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Principal Project Engineer Jobs in California (NOW HIRING)

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 ...

Arete

Principal Project Engineer

Healdsburg, CA · On-site

We are looking for a Technical Principal Project Engineer to act as a critical bridge between design engineering, production and Program management. This is an exciting opportunity to be part of a ...

Arete

Principal Project Engineer

Healdsburg, CA · On-site

We are looking for a Technical Principal Project Engineer to act as a critical bridge between design engineering, production and Program management. This is an exciting opportunity to be part of a ...

Arete Associates

Principal Project Engineer

Healdsburg, CA · On-site

$170K - $215K/yr

We are looking for a Technical Principal Project Engineer to act as a critical bridge between design engineering, production and Program management. This is an exciting opportunity to be part of a ...

Arete

Principal Project Engineer

Healdsburg, CA · On-site

We are looking for a Technical Principal Project Engineer to act as a critical bridge between design engineering, production and Program management. This is an exciting opportunity to be part of a ...

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Showing results 1-20

All JobsPrincipal Project Engineer JobsPrincipal Project Engineer Jobs in California

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 Jul 27, 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.

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.
Principal Project Engineer jobs near you
Infographic showing various Principal Project Engineer job openings in California as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 93% Full Time, 4% Part Time, and 3% Contract. Highlights an 89% Physical, 4% Hybrid, and 7% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $145,292 per year, or $69.9 per hour.
Principal Project Engineer

Principal Project Engineer

The Raymond Corporation

Cypress, CA • On-site

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Posted 19 days ago

The Raymond Corporation rating

8.1

Company rating: 8.1 out of 10

Based on 28 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

149th of 486 rated machine equipment manufacturers

Job description

Raymond West is looking for a Principal Project Engineer to join our winning team! 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 management. The Principal Project Engineer also successfully defines workflows, jobs, and reporting relationships to obtain optimum effectiveness. Impact of decisions on business operations can have a moderate to high level of impact. May evaluate and recommend changes in methods or procedures in own area of responsibility. Identifies resource needs and may develop justification. Troubleshoots and resolves complex problems. May be responsible for overall success of function or project.
Raymond West is committed to providing our customers with end-to-end warehouse solutions. We bring you our industry-leading expertise in lift trucks, racking, conveyor, dock and door, rentals, parts, and service. Our customers trust us to provide the right supply chain solutions and services to keep their business up and running.
Duties and Responsibilities:
Primary duties and responsibilities will vary with the specific position. Typical responsibilities are listed below. This list is not inclusive.
  • Materials Handling Systems Application Knowledge
  • Substantial and extensive experience with planning, management, and execution of complex material handling systems
  • Understanding of the dynamic handling characteristics, constraints and risks associated with the wide range of materials handled within a complex material handling system to include AGVs, Conveyors, ASRS and robotics.
  • Knowledge of the constraints and methods for defining and demonstrating equipment, subsystem, and system performance criteria.
  • Understanding and knowledge of various controls architectures, related controls levels, and the functionality of controls domains, inclusive of WMS and WCS integration.
  • Knowledge and understanding of the responsibilities and impact of project execution when interfacing with General Contractors, Construction Managers, or owners.
  • Qualifications: Planning, Monitoring and Controlling
  • Knowledge and ability to identify and develop the proper team skills required for the successful implementation of the various products and subsystems employed in complex systems inclusive of mechanical, controls, software, and installation.
  • Ability to develop detailed project schedules inclusive of all in-scope engineering, installation, and integration schedule activities as well as explicit and implicate out-of-scope milestones by others (i.e., owners and general contractors) impacting project execution, using MS Project.
  • Ability to develop, define, and execute acceptance test plans inclusive of physical, function, rate and availability testing.
  • Knowledge of 3rd party procurement including development of RFPs/RFQs, bid review and assessment, and contract award in cooperation with purchasing resources.
  • Experience with and execution of general processes associated with change control, approvals, and information exchange involving several stake holders, both internal and external, in particular with a large number of subcontractors.
  • Ability to coordinate the execution of activities by internal resources as well as contractor resources and recognize early and proactively issues that require corrective action and impact on timely execution.
  • Ability to cause team and organizational action to mitigate scope, schedule, and cost concerns both internally and with customers.
  • Experience with the coordination of on-site activities involving many (sub) contractors vying for the same space and time windows.
  • Interface with local code requirements including, seismic, fire, and ADA.

