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Principal Support Engineer Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Principal Duties and Responsibilities: * Design and develop mechanical hardware, including fixtures ... engineering groups, manufacturing, and suppliers to support builds and source components.

Summary We're hiring a Senior Support Engineer as a founding member of our Customer Success ... Principals, and GCP Service Accounts * Hands-on experience with secrets management tools such as ...

This position is part of a job family (Associate Engineer, Engineer, Senior Engineer, and Principal ... Supporting interconnected system operations within MISO * Running power flow studies and ...

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Principal Engineer - FPGA

Skaneateles, NY · On-site +1

$141K - $172K/yr

Principal FPGA & Embedded Software Engineer Are you a Technical Support Engineer looking for an interesting and inspiring opportunity? Would you enjoy designing innovative software for energy ...

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Principal Support Engineer information

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$74K

$147.2K

$212.5K

How much do principal support engineer jobs pay per year?

As of Jun 26, 2026, the average yearly pay for principal support 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 are Principal Support Engineers?

Principal Support Engineers are highly experienced technical professionals who provide advanced support for complex software or hardware products. They typically handle escalated issues, work closely with engineering teams to resolve critical problems, and may mentor or lead other support staff. Their role involves deep technical troubleshooting, customer communication, and contributing to product improvements based on customer feedback. Principal Support Engineers often serve as the highest point of technical escalation within a support organization.

What is the highest salary for a principal engineer?

The highest salaries for principal support engineers can exceed $150,000 annually, especially in high-cost-of-living areas or with extensive experience and specialized skills. Compensation often includes bonuses, stock options, and other benefits, reflecting the seniority and technical expertise required for the role.

What is a principal support engineer?

A principal support engineer is a senior technical role responsible for providing advanced support to customers, resolving complex issues, and guiding support teams. They often have deep expertise in specific products or technologies and may collaborate with engineering teams to improve product reliability and customer satisfaction.

What engineers make $500,000?

Principal Support Engineers, especially in technology companies, can earn $500,000 or more annually, often including base salary, bonuses, and stock options. High compensation typically requires extensive experience, specialized skills, and leadership responsibilities in areas like cloud computing, software development, or enterprise support.

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

To thrive as a Principal Support Engineer, you need deep technical expertise in troubleshooting, systems analysis, and customer support, typically backed by a degree in computer science or a related field. Familiarity with ticketing systems, enterprise software platforms, and relevant certifications such as ITIL or specific vendor credentials is often required. Exceptional problem-solving abilities, leadership, and communication skills distinguish top performers in this role. These skills ensure complex technical issues are resolved efficiently, fostering customer satisfaction and maintaining system reliability.

How does a Principal Support Engineer typically collaborate with product and engineering teams to resolve complex customer issues?

Principal Support Engineers frequently act as a bridge between customers and internal product or engineering teams. When faced with intricate technical challenges, they escalate issues, provide detailed analysis, and share customer feedback directly with developers and product managers. This collaboration helps ensure that critical bugs are addressed promptly and that customer needs influence product improvements. Regular communication, joint troubleshooting sessions, and participation in post-mortem reviews are common aspects of this cross-functional teamwork.

How much do principal engineers get paid?

Principal Support Engineers typically earn between $100,000 and $160,000 annually, depending on experience, location, and industry. They often have advanced technical skills, certifications, and leadership responsibilities that influence compensation.

What is the difference between Principal Support Engineer vs Support Engineer?

AspectPrincipal Support EngineerSupport Engineer
CredentialsTypically requires advanced technical certifications, extensive experience, and deep industry knowledgeEntry to mid-level certifications and experience in customer support or technical roles
Work EnvironmentHigh-level technical support, troubleshooting complex issues, often collaborating with engineering teamsProviding technical assistance, resolving customer issues, and maintaining support tickets
Employer & Industry UsageUsed in tech companies, software, hardware, and enterprise solutionsCommon across IT, software, and hardware support roles in various industries

The Principal Support Engineer typically handles complex technical problems, requires advanced certifications, and works closely with engineering teams. Support Engineers focus on resolving customer issues at a more operational level. The roles differ mainly in scope, experience, and technical depth, but both are essential in technical support hierarchies.

