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Principal R&D Engineer Jobs in St Paul, MN (NOW HIRING)

NxT Level

Principal AI / ML Engineer

Minneapolis, MN · On-site +1

We're looking for a Principal Machine Learning Engineer to build AI features for the family ... Proficiency in programming languages such as R, Python, and Java, with a focus on data exploration ...

NxT Level

Principal AI / ML Engineer

Minneapolis, MN · On-site

We're looking for a Principal Machine Learning Engineer to build AI features for the family ... Proficiency in programming languages such as R, Python, and Java, with a focus on data exploration ...

Konik

Applications Engineer

Minneapolis, MN · On-site

This is a highly visible, cross-functional engineering role positioned between engineering, sales, operations, and R&D. The Applications Engineer will help integrate complex renewable systems into ...

Nextern

Principal Electrical Engineer

Osseo, MN · On-site

$130K - $160K/yr

Nextern is seeking a talented Principal Electrical Engineer to join our innovative team. This ... Employee Short Term Disability, Long Term Disability, and AD&D Life Insurance Salary Range for This ...

Nextern

Principal Electrical Engineer

Osseo, MN · On-site

$130K - $160K/yr

Nextern is seeking a talented Principal Electrical Engineer to join our innovative team. This ... Employee Short Term Disability, Long Term Disability, and AD&D Life Insurance Salary Range for This ...

Nextern

Principal Electrical Engineer

Osseo, MN · On-site

$130K - $160K/yr

Nextern is seeking a talented Principal Electrical Engineer to join our innovative team. This ... Employee Short Term Disability, Long Term Disability, and AD&D Life Insurance Salary Range for This ...

Medtronic

Sr. Principal Software Engineer

Fridley, MN

$129K - $178K/yr

Medtronic Pelvic Health As a Sr. Principal Software Engineer, you will design, develop, and verify ... F.R. 214.2(h)(4)(iii)(A) is required. Physical Job Requirements The above statements are intended ...

Medtronic

Sr. Principal Software Engineer

Fridley, MN · On-site

$129K - $178K/yr

Medtronic Pelvic Health As a Sr. Principal Software Engineer, you will design, develop, and verify ... F.R. 214.2(h)(4)(iii)(A) is required. Physical Job Requirements The above statements are intended ...

Laborie

Principal Manufacturing Engineer

Plymouth, MN · On-site

$145K - $155K/yr

If you're ready to make a positive impact in the lives of patients across the globe, we'd like to ... The Principal Manufacturing Engineer is a highly experienced, professional recognized as a submit ...

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Showing results 21-40

All JobsPrincipal R&D Engineer JobsPrincipal R&D Engineer Jobs in St. Paul, MN

Principal R D Engineer information

See St Paul, MN salary details

$74.8K

$148.9K

$214.9K

How much do principal r&d engineer jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 21, 2026, the average yearly pay for principal r&d engineer in St. Paul, MN is $148,895.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $119,800.00 and $175,000.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is a Principal R&D engineer?

Principal R&D (Research and Development) Engineers are senior-level professionals who lead and oversee complex engineering projects focused on innovation and the development of new products, technologies, or processes. They are responsible for guiding research initiatives, setting technical direction, and mentoring junior engineers within their teams. Principal R&D Engineers often collaborate with cross-functional teams, manage project timelines, and ensure that technical solutions align with business goals. Their expertise is crucial for driving technological advancements and maintaining a competitive edge in the industry.

What are some common challenges faced by Principal R&D engineers when leading cross-functional innovation projects?

Principal R&D Engineers often encounter challenges such as aligning diverse technical teams, balancing innovation with project timelines, and managing resource constraints. Coordinating input from various departments—such as product management, manufacturing, and quality assurance—requires strong communication and leadership skills. Additionally, they must ensure compliance with regulatory standards while fostering creative problem-solving within their teams. Successfully navigating these challenges is crucial for delivering breakthrough products and advancing company goals.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a Principal R&D engineer, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Principal R&D Engineer, you need deep expertise in engineering principles, advanced problem-solving abilities, and typically a master's or PhD in a relevant field. Familiarity with CAD software, simulation tools, project management systems, and sometimes certifications like Six Sigma or PMP are common requirements. Leadership, creativity, and effective communication are soft skills that help drive innovation and guide multidisciplinary teams. These competencies ensure successful development of cutting-edge solutions, efficient project delivery, and sustained competitive advantage for the organization.

What is the difference between Principal R&D Engineer vs Senior R&D Engineer?

AspectPrincipal R&D EngineerSenior R&D Engineer
CredentialsBachelor's/Master's/PhD in Engineering or related field; extensive experienceBachelor's/Master's in Engineering; significant experience
Work EnvironmentLeads complex projects, strategic planning, cross-team collaborationExecutes projects, supports design and development tasks
Industry UsageUsed in advanced R&D departments, innovation teamsCommon in product development teams, R&D labs

The Principal R&D Engineer typically holds a higher level of responsibility, focusing on strategic innovation and leading complex projects, whereas the Senior R&D Engineer primarily supports project execution and technical development. Both roles require strong technical expertise, but the Principal position involves more leadership and vision-setting within R&D teams.

Principal R D Engineer jobs near you
Infographic showing various Principal R&D Engineer job openings in St. Paul, MN as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 91% Full Time, 5% Part Time, and 4% Contract. Highlights an 87% Physical, 5% Hybrid, and 8% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $148,895 per year, or $71.6 per hour.

