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Principal Research Engineer Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Three Point Solutions

Principal R&D Engineer

Tempe, AZ · On-site

$55 - $65/hr

Principal R&D Engineer Client: Medical Device Manufacturing Company Duration: 8.5 Months (Possibility of Extension) Location: Tempe, AZ 85281 Shift: 1st Shift Description: * Lead the development ...

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How much do principal research engineer jobs pay per year?

As of Sep 13, 2026, the average yearly pay for principal research 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 is a principal research engineer?

Principal Research Engineers are senior-level professionals who lead and oversee advanced research and development projects within an organization, often bridging the gap between scientific discovery and practical engineering solutions. They design experiments, develop innovative technologies, and guide research teams, ensuring technical excellence and alignment with business goals. These engineers typically have extensive experience, deep expertise in their field, and play a key role in setting research direction and strategy.

How does a principal research engineer typically collaborate with cross-functional teams within an organization?

Principal Research Engineers often work closely with diverse teams such as product management, software engineering, and data science to drive innovation from concept to implementation. They contribute their technical expertise to guide research initiatives, align project goals, and ensure that solutions are both technically sound and practically viable. This collaboration involves regular meetings, technical presentations, and joint problem-solving sessions to address complex challenges and integrate research outcomes into products or services. Effective communication and leadership are key, as Principal Research Engineers often mentor junior staff and help bridge the gap between research and development.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a principal research engineer, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Principal Research Engineer, you need deep expertise in engineering principles, advanced research methodologies, and typically a master's or doctoral degree in a relevant field. Familiarity with simulation software, programming languages, data analytics tools, and sometimes patents or published research are common technical requirements. Exceptional problem-solving, leadership, and communication skills help you guide teams and translate complex findings into actionable solutions. These skills ensure innovative project outcomes, effective collaboration, and the ability to drive technical advancements within the organization.

What is the difference between Principal Research Engineer vs Senior Research Engineer?

AspectPrincipal Research EngineerSenior Research Engineer
Required CredentialsAdvanced degrees (PhD or Master’s), extensive research experienceTypically a Master’s or PhD, solid research background
Work EnvironmentLeads research projects, mentors teams, influences strategyConducts research, supports project teams, implements solutions
Employer & Industry UsageUsed in tech, R&D labs, large corporationsCommon in tech, manufacturing, and R&D sectors

Principal Research Engineers focus on leading research initiatives and strategic innovation, often mentoring teams and shaping research directions. Senior Research Engineers primarily execute research tasks, support project goals, and contribute technical expertise. Both roles require strong research credentials, but Principal Research Engineers hold more leadership responsibilities and influence within organizations.

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What states have the most Principal Research Engineer jobs?

States with the most job openings for Principal Research Engineer jobs include:

What are popular job titles related to Principal Research Engineer jobs?

For Principal Research Engineer jobs, the most frequently searched job titles are:

Principal Research Engineer jobs near you
Infographic showing various Principal Research Engineer job openings in the United States as of September 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% Internship, 1% As Needed, 88% Full Time, 9% Part Time, and 1% Contract. Highlights an 79% Physical, 3% Hybrid, and 18% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $147,220 per year, or $70.8 per hour.

Principal R&D Project Engineer

Simpsonville, SC • On-site

RBC Bearings
Aerospace Product and Parts Manufacturing • 1 - 5K employees
Learn more about RBC Bearingsexternal

