1

Principal Staff Engineer Jobs (NOW HIRING)

The candidate will work in a small team of engineers building a novel robotics and automation solution. As we are a small startup the role will have a large amount of autonomy and the candidate must ...

Experienced developer with proven ability to design for passing EMI/EMC tests and to troubleshoot and diagnosis EMC/EMI qualification testing issues. Development of electrical system architectures ...

The candidate will work in a small team of engineers building a novel robotics and automation solution. As we are a small startup the role will have a large amount of autonomy and the candidate must ...

Staff Engineer, Engineering - Individual Contributor Technical Responsibilities: Conduct or design ... In code reviews apply design principals, coding standards and best practices. Qualifications ...

Experienced developer with proven ability to design for passing EMI/EMC tests and to troubleshoot and diagnosis EMC/EMI qualification testing issues. Development of electrical system architectures ...

As a Principal/Sr Staff Engineer, you will work closely with our VP Engineering to work through our toughest engineering problems. You have: * Deep knowledge of typescript, postgres and AWS * A ...

Required Qualifications * 8+ years of software engineering experience, with at least 4 years in a systems architecture or principal/staff engineering role. * Proven experience architecting large ...

Principal Engineer

Sunnyvale, CA · On-site

$180K - $230K/yr

Required Qualifications * 8+ years of software engineering experience, with at least 4 years in a systems architecture or principal/staff engineering role. * Proven experience architecting large ...

Required Qualifications * 8+ years of software engineering experience, with at least 4 years in a systems architecture or principal/staff engineering role. * Proven experience architecting large ...

Required : • Bachelor's degree in a related field with 10+ years of progressive DevOps/Security experience, including at least 3 years operating autonomously in a Principal, Staff, or Lead ...

Required Qualifications * 8+ years of software engineering experience, with at least 4 years in a systems architecture or principal/staff engineering role. * Proven experience architecting large ...

What You Bring * 10+ years in software engineering, with at least 3+ years in a principal/staff-level IC role. * Proven experience architecting distributed systems, AI/ML platforms, or large-scale ...

... and staff stay informed and connected. Seamlessly integrating with EHRs and HR systems, Carefeed ... Carefeed is seeking a Principal Engineer to join our growing software engineering team. As one of ...

... and staff stay informed and connected. Seamlessly integrating with EHRs and HR systems, Carefeed ... Carefeed is seeking a Principal Engineer to join our growing software engineering team. As one of ...

Showing results 41-60

Principal Staff Engineer information

See salary details

$74K

$147.2K

$212.5K

How much do principal staff engineer jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 15, 2026, the average yearly pay for principal staff 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 does a principal staff engineer do?

Principal Staff Engineers play a pivotal role in shaping the technical vision of a company by driving architectural decisions, establishing best practices, and setting long-term technology strategies. They often mentor and guide other engineers, providing technical leadership through code reviews, design discussions, and knowledge sharing. Collaboration with cross-functional teams, including product managers and engineering leads, is a key part of the role, ensuring that technical solutions align with business goals and are scalable. This position provides opportunities for significant impact, but also comes with the challenge of balancing hands-on work with strategic oversight.

What is a principal staff engineer?

Principal Staff Engineers are senior-level engineers who lead technical initiatives, set engineering standards, and provide expert guidance across teams or departments. They are responsible for tackling complex technical challenges, influencing architectural decisions, and mentoring other engineers. Unlike managers, they focus on technical leadership rather than people management, ensuring the organization’s technology strategy aligns with its business goals. Their role often involves collaborating with cross-functional teams to drive innovation and maintain technical excellence.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a principal staff engineer?

To thrive as a Principal Staff Engineer, you need deep technical expertise in your engineering domain, a proven track record of leading complex projects, and typically a relevant degree such as a BS or MS in engineering or computer science. Mastery of industry-standard tools, architectures, and platforms (such as AWS, Kubernetes, or advanced programming frameworks) is expected, along with familiarity with methodologies like Agile or DevOps and, in some fields, advanced certifications. Exceptional communication, mentorship, strategic thinking, and collaboration skills distinguish top performers in this leadership role. These skills are critical to driving technical vision, influencing organizational direction, and ensuring the success of large-scale engineering initiatives.
More about Principal Staff Engineer jobs
Infographic showing various Principal Staff Engineer job openings in the United States as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 2% As Needed, 77% Full Time, 16% Part Time, 1% Temporary, and 4% Contract. Highlights an 96% Physical, 2% Hybrid, and 2% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $147,220 per year, or $70.8 per hour.

