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Principal Lead Engineer Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Apex Engineering Group

Lead Engineer

Saint Cloud, MN · On-site

$101K - $133K/yr

Lead Engineers typically report to a senior engineer, sector leader or principal of the firm. Additional responsibilities include general marketing of the firm and various business development ...

Apex Engineering Group

Lead Engineer

Detroit Lakes, MN · On-site

$100K - $131K/yr

Lead Engineers typically report to a senior engineer, sector leader or principal of the firm. Additional responsibilities include general marketing of the firm and various business development ...

Apex Engineering Group

Lead Engineer

Fargo, ND · On-site

$95K - $130K/yr

Lead Engineers typically report to a senior engineer, sector leader or principal of the firm. Additional responsibilities include general marketing of the firm and various business development ...

Apex Engineering Group

Lead Engineer

Dickinson, ND · On-site

$97K - $128K/yr

Lead Engineers typically report to a senior engineer, sector leader or principal of the firm. Additional responsibilities include general marketing of the firm and various business development ...

Apex Engineering Group

Lead Engineer

Bismarck, ND · On-site

$95K - $130K/yr

Lead Engineers typically report to a senior engineer, sector leader or principal of the firm. Additional responsibilities include general marketing of the firm and various business development ...

Apex Engineering Group

Lead Engineer

Detroit Lakes, MN · On-site

$95K - $130K/yr

Lead Engineers typically report to a senior engineer, sector leader or principal of the firm. Additional responsibilities include general marketing of the firm and various business development ...

Apex Engineering Group

Lead Engineer

Minnetonka, MN · On-site

$104K - $137K/yr

Lead Engineers typically report to a senior engineer, sector leader or principal of the firm. Additional responsibilities include general marketing of the firm and various business development ...

Apex Engineering Group

Lead Engineer

Fargo, ND · On-site

$100K - $132K/yr

Lead Engineers typically report to a senior engineer, sector leader or principal of the firm. Additional responsibilities include general marketing of the firm and various business development ...

Apex Engineering Group

Lead Engineer

Dickinson, ND · On-site

$95K - $130K/yr

Lead Engineers typically report to a senior engineer, sector leader or principal of the firm. Additional responsibilities include general marketing of the firm and various business development ...

Apex Engineering Group

Lead Engineer

Bismarck, ND · On-site

$102K - $134K/yr

Lead Engineers typically report to a senior engineer, sector leader or principal of the firm. Additional responsibilities include general marketing of the firm and various business development ...

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All JobsPrincipal Lead Engineer Jobs

Principal Lead Engineer information

See salary details

$74K

$147.2K

$212.5K

How much do principal lead engineer jobs pay per year?

As of Jun 12, 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.

What engineers make $500,000?

Principal Lead Engineers in technology and engineering fields can earn $500,000 or more annually, especially with extensive experience, advanced skills in systems design, and leadership responsibilities. Compensation often includes base salary, bonuses, and stock options, particularly in high-growth companies or executive-level roles.

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.

Can you make $500,000 as an electrical engineer?

Principal Lead Engineers in electrical engineering can potentially earn $500,000 or more annually, especially with extensive experience, advanced certifications, and leadership roles in high-paying industries like aerospace, defense, or energy. Such salaries are typically achieved through senior positions, bonuses, and stock options in large organizations. Entry-level or mid-career electrical engineers usually earn significantly less than this amount.

What is the highest salary for a principal engineer?

The highest salaries for principal engineers can exceed $200,000 annually, especially in high-cost-of-living areas or within large tech companies. Compensation often includes bonuses, stock options, and other benefits, reflecting experience, industry, and location.

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.

What engineers make $300,000 a year?

Principal Lead Engineers, especially in high-demand industries like software, aerospace, and oil and gas, can earn $300,000 or more annually with extensive experience, advanced skills, and leadership responsibilities. Compensation often includes base salary, bonuses, and stock options, particularly in large tech companies or specialized engineering firms.