More about Principal Support Engineer jobs
What cities are hiring for Principal Support Engineer jobs? Cities with the most Principal Support Engineer job openings:
What states have the most Principal Support Engineer jobs? States with the most job openings for Principal Support Engineer jobs include:
Infographic showing various Principal Support Engineer job openings in the United States as of June 2026, with employment types broken down into 99% Full Time, and 1% Temporary. Highlights an 93% Physical, 2% Hybrid, and 5% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $147,220 per year, or $70.8 per hour.
Senior Support Engineer

Senior Support Engineer

Qualcomm

San Diego, CA • On-site

Full-time

Posted 10 days ago


Qualcomm rating

9.6

Company rating: 9.6 out of 10

Based on 5 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

5th of 191 rated software companies


Job description

Company:
Qualcomm Technologies, Inc.
Job Area:
Engineering Group, Engineering Group > Mechanical Engineering
General Summary:
As a leading technology innovator, Qualcomm pushes the boundaries of what's possible to enable next-generation experiences and drives digital transformation to help create a smarter, connected future for all.
The successful candidate will operate as a member of the Corporate Engineering Services organization team. Responsibilities include working with onsite engineering teams troubleshooting HW issues & onsite hardware and system rework. Design fixtures, jigs, rack assemblies, rework trays, etc. Manages/reports on lab deployment operation and proto lab technology center. Work with internal and external machine shop to fabricate prototype and build project needs to ensure project schedules are met.
Part of this role will include supporting HW design requirements, developing schematics, working with component engineering, mechanical engineering, PWB CAD, sourcing, program management, technology team(s) to complete lab & test HW designs, development, and delivery to technology team(s).
This successful candidate will need to effectively communicate across Geo's (USA, India, and EU) verbally, and written, on a regular basis.
Preferred Qualifications:
• 4+ years of work experience with mechanical systems, equipment, analysis, packaging enclosures, or related work experience.
• 4+ years of work experience with design testing and/or prototyping.
• 5+ years of work experience with 3D CAD software (e.g., Creo).
• 2+ years of work experience in a role requiring interaction with senior leadership (e.g., Director and above).
Principal Duties and Responsibilities:
  • Design and develop mechanical hardware, including fixtures, jigs, rework trays, sheet-metal parts, chassis, panels, and enclosures.
  • Build, assemble, and qualify prototype units, test platforms, and mechanical subsystems for development and production use.
  • Apply mechanical engineering fundamentals to troubleshoot, test, and resolve hardware and lab issues involving electro-mechanical systems.
  • Conduct feasibility studies and evaluate new or modified designs for functionality, manufacturability, reliability, and assembly processes.
  • Define and document mechanical requirements, design constraints, and rework plans in collaboration with engineering and prototype teams.
  • Read, interpret, and apply mechanical drawings, blueprints, wiring diagrams, and schematics to support accurate builds and modifications.
  • Create and maintain mechanical documentation, including drawings, specifications, and assembly or rework instructions.
  • Support prototype and test systems through fabrication and integration of supporting components such as wire harnesses, cable assemblies, and PCBs as required.
  • Evaluate material selection, build methods, and mechanical robustness of development and test platforms.
  • Interface effectively with prototype leads, engineering groups, manufacturing, and suppliers to support builds and source components.
  • Maintain lab equipment, tools, and prototype workstations to support fast-paced development activities.
  • Support multiple projects simultaneously while meeting aggressive design and delivery schedules.

