1

Senior Principal Electrical Engineer Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Principal Electrical Engineer

Los Angeles, CA · On-site

$149K - $183K/yr

The Senior/Principal Electrical Engineers will also manage tasks and oversee the work of junior staff. The ideal candidates must be performance-driven, possess a strong educational background and ...

The Senior/Principal Electrical Engineers will also manage tasks and oversee the work of junior staff. The ideal candidates must be performance-driven, possess a strong educational background and ...

As a Senior Principal Electrical Engineer, you will play a critical leadership role in the design, development, and optimization of cutting-edge electrochemical glucose sensor technology for diabetes ...

Senior Principal Electrical Engineer

Northridge, CA · On-site

$149K - $182K/yr

As a Senior Principal Electrical Engineer, you will play a critical leadership role in the design, development, and optimization of cutting-edge electrochemical glucose sensor technology for diabetes ...

next page

Showing results 1-20

Senior Principal Electrical Engineer information

See salary details

$98.5K

$154.8K

$205K

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

As of Jun 11, 2026, the average yearly pay for senior principal electrical engineer in the United States is $154,823.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $139,000.00 and $170,000.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

How does a Senior Principal Electrical Engineer typically collaborate with cross-functional teams during complex projects?

Senior Principal Electrical Engineers often serve as technical leaders, working closely with multidisciplinary teams that may include mechanical engineers, software developers, project managers, and manufacturing specialists. They translate high-level project requirements into electrical design specifications and ensure alignment with other engineering disciplines throughout the development process. Regular collaboration involves leading design reviews, mentoring junior engineers, and integrating feedback from various stakeholders to ensure project goals are met. This cross-functional teamwork is essential for delivering innovative, reliable solutions within budget and timeline constraints.

What does a Senior Principal Electrical Engineer do?

A Senior Principal Electrical Engineer leads the design, development, and implementation of complex electrical systems or components. They often oversee large projects, mentor teams of engineers, and ensure that electrical engineering standards and safety regulations are met. Their work involves collaborating with other departments, solving high-level technical problems, and contributing to strategic planning for product development. Typically, they have many years of experience and play a key role in innovation and technical leadership within an organization.

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

To thrive as a Senior Principal Electrical Engineer, you need advanced expertise in electrical engineering principles, circuit design, and project management, typically supported by a bachelor’s or master’s degree and significant industry experience. Proficiency with CAD tools (such as Altium Designer or OrCAD), simulation software, and relevant certifications like Professional Engineer (PE) licensure are commonly required. Strong leadership, problem-solving abilities, and effective communication are essential soft skills for leading teams and collaborating across disciplines. These competencies ensure the successful delivery of complex projects, innovation, and the mentoring of junior engineers.

What is the difference between Senior Principal Electrical Engineer vs Electrical Engineering Manager?

AspectSenior Principal Electrical EngineerElectrical Engineering Manager
CredentialsBachelor's or Master's in Electrical Engineering, Professional Engineer (PE) license often preferredBachelor's or Master's in Electrical Engineering, PE license advantageous, often with management certifications
Work EnvironmentDesign, analysis, and technical leadership in engineering projectsOversees engineering teams, manages projects, and coordinates with stakeholders
Industry UsageResearch & development, product design, and technical consultingProject management, team leadership, and strategic planning in engineering firms

The Senior Principal Electrical Engineer focuses on advanced technical expertise and project design, while the Electrical Engineering Manager emphasizes team leadership and project management. Both roles require strong electrical engineering credentials, but their primary responsibilities differ in technical depth versus managerial oversight.

More about Senior Principal Electrical Engineer jobs
What cities are hiring for Senior Principal Electrical Engineer jobs? Cities with the most Senior Principal Electrical Engineer job openings:
What are the most commonly searched types of Principal Electrical Engineer jobs? The most popular types of Principal Electrical Engineer jobs are:
What states have the most Senior Principal Electrical Engineer jobs? States with the most job openings for Senior Principal Electrical Engineer jobs include:
Infographic showing various Senior Principal Electrical Engineer job openings in the United States as of June 2026, with employment types broken down into 92% Full Time, 6% Part Time, and 2% Contract. Highlights an 87% Physical, 5% Hybrid, and 8% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $154,823 per year, or $74.4 per hour.
Principal Electrical Engineer

Principal Electrical Engineer

Arcadis

Los Angeles, CA • On-site

$149K - $183K/yr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Posted 29 days ago