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.
More about Principal Lead Engineer jobs
What job categories do people searching Principal Lead Engineer jobs look for? The top searched job categories for Principal Lead Engineer jobs are:
Principal Lead Engineer jobs near you
Infographic showing various Principal Lead Engineer job openings in the United States as of June 2026, with employment types broken down into 48% Full Time, 48% Part Time, and 4% Contract. Highlights an 87% Physical, 5% Hybrid, and 8% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $147,220 per year, or $70.8 per hour.
LUT- Principal Construction Support Engineer

LUT- Principal Construction Support Engineer

McDermott

Houston, TX • On-site

Full-time

Posted 15 days ago

Job description

Job Description
We are currently exploring potential candidates for an upcoming role at McDermott. While this position is not yet open for active recruitment, we want to connect with talented individuals who may be interested in future projects with us. If you are passionate about building energy's future and want to be considered when this role becomes available, we encourage you to submit your details.
Job Overview:
The Principal Construction Support Engineer is responsible for interpreting internal or external business issues and recommending best practices They will be tasked with solving complex Construction Support (Eng) -related problems and will work independently with minimal guidance The Principal Construction Support Engineer may be responsible for leading functional teams or projects and is regarded as a specialist in Construction Support (Eng) As such, they must have in-depth expertise in Construction Support (Eng) as well as broad knowledge of the Construction Support (Eng) discipline within the Engineering function.
Responsibilities
Key Tasks and Responsibilities:
  • Perform conceptual, FEED, and detailed analyses and design as per design basis, project specifications, design codes, and standards
  • Apply in-depth skills and broad knowledge of the business to address complex problems and nonstandard situations
  • Prepare clear and accurate detailed design calculations and analyses including design reports and procedures
  • Manage own time to meet objectives and (as Lead Engineer) forecast and plan resource requirements
  • Clearly communicate and explain difficult concepts and persuade others to adopt a point of view
  • When acting as Lead Engineer, in addition:
    • Direct an Engineering team as a Lead Engineer
    • Lead the Discipline engineering design of the assigned work area and complete it within the planned schedule and budget, in accordance with standards, MDR, and project-specific procedures and to a high professional standard
    • Plan, organize, and direct all aspects of Discipline execution on the assigned project including scope, deliverables, schedule, and all manpower resources - agree allocations with the Discipline Manager
    • Ensure interfaces and deliverables are clearly identified
    • Maintain responsibility for progress and productivity, identifying any required corrective action
    • Act as project representative for Discipline during meetings with the Project Team, Customer discipline lead, and relevant agencies such as certifying authorities, auditors, third parties, etc
  • Become fully familiar with the project scope of work, specifications, schedule, and all inter-discipline requirements; including identifying concerns as early as practicable and taking appropriate initiatives to address issues, interpreting contractual requirements as they relate to engineering execution
  • Identify changes to scope and promptly raise change notifications, including providing any necessary supporting documentation and estimates Provide similar support for variation orders
  • Interface with all disciplines to develop clash-free designs
  • Interface with other departments to obtain input for discipline designs and drawings
  • Maintain close coordination with other engineering disciplines, Planning, fabrication, Marine, and Project Management Teams, as required
  • Document substantive communications (communications that result in significant decisions or assignment of actions) and forward copies to the Discipline Lead Engineer and Discipline Manager
  • Prepare estimates for bid proposals, including technical query reviews, execution statements, and manhour estimates, identifying software requirements and any other project-specific requirements
  • Raise technical queries to obtain missing information, clarify work scope, and maintain preferred McDermott procedures, specifications, standards, practices, and operational requirements
  • Prepare, review, and (as Lead Engineer) approve engineering design basis, philosophies, and technical specifications
  • Participate in finalizing deliverable lists and deliverables, ensuring compliance with specifications and functional integrity
  • Review project schedule and fabrication schedule about construction sequence, milestones, and engineering scope
  • Attend project kickoff and review meetings, vendor meetings, engineering meetings, and offshore site surveys, as required
  • Provide technical direction and review of Designers producing products related to Construction Support Engineering
  • Prepare, review, and (as Lead Engineer) approve design reports and procedures
  • Assist in providing necessary design inputs to other disciplines to enable them to proceed with their deliverables
  • Where assigned, assist procurement personnel in procuring discipline equipment, materials, and services; ensuring that work produced complies with Customer objectives and procedures Procurement assistance includes preparing, reviewing, and (as Lead Engineer) approving requisitions, evaluating technical quotations, preparing queries and compiling bid tabulations and recommendations, as directed by Discipline Lead Engineer
  • Review and (as Lead Engineer) approve design verification through single-discipline check /inter-discipline check (IDC)
  • Provide technical support to all fabrication queries, including identifying defect/rectification requirements
  • Keep the Discipline Manager apprised of all activities and concerns, technical, budgetary and manpower related
  • Assist in providing inputs for actual, planning, and forecasting progress reports including associated productivity
  • Present issues and problems to Customers in a timely manner and assist the Lead Engineer in negotiating resolution in accordance with project and company requirements
  • Perform (as required) Technical Quality Audit reviews in accordance with MDR Global Procedures
  • Assist Lead engineer with responses to Customers and other agencies (such as certifying authorities, auditors, third parties, etc) on their review and approval
  • Capture lessons learned and enter into MDR's Lessons Learned system
  • Guide less experienced engineers on MDR and Discipline procedures, standards, worksheets, design calculations, software, requisitions, technical bid evaluations, technical queries etc
  • auditors, third parties, etc) on their review and approval
  • Supervise and guide assigned engineers and coordinate with Lead Designers for Discipline engineering and design deliverables
  • Responsible for the engineering integrity of the assigned work area
  • Monitor costs of own work processes
  • Assist in the maintenance of departmental technical guidelines and standard calculation notes
  • Participate in development and maintenance of Global Procedures, Software, and Standards
  • May participate in standards development committees or task groups such as API
  • Develop communication and presentation skills (e.g., write technical papers, participate in conferences and/or seminars, present design solutions, and/or present topics at 'lunch and learn'; etc.)
  • Identify and provide training to staff in specific techniques and proprietary software
  • Provide information on employee performance to the Discipline Manager
  • Assist the Discipline manager in interviewing job applicants
  • Perform, review, and (as Lead Engineer) approve designs, analyses, evaluations, calculations, and procedures such as :
    • Erection sequences for jackets, topsides, and other structures
    • Loadout procedure and guidance during the operations
    • Construction lift analyses and procedures for activities such as floatovers, stackings, rollups, etc.
    • Weighing Procedures
    • Design and detailing of miscellaneous fabrication yard items
    • Crane arrangements and rigging arrangements
    • Trailer arrangements/operations
  • Assist in coordinating critical operations pre-activity meetings and attend yard critical operations
  • When acting as Lead engineer, in addition:
    • Act as a discipline point of contact in communications and meetings with customer counterparts
    • Ensure substantive communications are documented
    • Prepare bids and projects discipline engineering budget and execution plans
    • Identify project staff needs based on knowledge of individual engineer's skill sets and provide requests to the discipline manager
    • Plan, organize, and assign tasks, responsibilities, and manhour budgets to the discipline team, and verify tasks are completed within budgets
    • Plan discipline deliverable schedule/register compliant with the overall execution plan
    • Prepare work forecasts identifying change management plans, corrective action, and real-time schedule
    • Provide discipline inputs for actual, planning, and forecasting progress reports including associated productivity
    • Alert the project team of any deviation from the scope or a need for a change order
    • Monitor KPI measurement results and take corrective action as necessary to improve Discipline performance, including performance at interfaces with others
    • Coordinate with other Discipline Lead Engineers and Designers to ensure timely receipt of necessary design inputs
    • Review and approve requisitions, technical quotation evaluations, and queries, compiled bid tabulations, and coordinate with Procurement to expedite vendor documents as required
    • Lead the Discipline team during project audits (internal, Customer and third-party technical audits) and Design reviews
    • Review comments from Customers and other agencies on documents and drawings produced by the team, and resolve/give guidance on their update and incorporation
    • Assist the Discipline manager in the preparation of quarterly forecasts and manpower planning
    • Anticipate project engineering needs and plan accordingly
    • Assist the Discipline manager in the Performance Evaluation of project team members