Full-time

Re-posted 28 days ago

RBC Bearings rating

5.8

Company rating: 5.8 out of 10

Based on 8 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

Job description

Job Title: Principal R&D Project Engineer
Location: Simpsonville, SC
Reports To: R&D Engineering Manager
Employment Type: Full-time
Seniority Level: Senior Level
Industry: Manufacturing | Mechanical Power Transmission Components | Engineering Services
Job Function: Engineering | Research & Development
Job Summary: The Principal R&D Engineer will act as a principal engineer for the team to drive improved decision-making skills and advanced educational development for team members. This individual will lead major multi-phase R&D projects and teach less skilled colleagues to improve overall R&D team performance. The role maintains awareness of state-of-the-art technology, as well as Dodge products and technologies, and identifies and understands technical drivers for R&D projects. The Principal R&D Engineer understands what creates customer value in own R&D projects and project portfolio, works to improve operations, increase customer satisfaction, and provides consulting services to business operations and customers.
Key Responsibilities:
Technical Excellence
  • Act as a senior engineer for the team to drive improved decision-making skills and advanced educational development for team members.
  • Act as the technology leader for large multi-phase new product development projects that require advanced R&D and project management skills.
  • Innovate and implement industry-leading technologies to solve identified challenges within a problem statement that can be incorporated into assigned products and/or processes.
  • Demonstrate sound fundamental technical proficiency in own competence area.
  • Emphasis on critical thinking, root cause analysis, and problem solving.

Innovation & Creativity
  • Lead the peer team in creating new and innovative solutions that exceed the performance of current technologies.
  • Demonstrate an entrepreneurial innovative spirit to R&D projects with own unique and creative ideas.
  • Propose follow-up projects and activities within own technical area based on new ideas.

Projects, Processes & Tools
  • Demonstrate sound understanding of, and actively apply, R&D processes and tools.
  • Examples include sound communication capabilities, advanced project management processes, use of 2D and 3D CAD tools, advanced understanding of FEA, and awareness of industry standards applicable to area of expertise.

Knowledge Transfer
  • Actively teach own technical/scientific knowledge to less skilled colleagues in applying processes and tools to ensure timely and high-quality results.
  • Show solid documentation skills and write technical reports independently.

Strategic Vision & Leadership
  • Proactively seek to identify opportunities for new or advanced technologies that could be used for product enhancements or new product needs based on problem definition and project scopes.
  • Initiate business review of new technology ideas with business team members.

Required Qualifications:
  • Bachelor's degree in Engineering or relevant field (M.S. Preferred).
  • 20+ years of Engineering, Manufacturing, or related technical experience.
  • Relevant product-related experience.
  • Proficiency in MS Office and 3D/2D drafting and modeling software.
  • Strong analytical skills with an emphasis on advanced technology, critical thinking, root cause analysis, and problem solving.
  • Extreme attention to detail with a strong sense of ownership and responsibility.
  • Ability to adapt and multi-task based on departmental needs; collaborates well with others and is a good team player.
  • General understanding of basic project management skills.
  • Entrepreneurial spirit with passion for new and changing ideas.
  • Proven history of innovation and creativity.
  • History of contribution, leadership, and influence in relevant national and/or international trade/industry associations.
  • Lean Green Belt preferred.

Physical Demands:
  • Extended periods of sitting and/or standing at a desk or computer workstation.
  • 5-10% travel to meet with clients or attend meetings (overnight travel as needed).
  • Ability to type, reach, and grasp.
  • Able to carry, lift, and pull up to 50 lbs.
  • Reach, climb, crawl, walk.
  • Speak and present in person or virtually to individuals and small groups.

Essential Job Functions:
  • Develop new technologies to be used to solve advanced technical challenges within area of responsibility.
  • Generate state-of-the-art processes or design concepts that can be incorporated into products and/or processes within area of responsibility.
  • Provide leadership for successful project results in technology and/or product development by identifying, proposing, and implementing innovative solutions.
  • Create tools that can improve efficiency throughout the product design process.
  • Ensure all testing is validated and recorded.
  • Work directly with engineers to ensure accuracy and logic of product development projects.
  • Create new part numbers and establish/maintain BOMs.
  • Identify and communicate industry trends and demands to business team.
  • Lead and support cost reduction activities.
  • Use advanced project management skills to lead large projects.
  • Apply LEAN tools to create standardized test procedures and design standards.
  • Actively and routinely oversee, observe, and/or assist with product testing, post-test teardowns, and test reports.
  • Use unique technical knowledge to oversee development tasks and actively teach own technical/scientific knowledge to less skilled colleagues.
  • Attendance at work is an essential function of the job.

Why Join Us?
  • Work alongside a collaborative, experienced leadership team.
  • Be part of an industry leader with a strong brand reputation and an innovation-driven culture.

Equal Opportunity Employer
This employer is required to notify all applicants of their rights pursuant to federal employment laws. For further information, please review the Know Your Rights notice from the Department of Labor.

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