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Principal Research Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Crane NXT Co

Principal Research Engineer

Malvern, PA · On-site

Principal Research Engineer, CPI, Malvern, Pennsylvania: Conduct research, analysis & develop schematic design & embedded software for different sensors solutions & service subsystems of banknote ...

Leidos

Principal Research Scientist

Beavercreek, OH

As a Principal Research Scientist you will apply your skills to a wide variety of problems and datasets, primarily focused on remote sensing (SAR/RF, acoustic, EO/ IR, and LIDAR) applications. You ...

Leidos

Principal Research Scientist

Beavercreek, OH · On-site

As a Principal Research Scientist you will apply your skills to a wide variety of problems and datasets, primarily focused on remote sensing (SAR/RF, acoustic, EO/ IR, and LIDAR) applications. You ...

STI

Principal Research Engineer

Hawthorne, CA

$157.50K - $189K/yr

The Principal Research Engineer executes a variety of highly specialized/technical, business development and leadership activities. This individual provides advanced expertise in the areas of ...

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$36.5K

$109.4K

$182K

How much do principal research jobs pay per year?

As of May 31, 2026, the average yearly pay for principal research in the United States is $109,393.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $85,000.00 and $125,000.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

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

To thrive as a Principal Researcher, you typically need an advanced degree (PhD or equivalent) in your field, extensive research experience, and a solid track record of published work. Familiarity with specialized research tools, statistical software (such as SPSS, R, or Python), and project management systems is often expected. Excellent communication, leadership, and critical thinking skills help you drive innovation, mentor teams, and collaborate across disciplines. These competencies are crucial for guiding impactful research projects, securing funding, and maintaining leadership in your area of expertise.

What types of projects and collaborations can I expect as a Principal Researcher, and how do these shape my day-to-day work?

As a Principal Researcher, you will typically lead complex research projects that require cross-functional collaboration with product managers, engineers, designers, and sometimes external partners or academic institutions. Your day-to-day work involves designing research studies, mentoring junior researchers, and ensuring that findings are aligned with organizational goals. You may also be expected to present insights to senior leadership, contribute to strategic planning, and help set research agendas. This role offers a dynamic environment where influencing product direction and fostering innovation are key responsibilities.

What are Principal Researchers?

Principal Researchers are senior-level professionals who lead and oversee research projects within organizations, often in academic, scientific, or corporate environments. They are responsible for designing experiments, securing funding, managing research teams, and publishing findings. Principal Researchers typically have advanced degrees and significant experience in their field, allowing them to guide the strategic direction of research initiatives. Their work contributes to innovation and the advancement of knowledge in their area of expertise.

What is the difference between Principal Research vs Research Scientist?

AspectPrincipal ResearchResearch Scientist
Required CredentialsAdvanced degrees (PhD), extensive experienceMaster's or PhD, relevant research experience
Work EnvironmentLeadership roles, strategic planning, overseeing projectsHands-on research, experimentation, data analysis
Employer & Industry UsageResearch institutions, corporate R&D, academiaUniversities, corporate labs, government agencies

Principal Research roles typically involve leading research initiatives, managing teams, and setting strategic directions. Research Scientists focus on conducting experiments, analyzing data, and contributing to research projects. While both roles require advanced degrees and research expertise, Principal Researchers often have more leadership responsibilities and a broader scope of work.

More about Principal Research jobs
What are the most commonly searched types of Principal Research jobs? The most popular types of Principal Research jobs are:
What job categories do people searching Principal Research jobs look for? The top searched job categories for Principal Research jobs are:
Principal Research jobs near you
Infographic showing various Principal Research job openings in the United States as of May 2026, with employment types broken down into 50% Full Time, and 50% Contract. Highlights an 100% In-person job distribution, with an average salary of $109,393 per year, or $52.6 per hour.
Principal R&D Engineer

Principal R&D Engineer

DivIHN Integration Inc

Round Lake, IL • On-site

Contractor

Posted 29 days ago

Job description

DivIHN (pronounced “divine”) is a CMMI ML3-certified Technology and Talent solutions firm. Driven by a unique Purpose, Culture, and Value Delivery Model, we enable meaningful connections between talented professionals and forward-thinking organizations. Since our formation in 2002, organizations across commercial and public sectors have been trusting us to help build their teams with exceptional temporary and permanent talent.

Visit us at https://divihn.com/find-a-job/ to learn more and view our open positions.

 
Please apply or call one of us to learn more

For further inquiries regarding the following opportunity, please contact one of our Talent Specialists.
Ragu Mohan at (630) 847-0953
Nithiya at (224) 507-1292

Title: Principal R&D Engineer
Duration: 12 Months
Location: Round Lake, IL
 
Description:
  • With minimal guidance, the principal engineer schedules, interfacing with development groups and technical support groups.
  • The principal R&D engineer devises new approaches to complex problems through adaptations and modifications of standard technical principles.
  • The principal R&D engineer is able to prioritize multiple tasks.
  • The principal R&D engineer supervises / coordinates a Senior Engineer / Engineer and / or coordinator on assigned work.
  • The Principal R&D Engineer shall ensure that the right choices are being made with regards to material choice, overall set design and supplier selection within the client's operation.
  • The Principal R&D Engineer shall be knowledgeable of various manufacturing processes such as: assembly, extrusion and moulding.
  • The Principal R&D Engineer shall work towards meeting the intended use of the product in the various countries of sales, as applicable to the project s/he is leading.
  • The Principal R&D Engineer shall work towards developing/sustaining a product in accordance with client’s defined Quality and Regulatory standards.
  • The Principal R&D Engineer shall be responsible for finalizing any reports/presentations related to his projects and any other necessary reports as the need arises.
  • The Principal R&D Engineer will also be responsible for the assignment of project activities within his/her project team, to meet committed milestones and project objectives.
  • Design Verification and Validation are to be carried out in accordance with ISO Standards, CE Norms, FDA, country specific norms and client’s Quality Manual.
  • Design Verification Testing is to be planned/executed based upon knowledge of materials, fluid dynamics and correct usage/applicability of available equipment.
  • The principal engineer should be able to work with the Project Management Office (PMO), to plan out resources, budget, timelines throughout the project development lifecycle.
  • The principal engineer should be able to present the work achieved by his/her team to different stakeholders (as applicable)
  • The principal engineer should design with manufacturability in mind; leading his/her team through various development activities that would eventually allow a smooth design transfer to manufacturing.
Education and Experience
  • Bachelor of Engineering (type not specific)
  • 5-8 years of experience with focus areas around leading and/or managing technical projects.
  • Candidate should have experience with disposable medical devices (e.g. IV sets), manufacturing processes, and product development.

About us:
DivIHN, the 'IT Asset Performance Services' organization, provides Professional Consulting, Custom Projects, and Professional Resource Augmentation services to clients in the Mid-West and beyond. The strategic characteristics of the organization are Standardization, Specialization, and Collaboration.

DivIHN is an equal opportunity employer. DivIHN does not and shall not discriminate against any employee or qualified applicant on the basis of race, color, religion (creed), gender, gender expression, age, national origin (ancestry), disability, marital status, sexual orientation, or military status.