ZipRecruiter

Log In

1

Principal Project Engineer Jobs (NOW HIRING)

SCHWAN'S

Principal Project Engineer

Florence, KY · On-site +1

$107K - $178K/yr

Our CJ Schwan's engineering team is seeking a remote-based Principal Project Engineer, with preference to someone in either the Cincinnati, Dayton, or Columbus, Ohio areas. In this role, you are ...

Mitsubishi Electric Power Products, Inc.

PA · On-site

... Principal Quality Engineer to provide technical consultation and leadership as well as performing all essential functions of a lead project engineer or supporting project engineer for multiple ...

previous page

Showing results 41-60

All JobsTechnology JobsProject Management JobsIT Project Manager JobsPrincipal Project Engineer Jobs

Principal Project Engineer information

See salary details

$74K

$147.2K

$212.5K

How much do principal project engineer jobs pay per year?

As of Sep 10, 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.

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.

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:

What are popular job titles related to Principal Project Engineer jobs?

For Principal Project Engineer jobs, the most frequently searched job titles are:

Principal Project Engineer jobs near you
Infographic showing various Principal Project Engineer job openings in the United States as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 88% Full Time, 8% Part Time, and 4% Contract. Highlights an 83% Physical, 5% Hybrid, and 12% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $147,220 per year, or $70.8 per hour.

Sr. / Principal Project Engineer (Mechanical) Job

Lancaster, PA • On-site

Armstrong World Industries
See more jobs at Armstrong World Industriesexternal

$105K - $132K/yr

Full-time

Re-posted 29 days ago

Job description

Primary location: Lancaster, Pennsylvania
Relocation offered: No
Employment status: Full-Time
Travel: 26%-50%
Non-compete: No
Location: Lancaster, Pennsylvania
The estimated base salary range for this role is $105,000 to $132,000 per year.
Individual pay is based upon location, skills and expertise, experience and other relevant factors (salary may be adjusted based on geographic location)
Sr. / Principal Project Engineer (Mechanical)
Armstrong World Industries (AWI) has a job opportunity for a Senior/Principal Mechanical Project Engineer in Lancaster, PA. The Senior/Principal Mechanical Project Engineer will be responsible for leading and executing projects relating to manufacturing equipment and processes. Additionally, the Senior/Principal Mechanical Project Engineer will have the opportunity to work closely with various teams within the organization, including AWI's manufacturing, Innovation, New Product Development, plant and operations staff, along with outside suppliers.
What You'll Be Doing
  • Lead and execute major capital projects, ensuring delivery to established cost, schedule, safety, and performance objectives
  • Specify production equipment and partner directly with vendors to:
    • design
    • procure
    • install
    • commission assets for new and existing production lines
  • Support capital projects from concept development through installation, commissioning, and start-up
  • Investigate equipment and process issues, perform root cause analysis, and implement corrective actions to improve operational reliability and performance
  • Apply mechanical engineering and precision maintenance principles to support safe, reliable, and efficient manufacturing operations
  • Participate as a key member of cross-functional project teams across engineering, maintenance, operations, and external vendors
  • Drive rapid and sustainable process improvements through participation in Lean and Agile initiatives
  • Mentor and develop engineers and maintenance personnel on:
    • technical standards
    • engineering best practices
    • precision maintenance principles
  • Support plant reliability initiatives, asset condition programs, and other corporate operational improvement efforts
  • Collaborate closely with plant engineering, operations, maintenance, and business stakeholders to meet customer and operational requirements
  • Provide technical leadership and guidance to less-experienced engineers across plant and corporate engineering teams
  • Support project estimating, capital budgeting, cost tracking, and project financial management activities

What Will Make You Successful
  • Strong mechanical engineering knowledge with hands-on manufacturing and industrial project experience
  • Proven ability to successfully lead capital projects from planning through execution and start-up
  • Strong project management and organizational skills with the ability to manage multiple priorities simultaneously
  • Excellent problem-solving and root cause analysis capabilities
  • Ability to collaborate effectively across engineering, maintenance, operations, vendors, and leadership teams
  • Strong communication and presentation skills with the ability to clearly communicate technical concepts and project updates
  • Hands-on approach with the ability to work effectively in active manufacturing environments
  • Strong focus on:
    • safety
    • reliability
    • lifecycle asset performance
    • continuous improvement
  • Ability to mentor and develop less-experienced engineers and technical personnel
  • Adaptability and willingness to travel to support project execution across multiple locations