Required Skills/Abilities:
  • Excellent written and verbal communication skills
  • Excellent Organizational Time Management skills
  • Proficient in Microsoft office Suite and similar software
  • Ability to read and interpret documents such as safety rules, operating and maintenance instructions, and procedure manuals.
  • Ability to speak effectively before groups of customers or employees of the organization.
  • Must be able to maintain effective working relationships with employees, Co-workers, and Managers in other departments
  • Must be willing to work off-hours as specific needs dictate and willing to assume more responsibility as required.
  • Be able to demonstrate proficiency with AutoCAD, MS Word, Excel, Outlook, and Project.
  • Be able to perform rack design & layout to include Selective, Deep Reach, Push Back, Cantilever, Pallet Flow, Carton Flow and Shelving.
  • Be able to perform design and layout for related products to include, but not limited to the following: Mezzanine, Wire Guidance, ASRS, AGV, robots, & Conveyor.
  • Possess experience in sales, support engineering, and contract preparation/administration.
  • Be able to scale and completely take off of existing facilities as requested by Management.
  • Present a mature, responsible appearance.
  • Be able to perform duties under minimal supervision but respond to rapidly varying requirements.
  • Must demonstrate drive an initiative and maintain records of activities.
  • Be willing to continually learn new products and policies.
  • Be willing and able to learn quickly and perform accurately and neatly with a degree of flexibility.
  • Be able to perform independently, and as part of a team with Sales Representatives, suppliers, installers, and clients.
  • Be able to read, analyze, and interpret general business periodicals, professional journals, technical procedures, or governmental regulations.
  • Be able to effectively present information and respond to questions from groups of managers, clients, customers, and the public.
  • Must be able to produce a valid, unrestricted Driver license
  • Ability to solve practical problems and deal with a variety of concrete variables in situations where only limited standardization exists.
  • Ability to interpret a variety of instructions furnished in written, oral, diagram

Education/Experience:
  • Bachelor's degree or equivalent from four-year College or technical school.
  • Engineering background with over 5 years' experience in application, design, and installation of integrated MHE systems.
  • Structural systems experience or equivalent combination of education and experience.

Travel Requirement:
  • 40% (16 hours a week)
  • Must be able to be insured by Raymond West

Physical Requirements:
The work environment characteristics described here are representative of those an employee encounters while performing the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.
  • Position is Sedentary and desk bound.
  • Prolonged periods of sitting at a desk and working on a computer
  • Specific vision abilities required by this job include close vision, distance vision, color vision, peripheral vision, depth perception, and ability to adjust focus
  • Occasionally required to climb or balance and stoop, kneel, crouch, or crawl
  • Occasionally required to lift and/or move up to 25 pounds
  • Occasionally required to walk construction and warehouse sites on uneven ground and in areas where obstacles will be present.

Pay Range:
  • The salary range for this position is $81,000 - $105,000. The specific pay offered to a candidate may be influenced by a variety of factors including but not limited to the candidate's relevant experience, education, and work location.

Qualified candidates must be able to pass a pre-employment physical and drug screen.
Raymond West provides medical, dental, vision, 401k with company match, flexible spending accounts, disability insurance, life insurance, personal time off, holiday pay and a great team to work with!
Check us out at www.raymondwest.com. Raymond West has a great group of loyal and hardworking employees who help us maintain our exemplary level of sales and service.
Apply on-line via the submit resume button provided. We are an equal opportunity employer and encourage all qualified persons to apply. We encourage qualified military veterans and persons with disabilities to submit their resume online. We will consider qualified applicants with criminal histories in accordance with the FCO. We are a drug free company.
This contractor and subcontractor shall abide by the requirements of 41 CFR §§ 60-1.4(a), 60-300.5(a) and 60-741.5(a). These regulations prohibit discrimination against qualified individuals based on their status as protected veterans or individuals with disabilities and prohibit discrimination against all individuals based on their race, color, religion, sex, or national origin. Moreover, these regulations require that covered prime contractors and subcontractors take affirmative action to employ and advance in employment individuals without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, protected veteran status or disability.

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