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Principal Power Engineer Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Austin Summary The Principal Power Engineer develops new electrical systems/circuits for various applications. Research system ideas and draw up plans for these systems, and capture them in ...

Senior Principal Power Engineer

San Jose, CA · On-site

$143K - $198K/yr

The Senior Principal, Design Engineering will be responsible for architecting, implementing, and supporting power system solutions for Networking, storage & server systems and related products. In ...

As a Principal Power Systems Engineer (EMS) , you will be part of a highly skilled team at the core of MISO's mission supporting the control rooms by leading critical modernization projects. As the ...

Principal Power Electrical Engineer Department: Avionics Employment Type: Full Time Location: Hawthorne, California Reporting To: Jake Peery Compensation: $203,000 - $243,000 / year Description ...

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Principal Power Engineer information

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$74K

$147.2K

$212.5K

How much do principal power engineer jobs pay per year?

As of Jun 28, 2026, the average yearly pay for principal power 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.

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

Principal power engineers with extensive experience, advanced certifications, and leadership roles in large organizations can potentially earn $500,000 or more annually, especially with bonuses and profit sharing. However, such high salaries are typically reserved for senior-level positions in high-cost-of-living areas or specialized industries like energy or utilities. Entry- and mid-level electrical engineers generally earn significantly less, with salaries increasing with experience, skills, and responsibility.

What engineers make $300,000 a year?

Principal Power Engineers in the energy sector can earn $300,000 or more annually, especially with extensive experience, advanced certifications, and leadership roles. High compensation is often associated with working on large-scale projects, in competitive markets, or within companies that value specialized expertise in power systems, grid management, and renewable energy integration.

What engineers make $500,000?

Principal Power Engineers in the energy sector can earn $500,000 or more annually, especially with extensive experience, advanced certifications, and leadership roles. High compensation often reflects expertise in large-scale projects, specialized skills in power systems, and working in competitive or high-demand markets.

What is the difference between Principal Power Engineer vs Power Systems Engineer?

AspectPrincipal Power EngineerPower Systems Engineer
CredentialsTypically requires a Bachelor's or Master's in Electrical Engineering, PE license often preferredBachelor's or Master's in Electrical Engineering, PE license advantageous
Work EnvironmentDesign, oversee, and lead large power projects, often in corporate or consulting settingsAnalyze, design, and optimize power systems, often in utilities or consulting firms
Industry UsageUsed in industries requiring high-level project leadership and technical expertiseCommonly used in utility companies, engineering firms, and energy sectors

The main difference is that a Principal Power Engineer typically holds a senior, leadership role focusing on project oversight and strategic planning, while a Power Systems Engineer concentrates on technical analysis and system design. Both roles require similar credentials but differ in scope and responsibilities.

What are Principal Power Engineers?

Principal Power Engineers are senior-level professionals who specialize in the design, analysis, and management of electrical power systems. They typically lead projects involving power generation, transmission, and distribution, ensuring systems are efficient, reliable, and compliant with regulations. In addition to technical responsibilities, they often mentor junior engineers, oversee complex problem-solving, and coordinate with stakeholders across various disciplines. Their expertise is crucial for the safe and effective delivery of electrical power in industries such as utilities, manufacturing, and infrastructure development.

Can I make 200K as an electrical engineer?

Principal Power Engineers and experienced electrical engineers working in specialized sectors such as power generation, transmission, or large-scale industrial projects can earn salaries of $200,000 or more, especially with advanced certifications like PE and extensive experience. Salary levels depend on location, industry, and individual expertise, with senior roles often commanding higher compensation.

What are some common challenges faced by Principal Power Engineers when leading multidisciplinary project teams?

Principal Power Engineers often lead projects that involve professionals from various disciplines such as mechanical, civil, and software engineering. A common challenge is ensuring clear communication and integration of all technical requirements, as each discipline may have different priorities and terminologies. Balancing project timelines, budget constraints, and regulatory compliance while aligning the team's efforts toward a unified goal requires strong leadership and organizational skills. Additionally, staying updated with evolving industry standards and emerging technologies is crucial to guiding the team effectively.

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

To thrive as a Principal Power Engineer, you need advanced expertise in power systems engineering, electrical design, and project management, typically supported by a bachelor's or master's degree in electrical engineering and a Professional Engineer (PE) license. Proficiency with power system analysis software such as ETAP, PSCAD, or SKM, along with familiarity with industry standards and grid codes, is essential. Strong leadership, communication, and problem-solving skills set top performers apart in this role. These competencies ensure the effective design, implementation, and oversight of complex power projects, maintaining safety, reliability, and regulatory compliance.
What are the most commonly searched types of Principal Power Engineer jobs? The most popular types of Principal Power Engineer jobs are:
Principal/Sr. Principal Power Supply Engineer

Principal/Sr. Principal Power Supply Engineer

Northrop Grumman Corporation

Rolling Meadows, IL

Full-time

Medical, Life, PTO

Posted 15 days ago


Northrop Grumman rating

8.1

Company rating: 8.1 out of 10

Based on 345 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

110th of 521 rated manufacturers


Job description

RELOCATION ASSISTANCE: Relocation assistance may be availableCLEARANCE REQUIRED FOR START: NoCLEARANCE TYPE: SecretTRAVEL: Yes, 10% of the TimeDescriptionAt 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.

