1

Principal Mechanical Engineer Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Principal Mechanical Engineer Location: York, PA Employment Type: Full Time Salary Range: $95,000 to $145,000 plus, based on experience, qualifications, licensure, and overall fit About MDS ...

Principal Mechanical Engineer Location: York, PA Employment Type: Full Time Salary Range: $95,000 to $145,000 plus, based on experience, qualifications, licensure, and overall fit About MDS ...

Principal Mechanical Engineer

York, PA · On-site +1

$95K - $145K/yr

Vision insurance Principal Mechanical Engineer Location: York, PA Employment Type: Full Time Salary Range: $95,000 to $145,000 plus, based on experience, qualifications, licensure, and overall fit ...

Job Title- Principal Mechanical Engineer Project Location - Tampa, Florida onsite Duration- Fulltime Visa- USC/ GC Client is searching for a Principal Mechanical Engineer to lead building system ...

PRINCIPAL MECHANICAL ENGINEER - NUCLEAR Job Summary The Principal Nuclear Engineer- Mechanical in Engineering Services provides governance and oversight for multiple mechanical component activities ...

Overview We are seeking a highly experienced and technically skilled Principal Mechanical Engineer to lead mechanical engineering efforts within our Major Projects Power Delivery division. This role ...

The (ISD) Principal Mechanical Engineer leads and contributes to projects in areas such as design, design review, procurement, manufacture, installation, test, and initial operations of a project ...

Principal Mechanical Engineer

Denver, CO · On-site

$152K - $210K/yr

Principal Mechanical Engineer Denver / Englewood Colorado Role Summary The Principal Mechanical Engineer is a senior technical leader responsible for the design, specification, and delivery of ...

next page

Showing results 1-20

Principal Mechanical Engineer information

See salary details

$86K

$145.1K

$170.5K

How much do principal mechanical engineer jobs pay per year?

As of Jun 14, 2026, the average yearly pay for principal mechanical engineer in the United States is $145,075.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $136,000.00 and $156,000.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

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

AspectPrincipal Mechanical EngineerMechanical Engineer
Required CredentialsBachelor's or Master's in Mechanical Engineering, Professional Engineer (PE) license often preferredBachelor's degree in Mechanical Engineering or related field
Work EnvironmentDesign, development, and oversight of complex mechanical systems, often in leadership rolesDesign, analysis, and testing of mechanical components and systems
Industry UsageUsed across manufacturing, aerospace, automotive, and energy sectorsCommon in similar industries, often as entry to mid-level roles

The Principal Mechanical Engineer typically holds advanced credentials and leads complex projects, focusing on strategic oversight. Mechanical Engineers are more involved in hands-on design and analysis tasks. Both roles are vital in engineering teams, but the Principal Mechanical Engineer usually has more experience and responsibility.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a Principal Mechanical Engineer, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Principal Mechanical Engineer, you need deep expertise in mechanical design, analysis, and project management, typically supported by a bachelor's or master's degree in mechanical engineering and significant industry experience. Familiarity with CAD software (such as SolidWorks or AutoCAD), FEA tools, and knowledge of relevant industry standards or certifications (like PE licensure) are essential. Leadership, effective communication, and problem-solving are crucial soft skills for guiding teams and collaborating with stakeholders. These skills ensure the successful delivery of complex engineering projects, innovation, and alignment with organizational goals.

What engineers make $500,000?

Principal Mechanical Engineers in specialized industries such as aerospace, oil and gas, or high-level consulting can earn $500,000 or more annually, especially with extensive experience, advanced certifications, and leadership responsibilities. Compensation often includes base salary, bonuses, and stock options, reflecting the seniority and complexity of the role.

What is a Principal Mechanical Engineer?

A Principal Mechanical Engineer is a senior-level engineering professional responsible for leading mechanical design projects, overseeing teams, and ensuring technical excellence in product development. They often play a strategic role in planning, innovation, and providing expert guidance to solve complex engineering challenges. Principal Mechanical Engineers typically have significant experience, advanced technical knowledge, and are involved in mentoring junior engineers, collaborating with cross-functional teams, and ensuring projects meet safety, quality, and regulatory standards.

