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Principal Reliability Engineer Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Hp

Principal Reliability Engineer

Spring, TX

$91K - $114K/yr

Principal Reliability Engineer Description - At HP, quality & reliability are part of the HP Way and our promise to our customers, partners, and stakeholders. As part of our journey to lead the ...

Coherent Corp.

Principal Reliability Engineer

Fremont, CA · On-site

$121K - $152K/yr

The Principal Reliability Engineering role is pivotal in this process, focusing on design for reliability, qualification testing, and ensuring the long-term reliability of leading-edge optoelectronic ...

Coherent

Principal Reliability Engineer

Fremont, CA · Hybrid

$121K - $152K/yr

The Principal Reliability Engineering role is pivotal in this process, focusing on design for reliability, qualification testing, and ensuring the long-term reliability of leading-edge optoelectronic ...

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Principal Reliability Engineer information

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$74K

$147.2K

$212.5K

How much do principal reliability engineer jobs pay per year?

As of Jun 26, 2026, the average yearly pay for principal reliability engineer in the United States is $147,220.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $118,500.00 and $173,000.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a Principal Reliability Engineer, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Principal Reliability Engineer, you need deep expertise in reliability engineering principles, statistical analysis, and a degree in engineering or a related field. Familiarity with reliability modeling software (such as ReliaSoft), FMEA/FMECA tools, root cause analysis methodologies, and relevant industry certifications like CRE (Certified Reliability Engineer) is typically required. Strong problem-solving, leadership, and communication skills help drive cross-functional initiatives and mentor junior engineers. These skills ensure the development and maintenance of high-quality, dependable systems, reducing downtime and increasing operational efficiency.

How does a Principal Reliability Engineer typically contribute to cross-functional teams, and what collaboration challenges might arise?

As a Principal Reliability Engineer, you play a pivotal role in partnering with design, operations, and maintenance teams to ensure system reliability from concept through deployment. You’ll often lead failure analysis reviews, set reliability goals, and guide best practices across departments. Challenges can include aligning different teams’ priorities, communicating complex technical concepts to non-engineers, and driving consensus on design or process changes. Success in this role depends on strong communication skills and the ability to foster a collaborative, solutions-focused environment.

What is the difference between Principal Reliability Engineer vs Reliability Engineer?

AspectPrincipal Reliability EngineerReliability Engineer
CredentialsTypically requires a Bachelor's or Master's in Engineering, certifications like CRE or Six SigmaSimilar educational background, often with certifications in reliability or quality
Work EnvironmentLeads reliability strategies across projects, often in senior or lead rolesFocuses on analyzing data, testing, and improving product reliability
Industry UsageUsed in manufacturing, aerospace, energy, and tech industriesCommonly found in similar industries, supporting reliability initiatives
Search & ComparisonOften compared for seniority and scope of responsibilityCompared for technical expertise and hands-on reliability work

The Principal Reliability Engineer typically oversees reliability strategies and leads teams, while the Reliability Engineer focuses on technical analysis and implementation. Both roles require similar credentials and are vital in industries prioritizing product and system dependability.

What is a Principal Reliability Engineer?

A Principal Reliability Engineer is a senior-level professional responsible for ensuring that systems, products, or processes are dependable and function reliably over time. They use their expertise to identify potential points of failure, implement preventive maintenance strategies, and analyze data to improve system performance. Principal Reliability Engineers often lead teams, develop reliability policies, and work closely with other engineering disciplines to enhance product quality and reduce downtime. Their work is critical in industries such as manufacturing, aerospace, automotive, and technology. They typically possess extensive experience in reliability engineering and advanced problem-solving skills.
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Principal Reliability Engineer jobs near you
Reliability Engineer / Principal Reliability Engineer

