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Principal Manufacturing Engineer Jobs in Seattle, WA

Helion Energy

Principal Manufacturing Engineer

Everett, WA · On-site

$214K - $255K/yr

As a Principal Manufacturing Engineer at Helion, you will define and drive the architecture of our manufacturing systems as we scale from prototype builds to high-volume production. You will own ...

Infotech Sourcing

Process Engineer V

Kirkland, WA · On-site

$144.67/hr

Principal Manufacturing Engineer Onsite in Redmond, WA 8+ Years of experience required Max bill rate: $144.67 hourly BS/MS degree in the fields of Mechatronics engineering, Mechanical engineering ...

Infotech Sourcing

Process Engineer V

Kirkland, WA · On-site

$144.67/hr

Principal Manufacturing Engineer Onsite in Redmond, WA 8+ Years of experience required Max bill rate: $144.67 hourly BS/MS degree in the fields of Mechatronics engineering, Mechanical engineering ...

Evotecgroup

Principal Process Engineer

Redmond, WA

Job title: Principal Process Engineer Location: Redmond, WA Reports to: Director, Technical ... Support the evaluation and approval of innovative technologies within the manufacturing platform ...

Evotec

Principal Process Engineer

Redmond, WA · On-site

Job title: Principal Process Engineer Location: Redmond, WA Reports to: Director, Technical ... Support the evaluation and approval of innovative technologies within the manufacturing platform ...

Evotecgroup

Principal Process Engineer

Seattle, WA

Job title: Principal Process Engineer Location: Redmond, WA Reports to: Director, Technical ... Support the evaluation and approval of innovative technologies within the manufacturing platform ...

Evotec

Principal Process Engineer

Seattle, WA

Job title: Principal Process Engineer Location: Redmond, WA Reports to: Director, Technical ... Support the evaluation and approval of innovative technologies within the manufacturing platform ...

Evotec

Principal Process Engineer

Redmond, WA · On-site

Job title: Principal Process Engineer Location: Redmond, WA Reports to: Director, Technical ... Support the evaluation and approval of innovative technologies within the manufacturing platform ...

Echodyne

Principal DevSecOps Engineer

Kirkland, WA · On-site

They are seeking a Principal DevSecOps Engineer to lead the design and implementation of secure ... Echodyne develops and manufactures meta-materials-based radar technologies. Founded in 2014, the ...

Helion Energy

Principal Capacitor Engineer

Everett, WA · On-site

$214K - $255K/yr

What You Will Be Doing As a Principal Capacitor Design Engineer at Helion, you will lead the design ... You will provide deep technical leadership to engineering, manufacturing, and production teams as ...

Microsoft

Principal Firmware Engineer

Redmond, WA · On-site

... for hardware manufacturing, improving the planning process, quality, delivery, scale and ... As a Principal Firmware Engineer, you will be part of engineering team and collaborate with ...

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Showing results 1-20

All JobsPrincipal Manufacturing Engineer JobsPrincipal Manufacturing Engineer Jobs in Seattle, WA

Principal Manufacturing Engineer information

See Seattle, WA salary details

$84.2K

$167.5K

$241.8K

How much do principal manufacturing engineer jobs pay per year?

As of Sep 1, 2026, the average yearly pay for principal manufacturing engineer in Seattle, WA is $167,540.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $134,900.00 and $196,900.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is a principal manufacturing engineer?

Principal Manufacturing Engineers are senior-level professionals who oversee the development, optimization, and implementation of manufacturing processes within an organization. They provide technical leadership, mentor junior engineers, and ensure that production systems operate efficiently, safely, and cost-effectively. Their responsibilities often include process improvement, troubleshooting, equipment selection, and collaborating with cross-functional teams to meet quality and production goals. With significant experience, they play a key role in strategic decision-making and innovation within the manufacturing environment.

How does a principal manufacturing engineer typically collaborate with cross-functional teams during new product introduction (NPI)?

As a Principal Manufacturing Engineer, you will work closely with design, quality, supply chain, and production teams during new product introduction (NPI). Your role is pivotal in translating design concepts into efficient manufacturing processes, ensuring product quality and manufacturability from the earliest stages. Effective collaboration often involves leading design-for-manufacturability reviews, coordinating pilot builds, and troubleshooting process issues alongside team members from different disciplines. This cross-functional engagement is essential for launching products on time and within budget, and it also provides opportunities to mentor junior engineers and influence process improvements across the organization.

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

To thrive as a Principal Manufacturing Engineer, you need deep expertise in manufacturing processes, process optimization, and a relevant engineering degree, often with several years of hands-on experience. Familiarity with CAD/CAM software, Six Sigma or Lean Manufacturing certifications, and ERP systems is typically required. Strong leadership, problem-solving, and communication skills set top candidates apart in this role. These capabilities ensure efficient production, continuous process improvement, and effective cross-functional collaboration to meet organizational goals.

What is the difference between Principal Manufacturing Engineer vs Manufacturing Engineer?

