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Senior Principal Hardware Engineer Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Medtronic

Prin. Hardware Engineer - Clem

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 ...

Curtiss-Wright

Principal Hardware Engineer

Ashburn, VA · Remote

$144K - $190K/yr

Principal Hardware Engineer Curtiss Wright is seeking an experienced Principal Hardware Engineer to join our Defense Solutions Group. This role involves planning, leading, and designing complex ...

Nokia

Principal Hardware Engineer

Westford, MA · On-site

$147K - $210K/yr

As a Principal Hardware Engineer at Nokia, you will take a leadership role in defining, designing ... senior management. Qualifications * Bachelor's degree in electrical engineering, Computer ...

CesiumAstro

Principal Hardware Engineer I

Austin, TX

We are looking to add a Principal Hardware Engineer I to our team. If you are great at what you do ... Mentor junior and senior engineers to build technical understanding and professional development.

Curtiss-Wright

Principal Hardware Engineer

Ashburn, VA · On-site

$144K - $190K/yr

Principal Hardware Engineer Curtiss Wright is seeking an experienced Principal Hardware Engineer to join our Defense Solutions Group. This role involves planning, leading, and designing complex ...

Curtiss-Wright

Principal Hardware Engineer

Ashburn, VA · On-site

$144K - $190K/yr

Principal Hardware Engineer Curtiss Wright is seeking an experienced Principal Hardware Engineer to join our Defense Solutions Group. This role involves planning, leading, and designing complex ...

Curtisswright

Principal Hardware Engineer

Ashburn, VA · Remote

$144K - $190K/yr

Principal Hardware Engineer Curtiss Wright is seeking an experienced Principal Hardware Engineer to join our Defense Solutions Group. This role involves planning, leading, and designing complex ...

Curtiss-Wright

Principal Hardware Engineer

Ashburn, VA · Remote

$144K - $190K/yr

Principal Hardware Engineer Curtiss Wright is seeking an experienced Principal Hardware Engineer to join our Defense Solutions Group. This role involves planning, leading, and designing complex ...

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All JobsSenior Principal Hardware Engineer Jobs

Senior Principal Hardware Engineer information

See salary details

$82K

$155.4K

$214.5K

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

As of Jun 25, 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 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.

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.
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Senior Principal Hardware Engineer jobs near you

Sr Principal Hardware Engineer

Cariad, Inc.

Mountain View, CA • On-site

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Posted 6 days ago

Job description

We are CARIAD, an automotive software development team with the Volkswagen Group. Our mission is to make the automotive experience safer, more sustainable, more comfortable, more digital, and more fun. To achieve that we are building the leading tech stack for the automotive industry and creating a unified software platform for over 10 million new vehicles per year. We're looking for talented, digital minds like you to help us create code that moves the world. Together with you, we'll build outstanding digital experiences and products for all Volkswagen Group brands that will transform mobility. Join us as we shape the future of the car and everyone around it.
Role Summary:
The Sr Principal Hardware Engineer is responsible for shaping and strengthening the electronics development for CARIAD and VW Group. They will define, develop and deliver production hardware in an embedded environment for High performance computing platform for VW Group in order to create in-house development expertise for connected infotainment and ADAS/AD system. The Sr Principal Hardware Engineer will be a member of CARIAD's senior technical team and will interface with multiple stakeholders of VW Group's technical team members. This position investigates and develops new computer HW architectures for HPC connected systems and finds technology competence and provides expertise support to Global brands for HCP development for up-coming VW group vehicle platforms. The person will help build and mentor a highly competent technical team (Best of the Best) for SoC, HCP and Software development for strategic growth of CARIAD mission of in-house competence for semiconductor and HCP development to compete with Automotive technology companies.
Role Responsibilities:
HCP Hardware Development -
  • Leads the development, launch and production of ADAS/AD and ICP HCPs, overseeing all steps of the process and working closely with product/design/contract manufacturers.
  • Contribute to specification and design of compute boards for automotive systems.
  • Oversees development of formal system architecture & behavior specifications including functional requirements, design intent, behavioral intent and system partitioning for the hardware platforms.
  • Work with internal customers to understand and specify application requirements and deliverables, including safety and security
  • Work with component suppliers to select and support hardware solutions.
  • Supports in investigating scalable architecture alternatives and development paths for ADAS/AD and ICP Hardware platforms.
  • Leads to establish scalability, cost, size, weight, power, performance, safety, and schedule requirements for next generation hardware platforms.
  • Leads to establish Cyber Security and Functional Safety requirements while developing EE hardware platform.
  • Leads to HW implementation of Cyber Security and Functional Safety requirements while developing EE hardware platform.
  • Leads to create Quality Benchmarks and Standards; provides technical perspective and expertise in terms of quality standards for internal technical teams, critical suppliers and partners.
  • Oversees to revamp and invent tools, infrastructure and methodologies for measurements that can support HCP product development.
  • Support in recruiting and building a high-performing team of electrical and mechanical engineers to deliver high performance, high volume, low cost, automotive systems.
  • Provide technical guidance to team, foster a culture of collaboration and innovative ideas to solve problems.
  • Mentor, motivate and guide the career development of young engineers.
Operational Management -
  • Own the relationship with contract manufacturer and lead strategic discussions and negotiations.
  • Locates, acquires, and retains extraordinary talent for the ramp-up phase of the Engineering Team and for future
  • Monitor compliance with relevant regulations, statutes, Board Directives, process standards (including in respect of Golden Rules and Product Compliance), procedural/operating instructions and occupational safety regulations using appropriate management controls (dual-control principle).
  • Identify and mitigate project technology risks and execution risks
  • Spearheads new in-house development projects for various technical hardware domains

