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Senior Principal Hardware Engineer Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Senior Principal Hardware Engineer The reputation of Dell Technologies for delivering award-winning hardware is legendary and our Hardware Engineering team is at the heart of it. We design and ...

New

Senior Principal Hardware Engineer The reputation of Dell Technologies for delivering award-winning hardware is legendary and our Hardware Engineering team is at the heart of it. We design and ...

New

If you're energized by solving complex systems challenges, excited to work alongside AI to amplify ward-winning hardware is legendary and our Hardware Engineering team is at the heart of it. We ...

New

Prin. Systems Hardware Engineer

Moundsview, MN · On-site

$131K - $172K/yr

Principal Hardware Engineer Careers that Change Lives Medtronic aims to contribute to human welfare by application of biomedical engineering in the research, design, manufacture, and sale of ...

Principal Hardware Engineer

Ashburn, VA · On-site

$144K - $190K/yr

Principal Hardware Engineer - Onsite position Curtiss Wright is expanding and has multiple openings for experienced Principal Hardware Engineer to join our Defense Solutions Group. This role involves ...

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Senior Principal Hardware Engineer information

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$82K

$155.4K

$214.5K

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

As of Jul 29, 2026, the average yearly pay for senior principal hardware 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 are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a Senior Principal Hardware Engineer, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Senior Principal Hardware Engineer, you need deep expertise in hardware design, circuit analysis, and systems architecture, typically backed by a bachelor’s or master’s degree in electrical or computer engineering. Mastery of design tools like Cadence, Altium, or Mentor Graphics, along with knowledge of industry standards and certifications (such as IPC or IEEE), is highly valued. Leadership, strong problem-solving abilities, and effective communication are crucial soft skills for driving innovation and leading cross-functional teams. These skills and qualities are critical for delivering reliable, cutting-edge hardware solutions and mentoring engineering teams in complex product development cycles.

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

AspectSenior Principal Hardware EngineerLead Hardware Engineer
CredentialsBachelor's/Master's in Electrical Engineering or related; extensive industry experienceBachelor's/Master's in Electrical Engineering or related; significant industry experience
Work EnvironmentResearch and development, design, and high-level engineering teamsProject management, team leadership, hands-on hardware design
Industry UsageTechnology, aerospace, automotive, consumer electronicsTechnology, aerospace, automotive, consumer electronics

The Senior Principal Hardware Engineer focuses on high-level design, innovation, and strategic technical decisions, often working across multiple projects. The Lead Hardware Engineer typically manages project teams, oversees hardware development, and ensures project milestones are met. Both roles require advanced technical skills, but the Senior Principal emphasizes strategic influence, while the Lead emphasizes team leadership and project execution.

What engineer makes $500,000 a year?

Senior Principal Hardware Engineers in high-demand industries such as semiconductor, aerospace, or technology companies can earn $500,000 or more annually, especially with extensive experience, specialized skills, and leadership responsibilities. Compensation often includes base salary, bonuses, and stock options, reflecting their advanced expertise and strategic impact within organizations.

What engineers make 200,000 a year?

Senior Principal Hardware Engineers often earn $200,000 or more annually, especially with extensive experience, advanced skills in circuit design, and certifications. Compensation varies by industry, location, and company size, with roles in high-tech sectors typically offering higher salaries for senior-level engineers with specialized expertise.

What is a Senior Principal Hardware Engineer?

A Senior Principal Hardware Engineer is an advanced-level professional responsible for designing, developing, and overseeing the creation of complex hardware systems and components. They typically lead engineering teams, guide technical direction, and ensure that hardware projects meet performance, cost, and quality goals. Their role often involves collaborating with other departments, mentoring junior engineers, and staying current with emerging technologies to influence product innovation and strategic planning. This position requires extensive experience in hardware engineering and strong leadership skills.

Can you make $500,000 as an electrical engineer?

Senior Principal Hardware Engineers, especially those with extensive experience, advanced skills in circuit design, and certifications, can potentially earn $500,000 or more annually, particularly in high-cost-of-living areas or within specialized industries like aerospace or semiconductor manufacturing. However, such compensation levels are typically reserved for senior leadership roles or highly specialized experts and are not common for all electrical engineers.

What engineers make $300,000 a year?

Senior Principal Hardware Engineers in high-demand industries such as semiconductor design, aerospace, or advanced electronics can earn $300,000 or more annually, especially with extensive experience, specialized skills, and leadership responsibilities. Compensation often includes bonuses, stock options, and other incentives, reflecting the seniority and complexity of the role.

What are some common challenges faced by Senior Principal Hardware Engineers when leading cross-functional projects?

Senior Principal Hardware Engineers often encounter challenges in aligning cross-functional teams, such as coordinating between hardware, software, and manufacturing departments to ensure timely project delivery. Navigating differing priorities, technical constraints, and communication barriers can be complex, especially when integrating new technologies or managing large-scale product development. Successful engineers leverage strong leadership, technical expertise, and effective communication to mediate issues, keep teams focused on shared goals, and drive innovation. These experiences not only sharpen problem-solving skills but also position engineers for further leadership roles.
What cities are hiring for Senior Principal Hardware Engineer jobs? Cities with the most Senior Principal Hardware Engineer job openings:
What are the most commonly searched types of Principal Hardware Engineer jobs? The most popular types of Principal Hardware Engineer jobs are:
What states have the most Senior Principal Hardware Engineer jobs? States with the most job openings for Senior Principal Hardware Engineer jobs include:
Infographic showing various Senior Principal Hardware Engineer job openings in the United States as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 96% Full Time, 1% Part Time, and 3% 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.