AspectPrincipal Manufacturing EngineerManufacturing Engineer
CredentialsBachelor's or Master's in Engineering, often with certifications like Six SigmaBachelor's in Engineering or related field, sometimes with certifications
Work EnvironmentLead projects, oversee manufacturing processes, collaborate with cross-functional teamsSupport manufacturing operations, troubleshoot issues, implement process improvements
Industry UsageUsed in large manufacturing firms, OEMs, and high-volume productionCommon across various manufacturing sectors, including automotive, electronics, and consumer goods

The Principal Manufacturing Engineer typically holds a senior technical role focused on leading manufacturing initiatives, while the Manufacturing Engineer supports daily operations and process improvements. Both roles require engineering credentials and are integral to manufacturing success, but the principal role involves more strategic oversight and leadership.

How much does a principal manufacturing engineer make?

A principal manufacturing engineer typically earns between $100,000 and $150,000 annually, depending on experience, location, and industry. They often have advanced skills in process optimization, quality control, and engineering management, which can influence salary levels.

What are popular job titles related to Principal Manufacturing Engineer jobs in Seattle, WA?

For Principal Manufacturing Engineer jobs in Seattle, WA, the most frequently searched job titles are:

What job categories do people searching Principal Manufacturing Engineer jobs in Seattle, WA look for?

The top searched job categories for Principal Manufacturing Engineer jobs in Seattle, WA are:

What cities near Seattle, WA are hiring for Principal Manufacturing Engineer jobs?

Cities near Seattle, WA with the most Principal Manufacturing Engineer job openings:

Principal Manufacturing Engineer jobs near you
Infographic showing various Principal Manufacturing Engineer job openings in Seattle, WA as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 88% Full Time, 6% Part Time, 4% Contract, and 2% Nights. Highlights an 95% Physical, 2% Hybrid, and 3% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $167,540 per year, or $80.5 per hour.

Principal Manufacturing Engineer

Everett, WA • On-site

Helion Energy
Manufacturing • 51 - 200 employees
Learn more about Helion Energyexternal

$214K - $255K/yr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Posted 25 days ago

Job description

About Helion
We are a fusion power company based in Everett, WA, with the mission to build the world's first fusion power plant, enabling a future with unlimited clean electricity. Our vision is a world with clean, reliable, and affordable energy for everyone.
Since Helion's founding in 2013, we have raised $1.5 billion from long-time investors such as Sam Altman, Mithril, and Capricorn Investment Group as well as new investors including Thrive Capital, LightSpeed Venture Capital, SoftBank, and others to propel us forward. Our current prototype, Polaris, has reached record-breaking plasma temperatures of 150 million degrees Celsius (13 keV). Helion is continuing to iterate and on the path to the world's first fusion power plant, Orion.
This is a pivotal time to join Helion. You will tackle real-world challenges with a team that prizes urgency, rigor, ownership, and a commitment to delivering hard truths - values essential to achieving what no one has before. Together, we will change the future of energy, because the world can't wait.
What You Will Be Doing:
As a Principal Manufacturing Engineer at Helion, you will define and drive the architecture of our manufacturing systems as we scale from prototype builds to high-volume production. You will own manufacturing system strategy, lead the development of custom equipment and production systems, and serve as a technical authority across Manufacturing, Design, and Production. This role operates in a highly ambiguous, first-of-a-kind environment and requires balancing near-term execution with long-term scalability across future production lines.
This is an onsite role that reports directly to Factory Development Manager at our Everett, WA, office.
You Will:
  • Define manufacturing system architecture and long-term scalability strategy across production lines and future factory builds
  • Own and drive large-scale, cross-functional initiatives that shape how Helion designs, builds, and scales manufacturing systems
  • Lead the development and commissioning of custom, precision manufacturing equipment and integrated production systems
  • Identify and prioritize high-impact investments across equipment, automation, and factory capabilities to enable step-change improvements in scale
  • Solve complex, ambiguous manufacturing challenges, making high-leverage technical decisions with company-wide impact
  • Serve as a technical leader and mentor, influencing engineering direction and elevating execution across teams

Required Skills:
  • 12+ years of experience in manufacturing engineering, automation, or production systems, ideally in complex electromechanical environments
  • Demonstrated ownership of manufacturing systems or production lines from concept through production ramp at scale
  • Experience defining systems, processes, or architecture in ambiguous, first-of-a-kind environments
  • Proven track record of leading large, cross-functional engineering initiatives with broad organizational impact
  • Strong cross-functional leadership across Design Engineering, Production, Supply Chain, and Facilities
  • Track record of influencing technical direction and mentoring engineers

#LI-Onsite #LI-SA1
Benefits
Our total compensation package includes benefits, including but not limited to:
  • Medical, Dental, and Vision plans for employees and their families
  • 31 Days of PTO (21 vacation days and 10 sick days)
  • 10 Paid holidays, plus company-wide winter break
  • Up to 5% employer 401(k) match
  • Short term disability, long term disability, and life insurance
  • Paid parental leave and support (up to 16 weeks)
  • Annual wellness stipend

Helion is an equal opportunity employer and value diversity at our company. We do not discriminate based on race, religion, color, national origin, gender, sexual orientation, age, marital status, veteran status, or disability status. If you need assistance or an accommodation during the interview process, please let us know.

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