General Skills:
  • Communication skills - interpersonal, presentation and written
  • Attention to details
  • Being adaptable and open to learning new tools, methodologies, and technologies
  • Analytical and conceptual thinking
  • Experience in developing strategies for R&D
  • Integration - joining people, processes, or systems
  • Strategic/visionary minded
  • Strong problem-solving skills and motivation to work in a dynamic and fast paced environment
  • Ability to work cross-functionally and multi-tasking

Required Skills:
  • Excellent strategic thinking, negotiation, and communication skills.
  • Deep knowledge of HPC HW architecture and hardware development processes.
  • Deep understanding of Hardware platform development and corresponding software. Experienced with introduction into mass production of the same.
  • Deep understanding of typical vehicle EE architectures and automotive development processes.
  • Deep understanding in defining and designing hardware for embedded high performance computer systems including definition of system topologies, components and its interfaces.
  • Deep understanding of functional safety (ISO26262) concept and implementation of same in HW design.
  • Knowledge of connected HPC hardware components and its peripherals
  • Knowledge of connected vehicle infotainment and communication systems.
  • Knowledge of embedded system software/hardware architecture, real-time operating systems.
  • Experienced to establish a professional network within the ecosystem of automotive suppliers, and technology companies such as: Computer system technology companies; Semiconductor vendors; Start-up companies.

Desired Skills:
  • Infotainment and Driver Assistance Systems
  • Consumer electronics HW design architecture
  • Rapid SW environment for prototyping and validation
  • Connected navigation and driver assistance system technologies
  • User-interface architecture for mobile and automotive systems
  • Ability to communicate on/to top-management level
  • Semiconductor technology and corresponding IP blocks.
  • Programming languages C, C++, Java, HTML5, and script languages

Years of Relevant Experience:
  • 13+ years of HPC hardware development experience in embedded environment

Required Education:
  • Bachelors in Engineering

Desired Education:
  • Master's Degree in Engineering

Work Flexibility:
  • Travel to worldwide locations required

Compensation
Salary range is dependent on factors such as geographical differentials, credentials or certifications, industry-based experience, qualification and training. In the city of Mountain View, California, the salary range for this position is $209,090 - $303,335.
CARIAD, Inc. provides performance based merits and annual bonus along with a competitive benefits package. Benefits include medical, dental, vision, 401k with employer match and defined contribution plan, short and long term disability, basic life and AD&D insurance, employee assistance program, tuition reimbursement and student loan repayment plans, maternity and non-primary caregiver leave, adoption assistance, employee referral program and vacation and paid holidays. We also offer a unique vehicle lease program that covers registration and insurance fees.
CARIAD is an Equal Opportunity Employer. We welcome and encourage applicants from all backgrounds, and do not discriminate based on race, sex, age, disability, sexual orientation, national origin, religion, color, gender identity/expression, marital status, veteran status, or any other characteristics protected by applicable laws.
Employment with CARIAD Inc. is subject to export control and sanctions compliance. Some positions may involve access to technology and/or software source code subject to U.S. legal restrictions on release to certain foreign persons based on citizenship or permanent residence. To ensure compliance, applicants will be required to provide information for screening. Employment may be contingent on the outcome, including verification of U.S. citizenship or lawful permanent resident status, or confirmation that a license, exemption, or exception applies. CARIAD retains the discretion to decline to obtain a required license in any case. By applying, you acknowledge and agree to participate in this process.

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