Principal Scientific Engineering Associate information
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$36.5K - $49.7K
1% of jobs
$85.1K is the 25th percentile. Wages below this are outliers.
$76.2K - $89.4K
17% of jobs
$89.4K - $102.6K
19% of jobs
The median wage is $103K / yr.
$102.6K - $115.9K
18% of jobs
$122.7K is the 75th percentile. Wages above this are outliers.
$115.9K - $129.1K
15% of jobs
$129.1K - $142.3K
7% of jobs
$142.3K - $155.5K
5% of jobs
$155.5K - $168.8K
3% of jobs
$168.8K - $182K
2% of jobs
How much do principal scientific engineering associate jobs pay per year?
As of Sep 10, 2026, the average yearly pay for principal scientific engineering associate 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.
A Principal Scientific Engineering Associate is a senior-level professional who supports scientific research and engineering projects, often within research institutions or laboratories. They typically design experiments, develop technical solutions, and oversee complex instrumentation or systems. This role involves significant responsibility in planning, executing, and managing scientific programs, as well as mentoring junior staff. Principal Scientific Engineering Associates bridge the gap between scientists and engineers, ensuring research objectives are met efficiently and safely.
As a Principal Scientific Engineering Associate, you play a pivotal role in bridging the gap between engineering and scientific research teams. You are often responsible for designing and implementing complex experiments, managing technical projects, and collaborating with scientists, engineers, and technical staff to solve challenging research problems. Regularly, you will coordinate with team members from various disciplines to ensure that experimental setups and data analyses align with project goals. This collaborative environment fosters innovation and provides opportunities to mentor junior staff and contribute to strategic decision-making for research initiatives.
To thrive as a Principal Scientific Engineering Associate, you need advanced scientific knowledge, strong analytical abilities, and a relevant degree (often a master's or Ph.D.) in engineering, physics, or a related field. Familiarity with laboratory instrumentation, data analysis software, and project management tools is commonly required, along with experience in experimental design and implementation. Leadership, problem-solving, and effective communication are vital soft skills for collaborating across multidisciplinary teams and guiding complex projects. These abilities enable successful research outcomes, innovation, and the management of sophisticated scientific initiatives.
What are popular job titles related to Principal Scientific Engineering Associate jobs?
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