1

Principal Quality Engineer Jobs in California (NOW HIRING)

General Summary As a Principal Quality Engineer, you will serve as a technical leader driving quality improvement across Operations. You will apply deep analytical expertise to strengthen process ...

Principal Quality Engineer

Alameda, CA · On-site

$150K - $195K/yr

General Summary As a Principal Quality Engineer, you will serve as a technical leader driving quality improvement across Operations. You will apply deep analytical expertise to strengthen process ...

Principal Quality Engineer

Roseville, CA · On-site

$135K - $175K/yr

General Summary As a Principal Quality Engineer, you will serve as a technical leader driving quality improvement across Operations. You will apply deep analytical expertise to strengthen process ...

Principal Quality Engineer

Roseville, CA · On-site

$135K - $175K/yr

General Summary As a Principal Quality Engineer, you will serve as a technical leader driving quality improvement across Operations. You will apply deep analytical expertise to strengthen process ...

Principal Quality Engineer

Roseville, CA · On-site

$135K - $175K/yr

General Summary As a Principal Quality Engineer, you will serve as a technical leader driving quality improvement across Operations. You will apply deep analytical expertise to strengthen process ...

Principal Quality Engineer

Alameda, CA · On-site

$150K - $195K/yr

General Summary As a Principal Quality Engineer, you will serve as a technical leader driving quality improvement across Operations. You will apply deep analytical expertise to strengthen process ...

Principal Quality Engineer Working at Abbott At Abbott, you can do work that matters, grow, and learn, care for yourself and your family, be your true self, and live a full life. You'll also have ...

Principal Quality Engineer Working at Abbott At Abbott, you can do work that matters, grow, and learn, care for yourself and your family, be your true self, and live a full life. You'll also have ...

Principal Quality Engineer Working at Abbott At Abbott, you can do work that matters, grow, and learn, care for yourself and your family, be your true self, and live a full life. You'll also have ...

General Summary As a Principal Quality Engineer, you will serve as a technical leader driving quality improvement across Operations. You will apply deep analytical expertise to strengthen process ...

About the Role The Principal Quality Engineer will support CAPA programs particularly focused on robust investigation as well as determination and implementation of corrective and preventative ...

Principal Quality Engineer

Northridge, CA · On-site

$121K - $205K/yr

About the Role The Principal Quality Engineer will support CAPA programs particularly focused on robust investigation as well as determination and implementation of corrective and preventative ...

We're moving from a centralized manual QA team to a model where delivery teams own quality end-to-end, supported by embedded Quality Engineers. We need a Principal-level technical leader to drive ...

We're moving from a centralized manual QA team to a model where delivery teams own quality end-to-end, supported by embedded Quality Engineers. We need a Principal-level technical leader to drive ...

Principal Quality Engineer

San Diego, CA · On-site

$121K - $205K/yr

About the Role The Principal Quality Engineer will support CAPA programs particularly focused on robust investigation as well as determination and implementation of corrective and preventative ...

We're moving from a centralized manual QA team to a model where delivery teams own quality end-to-end, supported by embedded Quality Engineers. We need a Principal-level technical leader to drive ...

The Principal Quality Engineer IC4 is responsible for defining and leading scalable, risk-based quality strategies for complex systems; overseeing test coverage, environments, automation, defect ...

The Principal Quality Engineer IC4 is responsible for defining and leading scalable, risk-based quality strategies for complex systems; overseeing test coverage, environments, automation, defect ...

next page

Showing results 1-20

Principal Quality Engineer information

See California salary details

$63.7K

$123.8K

$168.8K

How much do principal quality engineer jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 31, 2026, the average yearly pay for principal quality engineer in California is $123,835.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $101,200.00 and $148,000.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is a principal quality engineer?

A Principal Quality Engineer is a senior-level professional responsible for overseeing quality assurance and quality control processes within an organization. They develop and implement quality standards, conduct audits, and collaborate with cross-functional teams to ensure product and process compliance. Their role often includes mentoring junior engineers, driving continuous improvement initiatives, and ensuring products meet regulatory and customer requirements.

What are the day-to-day responsibilities of a principal quality engineer?

As a Principal Quality Engineer, your daily responsibilities often include leading quality improvement initiatives, analyzing production or service processes, and conducting root cause investigations to address quality issues. You’ll collaborate closely with engineering, manufacturing, and operations teams to develop and implement quality standards, review product designs, and ensure compliance with industry regulations. The role may also involve mentoring junior quality engineers, facilitating audits, and compiling reports for senior management. This dynamic position requires a balance of hands-on problem-solving and strategic oversight to drive excellence throughout the organization.

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

To thrive as a Principal Quality Engineer, you need deep expertise in quality assurance, process improvement, and engineering principles, usually backed by a relevant bachelor’s or master’s degree and extensive industry experience. Familiarity with quality management systems such as ISO 9001, Six Sigma, root cause analysis tools, and proficiency in statistical analysis software are typically required, along with certifications like ASQ CQE or Lean Six Sigma. Strong leadership, problem-solving abilities, and clear communication skills set outstanding candidates apart in this role. These competencies are crucial for driving continuous improvement, ensuring product reliability, and leading cross-functional teams towards quality objectives.

Are principal quality engineers paid well?

Principal quality engineers typically earn high salaries due to their advanced expertise, leadership responsibilities, and experience in quality assurance and process improvement. Compensation varies by industry and location but generally includes competitive base pay, bonuses, and benefits reflecting their senior role.

What does a principal quality engineer do?

A principal quality engineer leads quality assurance efforts within an organization, developing and implementing testing strategies, ensuring product compliance with standards, and mentoring QA teams. They often utilize tools like test automation software and require strong analytical, communication, and leadership skills to improve product quality and process efficiency.

What are popular job titles related to Principal Quality Engineer jobs in California?

For Principal Quality Engineer jobs in California, the most frequently searched job titles are:

What cities in California are hiring for Principal Quality Engineer jobs?

Cities in California with the most Principal Quality Engineer job openings:

What are popular job titles related to Principal Quality Engineer jobs in CA?

For Principal Quality Engineer jobs in CA, the most frequently searched job titles are:

Infographic showing various Principal Quality Engineer job openings in California as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 81% Full Time, 15% Part Time, 2% Contract, and 1% Nights. Highlights an 91% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 8% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $123,835 per year, or $59.5 per hour.

Principal Quality Engineer

Ll Oefentherapie

Santa Clara, CA • On-site

$120 - $180/hr

Other

This job post has expired today. Applications are no longer accepted.


Job description

The Principal Quality Engineer IC4 is responsible for defining and leading scalable, risk-based quality strategies for complex systems; overseeing test coverage, environments, automation, defect resolution, root cause analysis, quality gates, and release readiness across teams. The role requires strong expertise in GPU related testing, test automation, CI/CD integration, risk assessment, test execution and infrastructure, cross-functional collaboration, problem solving, process improvement, and technical mentorship.

Designs scalable test strategies for complex GPU systems, defining coverage to address integration complexity and technical risks. Oversees test environment setup across teams, adapts validation plans, and enforces quality gates for release readiness. Works with manufacturing facilities to review test procedures and results. Leads root cause analysis for customer issues, manages defect resolution, and drives team-level quality improvements. Maintains and optimizes test infrastructure, advises on build vs. buy decisions, and develops reusable automation solutions integrated into Continuous Integration/Continuous Delivery (CI/CD) pipelines.

#J-18808-Ljbffr