Arcadis rating

8.6

Company rating: 8.6 out of 10

Based on 19 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

61st of 352 rated engineering


Job description

Arcadis is the world's leading company delivering sustainable design, engineering, and consultancy solutions for natural and built assets.
We are more than 36,000 people, in over 70 countries, dedicated to improving quality of life. Everyone has an important role to play. With the power of many curious minds, together we can solve the world's most complex challenges and deliver more impact together.
Role description:
Arcadis has an immediate need for two Senior/Principal Electrical Engineers with experience in designing electrical power systems to join our teams in both California and Arizona. Using technical capabilities and collaborating with our experienced team of professionals, these engineers will provide technical and design consulting services with a focus on electrical power distribution, motor controls, lighting, and grounding design to support projects for our Resilience Water Business Line. The Senior/Principal Electrical Engineers will also manage tasks and oversee the work of junior staff. The ideal candidates must be performance-driven, possess a strong educational background and must be able to work productively, both independently and as a contributing member of a collaborative team.
Role accountabilities:
The Senior/Principal Electrical Engineers will support water and wastewater projects through all phases of planning, design, and construction, collaborating closely with clients and project teams to deliver successful outcomes. Responsibilities include developing project and task scopes, schedules, and budgets, while progressively supporting and demonstrating strong project management capabilities to ensure assignments are delivered on time and within budget.
The position involves leading and coordinating electrical design across multiple projects, with a focus on medium- and low-voltage power distribution, motor controls, lighting, and grounding systems specific to water and wastewater facilities. The Senior/Principal Electrical Engineers establishes design criteria; performs engineering calculations; and develops one-line diagrams, control schematics, and construction plans and specifications. Close, highly interactive coordination with the Control Systems group is a key component of the role.
During construction, the Senior/Principal Electrical Engineers will provide engineering support by reviewing equipment submittals and shop drawings, responding to contractor RFIs, and conducting field inspections. This includes identifying deviations from design, performing QA/QC reviews of completed work, and monitoring safety compliance. The role also requires performing or overseeing power system analysis using ETAP, SKM Power Tools, or similar software, including responsibility for power studies and arc flash hazard analyses. Occasional travel (approximately 5-10%) is required to support project needs.
Key Attributes
Demonstrated experience with the municipal water and wastewater industry with a strong
understanding of client needs and the ability to build and maintain effective client relationships.
Solid working knowledge of the National Electrical Code (NEC) and applicable NFPA codes, applied
consistently across complex engineering projects.
A collaborative professional with a clear desire to mentor and develop junior staff-level electrical
engineers and technicians. Possesses excellent verbal, written, and interpersonal communication
skills, enabling effective coordination with multidisciplinary teams to deliver projects on time and
within budget.
Highly organized and adaptable with the ability to manage multiple assignments simultaneously
While maintaining quality, meeting deadlines, and supporting overall project objectives.
Qualifications & Experience:
Required Qualifications:
  • Bachelor's degree in Electrical Engineering or Electrical Engineering Technology, preferably with an emphasis on power.
  • 15 years minimum of relevant work experience
  • Registered Professional Electrical Engineer in California for California position.
  • Registered Professional Electrical Engineer in Arizona for Arizona position.
  • Solid working knowledge of the National Electrical Code.
  • Basic understanding of AutoCAD.
  • Proficient with Microsoft Office (Word, Excel, MS Project and Outlook).

Preferred Qualifications:
  • Solid working knowledge of Process and Instrumentation Diagrams, Field Instrumentation, and Programmable Logic Controllers (PLCs) as they relate to electrical design.
  • Active participation in regional and/or national professional associations
  • Experience using ETAP, SKM Power Tools or other power systems analysis software.
  • Supervisory experience.

Why Arcadis?
We can only achieve our goals when everyone is empowered to be their best. We believe everyone's contribution matters. It's why we are pioneering a skills-based approach, where you can harness your unique experience and expertise to carve your career path and maximize the impact we can make together.
You'll do meaningful work, and no matter what role, you'll be helping to deliver sustainable solutions for a more prosperous planet. Make your mark, on your career, your colleagues, your clients, your life and the world around you.
Together, we can create a lasting legacy.
Join Arcadis. Create a Legacy.
Our Commitment to Equality, Diversity, Inclusion & Belonging
We want you to be able to bring your best self to work every day which is why we take equality and inclusion seriously and hold ourselves to account for our actions. Our ambition is to be an employer of choice and provide a great place to work for all our people. We are an equal opportunity and affirmative action employer. Women, minorities, people with disabilities and veterans are strongly encouraged to apply. We are dedicated to a policy of non-discrimination in employment on any basis including race, creed, color, religion, national origin, sex, age, disability, marital status, sexual orientation, gender identity, citizenship status, disability, veteran status, or any other basis prohibited by law.
Arcadis offers benefits for full time and part time positions. These benefits include medical, dental, and vision, EAP, 401K, STD, LTD, AD&D, life insurance, paid parental leave, reward & recognition program and optional benefits including wellbeing benefits, adoption assistance and tuition reimbursement. We offer nine paid holidays and 20 days PTO that accrue per year. The salary range for this position is $160,000 - $220,968. Actual salaries will vary and are based on several factors, such as experience, education, budget, internal equity, project and location.
#Resilience-ANA
#Water-ANA
#LI-RC2

What Arcadis employees say

Pay

Benefits

Hours and flexibility

Workplace

Get the full story on Breakroom


Arcadis logo

About Arcadis

Sourced by ZipRecruiter

Our work with clients has a direct impact on people's lives and on the planet. We make moving, living and belonging in cities safer, more resilient and more sustainable. By partnering with our clients as responsible custodians of our earth's resources, we can create a sustainable planet. We continue to think of new ways to make positive impacts and create better experiences for people; data driven and digital solutions have become part of the Arcadis DNA. Working together with clients and using techniques like design thinking, we can get to the heart of our clients' most pressing challenges and work together to solve them.

Industry

Engineering professional services

Company size

10,000+ Employees

Headquarters location

Highlands Ranch, CO, US