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Principal Quality Assurance Jobs (NOW HIRING)

The Principal QA Engineer serves as a product expert for quality assurance, leading testing initiatives across the Sage Fixed Assets applications. This role extends beyond traditional QA ...

Principal - QA Validation

Hopkinton, MA · On-site

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Retirement

ACCELERATING YOUR FUTURE The Principal, QA - Validation is responsible for providing QA oversight of validation activities in support of facilities and equipment validation activities. This includes ...

Principal, QA- Quality Systems

Hopkinton, MA · On-site

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Retirement

ACCELERATING YOUR FUTURE The Principal, QA - Quality Systems is responsible for providing QA oversight of Quality Systems and Computer System Validation. This includes supporting review and approval ...

Principal QA Engineer

Irvine, CA · Hybrid

$140K - $184K/yr

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Retirement

  • PTO

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

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Retirement

  • PTO

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

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Retirement

  • PTO

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

$140K - $184K/yr

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Retirement

  • PTO

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.

Sr. Principal QA Engineer

Livermore, CA · On-site

$136 - $179/hr

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Life

  • Retirement

  • PTO

## Sr. Principal QA EngineerApplylocations: Livermore, CAtime type: Full timeposted on: Posted Todayjob requisition id: JR100900**Forming Our Future together**FormFactor, Inc. (NASDAQ: FORM), is a ...

Principal Quality Engineer, Supplier QA

Manassas, VA · On-site

$150K - $190K/yr

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Life

  • Retirement

  • PTO

The Role As our Principal Quality Engineer, Supplier QA Support, you'll hold dual responsibility within Electra's Quality organization: supporting our FAA Part 23 Type and Production Certification ...

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Principal Quality Assurance information

See salary details

$36.5K

$109.4K

$182K

How much do principal quality assurance jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 13, 2026, the average yearly pay for principal quality assurance in the United States is $109,393.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $85,000.00 and $125,000.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a principal quality assurance, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Principal Quality Assurance professional, you need deep expertise in quality assurance methodologies, test planning, and a relevant degree, often supported by extensive experience in software or product testing. Familiarity with automation frameworks, test management tools (like Selenium, JIRA, or TestRail), and certifications such as ISTQB or Six Sigma are highly beneficial. Strong leadership, problem-solving abilities, and effective communication skills set top performers apart in leading teams and ensuring quality standards. These skills are crucial for driving continuous improvement, ensuring high product quality, and fostering collaboration across development and QA teams.

What does a principal quality assurance do?

A Principal Quality Assurance (QA) professional oversees the quality assurance processes within an organization, ensuring products or services meet set standards and regulatory requirements. They develop, implement, and refine testing strategies, mentor QA teams, and collaborate with other departments to identify and resolve quality issues. Additionally, they may lead audits, manage compliance documentation, and drive continuous improvement initiatives. Their role is critical in minimizing defects and ensuring customer satisfaction.

How does a principal quality assurance typically collaborate with cross-functional teams to ensure product quality?

As a Principal Quality Assurance professional, you play a key leadership role in working closely with development, product management, and operations teams. You’ll often participate in design reviews, define testing strategies, and lead risk assessments to ensure quality is built into each stage of the product lifecycle. Effective communication and influence are crucial, as you’ll be responsible for aligning quality standards across teams and mentoring junior QA staff. This collaboration ensures that potential issues are identified early and that the final product meets both customer expectations and regulatory requirements.

What is the difference between Principal Quality Assurance vs Quality Assurance Manager?

AspectPrincipal Quality AssuranceQuality Assurance Manager
CredentialsTypically requires a bachelor's degree in quality assurance, engineering, or related field; certifications like ASQ CQE or CQA are commonSimilar credentials as Principal QA, often with additional management certifications
Work EnvironmentStrategic role focusing on quality standards, process improvements, and compliance across projectsOperational role overseeing QA teams, implementing testing processes, and managing daily quality activities
Employer & Industry UsageUsed in manufacturing, software, and engineering sectors for senior technical leadershipCommon in various industries for team management and process oversight

The main difference is that the Principal Quality Assurance focuses on strategic quality initiatives and standards, while the Quality Assurance Manager handles day-to-day team management and process execution. Both roles require similar credentials but differ in scope and responsibilities.

More about Principal Quality Assurance jobs

What cities are hiring for Principal Quality Assurance jobs?

Cities with the most Principal Quality Assurance job openings:

Infographic showing various Principal Quality Assurance job openings in the United States as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 80% Full Time, 14% Part Time, 4% Contract, and 1% Nights. Highlights an 94% Physical, 2% Hybrid, and 4% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $109,393 per year, or $52.6 per hour.

Principal Quality Assurance Engineer

Motion Recruitment

Boston, MA • On-site

Full-time

Re-posted 26 days ago


Job description

This client is looking for a Principal Quality Assurance Engineer based in Boston, MA with a requirement of 4 days onsite. This company is a leading insurance organization that focuses on software solutions that support financial systems. This is a full-time position.
You will lead globally distributed QA teams and define how testing is executed across fast-moving releases. The focus is on building strong automation foundations, increasing test coverage through modern frameworks, and introducing AI-assisted quality engineering practices.
Required Skills & Experience
  • 10 + years in Quality Assurance and test engineering teams
  •  Deep experience managing offshore engineering groups
  • Strong hands-on expertise in Java
  • Practical use of Gherkin and BDD when implementing systems
  • Experience integrating AI tools to test workflows
Desired Skills & Experience
  • Background knowledge of financial, healthcare, and insurance companies’ regulations and rules.
  • Experience supporting financial services, trading, or market data platforms
  • Strong understanding of high-performance, low-latency systems
  • Familiarity with regulatory and compliance-driven testing environments

What You Will Be Doing
Tech Breakdown
  • 35% QA strategy, team leadership, and offshore coordination
  • 30% test automation using Java-based BDD frameworks
  • 20% AI-driven testing tools and automation optimization
  • 15% CI/CD integration, and pipeline support
Daily Responsibilities
  • 10% Hands On
  • 65% Management Duties
  • 25% Team Collaboration