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Principal Reliability Engineer Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Medtronic

Principal Reliability Engineer

Moundsview, MN · On-site

In this exciting role as a Principal Reliability Engineer supporting the Post Market Quality organization, you will provide technical leadership across all quality aspects of the commercial portfolio ...

Medtronic

Principal Reliability Engineer

Moundsview, MN · On-site

In this exciting role as a Principal Reliability Engineer supporting the Post Market Quality organization, you will provide technical leadership across all quality aspects of the commercial portfolio ...

Skyworks

Principal Reliability/FA Engineer

Newbury Park, CA · On-site

$108K - $136K/yr

Principal Reliability/FA Engineer Posting Start Date: 5/28/26 Job Location(s): Newbury Park If you are looking for a challenging and exciting career in the world of technology, then look no further.

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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 Aug 6, 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?

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.

How much do principal reliability engineers get paid?

Principal reliability engineers typically earn between $110,000 and $160,000 annually, depending on experience, industry, and location. They often have advanced skills in systems analysis, failure modes, and reliability modeling, and may hold certifications such as Certified Reliability Engineer (CRE).

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.

What does a principal reliability engineer do?

A principal reliability engineer is responsible for ensuring the reliability and performance of systems and equipment by analyzing failure data, developing maintenance strategies, and implementing reliability improvements. They often use tools like FMEA and reliability modeling, and may lead cross-functional teams to optimize system uptime and safety. This role typically requires strong technical expertise, problem-solving skills, and experience with reliability engineering standards.
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Principal Reliability Engineer jobs near you
Infographic showing various Principal Reliability Engineer job openings in the United States as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 96% Full Time, 1% Part Time, and 3% Contract. Highlights an 87% Physical, 5% Hybrid, and 8% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $147,220 per year, or $70.8 per hour.

Principal Reliability Engineer

MKS Instruments, Inc.

Rochester, NY • On-site

$109K - $182K/yr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Re-posted 6 days ago

Job description

A Day in Your Life at MKS:
MKS is committed to being the highest quality and reliability provider of advanced RF and DC power generators enabling capabilities for advanced plasma processing used at Scientific & Industrial customers. As part of the mission, the Principal Reliability Engineer will be responsible for supporting Power Solutions reliability and test programs including product development, design for reliability, design for manufacturability, as well as advanced reliability testing. This position will include the improvement and/or development of new design processes which enhance reliability and will also interface internally with the design engineering/manufacturing groups and externally with the customer on key reliability programs and issues.
You Make an Impact By:
  • Develop and implement reliability plans including design, validation, qualification and assessment methods to support successful new Power Solutions product introductions
  • Provide technical support throughout the product life cycle on-going sustaining activities
  • Interface with design engineering and marketing organizations to establish internal reliability testing conditions representative of customer applications
  • Perform various DfR techniques: lead the product qualification-testing, including functional testing, reliability and durability testing (HALT, HASS, ALT, etc.), in addition to ownership of reliability test equipment (reliability labs), reliability predictions (modeled and field - MTBF), reliability allocation, Design FME(C)A, Weibull Analysis, warranty collation and reporting to achieve company and customer reliability objectives
  • Support and drive Power Solutions reliability improvement activities including best practice adoption, custom hardware development, and tool automation
  • Perform root cause analysis for failures that occurred in reliability testing and/or in the field
  • Participate in cross functional team efforts during product design reviews focused on reliability concerns, critical components, and potential wear out failure modes
  • Generate reliability analysis reports for internal and external customers according to industry standards and best practices
  • Collaborate with peer engineering experts in other MKS business units
  • Identify improved instrumentation (e.g., data collection) supporting the reliability assessment of subassemblies and components, quantifying characteristics critical to overall system reliability

