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Principal Project Engineer Jobs in California (NOW HIRING)

Principal Project Engineer

El Segundo, CA · On-site

$210K - $285K/yr

Principal Project Engineer Company: The Boeing Company Boeing Defense, Space & Security (BDS) is seeking a Principal Project Engineer to join the Space Electronics One Boeing & New Business team ...

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Principal Project Engineer information

See California salary details

$73K

$145.3K

$209.7K

How much do principal project engineer jobs pay per year?

As of Sep 10, 2026, the average yearly pay for principal project engineer in California is $145,292.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $116,900.00 and $170,700.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is a principal project engineer?

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.

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.

Infographic showing various Principal Project Engineer job openings in California as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 82% Full Time, 13% Part Time, and 5% Contract. Highlights an 83% Physical, 5% Hybrid, and 12% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $145,292 per year, or $69.9 per hour.

Principal Project Engineer

El Segundo, CA • On-site

Boeing
Aviation • 10K+ employees

$210K - $285K/yr

Full-time

Medical, Life, Retirement

Posted yesterday

New


Boeing rating

8.5

Company rating: 8.5 out of 10

Based on 618 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz


Job description

Principal Project Engineer

Company:

The Boeing Company

Boeing Defense, Space & Security (BDS) is seeking a Principal Project Engineer to join the Space Electronics One Boeing & New Business team located in El Segundo, California.

This exciting high visibility role leads a talented multi-functional engineering team developing state-of-the-art avionics units for military and commercial aircraft applications.

Position Responsibilities:

  • Lead avionics development projects from design concept through production.

  • Develop integrated plans, establish and lead teams, monitor and respond to technical developments throughout the life of a customer introduction program

  • Manage risk & opportunities, and support cross-functional & cross-Integrated Product Team issues

  • Lead cross-functional technical integration, certification and project management in support of resolving complex issues to deliver units by resolving supply chain issues, mitigating risks, actualizing opportunities, and establishing an efficient production stream

  • Lead detailed investigations to ensure system integration and compliance, with requirements and to preclude safety issues

  • Communicate routinely with Internal and External Customers (peers, stakeholders, senior and executive leadership), Regulators and/or suppliers

This position is expected to be 100% onsite. The selected candidate will be required to work onsite at the listed location.

Basic Qualifications (Required Skills/Experience):

  • This position requires the ability to obtain a US Security Clearance for which the US Government requires US Citizenship as a condition of employment. An interim and/or final U.S. Secret Clearance Post-Start is required.

  • Bachelor of Science degree in Engineering, Engineering Technology (including Manufacturing Technology), Computer Science, Data Science, Mathematics, Physics, Chemistry or non-US equivalent qualifications directly related to the work statement

  • Minimum 5+ years of experience leading development programs

  • Minimum 5+ years of experience in the aerospace industry

  • Minimum 5+ years leading cross-functional engineering/test teams

  • Minimum 5+ years of project management experience

Preferred Qualifications (Desired Skills/Experience):

  • Active Tier5/SSBI

  • 10+ years of experience managing hardware projects or programs for space systems, defense, or aerospace industries

  • Familiarity with Boeing engineering processes and procedures

  • Experience developing and managing budget baselines and Estimates At Complete (EAC)

Conflict of Interest:

Successful candidate for this job must satisfy the Company's Conflict of Interest (COI) assessment process.

Typical Education/Experience:

Education/experience typically acquired through advanced technical education from an accredited course of study in engineering, engineering technology (includes manufacturing engineering technology), computer science, engineering data science, mathematics, physics or chemistry (e.g. Bachelor) and typically 20 or more years' related work experience or an equivalent combination of technical education and experience or non-US equivalent qualifications. In the USA, ABET accreditation is the preferred, although not required, accreditation standard

Relocation:

Relocation assistance is not a negotiable benefit for this position. Candidates must live in the immediate area or relocate at their own expense.

Drug Free Workplace:

Boeingis a Drug Free Workplace where post offer applicants and employees are subject to testing for marijuana, cocaine, opioids, amphetamines, PCP, and alcohol when criteria is met as outlined in our policies.

Shift Work:

This position is for 1st shift.

Total Rewards:

At Boeing, we strive to deliver a Total Rewards package that will attract, engage and retain the top talent. Elements of the Total Rewards package include competitive base pay and variable compensation opportunities.

The Boeing Company also provides eligible employees with an opportunity to enroll in a variety of benefit programs, generally including health insurance, flexible spending accounts, health savings accounts, retirement savings plans, life and disability insurance programs, and a number of programs that provide for both paid and unpaid time away from work.

The specific programs and options available to any given employee may vary depending on eligibility factors such as geographic location, date of hire, and the applicability of collective bargaining agreements.

Pay is based upon candidate experience and qualifications, as well as market and business considerations.

Summary pay range: $210,800 - $285,200

Language Requirements:

Not Applicable

Education:

Bachelor's Degree or Equivalent

Relocation:

Relocation assistance is not a negotiable benefit for this position.

Export Control Requirement:

This position must meet U.S. export control compliance requirements. To meet U.S. export control compliance requirements, a "U.S. Person" as defined by 22 C.F.R. 120.62 is required. "U.S. Person" includes U.S. Citizen, U.S. National, lawful permanent resident, refugee, or asylee.

Safety Sensitive:

This is not a Safety Sensitive Position.

Security Clearance:

This position requires the ability to obtain a U.S. Security Clearance for which the U.S. Government requires U.S. Citizenship. An interim and/or final U.S. Secret Clearance Post-Start is required.

Visa Sponsorship:

Employer will not sponsor applicants for employment visa status.

Contingent Upon Award Program

This position is not contingent upon program award

Shift:

Shift 1 (United States of America)

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About Boeing

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At Boeing, we are all innovators on a mission to connect, protect, explore and inspire. From the sea bed to outer space, you'll learn and grow, contributing to work that shapes the world. Find your future with us.

Industry

Aviation and aerospace product and parts manufacturing

Company size

10,000+ Employees

Headquarters location

Chicago, IL, US