Reliability Engineer / Principal Reliability Engineer

Northrop Grumman Corporation

Rolling Meadows, IL • On-site

$98K - $148K/yr

Full-time

Medical, Life, PTO

Posted 15 days ago

Northrop Grumman rating

8.1

Company rating: 8.1 out of 10

Based on 342 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

108th of 520 rated manufacturers

Job description

RELOCATION ASSISTANCE: Relocation assistance may be available
CLEARANCE REQUIRED FOR START: No
CLEARANCE TYPE: Secret
TRAVEL: Yes, 10% of the TimeDescription
At Northrop Grumman, our employees have incredible opportunities to work on revolutionary systems that impact people's lives around the world today, and for generations to come. Our pioneering and inventive spirit has enabled us to be at the forefront of many technological advancements in our nation's history - from the first flight across the Atlantic Ocean, to stealth bombers, to landing on the moon. We look for people who have bold new ideas, courage and a pioneering spirit to join forces to invent the future, and have fun along the way. Our culture thrives on intellectual curiosity, cognitive diversity and bringing your whole self to work - and we have an insatiable drive to do what others think is impossible. Our employees are not only part of history, they're making history.
Northrop Grumman's Mission Systems has an opening for a Reliability Engineer or Principal Reliability Engineer to join our team of qualified, diverse individuals. This position will be in Rolling Meadows, IL and will support the Infrared Countermeasures (IRCM) product line. A successful candidate will be responsible for establishing, monitoring, and verifying subsystem reliability & maintainability (R&M) performance requirements and ensuring that R&M program requirements are achieved.
Responsibilities
  • Perform reliability predictions in accordance with industry standards.
  • Perform reliability and maintainability analysis such as Failure, Modes, Effects and Criticality Analysis (FMECA) and Mean Time To Repair (MTTR).
  • Perform Root Cause and Corrective Action investigations in accordance with Failure Reporting, Analysis, and Corrective Action System (FRACAS) processes.

Competencies for Success:
  • Good oral and written communication skills.
  • Ability to manage time and multi-task.
  • Ability to solve problems.
  • Ability to drive projects and processes.

This position can be filled as a Reliability Engineer or Principal Reliability Engineer based on specific requirements.
This position will be full-time, on-site at our Rolling Meadows, IL location.
Basic Qualifications for Reliability Engineer:
  • Bachelor of Science from an accredited college/university with 2 years of experience OR Master of Science with 0 years of experience.
  • Must have experience in a Systems Engineering discipline.
  • Must have the ability to obtain and maintain a DOD Secret Security Clearance.

Basic Qualifications for Principal Reliability Engineer:
  • Bachelor of Science from an accredited college/university with 5 years of experience; OR Master of Science with 3 years of experience; OR PhD in Science with 1 year of experience.
  • Must have experience in a Systems Engineering discipline.
  • Must have the ability to obtain and maintain a DOD Secret Security Clearance.

Preferred Qualifications:
  • Degree in Electrical, Computer, or related engineering discipline.
  • Understanding of electrical components, modes of operation, and failure modes.
  • Experience in a Reliability and Maintainability Engineering discipline.
  • Experience in Aerospace and Defense industry.

Primary Level Salary Range: $79,600.00 - $119,400.00
Secondary Level Salary Range: $98,900.00 - $148,300.00
The above salary range represents a general guideline; however, Northrop Grumman considers a number of factors when determining base salary offers such as the scope and responsibilities of the position and the candidate's experience, education, skills and current market conditions.
Depending on the position, employees may be eligible for overtime, shift differential, and a discretionary bonus in addition to base pay. Annual bonuses are designed to reward individual contributions as well as allow employees to share in company results. Employees in Vice President or Director positions may be eligible for Long Term Incentives. In addition, Northrop Grumman provides a variety of benefits including health insurance coverage, life and disability insurance, savings plan, Company paid holidays and paid time off (PTO) for vacation and/or personal business.
The application period for the job is estimated to be 20 days from the job posting date. However, this timeline may be shortened or extended depending on business needs and the availability of qualified candidates.
Northrop Grumman is an Equal Opportunity Employer, making decisions without regard to race, color, religion, creed, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, marital status, national origin, age, veteran status, disability, or any other protected class. For our complete EEO and pay transparency statement, please visit http://www.northropgrumman.com/EEO. U.S. Citizenship is required for all positions with a government clearance and certain other restricted positions.

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About Northrop Grumman

Sourced by ZipRecruiter

At Northrop Grumman, our employees have incredible opportunities to work on revolutionary systems that impact people's lives around the world today, and for generations to come. Our pioneering and inventive spirit has enabled us to be at the forefront of many technological advancements in our nation's history - from the first flight across the Atlantic Ocean, to stealth bombers, to landing on the moon. We look for people who have bold new ideas, courage and a pioneering spirit to join forces to invent the future, and have fun along the way. Our culture thrives on intellectual curiosity, cognitive diversity and bringing your whole self to work - and we have an insatiable drive to do what others think is impossible.

Industry

Space research administration

Company size

10,000+ Employees

Headquarters location

Falls Church, VA, US

Year founded

1939

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