Northrop Grumman Mission Systems is a trusted provider of mission-enabling solutions for global security. Our Engineering and Sciences (E&S) organization pushes the boundaries of innovation, redefines engineering capabilities, and drives advances in various sciences. Our team is chartered with providing the skills, innovative technologies to develop, design, produce and sustain optimized product lines across the sector while providing a decisive advantage to the warfighter. Come be a part of our mission!

The Power Design Engineering role involves full life-cycle product development on architectures ranging from radio frequency electronic warfare (RFEW), infrared countermeasures (IRCM) and imaging systems, and real-time embedded control systems. The Power Design Engineer provides concept-to-production development, test, and integration of these technology areas:

High efficiency, switch-mode power supply architectures for image processing, embedded processing, and Receiver/Exciter designs

Subsystem/module circuit designs for custom and commercial-off-the-shelf (COTS) systems, involving COTS & MIL-STD interfaces.

Regulatory compliance to DoD customer requirements, such as MIL-STD-704, 461, 464 & DO-160 and TEMPEST

The Principal/Sr. Principal Power Design Engineer will design and develop power conversion architectures using the latest technologies from Linear Technology, Texas Instruments, and other integrated circuit device manufacturers to support the following applications: gigabit serial interfaces, Radio Frequency (RF) and Electro-Optical (EO) DSP, controls, data links, and embedded processing platforms. Typical power outputs range from less than 1mW to greater than 10kW. Power Design Engineers work with system, sub-system, and hardware engineers to develop requirements, architect new circuit design topologies, and printed wiring board layouts. Designs are verified through spice simulation, laboratory verification, and formal qualification to electrical and mechanical environmental requirements, electromagnetic environmental effects (E3) requirements and EMI/EMC compliance requirements. Design support is continuous from requirements definition through integration and test; and maintenance of design documentation and configuration management is required throughout the product life cycle.

#MSRMTA

This position is full-time and on-site at our Rolling Meadows, IL. location

This position can be filled at the Principal or Sr. Principal Level:

Basic Qualifications for Principal Power Engineer:

- Bachelor's degree in electrical engineering, Computer Engineering, or similar engineering discipline with a minimum 5 years of power electronics design experience or 3 years of power electronics design experience with a master's degree in electrical engineering, Computer Engineering, or similar engineering discipline.

- Switch Mode Power Supply circuit design experience, including schematic capture through test and integration.

- Hands-on prototyping and debug experience testing complex power systems, including various switch-mode topologies and linear regulators.

- Ability to translate system performance and operational specifications into hardware requirements, design, and test specifications.

- Demonstrated ability to lead projects with 2 or more team members.

- Familiarity with documentation, revision control and review systems like DOORS, ClearCase and ClearQuest.

- Proven skills to include team leadership, mentoring others, communicating with all levels of an organization internally and externally, being adaptable, creative, collaborative, and comfortable working independently and enjoys solving difficult problems.

- US Citizen and ability to obtain and maintain a DoD Secret security clearance.

Basic Qualifications for Sr. Principal Power Engineer:

- Bachelor's degree in electrical engineering, Computer Engineering, or similar engineering discipline with a minimum of 8 years of power electronics design experience or 6 years of power electronics design experience with a master's degree in electrical engineering, Computer Engineering or similar engineering discipline.

- Switch Mode Power Supply circuit design experience, including schematic capture through test and integration.

- Hands-on prototyping and debug experience testing complex power systems, including various switch-mode topologies and linear regulators.

- Ability to translate system performance and operational specifications into hardware requirements, design, and test specifications.

- Demonstrated ability to lead projects with 2 or more team members.

- Familiarity with documentation, revision control and review systems like DOORS, ClearCase and ClearQuest.

- Proven skills to include team leadership, mentoring others, communicating with all levels of an organization internally and externally, being adaptable, creative, collaborative, and also comfortable working independently and enjoys solving difficult problems.

- US Citizen and ability to obtain and maintain a DoD Secret security clearance.

Preferred Qualifications:

- An advanced degree in Electrical Engineering, focused on Power Conversion, with a minimum 5 years of power electronics design experience.

- Working knowledge of Electronic Warfare system/hardware

- Recent power supply design experience utilizing circuit-related tools including Cadence Concept/Allegro, and LTSPICE

- Working knowledge of designing high frequency magnetics including transformers, coupled inductors, EMI chokes and common mode filters.

- Working experience with documentation, revision control and review systems similar to DOORS, ClearCase, and ClearQuest

- Proven skills to include project planning, communicating with all levels of an organization, adaptable, creative, collaborative, and comfortable working independently.

- Current Secret or Top-Secret Security Clearance

Primary Level Salary Range: $108,800.00 - $163,200.00Secondary Level Salary Range: $135,800.00 - $203,600.00The 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.

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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