What Makes You Stand Out
  • Experience leading large-scale capital projects within manufacturing or industrial environments
  • Strong knowledge of precision maintenance and reliability-centered maintenance principles
  • Experience supporting equipment installation, construction, commissioning, and manufacturing start-up activities
  • Lean Practitioner certification or demonstrated experience utilizing Lean manufacturing tools
  • Engineer in Training (EIT) and/or Professional Engineer (PE) certification
  • Experience developing and managing:
    • project cost estimates
    • capital budgets
    • cost control initiatives
  • Experience preparing and reviewing equipment and construction specifications
  • Strong background working with SAP or similar ERP systems
  • Experience working in cross-functional engineering and operations environments
  • Ability to drive process improvements through Agile and Lean methodologies
  • Proven ability to mentor engineering and maintenance teams on technical best practices

Qualifications
  • Bachelor's degree in:
    • Mechanical Engineering
    • or equivalent engineering discipline required
  • 5-7 years of project planning and execution experience within manufacturing or industrial environments required
  • Experience leading cross-functional teams including:
    • engineering
    • maintenance
    • operations
    • external vendors
  • Hands-on experience supporting:
    • equipment installation
    • construction
    • commissioning
    • manufacturing start-up activities
  • Experience with:
    • SAP
    • ERP systems
    • capital project estimating
    • cost control
  • Strong project management experience required
  • Ability to communicate technical concepts effectively to multiple audiences
  • Willingness and ability to travel domestically and internationally up to 50% based on project needs
  • EIT and/or PE certification preferred
  • Lean Practitioner certification or Lean manufacturing experience preferred

Why should you join Armstrong World Industries?
Armstrong World Industries (AWI) is an Americas leader in the design and manufacture of innovative interior and exterior architectural applications including ceilings, specialty walls and exterior metal solutions. With approximately $1.4 billion in revenue, AWI has about 3,700 employees and a manufacturing network of 21 facilities in North America.
At home, at work, in healthcare facilities, classrooms, stores, or restaurants, we offer interior solutions that help to enhance comfort, save time, improve building efficiency and overall performance, and create beautiful spaces.
For more than 160 years, we have built our business on trust and integrity. It set us apart then, and it sets us apart now, along with our ability to collaborate with and innovate for the people we're here to serve - our customers, our shareholders, our communities and our employees.
We are committed to developing new and sustainable architectural solutions, with design and performance possibilities that make a positive difference in spaces where we live, work, learn, heal and play. It's an exciting, rewarding business to be in, and we're committed to continue to grow and prosper for the benefit of all of our stakeholders. We hope you join us.
Our Sustainability Ambition
"Bringing our Purpose to Life" - lead a transformation in the design and building of spaces fit for today and tomorrow.
We are committed to:
  • Engaging a diverse, purpose-driven workforce;
  • Transforming buildings from structures that shelter into structures that serve and preserve the health and well-being of people and planet;
  • Pursuing sustainable, innovative solutions for spaces where we live, work, learn heal and play;
  • Being a catalyst for change with all of our stakeholders; and
  • Making a positive difference in the environments and communities we impact.

About the location (Lancaster PA)
Lancaster, PA. A great central location in South Central Pennsylvania, Lancaster is ideally situated for easy access to major metropolitan cities such as Philadelphia, Baltimore, Washington DC, and New York City. Lancaster offers a vibrant arts and entertainment community with wonderful historic sites, B&Bs, museums, great shopping, entertainment venues and restaurants.
Armstrong is committed to engaging a diverse, purpose-driven workforce. As part of our dedication to diversity, AWI is committed to Equal Employment Opportunity and all qualified applicants receive consideration for employment without regard for race, sex, color, national origin, ethnicity, gender, protected veteran status, disability, sexual orientation, gender identity, or religion. We are also committed to providing reasonable accommodations for qualified individuals with disabilities and disabled veterans in our job application procedures. If you need assistance or an accommodation due to a disability, you may contact us at by email at AWI talent acquisition and let us know the nature of your request and your contact information. Requests for accommodation will be evaluated on a case-by-case basis. Please note that only inquiries concerning a request for reasonable accommodation will be responded to from this email address.
Come and build your future with us and apply today!

Apply