Principal Staff Electrical Engineer

Astronics Corporation

Waukegan, IL • On-site

$132K - $161K/yr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Posted 4 days ago


Astronics rating

8.1

Company rating: 8.1 out of 10

Based on 17 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

49th of 157 rated electronics manufacturers


Job description

Astronics Subsidiary
Astronics CSC
Location
Waukegan, IL
Description
Astronics Connectivity Systems and Certification (formerly Telefonix PDT and Astronics Armstrong Aerospace) serves as the experienced, global market leader for in-flight entertainment and connectivity (IFEC) solutions for aircraft. As a systems certification provider, Astronics CSC has worked on over 100 projects for industry partners to upgrade commercial and business aircraft with new passenger power systems, IFEC navigation, communication and flight safety systems. Additionally, Astronics CSC offers proven IFEC hardware systems, flexible design platforms, high customer satisfaction, and long-term relationships with industry leaders to help make the connected aircraft a reality. The company now employs over 300 employees and is a six-time recipient of Chicago's Best and Brightest Employers to Work For award
Summary:
Experienced developer with proven ability to design for passing EMI/EMC tests and to troubleshoot and diagnosis EMC/EMI qualification testing issues. Development of electrical system architectures, including PCBA level design, BOM management, de-bugging, etc. Also serves as a mentor to the electrical engineers and interns as well as providing direction to the UKR team where needed.
Local 100% onsite position primarily in Lake Zurich, IL and Waukegan, IL. May require occasional travel, < 25% of time, to laboratories in the Chicago region.
Qualifications:
To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential duty satisfactorily. The requirements listed below are representative of the knowledge, skill, and/or ability required.
Education and/or Experience Requirements:
  • BS in Electrical and/or Computer Engineering from an accredited university program with a minimum of 20 years' experience.
  • ECAD experience for schematic capture and layout, preferably Altium Designer.
  • Team player and methodical self-starter able to complete projects in a timely manner.
  • Strong verbal and written communication skills.

Preferred:
  • Experience designing for EMI, lighting, pin-injection and other qualification test following DO-160, Boeing, and Airbus standards.
  • Experience generating qualification test procedures and setup diagrams for EMC qualification testing.
  • Experience reviewing board level design and system level design for appropriate grounding techniques and implementation of design techniques to pass EMC qualification tests.
  • Experience troubleshooting and resolving failed EMI/EMC tests, including creating documentation and deviation requests.
  • Board-level and system-level experience implementing RF design principles on RF and/or high-speed digital signals.
  • Software experience in languages or environments such as C/C++, Python, Linux, Bash, Arduino and Raspberry Pi to assist with troubleshooting and engineering evaluation activities.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities:
  • Complete PCBA level design including BOM management, revision control, configuration management, hardware bring-up/debug, and issue tracking.
  • Design of multilayer PCBs that include the following functions: 1. High-speed communication supporting up to10Gbps speeds, 2. Wireless modules or discrete design for 802.11 b/g/n/ac, BTLE, RFID/NFC, and LTE, 3. Microcontroller/Microprocessor circuits, 4. Power management including budgeting, analysis and characterization as it relates to current draw and thermal characteristics, 5. Serial/Peripheral interfaces.
  • Product verification/testing including final analysis and development of tests, reports, and programming scripts.
  • Develop electrical system architectures.
  • Use of and selection of test equipment-oscilloscopes, spectrum analyzers, meters, supplies, etc.
  • Provide direction to Engineering Technician and on occasion direct support of PCBA assembly, rework, and changes using soldering irons, heat guns, hot plates, etc.
  • Mentor interns and engineers.
  • Provide direction to Ukraine engineers and CAD specialists.
  • Develop and review the creation and evolution of the electrical engineering design process.
  • Support the transfer of design files into the manufacturing process.
  • Support regulatory compliance testing.
  • Become Subject Matter Expert for the manufacturing team on all electrical engineering designs.
  • Lead all level complexity programs including multiple programs concurrently.
  • Subject Matter Expert in all level of complexity programs for technical design reviews.
  • Project management/engineering on cross-functional programs.
  • Working knowledge and awareness of ISO/9001/14000/13485 and AS9100 processes.
  • Support ISO and internal audits of electrical engineering processes.
  • Other duties & functions assigned to this position as necessary