What does a principal mechanical engineer make?

A principal mechanical engineer typically earns a salary ranging from $100,000 to $150,000 annually, depending on experience, location, and industry. They often hold advanced degrees, certifications, and have extensive expertise in design, analysis, and project management within engineering environments.

What engineers make $300,000 a year?

Principal Mechanical Engineers and other senior engineering roles with extensive experience, advanced skills, and leadership responsibilities can earn $300,000 or more annually. High compensation often depends on industry, location, and the complexity of projects, with some engineers also receiving bonuses and stock options.

What types of projects and responsibilities can a Principal Mechanical Engineer expect to handle on a typical team?

As a Principal Mechanical Engineer, you will often lead multidisciplinary teams on complex projects, overseeing the design, development, and testing of mechanical systems or products. Your responsibilities commonly include setting technical direction, mentoring junior engineers, ensuring quality standards, and collaborating closely with project managers and other engineering disciplines. You may also be involved in client consultations, risk assessments, and making high-level decisions to drive innovation and efficiency. The role often requires balancing hands-on technical work with strategic planning and leadership duties.

Can I make 200k as a mechanical engineer?

Principal Mechanical Engineers with extensive experience, advanced skills, and working in high-cost-of-living areas can earn salaries around or above $200,000 annually. Factors such as industry, location, certifications, and company size influence compensation levels for this role.
More about Principal Mechanical Engineer jobs
What cities are hiring for Principal Mechanical Engineer jobs? Cities with the most Principal Mechanical Engineer job openings:
Who are the top companies hiring for Principal Mechanical Engineer jobs? The top employers for Principal Mechanical Engineer jobs are:
What states have the most Principal Mechanical Engineer jobs? States with the most job openings for Principal Mechanical Engineer jobs include:
Infographic showing various Principal Mechanical Engineer job openings in the United States as of June 2026, with employment types broken down into 97% Full Time, 1% Part Time, and 2% Contract. Highlights an 97% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 2% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $145,075 per year, or $69.7 per hour.
Principal Mechanical Engineer / Sr. Principal Mechanical Engineer

Principal Mechanical Engineer / Sr. Principal Mechanical Engineer

Northrop Grumman Corporation

Gilbert, AZ • On-site

$98K - $147K/yr

Full-time

Medical, Life, PTO

Posted 13 days ago


Northrop Grumman rating

8.1

Company rating: 8.1 out of 10

Based on 339 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

109th of 518 rated manufacturers


Job description

RELOCATION ASSISTANCE: No relocation assistance available
CLEARANCE REQUIRED FOR START: No
CLEARANCE TYPE: None
TRAVEL: Yes, 10% of the TimeDescription
At Northrop Grumman, our employees have incredible opportunities to work on revolutionary systems that impact people's lives around the world today, and for generations to come. Our pioneering and inventive spirit has enabled us to be at the forefront of many technological advancements in our nation's history - from the first flight across the Atlantic Ocean, to stealth bombers, to landing on the moon. We look for people who have bold new ideas, courage and a pioneering spirit to join forces to invent the future, and have fun along the way. Our culture thrives on intellectual curiosity, cognitive diversity and bringing your whole self to work - and we have an insatiable drive to do what others think is impossible. Our employees are not only part of history, they're making history.
This position description does not represent a current opening but may be used to identify candidates with skills and experience for positions within Northrop Grumman that frequently become available. Candidates who express an interest may be considered for future positions at Northrop Grumman.
*This position description does not represent a current opening but may be used to identify candidates with skills and experience for positions within Northrop Grumman that frequently become available. Candidates who express an interest may be considered for future positions at Northrop Grumman*
Northrop Grumman Space Sector is seeking a Principal Mechanical Engineer / Sr. Principal Mechanical Engineer to support our Mechanical Systems & Design group based in Gilbert, Arizona.
In this role, the Principal/Sr. Principal Mechanical Engineer will support the design, development, and integration of spacecraft structures and mechanical hardware, taking projects from initial requirements through to integration and testing. The selected candidate will utilize advanced Computer-Aided Design (CAD) tools and related software to create detailed designs, develop documentation for manufacturing, and support assembly into flight-ready spacecraft.
This role requires strong collaboration and communication skills, as you will interact with internal stakeholders-including customers, program and functional management, and multidisciplinary engineering teams-as well as external component suppliers.
Job responsibilities include, but are not limited to, the following:
  • Perform detailed design and analysis utilizing CAD software.
  • Apply knowledge of Geometric Dimensioning and Tolerancing (GD&T), Design for Manufacturing principles, and spacecraft component layouts.
  • Leverage expertise in mechanics of metallic and composite materials, as well as stress calculations, to create optimal designs.
  • Support spacecraft integration and testing phases.
  • Collaborate across teams to ensure alignment with program goals and deliverables.

