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Senior Principal Design Engineer Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Qorvo, Inc.

Sr. Principal, Design Engineer

Chelmsford, MA · On-site

$168K - $218K/yr

Mentor other engineers in circuit design techniques * Drive process improvement that impacts the engineering function Requirements • Proficiency in RFIC and mmW design techniques including EM ...

Celestica

Senior Principal Power Engineer

San Jose, CA · On-site

$143K - $198K/yr

Senior Principal, Design Engineering Job Code: SPR-ENG-DSGN Summary Thank you for checking us out! If you're reading this, chances are that you're getting this information over at least one piece of ...

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Senior Principal Design Engineer information

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$214.5K

How much do senior principal design engineer jobs pay per year?

As of Jun 16, 2026, the average yearly pay for senior principal design engineer in the United States is $155,430.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $125,500.00 and $173,000.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is a Senior Principal Design Engineer?

A Senior Principal Design Engineer is a highly experienced engineering professional responsible for leading complex design projects and setting technical direction within an organization. They often mentor junior engineers, drive innovation, and ensure that engineering standards are upheld throughout the design process. This role typically requires deep technical expertise, leadership skills, and the ability to collaborate with cross-functional teams to deliver high-quality engineering solutions. Additionally, Senior Principal Design Engineers may be involved in setting long-term strategy, evaluating new technologies, and representing the company in industry forums.

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

To thrive as a Senior Principal Design Engineer, you need deep expertise in engineering design principles, advanced problem-solving abilities, and a relevant engineering degree, often with years of specialized experience. Proficiency with CAD software, simulation tools, and familiarity with industry standards or certifications like PE (Professional Engineer) are typically required. Leadership, effective communication, and project management skills help excel in guiding teams and interfacing with stakeholders. These capabilities are crucial for delivering innovative, reliable designs while ensuring project success and engineering excellence.

What is the difference between Senior Principal Design Engineer vs Lead Design Engineer?

AspectSenior Principal Design EngineerLead Design Engineer
CredentialsBachelor's or Master's in Engineering, professional certifications often preferredBachelor's or Master's in Engineering, certifications may be beneficial
Work EnvironmentResearch and development, cross-functional teams, strategic planningProject teams, technical leadership, hands-on design work
Industry UsageUsed across industries like aerospace, automotive, electronicsCommon in engineering firms, manufacturing, product development
Search & Comparison IntentUnderstanding senior technical roles, career progressionClarifying leadership in design projects, technical expertise

The Senior Principal Design Engineer typically focuses on high-level technical strategy and innovation, often working across multiple projects and guiding teams. The Lead Design Engineer is more involved in direct project leadership and hands-on design work. Both roles require strong engineering credentials, but the Senior Principal often emphasizes strategic influence, while the Lead Design Engineer concentrates on project execution and team coordination.

How does a Senior Principal Design Engineer typically contribute to cross-functional teams during project development?

As a Senior Principal Design Engineer, you will play a key leadership role in collaborating across departments such as product management, manufacturing, and quality assurance. You will be responsible for guiding the design process, providing technical direction, and ensuring that engineering solutions align with broader business objectives. Regularly, you'll be involved in design reviews, troubleshooting complex issues, and mentoring junior engineers to maintain high standards of technical excellence. Your input is often crucial in balancing innovation with practical constraints like cost, manufacturability, and regulatory requirements.
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What cities are hiring for Senior Principal Design Engineer jobs? Cities with the most Senior Principal Design Engineer job openings:
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Senior Principal Design Engineer jobs near you
Infographic showing various Senior Principal Design Engineer job openings in the United States as of June 2026, with employment types broken down into 90% Full Time, 5% Part Time, and 5% Contract. Highlights an 87% Physical, 5% Hybrid, and 8% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $155,430 per year, or $74.7 per hour.
Principal or Sr. Principal Design Checking Engineer

Principal or Sr. Principal Design Checking Engineer

Northrop Grumman Corporation

Annapolis, MD • On-site

Full-time

Medical, Life, PTO

Posted 20 days ago

Northrop Grumman rating

8.1

Company rating: 8.1 out of 10

Based on 339 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

109th of 518 rated manufacturers

Job description

RELOCATION ASSISTANCE: Relocation assistance may be available
CLEARANCE REQUIRED FOR START: No
CLEARANCE TYPE: Top Secret
TRAVEL: Yes, 10% of the TimeDescription
At Northrop Grumman, our employees have incredible opportunities to work on revolutionary systems that impact people's lives around the world today, and for generations to come. Our pioneering and inventive spirit has enabled us to be at the forefront of many technological advancements in our nation's history - from the first flight across the Atlantic Ocean, to stealth bombers, to landing on the moon. We look for people who have bold new ideas, courage and a pioneering spirit to join forces to invent the future, and have fun along the way. Our culture thrives on intellectual curiosity, cognitive diversity and bringing your whole self to work - and we have an insatiable drive to do what others think is impossible. Our employees are not only part of history, they're making history.
Join Northrop Grumman on our continued mission to push the boundaries of possible across land, sea, air, space, and cyberspace. Enjoy a culture where your voice is valued and start contributing to our team of passionate professionals providing real-life solutions to our world's biggest challenges. We take pride in creating purposeful work and allowing our employees to grow and achieve their goals every day by Defining Possible. With our competitive pay and comprehensive benefits, we have the right opportunities to fit your life and launch your career today.
Northrop Grumman Mission Systems is currently recruiting for a Principal or Senior Principal Design Checking Engineer to join our team at the Annapolis, MD location.
The ideal candidate will have an interest in learning Model Based Definition (MBD) in NX and working knowledge of Teamcenter in the Design Support group.
Duties and Responsibilities include but are not limited to the following:
  • Create accurate 3D CAD models and engineering drawings of mechanical, electro-mechanical components and assemblies in NX IAW ASME Y14.100 Engineering Drawing Practices, ASME Y14.5, Dimensioning and Tolerancing, ASME Y14.41, Digital Product Definition Data Practices, IAW Northrop Grumman Principles and Operating Practices.
  • Interface with multi-disciplined engineering review team to assure customer satisfaction of the design.
  • Ensure Engineering documents accuracy and clarity, including drawing completeness to ensure the documentation received is satisfactory.
  • Review engineering drawings and designs for accuracy, manufacturability, and assembly.
  • Support continuous mechanical design process improvement.
  • Interest/background in mechanical/machine design.

