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Principal Lead Engineer Jobs (NOW HIRING)

AIT Global, Inc.

Principal / Lead Engineer

San Jose, CA · On-site

Principal / Lead Engineer Location: San Jose, CA Job Summary: * We are seeking a highly experienced Principal/Lead Engineer to drive the architecture, development, * integration, and delivery of PCIe ...

The AES Group

Principal / Lead Engineer

San Jose, CA · On-site

Principal / Lead Engineer Location: San Jose, CA Let's create our future together at The AES Group! About The AES Group The AES Group is a premier technology and engineering consulting company that ...

Hobbsnews

(EWIS) Principal Lead Engineer for Hybrid eVTOL in Southern California. Summary: Join one of the world's leading innovation teams, developing an R&D hybrid eVTOL project in Southern California as the ...

Micron

Photo MDE Principal Lead Engineer

Boise, ID · On-site

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 ...

Abilitie

Principal/Lead Software Engineer

$138K - $185K/yr

As a Principal Software Engineer, you will lead a small, globally distributed team (primarily in Poland) and report directly to our VP of Engineering. You will guide the design, development, and ...

Abilitie

Principal/Lead Software Engineer

$138K - $185K/yr

As a Principal Software Engineer, you will lead a small, globally distributed team (primarily in Poland) and report directly to our VP of Engineering. You will guide the design, development, and ...

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Principal Lead Engineer information

See salary details

$74K

$147.2K

$212.5K

How much do principal lead engineer jobs pay per year?

As of Sep 11, 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

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Principal Lead Engineer jobs near you
Infographic showing various Principal Lead Engineer job openings in the United States as of September 2026, with employment types broken down into 88% Full Time, 10% Part Time, and 2% Contract. Highlights an 88% Physical, 3% Hybrid, and 9% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $147,220 per year, or $70.8 per hour.

Principal / Lead Engineer

San Jose, CA • On-site

AIT Global, Inc.
IT Services • 51 - 200 employees
Learn more about AIT Global, Inc.external

Other

This job post has expired 3 days ago. Applications are no longer accepted.

Job description

Job Title: Principal / Lead Engineer
Location: San Jose, CA
Job Summary:
  • We are seeking a highly experienced Principal/Lead Engineer to drive the architecture, development,
  • integration, and delivery of PCIe Gen5/Gen6 subsystems for next-generation SoCs and chiplet-
  • based products. The candidate will lead PCIe Controller, PHY and SerDes integration activities,
  • contribute to Transaction Layer development, and work closely with Architecture, RTL, Verification,
  • DFT, Physical Design, STA, and Silicon Validation teams.
  • The ideal candidate should possess deep expertise in PCIe protocol, high-speed interfaces,
  • subsystem integration, timing closure methodologies, and full ASIC development flow from
  • architecture through silicon bring-up.
Key Responsibilities:
  • Lead development and integration of PCIe Gen5/Gen6 Controller, PHY, and SerDes
  • subsystems.
  • Define subsystem architecture, interface specifications, microarchitecture, and design
  • documentation.
  • Participate in Transaction Layer development and enhancements.
  • Support PCIe/CXL interoperability and advanced features.
  • Drive integration of high-speed PHY and SerDes IPs.
  • Work on:
  • Link training
  • Equalization
  • PLL integration
  • Reference clock architecture
  • PIPE interfaces
  • Lane repair and lane aggregation
  • Collaborate with analog and PHY teams during integration and debug
Work closely with DV teams to:
  • Define comprehensive verification plans.
  • Review UVM-based test environments.
  • Develop assertions and coverage metrics.
  • Support protocol compliance testing.
  • Debug simulation, emulation, FPGA, and post-silicon issues.
Support DFT implementation including:
  • Scan insertion
  • MBIST
  • LBIST
  • JTAG/Boundary Scan
  • At-speed testing
  • Define test requirements for PCIe controller and PHY subsystems.
  • Collaborate with DFT and silicon validation teams to achieve coverage target
  • Develop and maintain subsystem-level SDC constraints for:
  • Synthesis
  • Static Timing Analysis
  • Place & Route
  • Timing signoff
  • Work with PD and STA teams to achieve timing closure.
  • Silicon Bring-Up & Debug
Support:
  • PCIe link training debug
  • Compliance testing
  • Silicon characterization
  • Performance tuning
  • Analyze protocol traces and lab debug logs.
Education:
  • B.E./B.Tech/M.E./M.Tech in Electronics, Electrical Engineering, Computer Engineering, or
  • related discipline. With 10+ years of experience
  • Masters degree preferred for Principal Engineer role.

Apply