Competencies:
To perform the job successfully, an individual should demonstrate the following competencies:
  • Problem Solving - Identifies and resolves problems in a timely manner; gathers and analyzes information skillfully; develops alternative solutions.
  • Analytical - Synthesizes complex or diverse information; collects and researches data; parse large amounts of data and distinguish the pieces with a large impact; uses intuition and experience to complement data; designs work flows and procedures; employs logic when solving problems.
  • Technical Skills - Strives for continuous expansion of knowledge and skills; shares expertise with others; builds knowledge base from research and experience.
  • Interpersonal Skills - Focuses on solving conflict, not blaming; maintains confidentiality; remains open to others' ideas and tries new things; takes responsibility and ownership for mistakes.
  • Oral Communication - Listens and gets clarification; responds well to questions; participates in meetings.
  • Teamwork - Exhibits objectivity and openness to others' views; gives and welcomes feedback; contributes to building a positive team spirit.
  • Ethics - Treats people with respect; keeps commitments; inspires the trust of others; works in an ethical manner and with integrity; upholds organizational values.
  • Organizational Support - Disciplined in thought and action; follows policies and procedures; completes administrative tasks correctly and on time; supports organization's goals and values.
  • Planning/Organizing - Prioritizes and plans work activities; uses time efficiently; sets goals and objectives; strives to increase productivity.
  • Professionalism - Approaches others in a tactful manner; reacts well under pressure; treats others with respect and consideration regardless of their status or position; accepts responsibility for own actions; follows through on commitments.
  • Quality - Demonstrates accuracy and thoroughness; looks for ways to improve and promote quality; applies feedback to improve performance; monitors own work to ensure quality.
  • Safety and Security - Observes safety and security procedures; reports potentially unsafe conditions.
  • Adaptability - Manages competing demands; changes approach or method to best fit the situation; able to deal with frequent change, delays, or unexpected events.
  • Attendance/Punctuality - Is consistently at work and on time; ensures work responsibilities are covered when absent; communicates conflicting work/personal needs in a timely manner.
  • Dependability - Follows instructions, responds to management direction; follows up on assigned tasks; commits to long hours of work when necessary to reach goals.

An offer of employment is contingent on successfully passing a drug test and background check, and applicants who do not successfully pass both the drug test and background check will not be considered for employment.
The salary range specified is applicable to positions within the State of Illinois and reflects various factors considered in compensation decisions. These factors include, but are not limited to, individual skill sets, experience, training, licensure, certifications, and the specific needs of our business and organization. At Astronics CSC, it is uncommon for new hires to receive an offer at or near the top end of the range for their role. Compensation decisions are made based on the unique facts and circumstances of each candidate. The current estimated yearly salary range for this position is $120,000 to $150,000 per year. In addition, you will be eligible for our Quarterly Incentive compensation bonus. Astronics offers a competitive salary, along with opportunities for career growth.
Astronics CSC provides a comprehensive benefits package available to full-time employees, with part-time employees potentially eligible for these benefits on a pro-rated basis.
  • Stay Healthy - Health, dental, vision, disability, life insurance, FSA, HSA, as well as voluntary life/AD&D, voluntary critical illness, accident prevention and hospital indemnity.
  • Save for the Future - 401K, Profit Sharing & Employee Stock Purchase Plan
  • The Astronics Corporation Profit Sharing/ 401(k) Plan is a "safe harbor" plan. Under the plan, Astronics has committed to contribute 3% of your eligible wages, with the ability to do an annual discretionary adder on top.
  • Find Balance - Employee Assistance Program & Wellness Program
  • Time for You - Generous Paid Time Off (PTOS), Volunteer Time Off Program (VTO), Paid Holidays and Paid Parental Leave.
  • Professional Growth - Tuition Reimbursement Program

Accommodation Request
Astronics CSC is committed to working with and providing reasonable accommodation to individuals with physical and mental disabilities. If you need special assistance or an accommodation while seeking employment, please e-mail CSC-HR-All@astronics.com or call: 847-244-4500. We will make a determination on your request for reasonable accommodation on a case-by-case basis.
Additional Information:
This position may involve access to items subject to U.S. export-control laws. Employment is contingent upon the employee's authorization to access such items under applicable law. The company does not guarantee and is under no obligation to seek such authorization if it would be necessary.
Position Requirements
Full-Time/Part-Time
Full-Time
About the Organization
Astronics Corporation (Nasdaq: ATRO) serves the world's aerospace, defense, and other mission critical industries with proven, innovative technology solutions. Astronics works side-by-side with customers, integrating its array of power, connectivity, lighting, structures, interiors, and test technologies to solve complex challenges. For over 50 years, Astronics has delivered creative, customer-focused solutions with exceptional responsiveness. Today, global airframe manufacturers, airlines, militaries, completion centers and Fortune 500 companies rely on the collaborative spirit and innovation of Astronics. The Company's strategy is to increase its value by developing technologies and capabilities that provide innovative solutions to its targeted markets.
For more information on Astronics and its solutions, visit www.Astronics.com.
EOE Statement
All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, religion, national origin, disability, veteran status, or other legally protected status.
This position is currently accepting applications.

What Astronics employees say

Pay

Benefits

Hours and flexibility

Workplace

Get the full story on Breakroom