1

Principal Project Engineer Jobs in California (NOW HIRING)

Senior 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 ...

... Principal Engineer to Lead Engineer to Chief Engineer to Subject Matter Expert) or a Project Management role (Project Manager to Program Manager to Principal Investigator to Business Area Lead)

Principal Project Scheduler

Oceanside, CA · On-site

$119K - $222K/yr

This role is a valuable part of Roche's Global Engineering team within Pharma Technical Operations ... The Opportunity As the Principal Project Scheduler you will develop and maintain integrated project ...

Showing results 21-40

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 15, 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 for Single-Use Equipment

Oceanside, CA • On-site

Genentech
Scientific Research and Development Services • 10K+ employees

$109K - $204K/yr

Full-time

Re-posted 12 hours ago


Genentech rating

7.8

Company rating: 7.8 out of 10

Based on 23 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz


Job description

This role is a key part of our Equipment Engineering team, dedicated to delivering cutting-edge solutions for Single-use Systems in biologics manufacturing. As a member of this team, you will play a pivotal role in managing complex projects, collaborating with multidisciplinary teams, and ensuring compliance with industry and regulatory standards. This position offers the opportunity to work with global stakeholders, mentor engineers, and contribute to the advancement of innovative technologies that support our mission of delivering high-quality, life-saving medicines to patients worldwide.

The Opportunity

As a Principal Project Engineer for Single-Use Equipment, you will serve as a technical leader responsible for managing and delivering engineering projects focused on biologics process equipment, ensuring compliance with industry standards, regulatory requirements, and Roche guidelines. You will drive collaboration across disciplines and global stakeholders to achieve project goals while implementing innovative solutions for GMP-compliant manufacturing systems. Additionally, you will:

  • Lead the planning, design, and execution of engineering projects for single-use biologics process equipment.

  • Manage sub-project budgets, schedules, resources, and risks to ensure timely and cost-effective project delivery.

  • Serve as the primary interface with equipment suppliers for technical specifications, design reviews, and performance validation.

  • Oversee Factory Acceptance Tests, Site Acceptance Tests, and equipment qualification activities, ensuring systems meet GMP compliance.

  • Develop and manage relationships with external vendors and contractors to ensure quality execution and timely delivery of project scope.

  • Provide mentoring and technical guidance to less experienced engineers to foster professional growth and team excellence.

  • Drive alignment with key stakeholders, ensuring consistent communication and decision-making throughout project phases.

Who You Are

  • Bachelor's Degree in Chemical Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, or related discipline with 8+ years of experience preferably in pharmaceutical biologics molecule drug substance equipment, 6+ years of experience with a Master's Degree.

  • Experience managing international capital projects related to biologics molecule drug substance equipment, with typical project budgets ranging from 15 to 50m CHF.

  • Operational experience with biologics systems (bioreactors, chromatography skids, filtration systems, centrifuges, laminar flow hoods, etc.).

  • Experience with equipment manufacturer collaboration, FAT/SAT execution, and equipment commissioning/qualification activities.

  • Demonstrated ability to execute highly complex scope on mid-sized to large-scale projects.

  • Experience with regulatory compliance (FDA, EMA) and GMP requirements for biologics manufacturing operations.

  • Project delivery experience in pharmaceutical manufacturing environments.

  • Significant travel (50-60%) assignment requiring weekly commuting and/or temporary remote assignment as required to meet the business need (including on-site presence during FAT/SAT activities). International project assignment of 1 to 3 years as required to meet the business need.

Preferred:

  • MS in Engineering (Chemical or Mechanical) and/or an MBA

This is an on-site position; no remote options are available at this time.

Relocation benefits are not available for this posting.

The expected salary range for this position based on the primary location of California is $109,900 - $204,100 Annual. Actual pay will be determined based on experience, qualifications, geographic location, and other job-related factors permitted by law. A discretionary annual bonus may be available based on individual and Company performance. This position also qualifies for the benefits detailed in this link.

Genentech is an equal opportunity employer. It is our policy and practice to employ, promote, and otherwise treat any and all employees and applicants on the basis of merit, qualifications, and competence. The company's policy prohibits unlawful discrimination, including but not limited to, discrimination on the basis of Protected Veteran status, individuals with disabilities status, and consistent with all federal, state, or local laws.

If you have a disability and need an accommodation in relation to the online application process, please contact us by completing this form Accommodations for Applicants.


What Genentech employees say

Pay

Benefits

Hours and flexibility

Workplace

Get the full story on Breakroom


Genentech logo

About Genentech

Sourced by ZipRecruiter

A member of the Roche Group, Genentech has been at the forefront of the biotechnology industry for more than 40 years, using human genetic information to develop novel medicines for serious and life-threatening diseases. Genentech has multiple therapies on the market for cancer & other serious illnesses. Please take this opportunity to learn about Genentech where we believe that our employees are our most important asset & are dedicated to remaining a great place to work.

Industry

Scientific research and development services

Company size

10,000+ Employees

Headquarters location

South San Francisco, CA, US

Year founded

1976

Social media