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Principal Lead Engineer Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Westinghouse Electric Company LLC

$70 - $80/hr

Opportunity for Senior/Principal Lead Engineer working remote. You will report to the Manager of Operations. Key Responsibilities: Westinghouse is looking for a Commercial Grade Dedication (CGD ...

SAIC

Principal Lead Software Engineer

Colorado Springs, CO · On-site +1

$160K - $200K/yr

ORA_ON_SITE Description SAIC is seeking an experienced Principal Lead Software Engineer onsite in Colorado Springs, CO to serve as the Software Lead for multiple mission-critical software ...

ST Engineering

SAP Principal Lead

Baltimore, MD · On-site

$135K - $170K/yr

Who YOU are and what YOU can become We are seeking an experienced SAP Principal Lead specializing ... Who WE are and where WE are going At ST Engineering MRAS, our employees have amazing opportunities ...

Ciklum

Agentic Principal Lead Consultant

We are a custom product engineering company that supports both multinational organizations and ... As an Agentic Principal Lead Consultant, become a part of a cross-functional development team ...

SAIC

Principal Lead Software Engineer

Colorado Springs, CO · On-site

$160K - $200K/yr

SAIC is seeking an experienced Principal Lead Software Engineer onsite in Colorado Springs, CO to serve as the Software Lead for multiple mission-critical software development projects. Reporting ...

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Principal Lead Engineer information

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$74K

$147.2K

$212.5K

How much do principal lead engineer jobs pay per year?

As of Sep 13, 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

What are popular job titles related to Principal Lead Engineer jobs?

For Principal Lead Engineer jobs, the most frequently searched job titles are:

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.

Dry Etch MDE Principal Lead Engineer

Boise, ID

Micron
Semiconductor and Electronic Component Manufacturing • 10K+ employees
Learn more about Micronexternal

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, PTO

Re-posted 3 days ago

Micron Technology rating

8.6

Company rating: 8.6 out of 10

Based on 43 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

Job description

Our vision is to transform how the world uses information to enrich life for all.

Micron Technology is a world leader in innovating memory and storage solutions that accelerate the transformation of information into intelligence, inspiring the world to learn, communicate and advance faster than ever.

Job Description

We are part of Micron's Technology Development organization, driving dry etch innovation for next-generation DRAM. Our Manufacturing Development Engineering team enables fast learning cycles and strong execution through hands-on work in a 24/7 development environment. We partner across process, integration, and manufacturing to turn ideas into scalable technology and build the next generation of technical leaders!
This role combines people leadership, operations ownership, and deep dry etch expertise. You will lead a team across shifts, guide development execution, and remove barriers to accelerate learning and delivery. The position offers broad impact across technology development, strong visibility, and the opportunity to shape both people and process outcomes.
Responsibilities:
  • Lead dry etch development execution and ensure efficient wafer flow and data quality
  • Manage and develop engineers across shifts through coaching and mentorship
  • Drive operational performance including cycle time, tool readiness, and execution metrics
  • Partner with process, integration, and manufacturing teams to resolve issues
  • Improve systems and workflows to increase development throughput
Minimum Qualifications:
  • Bachelor's degree in engineering or equivalent semiconductor experience
  • Experience in dry etch process development and plasma fundamentals
  • Demonstrated leadership in a technical or manufacturing environment
  • Strong problem-solving and communication skills
  • Ability to manage execution across multiple teams and priorities
Preferred Qualifications:
  • PhD or MS with 5+ years, or BS with 10+ years of semiconductor experience
  • In-depth knowledge of plasma dry etch technology and chemistries
  • Experience in shift-based manufacturing or development environments
  • Strong cross-functional collaboration and mentoring experience
  • Experience Leveraging Artificial Intelligence to improve engineering workflows

As a world leader in the semiconductor industry, Micron is dedicated to your personal wellbeing and professional growth. Micron benefits are designed to help you stay well, provide peace of mind and help you prepare for the future. We offer a choice of medical, dental and vision plans in all locations enabling team members to select the plans that best meet their family healthcare needs and budget. Micron also provides benefit programs that help protect your income if you are unable to work due to illness or injury, and paid family leave. Additionally, Micron benefits include a robust paid time-off program and paid holidays. For additional information regarding the Benefit programs available, please see the Benefits Guide posted on micron.com/careers/benefits.

Micron is proud to be an equal opportunity workplace and is an affirmative action employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, age, national origin, citizenship status, disability, protected veteran status, gender identity or any other factor protected by applicable federal, state, or local laws.

To learn about your right to work click here.

To learn more about Micron, please visit micron.com/careers

For US Sites Only: To request assistance with the application process and/or for reasonable accommodations, please contact Micron's People Organization at hrsupport_na@micron.com or 1-800-336-8918 (select option #3)

Micron Prohibits the use of child labor and complies with all applicable laws, rules, regulations, and other international and industry labor standards.

Micron does not charge candidates any recruitment fees or unlawfully collect any other payment from candidates as consideration for their employment with Micron.

AI alert: Candidates are encouraged to use AI tools to enhance their resume and/or application materials. However, all information provided must be accurate and reflect the candidate's true skills and experiences. Misuse of AI to fabricate or misrepresent qualifications will result in immediate disqualification.

Fraud alert: Micron advises job seekers to be cautious of unsolicited job offers and to verify the authenticity of any communication claiming to be from Micron by checking the official Micron careers website in the About Micron Technology, Inc.

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