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Principal Lead Engineer Jobs (NOW HIRING)

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 ...

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 ...

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 ...

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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

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.

SAP Principal Lead

Baltimore, MD • On-site

ST Engineering
10K+ employees
Learn more about ST Engineeringexternal

$135K - $170K/yr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Re-posted 4 days ago

Key responsibilities

  • Lead and support Digital Manufacturing implementations and enhancements across manufacturing operations.

  • Collaborate with business users to analyze, design, and optimize manufacturing processes.

  • Translate business requirements into SAP functional specifications and configurations.

ST Engineering rating

7.0

Company rating: 7.0 out of 10

Based on 25 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

Job description

Who YOU are and what YOU can become
We are seeking an experienced SAP Principal Lead specializing in Manufacturing processes with strong expertise in SAP PP (Production Planning), QM (Quality Management), and PM (Plant Maintenance). The ideal candidate will bring deep end-to-end business process knowledge, proven consulting experience, and exposure to Digital Manufacturing and MES (Manufacturing Execution Systems) to support smart factory initiatives and drive operational excellence.
Who WE are and where WE are going
At ST Engineering MRAS, our employees have amazing opportunities to work on advanced technologies and systems that support thousands of customers and millions of people worldwide every day. From the first flight across the Pacific Ocean to developing highly complex structures for the most popular aircraft in the world, we have come a long way always with a can-do approach to problem solving while delighting customers with our high say-do ratio. We are looking for people with innovative ideas and the drive to help us grow into the future.
A pioneer in the production and assembly of complex aerostructures including aircraft and rocket components, engine nacelle systems, thrust reversers and advanced composite products, we apply the latest digital technologies and automation in composite design and manufacturing that are second to none. At ST Engineering MRAS, we are also rapidly augmenting our maintenance, repair and overhaul (MRO) capabilities leveraging the company's expanded aircraft nacelle portfolio as well as it's materials and processing expertise.
What YOU will do
Lead and support Digital Manufacturing implementations and enhancements across manufacturing operations
  • Collaborate with business users to analyze, design, and optimize manufacturing processes
  • Translate business requirements into SAP functional specifications and configurations
  • Provide expertise in production planning, quality processes, and maintenance operations
  • Integrate SAP solutions with MES and digital manufacturing platforms
  • Support smart factory / Industry 4.0 initiatives including automation and real-time data integration
  • Drive process standardization and continuous improvement initiatives
  • Participate in end-to-end project lifecycle (blueprint, design, build, test, deploy, support)
  • Conduct workshops, gap analysis, and solution design sessions with stakeholders
  • Support integration with other SAP and non-SAP systems
  • Troubleshoot issues and provide post-go-live support and enhancements

Who YOU must bring to Succeed
  • Bachelor's degree in Engineering, IT, Supply Chain, or related field with 5+ years of relevant experience is required. Previous consulting exp preferred
  • Hands-on expertise in SAP PP, QM, and PM modules
  • Strong understanding of end-to-end manufacturing processes
  • At least 1 full lifecycle SAP implementations
  • This position involves access to export-controlled technology which requires U.S. Person status or government authorization. A 'U.S. Person,' as defined by 22 C.F.R. §120.62, includes U.S. citizens, U.S. nationals, individuals lawfully admitted for permanent residence (green card holders), and individuals granted asylum or refugee status in the United States. To be considered for this position, you must either be a U.S. Person or fall within a legally recognized export control exception or authorization. If hired, you will be required to provide valid proof of such status.
  • Experience in SAP S/4HANA is preferred

Desired Characteristics
  • Consulting experience with ability to re-engineer manufacturing processes
  • Hands-on experience with Digital Manufacturing solutions and MES (e.g., Solumina, SAP Digital Manufacturing, SAP ME/MII, or other MES platforms)
  • Experience in MES-SAP integration and real-time production data flows
  • Exposure to Industry 4.0, IoT-enabled manufacturing, or smart factory initiatives
  • SAP certifications in PP, QM, or PM
  • Experience in using AI coding
  • Excellent communication and stakeholder management skills
  • Ability to bridge business and IT / shop floor teams
  • Strong consulting and stakeholder engagement capabilities
  • Ability to work in complex, cross-functional environments
  • Proactive, self-driven, and adaptable

At ST Engineering MRAS, we offer great rewards, competitive pay, career advancement and growth opportunities.
Estimate salary range for this role: $135,000 to $170,000 per year. ST Engineering MRAS considers several factors with extending job offers, including but not limited to candidates' key skills, relevant work experience, education/training/certification, job level, and work location. Base salary is only one component of our competitive Total Rewards package.
ST Engineering - MRAS Benefits:
As a full-time employee of ST Engineering- MRAS, you are eligible for our benefits package including:
  • Medical, Dental, and Vision coverage starting from start date
  • Health Flexible Spending Accounts
  • Free Onsite Gym with weekly fitness classes
  • Immediate 401k vesting
  • Educational Assistance
  • Life Insurance
  • Paid Time off (Permissive for exempt staff)

Employment Notice: Background and Drug Screening Requirements
As part of our commitment to maintaining a safe and secure workplace, successful completion of a background check and drug screening is a mandatory condition for employment. All offers of employment are contingent upon satisfactory results from these screenings.
It takes diverse talent to solve real-world problems. ST Engineering is deeply committed to building a workplace community where inclusion is valued, and everyone feels welcomed. We're proud to consider all qualified applicants for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, pregnancy, family status, marital status, sexual orientation, national origin, disability, age, or veteran status, or any other legally protected grounds. So, bring us your personal experience, your perspectives, and your background. It's through our differences that innovative changes are made.
ST Engineering is committed to providing reasonable accommodations to qualified individuals with disabilities in the employment application process. To request an accommodation, please contact our Talent Strategies team at 571-771-0101, or by email at stena.careers@stengg.us.

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