Senior Principal Hardware Engineer

Dell, Inc.

Hopkinton, MA • On-site

$176K - $242K/yr

Full-time

Posted 2 days ago

New


Job description


Infrastructure Solutions Group (ISG) builds the products that power infrastructure, solutions, and data management our customers need most. Our teams design and develop the hardware and software that connect infrastructure, accelerate computational workloads, integrate across the stack, protect data continuity, and deliver the platforms, applications, and diagnostics our customers rely on every day at enterprise scale.
Some product builders follow the rules. Ours rewrite them.
Within ISG, innovation isn't just about creating new technology- it's about challenging assumptions and reimagining how work gets done. Engineers define intent, author precise specifications, and orchestrate AI agents that execute at speed and scale. AI is embedded throughout our development process, helping us move faster, learn quicker, and deliver greater impact. Yet the most important contribution remains uniquely human: deciding what to build, designing how it should work, and applying the judgment needed to earn our customers' trust. When your products power critical infrastructure around the world, that responsibility matters.
We move quickly toward the work that matters most. We reward experimentation, encourage bold thinking, and remove unnecessary barriers so great ideas can become reality faster. Our teams embrace a customer-first, first-to-market mindset, transforming rapid feedback into better products and better outcomes. We aren't looking for people who are content with the status quo- we look for builders who question it, improve it, and occasionally rewrite it.
If you're energized by solving complex systems challenges, excited to work alongside AI to amplify your impact, and motivated by the opportunity to shape what's next instead of simply maintaining what's been done before, you'll find your place here.
Senior Principal Hardware Engineer
The reputation of Dell Technologies for delivering award-winning hardware is legendary and our Hardware Engineering team is at the heart of it. We design and develop analogue as well as digital hardware products - not just computer or network hardware devices but peripherals too. Recognized for our high level of technical expertise in a variety of engineering disciplines, we're involved across the development lifecycle - from research to the building, testing and delivery of completed products. Innovators in our field, we lead the way in exploring new concepts, approaches, processes, materials and components.
Join us and help build the future of enterprise technology as a Senior Principal Engineer on our Hardware Engineering Team in Hopkinton, Massachusetts. (relocation assistance is available if needed)
What you'll achieve
As a Senior Principal Hardware Engineer, you'll deliver enterprise-class hardware spanning cutting-edge technologies across multiple product lines, collaborating closely with cross-functional teams within ISG. You'll gain deep system-level expertise through end-to-end engagement in product development-from architecture and hardware design to data center environments, system configurations, supply chain operations, and field serviceability-all within a fast-paced, highly collaborative environment driven by innovation, integrity, and responsibility.
Responsibilities
You Will:
  • Lead end-to-end system integration for enterprise hardware within data center environments
  • Define system architecture across racks, thermal, cabling, and platform stack-ups
  • Collaborate cross-functionally to translate requirements into scalable, reliable designs
  • Apply engineering and project management principles to align stakeholders and deliver to cost, schedule, and performance goals
  • Drive technical reviews and problem solving, leveraging data center expertise and SolidWorks

Qualifications
  • 12+ years related experience or equivalent skill; must include strong foundation in system-level product development, with a solid grasp of both the technical and business aspects, especially as they relate to data center architecture
  • Deep understanding of computer system hardware-including mechanical racks, thermal requirements, cabling, and platform stack-ups-and how these elements come together in end-to-end system integration
  • Experience working within data center environments and translating infrastructure needs into scalable, reliable hardware solutions
  • Proven ability to communicate clearly, influence stakeholders, and collaborate effectively across engineering and business teams
  • Skilled in project management

Desirable
  • Degree in Hardware Engineering or related degree

Compensation
Dell is committed to fair and equitable compensation practices. The base salary range for this position is $176,000-$242,000
About Us
Who We Are
We believe that each of us has the power to make an impact. That's why we put our team members at the center of everything we do. If you're looking for an opportunity to grow your career with some of the best minds and most advanced tech in the industry, we're looking for you.
Dell Technologies is a unique family of businesses that helps individuals and organizations transform how they work, live and play. Join us to build a future that works for everyone because Progress Takes All of Us.
Dell Technologies is committed to the principle of equal employment opportunity for all employees and to providing employees with a work environment free of discrimination and harassment. Read the full Equal Employment Opportunity Policy.
Visit our Culture Code page to learn more about how we work and lead.

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About DELL

Sourced by ZipRecruiter

Dell Technologies helps organizations and individuals build a brighter digital tomorrow. Our company is made up of more than 150,000 people, located in over 180 locations around the world. We're proud to be a diverse and inclusive team and have an endless passion for our mission to drive human progress.

Industry

Computer and computer peripheral equipment and software wholesalers

Company size

10,000+ Employees

Headquarters location

Round Rock, TX, US

Year founded

1984