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Principal Qa Engineer Jobs (NOW HIRING)

The Principal Quality Assurance Engineer is a lead member of the Quality Assurance team. This individual is a technical expert and provides technical leadership for quality activities associated with ...

Principal QA Engineer

Irvine, CA · Hybrid

$140K - $184K/yr

The Principal IT QA engineer will be a hands-on, individual contributor responsible for designing and developing our testing automation framework utilizing Python, Playwright, PyTest, Java or TestNG.

Principal QA Engineer

Irvine, CA · On-site

$140K - $184K/yr

The Principal IT QA engineer will be a hands-on, individual contributor responsible for designing and developing our testing automation framework utilizing Python, Playwright, PyTest, Java or TestNG.

Principal QA Engineer

Irvine, CA · On-site

$140K - $184K/yr

The Principal IT QA engineer will be a hands-on, individual contributor responsible for designing and developing our testing automation framework utilizing Python, Playwright, PyTest, Java or TestNG.

Principal QA Engineer

Irvine, CA · On-site

$140K - $184K/yr

The Principal IT QA engineer will be a hands-on, individual contributor responsible for designing and developing our testing automation framework utilizing Python, Playwright, PyTest, Java or TestNG.

The Principal IT QA engineer will be a hands-on, individual contributor responsible for designing and developing our testing automation framework utilizing Python, Playwright, PyTest, Java or TestNG.

Professional experience as QA Software Engineer with proficiency programming in C++, Javascript or similar languages. * Demonstrated experience in Cloud & DevOps integration and practices, including ...

Professional experience as QA Software Engineerwithproficiency programmingin C++, Javascript or similar languages. * Demonstrated experience in Cloud & DevOps integration and practices, including ...

Principal QAE

Charlottesville, VA · On-site

$112K - $136K/yr

Principal Quality Assurance Engineer, Medical Devices QAE Charlottesville, VA 22911 - Hybrid Lead Quality. Solve Complex Problems. Shape Better Medical Devices. We're seeking a Principal Quality ...

Principal QA Engineer

Wayzata, MN · On-site

$150K - $215K/yr

Professional experience as QA Software Engineerwithproficiency programmingin C++, Javascript or similar languages. * Demonstrated experience in Cloud & DevOps integration and practices, including ...

FormFactor is seeking a Senior Principal Quality Assurance Engineer to lead key elements of our enterprise Quality Management System (QMS) and drive continuous improvement across global operations.

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Principal Qa Engineer information

See salary details

$64.5K

$125.5K

$171K

How much do principal qa engineer jobs pay per year?

As of Sep 12, 2026, the average yearly pay for principal qa engineer in the United States is $125,478.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $102,500.00 and $150,000.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is a principal QA engineer?

Principal QA Engineers are senior-level professionals responsible for overseeing and improving the quality assurance processes within a company. They design and implement testing strategies, mentor QA teams, and ensure that software products meet high standards of quality and reliability. Principal QA Engineers often collaborate with developers, product managers, and stakeholders to define quality goals and address complex technical challenges. Their role is crucial in guiding the direction of QA practices and adopting new tools or methodologies to enhance product quality.

What does a principal QA engineer do?

A Principal QA Engineer plays a crucial role in collaborating with development, product management, and operations teams to ensure quality standards are maintained throughout the software development lifecycle. They often lead the design and implementation of test strategies, facilitate communication between stakeholders, and mentor junior QA members. Their expertise helps teams proactively identify potential issues and streamline testing processes, which results in more robust and reliable product releases.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a principal QA engineer?

To thrive as a Principal QA Engineer, you need deep expertise in software testing methodologies, automation frameworks, and quality assurance best practices, often supported by a relevant degree and significant industry experience. Familiarity with tools like Selenium, Jenkins, JIRA, and scripting languages, as well as certifications such as ISTQB, is highly valued. Strong leadership, problem-solving, and communication skills set standout candidates apart, enabling effective guidance of QA teams and collaboration with cross-functional stakeholders. These skills ensure robust product quality, efficient testing processes, and successful delivery of reliable software solutions.