This position can be filled at a Principal or Senior Principal level.
Basic Qualifications for a Principal Design Checking Engineer:
  • Bachelor's degree with 5 years relevant Experience; 3 Years with Masters; 1 years with PhD; an additional 4 years of experience is required in lieu of a degree.
  • U.S. citizen with ability to obtain Top Secret clearance.
  • Ability to obtain and maintain Special Access Program (SAP) approval within a reasonable period, as determined by the company to meet business needs.
  • 3 years' experience with Product Lifecyle Management (PLM) tools
  • 3 years' experience with 3D CAD modeling tools
  • 3 years' experience developing and releasing engineering models and drawings
  • 3 years' experience developing and releasing model-based engineering Digital Product Definition Packages
  • Familiarity with basic GD&T interpretation
  • Strong communication skills across large diverse organizations

Basic Qualifications for a Senior Principal Design Checking Engineer:
  • Bachelor's degree with 8 years relevant Experience; 6 Years with Masters; 4 years with PhD; an additional 4 years of experience is required in lieu of a degree.
  • U.S. citizen with ability to obtain Top Secret clearance.
  • Ability to obtain and maintain Special Access Program (SAP) approval within a reasonable period, as determined by the company to meet business needs.
  • 3 years' experience with Product Lifecyle Management (PLM) tools
  • 3 years' experience with 3D CAD modeling tools
  • 3 years' experience developing and releasing engineering models and drawings
  • 3 years' experience developing and releasing model-based engineering Digital Product Definition Packages
  • Familiarity with basic GD&T interpretation
  • Strong communication skills across large diverse organizations

Preferred Qualifications:
  • Experience with Siemens Teamcenter or Teamcenter MPLM Product Lifecycle Management Tool
  • 5 years' experience with Siemens NX
  • Familiarity with advanced GD&T interpretation and tolerance stack up analysis
  • Experience managing the configuration of large Mechanical systems or Vehicle platforms.
  • Possesses a strong knowledge and background of design engineering release procedures and configuration management practices
  • Strong knowledge and experience managing Engineering Bill of Materials through effectivity management
  • Ability to develop and implement solutions with minimal oversight given a challenging problem statement
  • Ability to manage complex special technical assignments under pressure from engineering leadership and program directors

This is an onsite opportunity with the option of a 9/80 or 4/10 work schedule. The 9/80 schedule allows employees who work a nine-hour day Monday through Thursday to take every other Friday off. The 4/10 schedule allows employees to work four ten-hour days Monday through Thursday and take off every Friday.
NGFeaturedJobs
Primary Level Salary Range: $89,900.00 - $134,900.00
Secondary Level Salary Range: $112,200.00 - $168,200.00
The above salary range represents a general guideline; however, Northrop Grumman considers a number of factors when determining base salary offers such as the scope and responsibilities of the position and the candidate's experience, education, skills and current market conditions.
Depending on the position, employees may be eligible for overtime, shift differential, and a discretionary bonus in addition to base pay. Annual bonuses are designed to reward individual contributions as well as allow employees to share in company results. Employees in Vice President or Director positions may be eligible for Long Term Incentives. In addition, Northrop Grumman provides a variety of benefits including health insurance coverage, life and disability insurance, savings plan, Company paid holidays and paid time off (PTO) for vacation and/or personal business.
The application period for the job is estimated to be 20 days from the job posting date. However, this timeline may be shortened or extended depending on business needs and the availability of qualified candidates.
Northrop Grumman is an Equal Opportunity Employer, making decisions without regard to race, color, religion, creed, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, marital status, national origin, age, veteran status, disability, or any other protected class. For our complete EEO and pay transparency statement, please visit http://www.northropgrumman.com/EEO. U.S. Citizenship is required for all positions with a government clearance and certain other restricted positions.

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About Northrop Grumman

Sourced by ZipRecruiter

At Northrop Grumman, our employees have incredible opportunities to work on revolutionary systems that impact people's lives around the world today, and for generations to come. Our pioneering and inventive spirit has enabled us to be at the forefront of many technological advancements in our nation's history - from the first flight across the Atlantic Ocean, to stealth bombers, to landing on the moon. We look for people who have bold new ideas, courage and a pioneering spirit to join forces to invent the future, and have fun along the way. Our culture thrives on intellectual curiosity, cognitive diversity and bringing your whole self to work - and we have an insatiable drive to do what others think is impossible.

Industry

Space research administration

Company size

10,000+ Employees

Headquarters location

Falls Church, VA, US

Year founded

1939

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