Skills You Bring:
  • B.S. (M.S. is a plus), Electrical Engineering, Semiconductor Material sciences or related field
  • ASQ CRE preferred
  • 8+ years reliability engineering experience in electronic systems and/or component failure analysis
  • Experienced in thermal measurement and device characterization techniques
  • Can interpret results from failure analysis tools including: X-ray, Acoustic Microscopy, Material Cross Sectional analysis, SEM/EDX, Emission Microscopy, etc.
  • Understands PCBA and electronic component failure mechanisms and physics of failure
  • Experienced in Design for Reliability techniques, approaches and methods
  • Experienced in applying reliability modeling techniques and tools to identify potential wear out modes (e.g., Telcordia Prediction, Weibull)
  • Experienced in HALT testing approaches, HASS profile design and ALT test methods
  • Experienced in data collection techniques and statistical analysis; experience in applied machine learning is a plus
  • Excellent communication skills. Can communicate work plans, schedules, resource needs as well present analysis and results, and drive key decisions to cross functional audiences
  • Potential travel time (5%)

Physical Demands & Working Conditions:
  • Perform activities such as sitting, standing, or typing for extended periods of time
  • Must be able to lift up to 50 lbs.
  • Regularly requires good manual dexterity and coordination
  • Occasionally moves/positions objects up to 50 lbs.
  • Frequently positions self to perform tasks and positions objects below, at, and above shoulder level
  • Regularly requires manual dexterity and coordination of objects below, at and above shoulder level
  • Must be able to communicate information and ideas so others will understand
  • Must be able to exchange accurate information
  • Operates in a professional office, laboratory and manufacturing environment
  • Constantly operates a computer and other office productivity machinery
  • Ability to observe documents and details at close range (within a few feet of the observer)
  • Dedication to safety to mitigate hazards including handling mechanical and electrical hardware, high voltage, gas, water, and heat
  • Noise level in the work environment is usually average

Compensation and Benefits:
Salary Pay Range: $109,750 - $182,900.00 per year. This range is a good faith estimate of the expected salary range for this position, based on a wide range of factors including qualifications, experience and training, operational and business needs and other considerations permitted by law. At MKS, it is not typical for an individual to be hired at or near the top of the range for the role.
Bonus: This position is eligible for a discretionary annual bonus, in an amount to be determined by MKS [or as applicable].
Benefits: MKS offers a comprehensive benefits package, including health insurance coverage (medical, dental and vision), 401(k) with company match, life and disability insurance, 12 paid holidays, sick time, 15 paid vacation days, [6 weeks fully paid] parental leave, adoption assistance and tuition reimbursement [and for participation in any stock programs, signing bonus, etc.].
We are interested in a qualified candidate who is eligible to work in the United States. However, we will not be sponsoring work visas for this position, at this time.
MKS is an equal opportunity employer, including disability, veteran status and all categories protected by law. Please review our EOE statements for additional details. MKS is generally only hiring candidates who reside in states where we are registered to do business.
#LI-RS1
Globally, our policy is to recruit individuals from wide and diverse backgrounds. However, certain positions require access to controlled goods and technologies subject to the International Traffic in Arms Regulations (ITAR) or Export Administration Regulations (EAR). Applicants for these positions may need to be "U.S. persons." "U.S. persons" are generally defined as U.S. citizens, noncitizen nationals, lawful permanent residents (or, green card holders), individuals granted asylum, and individuals admitted as refugees.
MKS Inc. and its affiliates and subsidiaries ("MKS") is an affirmative action and equal opportunity employer: diverse candidates are encouraged to apply. We win as a team and are committed to recruiting and hiring qualified applicants regardless of race, color, national origin, sex (including pregnancy and pregnancy-related conditions), religion, age, ancestry, physical or mental disability or handicap, marital status, membership in the uniformed services, veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, genetic information, or any other category protected by applicable law. Hiring decisions are based on merit, qualifications and business needs. We conduct background checks and drug screens, in accordance with applicable law and company policies. MKS is generally only hiring candidates who reside in states where we are registered to do business.
MKS is committed to working with and providing reasonable accommodations to qualified individuals with disabilities. If you need a reasonable accommodation during the application or interview process due to a disability, please contact us at: accommodationsatMKS@mksinst.com .
If applying for a specific job, please include the requisition number (ex: RXXXX), the title and location of the role

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