This requisition may be filled at either a Principal Mechanical Engineer level or a Sr. Principal Mechanical Engineer level based on the qualifications listed below.
Basic Qualifications - Principal Mechanical Engineer:
  • Bachelor's Degree in Mechanical Engineering or related STEM field with 5+ years of relevant engineering experience or a Master's Degree in Mechanical Engineering or related STEM field with 3+ years of relevant engineering experience
  • Must be able and willing to obtain and maintain a DoD Top Secret/SCI clearance

Basic Qualifications - Sr. Principal Mechanical Engineer:
  • Bachelor's Degree in Mechanical Engineering or related STEM field with 8+ years of relevant engineering experience or a Master's Degree in Mechanical Engineering or related STEM field with 6+ years of relevant engineering experience
  • Must be able and willing to obtain and maintain a DoD Top Secret/SCI clearance

Preferred Qualifications:
  • Active DoD Top Secret clearance or SCI access with current SSBI
  • Experience with 3D CAD model-based software (specifically Creo Parametric)
  • Practice in making and reviewing engineering drawings with GD&T in 2D and 3D MBD's
  • Experience with 3D Printing, Design for Manufacturing, and hardware fabrication
  • Experience in satellite and spacecraft structures design
  • Excellent communication and leadership skills

*This position description does not represent a current opening but may be used to identify candidates with skills and experience for positions within Northrop Grumman that frequently become available. Candidates who express an interest may be considered for future positions at Northrop Grumman*
Primary Level Salary Range: $98,400.00 - $147,600.00
The above salary range represents a general guideline; however, Northrop Grumman considers a number of factors when determining base salary offers such as the scope and responsibilities of the position and the candidate's experience, education, skills and current market conditions.
Depending on the position, employees may be eligible for overtime, shift differential, and a discretionary bonus in addition to base pay. Annual bonuses are designed to reward individual contributions as well as allow employees to share in company results. Employees in Vice President or Director positions may be eligible for Long Term Incentives. In addition, Northrop Grumman provides a variety of benefits including health insurance coverage, life and disability insurance, savings plan, Company paid holidays and paid time off (PTO) for vacation and/or personal business.
The application period for the job is estimated to be 20 days from the job posting date. However, this timeline may be shortened or extended depending on business needs and the availability of qualified candidates.
Northrop Grumman is an Equal Opportunity Employer, making decisions without regard to race, color, religion, creed, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, marital status, national origin, age, veteran status, disability, or any other protected class. For our complete EEO and pay transparency statement, please visit http://www.northropgrumman.com/EEO. U.S. Citizenship is required for all positions with a government clearance and certain other restricted positions.

What Northrop Grumman employees say

Pay

Benefits

Hours and flexibility

Workplace

Get the full story on Breakroom


Northrop Grumman logo

About Northrop Grumman

Sourced by ZipRecruiter

At Northrop Grumman, our employees have incredible opportunities to work on revolutionary systems that impact people's lives around the world today, and for generations to come. Our pioneering and inventive spirit has enabled us to be at the forefront of many technological advancements in our nation's history - from the first flight across the Atlantic Ocean, to stealth bombers, to landing on the moon. We look for people who have bold new ideas, courage and a pioneering spirit to join forces to invent the future, and have fun along the way. Our culture thrives on intellectual curiosity, cognitive diversity and bringing your whole self to work - and we have an insatiable drive to do what others think is impossible.

Industry

Space research administration

Company size

10,000+ Employees

Headquarters location

Falls Church, VA, US

Year founded

1939