What is the difference between Principal Qa Engineer vs Senior Qa Engineer?

AspectPrincipal Qa EngineerSenior Qa Engineer
CredentialsBachelor's/Master's in Computer Science or related field, certifications like ISTQBBachelor's in Computer Science or related, some certifications preferred
Work EnvironmentLeads testing strategies, mentors teams, collaborates with cross-functional teamsPerforms testing, develops test cases, reports bugs, supports QA team
Industry UsageUsed in large organizations, enterprise software, and complex projectsCommon in various companies, from startups to large firms
Comparison FocusStrategic leadership, process improvement, mentorshipHands-on testing, execution, reporting

The Principal Qa Engineer typically holds a more strategic and leadership-oriented role, overseeing testing processes and mentoring teams, while the Senior Qa Engineer focuses on executing tests and reporting issues. Both roles require strong testing skills and industry experience, but the Principal position emphasizes leadership and process improvement.

More about Principal Qa Engineer jobs

What cities are hiring for Principal Qa Engineer jobs?

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Who are the top companies hiring for Principal Qa Engineer jobs?

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What states have the most Principal Qa Engineer jobs?

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Infographic showing various Principal Qa Engineer job openings in the United States as of September 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% Internship, 87% Full Time, 9% Part Time, and 3% Contract. Highlights an 86% Physical, 4% Hybrid, and 10% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $125,478 per year, or $60.3 per hour.

Principal Quality Assurance Engineer

Charlottesville, VA

Marmon
Accounting Services • 10K+ employees

Full-time

Posted 26 days ago


Marmon Holdings rating

7.7

Company rating: 7.7 out of 10

Based on 15 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz


Job description

MicroAire Surgical Instruments LLC

As a part of the global industrial organization Marmon Holdings-which is backed by Berkshire Hathaway-you'll be doing things that matter, leading at every level, and winning a better way. We're committed to making a positive impact on the world, providing you with diverse learning and working opportunities, and fostering a culture where everyone's empowered to be their best.

The Principal Quality Assurance Engineer is a lead member of the Quality Assurance team. This individual is a technical expert and provides technical leadership for quality activities associated with the development of new medical devices and the continued support of current medical devices. The Principal Quality Assurance Engineer leads the overall activities including CAPAs, customer complaints, MRB/NCMRs, supplier quality, validations (equipment, process, test methods and software), design controls, process improvement, risk management, and internal audits. Also weighs in needed department resources as well as resource utilization. This individual will work with internal customers, external customers, and suppliers as the technical voice that will derive quality requirements. Requires comprehensive mechanical and technical problem-solving skills. The Principal QAE is responsible for mentoring QAEs, taking the lead on QAE projects, and will serve as a subject matter expert for QAE operations.

+ Essential Duties and Responsibilities

  • Supports New Product Development/Design Control, performing quality engineering activities such as design inputs, design outputs, design verification, design validation, design transfer, and risk analysis/ management. Ensures compliance to specifications and regulatory requirements and identifies opportunities to improve product and process quality. Assists with the compliance of national and international standards and regulations. Conducts analysis including design of experiments, as needed.
  • Generates qualification verification, and/or validation plans, protocols, and reports for new or updated manufacturing processes and equipment (IQ/OQ/PQ). Understands the integration of component, design and process to ensure adequate process capability. Drives the use of statistical analysis tools to understand process capability.
  • Reviews product and process changes and assesses impact on product reliability and qualification/validation status. Assists in changing implementation.
  • Leads and participates in quality metrics reviews; identifying weaknesses and risks associated with MicroAire products and tracking the mitigation of those issues throughout the corrective action process.
  • Facilitates and aids cross-functional teams in performing complaint investigations and CAPA activities.
  • Dispositions any materials/components that are rejected for non-conformance with effective corrective actions.
  • Coordinates and consults with suppliers and supply chain to improve quality, cost and delivery from suppliers. Works with incoming inspection to ensure adequate and robust quality inspections. Performs gauge R&R, capability analysis, etc as required.
  • Available to provide support for outside sales force and customers to resolve product technical questions and instrument performance concerns, as needed.