Reports to: Manager (Construction Support Eng)
Liaise With: All Engineering disciplines, Fabrication Dept, Marine Dept, Safety Dept, Project Management Team, Document
Control, Project Planner, Project Cost Controller, QC and Certification Group, Procurement Group, Subcontractors, Vendors,
and Customers
Supervises: Senior Engineers and Engineers
Qualifications
Essential Qualifications and Education:
  • Bachelor's Degree in Naval Architecture, Civil/Structural/Mechanical Engineering (Master's is a preference)
  • 15-20 years of experience in oil and gas with a major contractor or consultant predominantly performing construction and installation design
  • Detailed knowledge of design techniques and analysis methods, and detailed knowledge of the theory, content, and application of standards, codes, and guidelines as applicable
  • Knowledgeable in project coordination and execution skills

#LI-CA1
About Us
Lutech Resources has over 25 years' experience providing tailor made recruitment and integrated resource management to leading Engineering, Energy and Manufacturing sector companies worldwide. We set ourselves apart from others in the industry by building long term relationships with both our clients and candidates based on a mutual understanding of their targeted industry and a passion for excellence. With every engagement, our goal is to quickly place qualified talent with the best suited employer. We have a genuine understanding of candidates and clients' needs. Along with a dynamic and effective service, we strive for positive outcomes for everyone, every time.

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