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Principal Project Engineer Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Mars

Principal Project Engineer

Elizabethtown, PA · On-site

Principal Project Engineer This Principal Project Engineer will be a Project Manager responsible for all aspects of planning and executing projects/programs from ideation to project closure. The ...

Mars

Principal Project Engineer

Waco, TX · On-site

Principal Project Engineer The Principal Project Engineer will be a project manager for the larger and more complex projects executed by the Processing or Packaging team. This position will be ...

Mars

Principal Project Engineer

Waco, TX · On-site

Principal Project Engineer This Principal Project Engineer will be a Project Manager responsible for all aspects of planning and executing projects/programs from ideation to project closure. The ...

Mars

Principal Project Engineer

Hackettstown, NJ · On-site

Principal Project Engineer This Principal Project Engineer will be a Project Manager responsible for all aspects of planning and executing projects/programs from ideation to project closure. The ...

Mars

Principal Project Engineer

Jackson, TN

Principal Project Engineer The Principal Project Engineer will be a project manager for the larger and more complex projects executed by the Processing or Packaging team. This position will be ...

Raymond West

Principal Project Engineer

Cypress, CA · On-site

The Principal Project Engineer will support the development of complex integrated solution proposals in the capacity of Subject Matter Expert through award, execution, and after installation ...

Regeneron Pharmaceuticals

As a Principal Project Engineer, a typical day might include the following: * Designing and specifying cGMP process equipment, piping, and/or controls including development and review of engineering ...

Worley

Principal Project Engineer

Denver, CO · On-site

$167K - $210K/yr

Principal Project Engineer - Pipeline & Flow Assurance Denver, CO Purpose of the Role The Principal Project Engineer - Pipeline Engineer & Flow Assurance is responsible for leading the technical ...

Lancesoft

Principal Project Engineer

Saint Louis, MO · On-site

$110.34/hr

PRINCIPAL PROJECT ENGINEER YOUR ROLE: Provide senior-level project engineering and technical expertise to ensure successful project delivery of life science projects Lead project workstreams within ...

Parsons

Principal Project Engineer

Seattle, WA · Hybrid

$125K - $225K/yr

Principal Project Engineer - Hydrology & Drainage - Transportation Infrastructure Our Parsons Seattle office is seeking to hire a highly experienced Principal Project Engineer to provide leadership ...

Parsons Corporation

Principal Project Engineer

Seattle, WA · On-site

$125K - $225K/yr

Principal Project Engineer - Hydrology & Drainage - Transportation Infrastructure Our Parsons Seattle office is seeking to hire a highly experienced Principal Project Engineer to provide leadership ...

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All JobsPrincipal Project Engineer Jobs

Principal Project Engineer information

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$74K

$147.2K

$212.5K

How much do principal project engineer jobs pay per year?

As of Jul 27, 2026, the average yearly pay for principal project 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.

How does a Principal Project Engineer typically interact with cross-functional teams during a project's lifecycle?

A Principal Project Engineer plays a central role in coordinating efforts across various departments, such as design, manufacturing, quality assurance, and procurement. They lead technical discussions, ensure alignment on project goals, and resolve cross-functional challenges to keep the project on track. Effective communication, stakeholder management, and the ability to translate technical requirements between teams are crucial for success in this role. Regular meetings, progress updates, and collaborative problem-solving sessions are common aspects of their daily responsibilities.

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

To thrive as a Principal Project Engineer, you need deep expertise in engineering principles, project management, and typically a bachelor’s or master’s degree in engineering with several years of relevant experience. Proficiency with project management software (such as MS Project or Primavera), CAD tools, and relevant industry certifications (like PMP or PE licensure) is often required. Leadership, problem-solving, and excellent communication skills help drive cross-functional teams and stakeholder alignment. These abilities are crucial for delivering complex projects on time, within budget, and to the required quality standards.