Yield Principal Engineer

SkyWater Technology Foundry, Inc.

Bloomington, MN • On-site

$136K - $205K/yr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Posted 17 days ago

SkyWater Technology rating

8.7

Company rating: 8.7 out of 10

Based on 8 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

19th of 159 rated electronics manufacturers

Job description

Bold Thinking. World Changing. At SkyWater, our ingenuity helps improve lives around the world by manufacturing U.S. made semiconductors that are essential ingredients of modern life. Automotive safety enhancements, life-saving medical devices, consumer electronics and American security require semiconductors. Working in our Minnesota headquarters, Florida, or Texas location - employees join together to improve the world.
Explore what's possible. Joining our U.S. - based team means contributing to and learning about the commercialization of some of the most exciting technologies the world has ever seen. We are turning "science fiction" into everyday reality through technologies such as superconducting, 3D integrated circuits or computer chips, carbon nanotubes, photonic logic devices, micro electro-mechanical systems and other emerging device topologies. We manufacture products for aerospace and defense, medical, automotive, consumer and industrial markets, to name a few. Our customers include emerging leaders who rely on our intellectual property security and quality manufacturing services.
Step into the future. SkyWater's values of Integrity, Excellence, Collaboration, Empowerment and Growth Mindset guide us to cultivate an empowered, learning environment. We also invest in developing highly skilled, dedicated employees - and employees who are entering the workforce for the first time, from the military, and a variety of educational backgrounds.
Are you bold thinking? Find your place on our team and help us change the world!
SkyWater is hiring a highly skilled and experienced Semiconductor Yield Principal Engineer to lead the integration of new technologies into our fab. The successful candidate will play a critical role in ensuring the smooth transition of new processes and technologies into production, with a primary focus on optimizing yield and quality.
Key Responsibilities:
  • Lead the development and implementation of strategies for integrating new semiconductor technologies into the fab environment.
  • Collaborate closely with cross-functional teams, including process engineers, device engineers, and manufacturing teams, to ensure seamless technology transfer and successful ramp-up to production.
  • Design and execute experiments to characterize new processes and technologies, identifying potential yield-limiting factors and developing solutions to address them.
  • Analyze yield data and perform root cause analysis to identify opportunities for improvement and drive continuous yield enhancement initiatives.
  • Develop and maintain comprehensive yield models to predict and optimize yield performance for new technology nodes.
  • Drive yield improvement projects through effective project management, including setting objectives, timelines, and milestones, and ensuring timely execution.
  • Provide technical guidance and mentorship to junior engineers and technicians in yield analysis techniques and methodologies.
  • Stay abreast of industry trends and emerging technologies, continuously evaluating their potential impact on yield and recommending appropriate actions.
  • Work closely with equipment suppliers and external partners to evaluate new tools and technologies for potential adoption in the fab.

Required Qualifications:
  • Bachelor's degree in Electrical Engineering, Materials Science, or related field; advanced degree (MS/Ph.D.) preferred.
  • 10+ years' experience with BS, 7-10 years of experience with MS, 5+ years of experience with PhD experience in semiconductor yield engineering, with a proven track record of success in yield improvement and technology integration.
  • Expertise in semiconductor fabrication processes, including photolithography, etch, deposition, and metrology.
  • Strong understanding of statistical analysis techniques and familiarity with yield modeling and simulation tools.
  • Proficiency in data analysis and visualization tools such as JMP, Python, or R.
  • Excellent problem-solving skills with a systematic approach to troubleshooting and root cause analysis.
  • Effective communication and collaboration skills, with the ability to work cross-functionally and influence stakeholders at all levels.
  • Proven ability to lead projects and drive initiatives to successful completion in a fast-paced, dynamic environment.
  • Extensive hands-on experience in 90nm Bulk Silicon (Si) and Silicon-On-Insulator (SOI) technologies is a plus.

The annual salary range for this role is $136,960 - $205,440. Pay offered is based on many factors including, but not limited to, the job-related experience, skills, education, and credentials of each candidate.
SkyWater offers an exciting environment where the brightest semiconductor minds come together to achieve exceptional results. We offer competitive salary and an opportunity to participate in incentive plans as well other employee financial benefits including 401k match, life insurance and opportunities to purchase SkyWater stock at a discounted rate.
Additionally, SkyWater offers a comprehensive benefits package which promotes a healthy life. This includes benefit eligibility day one, medical, dental, mental health benefits, vision, legal planning, short- and long-term disability, paid time off, paid holidays, an on-site fitness facility, and an on-site self-serve market.
SkyWater complies with federal and state disability laws and makes reasonable accommodations for applicants and employees with disabilities unless doing so would cause an undue hardship. Alternative methods of applying for employment are available to individuals unable to submit an application through this site because of a disability. To request reasonable accommodations, to participate in the job application or interview process, to perform essential job functions, and/or to receive other benefits and privileges of employment, please contact Human Resources at 952-851-5200 or Recruiting@SkyWatertechnology.com.
EOE, including disability/vets
We will never ask applicants to pay fees, purchase equipment or gift cards, or provide financial information before a formal offer of employment has been accepted. If you receive a suspicious communication claiming to represent our company, please verify its authenticity by contacting our recruitment team at recruiting@skywatertechnology.com before responding.

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