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Principal Research Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Qorvo, Inc.

Principal Research Scientist

Richardson, TX · On-site

Qorvo is seeking a Principal Research Scientist to serve as a principal investigator and key individual contributor leading the development of next-generation wafer-level interconnects (BEOL), wafer ...

Peraton

Principal Research Scientist

Bedford, NH · On-site

$176K - $282K/yr

Responsibilities Peraton Labs is seeking a self-motivated Principal Research Scientist with a passion for developing solutions for problems in the field of cybersecurity across a variety of domains.

STI

Principal Research Engineer

Hawthorne, CA

$157K - $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 ...

Peraton

Principal Research Scientist

Bedford, NH · On-site

$176K - $282K/yr

Responsibilities Peraton Labs is seeking a self-motivated Principal Research Scientist with a passion for developing solutions for problems in the field of cybersecurity across a variety of domains.

Peraton

Principal Research Scientist

Bedford, NH

$176K - $282K/yr

Responsibilities Peraton Labs is seeking a self-motivated Principal Research Scientist with a passion for developing solutions for problems in the field of cybersecurity across a variety of domains.

NorthEastern

Principal Research Scientist

Boston, MA · On-site

$113K - $165K/yr

Northeastern University has established a Principal Research Scientist position dealing with cutting-edge research in the theoretical and applied aspects of resilient artificial intelligence (AI)

Real-Time Innovations

Principal Research Engineer

OR · On-site +1

To help drive this mission, we are looking for a Principal Research Engineer to tackle the industry's toughest challenges, including enabling AI coding for distributed systems, delivering determinism ...

Real-Time Innovations

Principal Research Engineer

To help drive this mission, we are looking for a Principal Research Engineer to tackle the industry's toughest challenges, including enabling AI coding for distributed systems, delivering determinism ...

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Principal Research information

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$109.4K

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How much do principal research jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 21, 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 is a principal researcher?

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 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 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 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.

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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 August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% Internship, 1% As Needed, 85% Full Time, 11% Part Time, and 2% Contract. Highlights an 84% Physical, 4% Hybrid, and 12% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $109,393 per year, or $52.6 per hour.

Principal Research Scientist

Qorvo, Inc.

Richardson, TX • On-site

Full-time

Re-posted 14 days ago

Qorvo rating

8.3

Company rating: 8.3 out of 10

Based on 21 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

Job description

Qorvo (Nasdaq: QRVO) supplies innovative semiconductor solutions that make a better world possible. We combine product and technology leadership, systems-level expertise and global manufacturing scale to quickly solve our customers' most complex technical challenges. Qorvo serves multiple high-growth segments of large global markets, including consumer electronics, smart home/IoT, automotive, EVs, battery-powered appliances, network infrastructure, healthcare and aerospace/defense. Visit www.qorvo.com to learn how our innovative team is helping connect, protect and power our planet.
Qorvo is seeking a Principal Research Scientist to serve as a principal investigator and key individual contributor leading the development of next-generation wafer-level interconnects (BEOL), wafer-level packaging (WLP) approaches, and heterogeneous integration technologies. The ideal candidate is a demonstrated leader with a track record of innovation, proposal development, and successful funding capture, as well as experience guiding small R&D teams to deliver focused, high-impact results. This role requires driving the creation of transformational, differentiated integrated circuit and packaging technologies that enable new product capabilities, accelerate technology adoption, and contribute directly to Qorvo's commercial success. The candidate will work closely with internal product teams, external partners, government sponsors, and senior leadership, to shape technology roadmaps and transition research concepts into manufacturable solutions.
Responsibilities:
  • Serve as a key individual contributor and technical leader driving next-generation wafer-level interconnect, BEOL, WLP, and heterogeneous integration research
  • Author and influence technology roadmaps aligned to long-term product and innovation strategies
  • Lead proposal development, technical shaping, capture, and execution of funded programs as Principal Investigator
  • Provide technical project leadership, including planning, execution, risk management, and milestone delivery
  • Drive hands-on process ideation, development, pathfinding, troubleshooting, and execution for wafer and wafer-level packaging technologies
  • Collaborate with and direct technicians, junior engineers, and process engineers to execute development activities efficiently
  • Communicate program status, technical results, and strategic recommendations to senior leadership, customers, and external stakeholders
  • Generate valuable intellectual property, including patents, invention disclosures, and proprietary process know-how
  • Mentor and develop junior engineers and researchers while fostering technical excellence across the team

Minimum Qualifications ("need-to-have"):
  • Ph.D. in Materials Science, Electrical Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, Chemical Engineering, Physics, or a related technical field
  • 5+ years of GaN RF transistor fabrication experience
  • 8+ years of hands-on semiconductor R&D experience in cleanroom fabrication environments
  • Demonstrated expertise in semiconductor BEOL processing and/or wafer-level packaging (WLP) technologies
  • Hands-on experience with advanced metallization, dielectric integration, and interconnect process development
  • Working knowledge of device and mask layout design, particularly for analog and RF applications
  • Proven ability to lead and guide small, multidisciplinary R&D teams
  • Strong written and verbal communication skills, including proposal development, technical reporting, and executive-level presentations

Preferred Qualifications ("nice-to-have"):
  • 3+ years of experience serving as a Principal Investigator, technical lead, or equivalent leader for advanced R&D programs
  • Experience leading or executing R&D programs sponsored by U.S. Government agencies such as DARPA, AFRL, or similar organizations
  • Expertise in advanced packaging and 3D heterogeneous integration (3DHI) technologies
  • Hands-on experience with semiconductor process modules such as lithography (stepper and/or e-beam), etch, metallization, CMP, and SEM/FIB analysis
  • Experience with wafer-level and chip-level integration processes, including wafer-to-wafer and die-to-wafer bonding, Cu-Cu hybrid bonding, wafer thinning, lap/grind, and TSV technologies
  • Experience with device processing and DC/RF characterization, including RF measurements such as S-parameters and load-pull
  • Familiarity with epitaxial design or close collaboration with epitaxy teams
  • Experience using data analytics and visualization tools such as Spotfire
  • Knowledge of device reliability testing, failure analysis, and root cause investigation

This position is not eligible for visa sponsorship by the Company.
This position requires work on US Government contracts. Applicants must be a US Person (US citizen, permanent resident, asylee or refugee).
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MAKE A DIFFERENCE AT QORVO
We are Qorvo. We do more than create innovative RF and Power solutions for the mobile, defense and infrastructure markets - we are a place to innovate and shape the future of wireless communications. It starts with our employees. As a unified global team, we bring a commitment to excellence, growth and a passion for creating what's next. Explore the possibilities with us.
We are an Equal Employment Opportunity (EEO) employer and welcome all qualified applicants. Applicants will receive fair and impartial consideration without regard to any characteristics protected by applicable law, including race, color, religion, sex (as defined by law), national origin, age, military or veteran status, genetic information, or disability.
Qorvo is an E-Verify Employer. For more information, please see the Right to Work and E-Verify Participation posters.

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