineer serves as a front-line technical leader and supervisor, accountable for the successful technical implementation and quality of advanced real-time SCADA solutions within ...

Lead photolithography development execution and ensure high-quality wafer flow and data * Manage and develop engineers across shifts through coaching and mentoring * Drive operational performance ...

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Showing results 1-20

Principal Lead Engineer information

See salary details

$74K

$147.2K

$212.5K

How much do principal lead engineer jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 20, 2026, the average yearly pay for principal lead 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 lead engineer?

A Principal Lead Engineer is a senior-level engineering professional responsible for leading complex technical projects and providing strategic direction within an organization. They typically oversee engineering teams, set technical standards, mentor other engineers, and ensure that projects align with business goals. Principal Lead Engineers often collaborate with stakeholders across departments, contribute to architectural decisions, and play a key role in innovation and problem-solving. Their expertise is critical in driving technical excellence and delivering high-impact solutions.

How does a principal lead engineer balance hands-on technical work with leadership responsibilities?

As a Principal Lead Engineer, you are expected to split your time between high-level technical contributions and guiding the engineering team. This often involves architecting solutions, performing code reviews, and mentoring team members, while also collaborating closely with product managers and stakeholders to align technical direction with business goals. Effective time management and strong communication skills are essential to ensure both project delivery and team development. Many Principal Leads find themselves acting as a bridge between senior management and the engineering team, facilitating efficient workflows and driving technical excellence.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a principal lead engineer, and why are they important?

To excel as a Principal Lead Engineer, you need deep expertise in engineering principles, systems architecture, and extensive experience in technical leadership, typically backed by a relevant engineering degree. Proficiency in design and development tools, project management software, and industry-standard certifications such as PMP or specific technical credentials is often required. Exceptional communication, mentorship, and problem-solving skills set top candidates apart in leading teams and driving innovation. These abilities are crucial for delivering complex projects efficiently, ensuring technical excellence, and fostering high-performing engineering teams.

What is the difference between Principal Lead Engineer vs Senior Lead Engineer?

AspectPrincipal Lead EngineerSenior Lead Engineer
Required CredentialsBachelor's or Master's in Engineering, extensive experience, professional certifications often preferredBachelor's or Master's in Engineering, significant experience, some certifications
Work EnvironmentStrategic, cross-functional projects, leadership roles, high-level technical decision-makingProject leadership, technical oversight, mentoring teams
Employer & Industry UsageUsed in large corporations, tech, manufacturing, aerospaceCommon in mid to large companies, tech, engineering firms
Search & Comparison IntentHigh-level technical leadership, strategic influenceTechnical project leadership, team management

The Principal Lead Engineer typically holds a higher strategic and organizational role, focusing on long-term technical vision and cross-team leadership. The Senior Lead Engineer is more involved in project execution and team oversight. Both roles require extensive engineering experience, but the Principal Lead Engineer often has broader responsibilities and influence within the organization.

More about Principal Lead Engineer jobs
Infographic showing various Principal Lead Engineer job openings in the United States as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 80% Full Time, and 20% Contract. Highlights an 60% In-person, and 40% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $147,220 per year, or $70.8 per hour.

Principal Lead Engineer

Sensaria Body Care

Morrisville, NC • On-site

$120 - $160/hr

Other

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Posted 15 days ago


Job description

501 Innovation Ave, Morrisville, NC 27560, USA

Job Description

Posted Friday, April 3, 2026 at 4:00 AM

Sensaria is a leader in the Wall Decor and Print-On-Demand industry. We operate 8+ e-commerce storefronts, two business-to-business brands, in-house art creation, and coast-to-coast production facilities. Sensaria brings moments and art to life. We are proud to be a leading innovator in our industry, enabling more for customers - more products, more quality and speed. We are enthusiastic, we think bigger and work hard to unlock opportunity and achieve incredible results.

Where most see a blank canvas, Sensaria sees infinite possibility. The chance to impact the senses and shape a moment in time, realizing a vision of design and decor that can reinvent, renew, and revive. With equal parts passion and operational excellence, Sensaria creates new ways to bring art and memories to life in any space. And through innovation, quality and speed, the company empowers unlimited growth potential for clientele. Enabling more for customers - more efficiency, more creativity, and more moments of inspiration, Sensaria thinks bigger and bolder to unlock opportunity and achieve incredible results together.

Position Overview:

As the Principal Engineer/Lead Platform Architect, you will be responsible for defining and executing the architectural vision for our platform. Your role will emphasize technical leadership, guiding the design and implementation of complex systems, and solving high-impact problems. You will work closely with senior technical stakeholders to ensure our platform architecture aligns with business goals and supports ongoing growth and innovation.

Key Responsibilities:

  • Architectural Design and Strategy:
    • Develop and evolve the platform architecture, focusing on scalability, performance, and resilience.
    • Design and implement complex system components, ensuring they meet both current needs and future demands.
    • Define and maintain architectural standards and guidelines to ensure consistency and quality across the platform.
  • Technical Leadership:
    • Provide expert technical guidance on best practices for system design, coding standards, and integration strategies.
    • Drive architectural decision-making, using a deep understanding of both existing technologies and emerging trends.
    • Evaluate and recommend new technologies and tools to enhance platform capabilities and efficiency.
  • System Performance and Reliability:
    • Monitor and analyze system performance to identify bottlenecks and areas for improvement.
    • Design and implement solutions to enhance system reliability, availability, and disaster recovery.
  • Collaboration and Communication:
    • Work closely with engineering teams to translate architectural designs into actionable development tasks.
    • Communicate complex technical concepts and architectural decisions clearly to both technical and non-technical stakeholders.
    • Partner with product managers and other stakeholders to align architectural solutions with business requirements.
  • Innovation and Problem Solving:
    • Drive continuous improvement by identifying and addressing technical challenges and inefficiencies.
    • Lead efforts to solve high-impact technical problems that affect platform performance and scalability.

Qualifications:

  • Education: Bachelor’s degree in Computer Science, Engineering, or a related field. Advanced degrees or certifications are a plus or equivalent work experience.
  • Experience: 8+ years of experience in software development and architecture, with a strong focus on high-level technical design and system architecture.
  • Skills:
    • Deep expertise in designing and managing scalable, distributed systems and cloud platforms (e.g., AWS, Azure, Google Cloud).
    • Strong proficiency in modern programming languages, frameworks, and technologies relevant to platform development.
    • Advanced problem‑solving skills with the ability to address complex technical challenges effectively.
    • Excellent communication skills, with the ability to convey technical concepts to diverse audiences.
  • Attributes:
    • A strategic thinker with a focus on innovation and long‑term impact.
    • A self‑starter with a passion for technology and a commitment to continuous learning.
    • Prefer a candidate to be based in our Morrisville, NC HQ location, but will consider remote candidates with a willingness to travel to various sites (up to 25%).

Circle Graphics + Sensaria offers a competitive compensation package, which includes vacation days, sick days, paid holidays, paid maternity and paternity leave, paid floating holiday, along with Medical, Dental, Vision, 401K, STD, LTD, Optional Life insurance, and opportunities for professional development.

Circle Graphics + Sensaria is an equal opportunity employer. All applicants will be considered for employment without attention to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, veteran, or disability status, and all other legally required non‑discriminatory categories. We are dedicated to creating an inclusive and collaborative workplace where every team member can thrive.

501 Innovation Ave, Morrisville, NC 27560, USA

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