Level of Responsibility:
• Works independently with minimal supervision.
• Decision-making may affect work beyond immediate work group.
• Requires verbal and written communication skills to convey information. May require basic negotiation, influence, tact, etc.
• Works within the prescribed budgetary objectives of the department.
• Has a great degree of influence over key organizational decisions.
• Tasks require multiple steps which can be performed in various orders; some planning, problem-solving, and prioritization must occur to complete the tasks effectively.
Skills and Experience:
  • Proficient with using AI tools to optimize working efficiency
  • Ability to trouble shoot engineering test platform
  • Operate chip reworking, SMT, and 3D printing and CNC machine.
  • Advanced electronic training or relevant experience.
  • Proficient in using assembly tools and equipment.
  • Ability to read and interpret blueprints, wiring diagrams, wire lists, sketches, and schematics.
  • Experience in soldering and mechanical assembly (including chassis, rack, cable, and harness assemblies).
  • Basic mechanical assembly skills.
  • Skilled in soldering and rework of CCAs, including blue wiring.
  • Experience in disassembly and assembly of devices.
  • Experience in industrial automation, factory hardware, industrial network protocols, functional safety standards & implementations, and redundant systems.
  • Proficiency with designing CREO CAD tools and Agile system
  • Knowledge of schematic, layout, design for manufacturing, and design verification.
  • Experience in industrial automation and hardware.

Minimum Qualifications:
• Bachelor's degree in Mechanical Engineering or related field and 2+ years of Mechanical Engineering or related work experience.
OR
Master's degree in Mechanical Engineering or related field and 1+ year of Mechanical Engineering or related work experience.
OR
PhD in Mechanical Engineering or related field.
Qualcomm is an equal opportunity employer. If you are an individual with a disability and need an accommodation during the application/hiring process, rest assured that Qualcomm is committed to providing an accessible process. You may e-mail disability-accomodations@qualcomm.com or call Qualcomm's toll-free number found here. Upon request, Qualcomm will provide reasonable accommodations to support individuals with disabilities to be able participate in the hiring process. Qualcomm is also committed to making our workplace accessible for individuals with disabilities. (Keep in mind that this email address is used to provide reasonable accommodations for individuals with disabilities. We will not respond here to requests for updates on applications or resume inquiries).
To all Staffing and Recruiting Agencies: Our Careers Site is only for individuals seeking a job at Qualcomm. Staffing and recruiting agencies and individuals being represented by an agency are not authorized to use this site or to submit profiles, applications or resumes, and any such submissions will be considered unsolicited. Qualcomm does not accept unsolicited resumes or applications from agencies. Please do not forward resumes to our jobs alias, Qualcomm employees or any other company location. Qualcomm is not responsible for any fees related to unsolicited resumes/applications.
EEO Employer: Qualcomm is an equal opportunity employer; all qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, Veteran status, or any other protected classification.
Qualcomm expects its employees to abide by all applicable policies and procedures, including but not limited to security and other requirements regarding protection of Company confidential information and other confidential and/or proprietary information, to the extent those requirements are permissible under applicable law.
Pay range and Other Compensation & Benefits:
$101,400.00 - $152,200.00
The above pay scale reflects the broad, minimum to maximum, pay scale for this job code for the location for which it has been posted. Even more importantly, please note that salary is only one component of total compensation at Qualcomm. We also offer a competitive annual discretionary bonus program and opportunity for annual RSU grants (employees on sales-incentive plans are not eligible for our annual bonus). In addition, our highly competitive benefits package is designed to support your success at work, at home, and at play. Your recruiter will be happy to discuss all that Qualcomm has to offer - and you can review more details about our US benefits at this link.
If you would like more information about this role, please contact Qualcomm Careers.

Qualcomm logo

About Qualcomm

Sourced by ZipRecruiter

Qualcomm is enabling a world where everyone and everything can be intelligently connected. You interact with products and technologies made possible by Qualcomm every day, including 5G-enabled smartphones that double as pro-level cameras and gaming devices, smarter vehicles and cities, and the technology behind the smart, connected factories that manufactured your latest purchase. Our powerful connectivity solutions keep you connected—even in remote areas. Qualcomm 5G and AI innovations are the power behind the connected intelligent edge. You’ll find our technologies behind and inside the innovations that deliver significant value across multiple industries and to billions of people every day.

Industry

Technology, communication and media

Company size

10,000+ Employees

Headquarters location

San Diego, CA, US

Year founded

1985