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Principal Quality Engineer Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Columbia

Principal Quality Engineer

Portland, OR

The Principal Quality Engineer leverages deep software engineering expertise in cloud automation, continuous integration (CI), continuous delivery (CD), scripting, and development languages to design ...

Itron, Inc

Principal Quality Engineer

West Union, SC · Hybrid

The Principal Quality Engineer is working in close collaboration with NPI core development teams and is thereforelocatedin R&D CentersOfExcellence.In order to achieve BL project success, the Project ...

ZT Systems

Principal Quality Engineer

Secaucus, NJ · On-site

$141K/yr

About The Role The Principal Quality Engineer will lead the development of data-driven quality systems, using SPC, measurement analysis, and advanced analytics to proactively identify risks, control ...

ZT Systems

Principal Quality Engineer

Secaucus, NJ

$141K/yr

About The Role The Principal Quality Engineer will lead the development of data-driven quality systems, using SPC, measurement analysis, and advanced analytics to proactively identify risks, control ...

Bloom Energy

Principal Quality Engineer

Newark, DE · On-site

We are looking for a Principal Quality Engineer to join our team in one of today's most exciting technologies. This role will report to Senior Manager, Quality , and based in Newark, DE . This is a ...

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$64.5K

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How much do principal quality engineer jobs pay per year?

As of Jun 28, 2026, the average yearly pay for principal quality 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 are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive in the Principal Quality Engineer position, and why are they important?

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.

What is a Principal Quality Engineer job?

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 typical day-to-day responsibilities for 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.

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Principal Quality Engineer jobs near you
Infographic showing various Principal Quality Engineer job openings in the United States as of June 2026, with employment types broken down into 42% Full Time, 54% Part Time, 1% Temporary, 1% Contract, and 2% Nights. Highlights an 93% Physical, 2% Hybrid, and 5% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $125,478 per year, or $60.3 per hour.
Principal Quality Engineer

Principal Quality Engineer

Thales Defense & Security, Inc.

Germantown, MD • On-site

$121K - $154K/yr

Full-time

Medical, Retirement, PTO

Posted 22 days ago

Job description

Thales Defense & Security, Inc. (TDSI) Headquartered in Clarksburg, MD, is a U.S. company that has been serving domestic and international defense Air, Land and Sea domains for 60+ years. With over 1,000 employees, TDSI and its four subsidiaries (Advanced Acoustic Concepts, Digital Receiver Technology, Tampa Microwave, and Trusted Cyber Technologies), supports U.S. Joint Services, special operations forces and multi-national partners with a variety of communication, visualization, signal intelligence/electronic warfare, and sensor/sonar capabilities. TDSI's key technologies include tactical handheld radios, expeditionary satellite terminals, helmet-mounted displays, optics and target recognition capability, advanced radars, undersea sensing and missile systems. Lives depend on what we do!
Top Benefits (Subject to terms of applicable policies/plans)
  • Competitive Salary
  • Yearly Incentive Compensation Plan
  • Medical insurance for self and eligible family members
  • Generous 401(k) program- up to 7% company contribution and 100% immediate vesting
  • Tuition Reimbursement
  • Paid wellness, vacation, and holiday leave
  • Paid maternity, paternity, and parental leave
  • 9/80 Work Schedule (every other Friday off)
  • Hybrid working schedule

We currently have an opening for a Principal Quality Engineer at our Germantown, MD campus, focused on our DRT (Digital Receiver Technology) product line. This position reports to the Quality Engineering Manager at TDSI in Clarksburg, MD.
Responsibilities
  • Supports the TDSI AS9100 Quality Management System (QMS).
  • Leads Quality Engineering activities throughout the product life cycle to include contract review, requirements management, design reviews, verification / validation, and release to production.
  • Initiates and drives internal Corrective Actions Requests (CARs) as required.
  • Assists Supply Chain Quality Assurance activities to include approving / auditing suppliers, conducting Source Inspections of Hardware / Software and supporting Supplier Corrective Action Request (SCARs).
  • Provides interface between Purchasing, Engineering, Program Management, and Manufacturing departments during transition of new products from the design phase to the production phase.
  • Supports Program Quality Assurance activities for production programs to include First Article Inspections (FAI), Material Review Board (MRB), Change Control Board (CCB), Failure Review Board (FRB), and Work Product review and approval.
  • Manages high-priority tasks of multiple projects simultaneously in development.
  • Develops Inspection Plans and processes for Receiving and Final Inspection activities.
  • Determines Process Capability (Cpk) and defect trends based on statistical analysis.
  • Supports Continuous Improvements initiatives.

Qualifications
The requirements listed below are representative of the knowledge, skill, and/or ability required. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.
  • U.S. Citizenship required. - Applicants selected may be subject to a government security investigation and must meet eligibility requirements for access to classified information.
  • BS Mechanical/ Electrical Engineering or equivalent/related technical degree or experience.
  • 8+ years of Quality Engineering experience.
  • Proficient in ASME / ANSI Y14.5 with demonstrated ability to read mechanical drawings.
  • Demonstrated knowledge of electro-mechanical assemblies, IPC standards as well as familiarity with schematics and RF Test equipment.
  • Knowledgeable in elements of Software Quality Assurance, automated MRP systems, Cause / Corrective Action systems.
  • Excellent English communication skills - written and oral.
  • Proficiency in Enterprise Resource Planning (ERP) systems.
  • Proficiency in Requirements and Configuration Management tools.
  • Proficiency in Microsoft Office Products.
  • Proficiency in Minitab.
  • Efficiency in SAP and/or CostPoint preferred.
  • AS9100/ CMMI experience a plus.
  • Ability to travel up to 10% of time domestically.
  • Ability to follow and comply with all Company policies, procedures and guidelines including the Compliance Policy Manual and the Code of Ethics.

The annualized pay range for this role is $121,230- $154,905 USD along with a target incentive compensation plan (ICP) of 5%. The pay range provided is a good faith estimate representative of the experience level for the role described above. TDSI considers several factors when extending an offer, including but not limited to, the role, function and associated responsibilities, a candidate's work experience, location, education/training, and key skills.
For specific questions about this job posting, candidates may contact Talent Acquisition at careers@thalesdsi.com.
Thales Defense & Security, Inc. is committed to non-discrimination as applicable under federal, state and local laws. We are an E-Verify Employer.
If you need an accommodation or assistance in order to apply for a position with Thales Defense & Security, Inc., please call Human Resources at 240-864-7000.
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