+ Education and Experience

  • Bachelor's degree in related field (engineering degree preferred)
  • At least 8 years of Quality Assurance manufacturing (mechanical and electrical) experience in the medical device industry.
  • American Society for Quality, Certified Quality Engineer (CQE) or equivalent required.
  • Lean-Six-Sigma experience preferred.

+ Competencies

Competency

Skills

Behaviors

Quality Systems & Regulatory Compliance-
Demonstrates deep expertise in medical device quality systems, regulations, standards, and compliance requirements to ensure products and processes consistently meet regulatory and quality expectations.

FDA QSR/21 CFR 820 knowledge
ISO 13485 and ISO 14971 expertise
CAPA management
Internal auditing
Regulatory compliance assessments
Quality metrics analysis

Ensures compliance requirements are integrated into daily operations
Identifies and mitigates compliance risks proactively
Maintains thorough and accurate documentation
Serves as a trusted quality and regulatory resource across the organization

Technical Problem Solving & Risk Management-
Applies advanced engineering principles, statistical methods, and risk-based thinking to investigate issues, identify root causes, and implement sustainable solutions.

Root cause analysis
Failure investigation
Statistical analysis
Design of Experiments (DOE)
Risk assessment and mitigation
Data interpretation

Makes fact-based decisions using data and evidence
Identifies potential quality and product risks before they escalate
Develops effective corrective and preventive actions
Continuously seeks opportunities to improve product reliability and process performance

Validation & Design Assurance-
Ensures products, equipment, software, and manufacturing processes are appropriately verified and validated to meet intended use requirements and quality standards.

IQ/OQ/PQ development and execution
Process validation
Equipment qualification
Test method validation
Design controls
Verification and validation planning

Develops robust validation strategies and protocols
Evaluates process capability and qualification status effectively
Anticipates validation impacts resulting from design or process changes
Ensures objective evidence supports product and process acceptance

Cross-Functional Leadership & Influence-
Leads quality initiatives and influences decisions across engineering, operations, supply chain, regulatory, and commercial teams without direct authority.

Project leadership
Facilitation skills
Conflict resolution
Stakeholder management
Supplier collaboration
Communication and presentation skills

Builds alignment among diverse teams
Effectively facilitates complaint investigations and CAPAs
Influences quality-focused decision making across functions
Establishes credibility as a technical expert and trusted advisor

Coaching, Mentoring & Technical Expertise-
Develops organizational capability by sharing technical knowledge, mentoring team members, and serving as the subject matter expert for quality engineering practices.

Mentoring and coaching
Technical training
Knowledge transfer
Performance guidance
Continuous improvement methodologies
Subject matter expertise

Provides guidance to QA Engineers and cross-functional teams
Shares best practices and lessons learned proactively
Elevates team technical capability and problem-solving skills
Acts as the go-to expert for complex quality engineering issues

+ Work Environment, Physical Demands and Protective Equipment

  • Supervision: No direct reports. Acts as a mentor and technical expert resource
  • See MicroAire Training Management System
  • ASQ Certifications preferred.
  • All required training for this role is documented in the individual training matrix within the MicroAire Training Management System and must be completed accordingly.

+ Schedule, Travel Responsibility, Special Conditions or Requirements

  • Works in an office environment.
  • Periodic work in various manufacturing environments.
  • Occasional travel may be required.
  • Prolonged periods sitting at a desk and working on a computer.
  • Must be able to traverse the production facility.
  • Must be able to lift up to 25 pounds at a time.
  • List any special conditions or requirements that apply to the position, such as the ability to work weekends.

Pay Range: $112,000-$136,000

Following receipt of a conditional offer of employment, candidates will be required to complete additional job-related screening processes as permitted or required by applicable law.

We are an equal opportunity employer, and all applicants will be considered for employment without attention to their membership in any protected class. If you require any reasonable accommodation to complete your application or any part of the recruiting process, please email your request to careers@marmon.com, and please be sure to include the title and the location of the position for which you are applying.


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