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Senior Principal Hardware Engineer Jobs (NOW HIRING)

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 ...

We need a Principal Hardware Engineer to bring senior technical judgment across Archimedes hardware. You are a highly experienced builder who has seen systems go the full way. From a working ...

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 ...

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 ...

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 ...

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

Atlanta, GA · On-site

$118K - $156K/yr

Position Summary ADTRAN is seeking a Principal Hardware Engineer to provide technical leadership in the development of next-generation Optical Transport and Coherent Pluggable solutions for metro ...

$91K - $120K/yr

Principal Hardware Engineer, Gateways & Customer Hardware (Starlink) Bastrop, TX SpaceX was founded under the belief that a future where humanity is out exploring the stars is fundamentally more ...

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 ...

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 ...

Showing results 21-40

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 Sep 15, 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 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 the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a senior principal hardware engineer?

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 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 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.

How much does a senior principal hardware engineer make?

A senior principal hardware engineer typically earns between $130,000 and $180,000 annually, depending on experience, location, and industry. They often have advanced skills in circuit design, FPGA development, and hardware validation, and may hold certifications or advanced degrees that influence compensation.

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:

What are popular job titles related to Senior Principal Hardware Engineer jobs?

For Senior Principal Hardware Engineer jobs, the most frequently searched job titles are:

Infographic showing various Senior Principal Hardware Engineer job openings in the United States as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 94% Full Time, 2% Part Time, and 4% Contract. Highlights an 85% Physical, 5% Hybrid, and 10% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $155,430 per year, or $74.7 per hour.

Senior Principal Digital Hardware Engineer

Baltimore, MD • On-site

Northrop Grumman
Space Research Administration • 10K+ employees

$124K - $171K/yr

Full-time

Medical, Life, PTO

Posted 16 days ago


Northrop Grumman rating

8.3

Company rating: 8.3 out of 10

Based on 372 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz


Job description

RELOCATION ASSISTANCE: No relocation assistance available CLEARANCE REQUIRED FOR START: Yes CLEARANCE TYPE: Secret TRAVEL: No Description 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. At the heart of Defining Possible is our commitment to missions.

In rapidly changing global security environments, Northrop Grumman brings informed insights and software-secure technology to enable strategic planning. We're looking for innovators who can help us keep building on our wide portfolio of secure, affordable, integrated, and multi-domain systems and technologies that fuel those missions. By joining in our shared mission, we'll support you by expanding your personal network and developing skills, whether you are new to the field, or an industry thought leader.

At Northrop Grumman, you'll have the resources, support, and team to do some of the best work of your career. We are looking for you to join our team as a Senior Principal Digital Hardware Engineer based out of Baltimore/Linthicum, MD. The Senior Principal Digital Hardware Engineer is a core member of the Hardware Engineering team responsible for designing, modeling, analyzing, and testing digital circuit card assemblies.

You will work closely with electrical, mechanical, manufacturing, test and teams to design, analyze, and test digital board designs, supporting a broad portfolio of defense grade products. What You'll Get to Do Design - Perform component placement, layout, routing, schematic development for complex high speed digital and mixed signal circuit card assemblies. Act as the lead on the CCA design, coordinating across various functions to ensure a sound design Model and analyze- Model the routing of the hardware using various software tools and run signal and power integrity simulations to analyze performance of the design Test - Perform DVT (design, verification, test) of hardware to assess performance of the designs.

Debug and troubleshoot issues in the lab Mentor junior designers - Provide guidance on best practices, standards, and the overall design process This position is contingent on the successful transfer of an Active US Government Secret clearance prior to start. Basic Qualifications for Senior Principal Digital Hardware Engineer Bachelor's Degree with 8 years of experience, master's degree with 6 years of experience, Ph.D. with 4 years of experience in Science, Technology, Engineering, Mathematics or related technical fields; an additional 4 years of experience may be considered in lieu of a degree U.S Citizenship is required

A current/active U.S Government Secret clearance 8 years of experience translating system performance and operational specifications into hardware requirements, design documentation, and test specifications. 8 years of experience with digital circuitry and design, including schematic creation, support to fabrication and assembly, and troubleshooting of digital hardware. Preferred Qualifications for Senior Principal Digital Hardware Engineer Expert working knowledge of the Mentor Xpedition software suite

Experience with highspeed digital design (5Gbps) or RF/microwave PCB design. Demonstrated success working in collaborative, fast paced development teams. Expert written and verbal communication; comfortable presenting technical concepts to cross functional teams.

Northrop Grumman provides a comprehensive benefits package and a work environment which encourages your growth and supports the mutual success of our people and our company. Northrop Grumman benefits give you the flexibility and control to choose the benefits that make the most sense for you and your family. Your benefits will include the following: Health Plan, Savings Plan, Paid Time Off and Additional Benefits including Education Assistance, Training and Development, 9/80 Work Schedule (where available), and much more.

Northrop Grumman has approximately 90,000 employees in all 50 states and in more than 27 countries. We strive to attract and retain the best employees by providing an inclusive work environment wherein employees are receptive to diverse ideas, perspectives, and talents to help solve our toughest customer challenges: to develop and maintain some of the most technically sophisticated products, programs, and services in the world. Our Values.

The women and men of Northrop Grumman Corporation are guided by Our Values. They describe our company as we want it to be. We want our decisions and actions to demonstrate these Values.

We believe that putting Our Values into practice creates long-term benefits for shareholders, customers, employees, suppliers, and the communities we serve. Our Responsibility. At Northrop Grumman, we are committed to maintaining the highest ethical standards, embracing diversity and inclusion, protecting the environment, and striving to be an ideal corporate citizen in the community and in the world.

Primary Level Salary Range: $149,300.00 - $223,900.00 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