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

AspectPrincipal Project EngineerProject Engineer
CredentialsTypically requires a Bachelor's degree in engineering and extensive experience; often professional engineer (PE) licenseBachelor's degree in engineering or related field; entry to mid-level experience
Work EnvironmentLeads large projects, oversees teams, and coordinates with stakeholdersSupports project tasks, manages specific project segments, reports to senior engineers
Industry UsageCommon in construction, oil & gas, and infrastructure sectorsUsed across various engineering fields for project execution

The Principal Project Engineer holds a senior leadership role, overseeing entire projects and teams, while the Project Engineer focuses on specific project tasks and supports project management. Both roles require engineering credentials, but the Principal Project Engineer typically has more experience and responsibilities.

What are Principal Project Engineers?

Principal Project Engineers are senior-level professionals responsible for leading and managing complex engineering projects from conception to completion. They oversee project teams, coordinate resources, ensure adherence to technical standards, and communicate with stakeholders to deliver projects on time and within budget. Their role often involves high-level decision-making, risk management, and providing technical guidance to other engineers. Additionally, they may help set project strategies and ensure compliance with safety and regulatory requirements.
What cities are hiring for Principal Project Engineer jobs? Cities with the most Principal Project Engineer job openings:
What states have the most Principal Project Engineer jobs? States with the most job openings for Principal Project Engineer jobs include:
Principal Project Engineer jobs near you
Infographic showing various Principal Project Engineer job openings in the United States as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 96% Full Time, 1% Part Time, and 3% 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.
Principal Project Engineer

Principal Project Engineer

Mars

Elizabethtown, PA • On-site

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Retirement, PTO

Posted 24 days ago

Mars Inc. rating

7.7

Company rating: 7.7 out of 10

Based on 39 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

122nd of 432 rated food and drinks producers

Job description

Job Description:

Principal Project Engineer

This Principal Project Engineer will be a Project Manager responsible for all aspects of planning and executing projects/programs from ideation to project closure. The person in this role will potentially lead projects in process areas, buildings and infrastructure, general manufacturing processes, and packaging systems depending on business needs. The role owns overall leadership of major capital projects through the Mars Snacking Engineering Execution Standard for executional excellence in project delivery. These roles will either be based out of Elizabethtown, PA, Hackettstown, NJ, Waco, TX, or require significant travel to all of our other major sites across North America.

What are we looking for?

  • Bachelor's of Science in engineering; an advanced degree in engineering, MBA or PMP certification considered a plus.

  • Minimum of 10 years of experience in an comparable technical position - food, beverage, pharmaceutical or related industry preferable.

  • In-Depth understanding of project management principals and general knowledge of engineering disciplines: Building, Infrastructure, Civil, Utilities, Process, Packaging, Electrical, Construction or Computer Service.

  • In-depth understanding of functional engineering area of expertise.

  • Action Oriented, Interpersonal Savvy, Communication Skills, Planning, Self-Development, Dealing with Ambiguity, Creativity, Innovation Management.

  • Developing and executing projects.

  • Managing direct reports or project teams.

  • 20-60% travel requirement.

What will your key responsibilities be?

  • Build and lead high-performing teams while fostering a safe, trusting, and results-driven environment.

  • Provide engineering leadership and direction to plan, scope, and execute projects in collaboration with cross-functional stakeholders.

  • Apply standardized project management processes to manage scope, budget, schedule, risks, and stakeholder engagement.

  • Drive technical excellence, innovation, and sound engineering decisions to ensure competitive, feasible, and efficient project outcomes.

  • Ensure compliance with safety, environmental, and engineering standards while promoting knowledge sharing and consistent ways of working.

What can you expect from Mars?

  • Work with diverse and talented Associates, all guided by the Five Principles.

  • Join a purpose driven company, where we're striving to build the world we want tomorrow, today.

  • A strong focus on learning and development support from day one, including access to our in-house Mars University.

  • An industry competitive salary and benefits package, including company bonus.

The base pay range for this position at commencement of employment is between the range listed below, however, base pay offered may vary depending on multiple individualized factors, including but not limited to job-related knowledge, skills, and experience.The total compensation package for this position will include variable pay, medical and dental benefits, participation in 401k plan, and paid time off benefits.Details of participation in these benefit plans will be provided if an applicant receives an offer of employment.

The pay range shown is applicable to all US locations listed within the job posting:USD 134,400.00 - USD 184,800.00Employment Type: FULL_TIME

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