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Senior Principal Scientist Jobs in Bothell, WA (NOW HIRING)

Zap Energy

Senior/Principal Scientist (Theory)

Everett, WA · On-site

$130K - $160K/yr

About the opportunity As a Senior/Principal Scientist (Theory), you'll play a critical role in advancing our understanding of Z-pinch operation. As part of the Theory & Modeling team, you'll deploy ...

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How much do senior principal scientist jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 26, 2026, the average yearly pay for senior principal scientist in Bothell, WA is $160,986.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $131,400.00 and $188,900.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is a senior principal scientist?

A Senior Principal Scientist is an advanced-level research professional who leads complex scientific projects and provides strategic direction within their field of expertise. They typically oversee teams of scientists, develop research programs, and contribute to the advancement of scientific knowledge or product innovation. This role often requires extensive experience, a doctoral degree, and a proven track record of impactful research. Senior Principal Scientists also mentor junior staff and collaborate with cross-functional teams to achieve organizational goals.

What does a senior principal scientist do?

As a Senior Principal Scientist, you will often serve as a scientific leader and subject matter expert on cross-functional project teams, working closely with colleagues in research, development, regulatory, and commercial departments. Your responsibilities may include designing experiments, interpreting complex data, and providing strategic input to guide project direction. Effective collaboration and communication are key, as you will mentor junior scientists, align research goals with business objectives, and ensure scientific rigor across projects. This role often involves presenting findings to both technical and non-technical stakeholders, requiring the ability to translate complex science into actionable recommendations.

What skills and qualifications are needed to be a senior principal scientist?

To thrive as a Senior Principal Scientist, you need an advanced degree (PhD) in a relevant scientific field, extensive research experience, and a strong track record of publications and project leadership. Familiarity with specialized laboratory equipment, data analysis software, and regulatory compliance systems is typically required. Exceptional problem-solving, mentorship, and collaboration skills help distinguish top performers in this position. These qualifications are crucial for driving scientific innovation, ensuring research quality, and leading multidisciplinary teams to achieve impactful results.

What is the difference between Senior Principal Scientist vs Principal Scientist?

AspectSenior Principal ScientistPrincipal Scientist
Required CredentialsAdvanced degrees (PhD), extensive research experience, industry certificationsMaster's or PhD, significant research background
Work EnvironmentLeading complex projects, mentoring teams, strategic planningConducting research, developing new methods, supporting project teams
Employer & Industry UsageResearch institutions, biotech, pharma, tech companiesResearch labs, R&D departments in similar industries

Senior Principal Scientists typically hold more advanced credentials and lead strategic initiatives, mentoring teams and overseeing large projects. Principal Scientists focus on conducting research and developing innovations, often supporting senior staff. Both roles are vital in R&D, but the Senior Principal Scientist has a broader leadership and strategic scope.

What is the average salary for a Senior Principal Scientist?

The average salary for a Senior Principal Scientist in the US typically ranges from $130,000 to $180,000 annually, depending on industry, location, and experience. Senior Principal Scientists often hold advanced degrees and have extensive expertise in their field, which can influence compensation levels.

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Senior Principal Scientist jobs near you
Infographic showing various Senior Principal Scientist job openings in Bothell, WA as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 82% Full Time, 15% Part Time, 1% Temporary, and 2% Contract. Highlights an 89% Physical, 5% Hybrid, and 6% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $160,986 per year, or $77.4 per hour.

Senior/Principal Scientist (Theory)

Everett, WA • On-site

Zap Energy
51 - 200 employees
Learn more about Zap Energyexternal

$130K - $160K/yr

Full-time

Re-posted 16 days ago

Job description

About Zap Energy
Zap is advancing the next generation of nuclear power technology across fusion, fission and hybrid applications. Built on an integrated platform of high-energy-density physics and pulsed power, liquid metals and advanced materials, and compact, modular systems, Zap is building the foundational technologies needed to deploy the energy sources of the future.
About the opportunity
As a Senior/Principal Scientist (Theory), you'll play a critical role in advancing our understanding of Z-pinch operation. As part of the Theory & Modeling team, you'll deploy fluid and kinetic plasma simulation tools to guide experimental design and operation. Your work will address fundamental design challenges and shape strategies for generating and sustaining stable fusion conditions.
Responsibilities:
  • Lead the development and implementation of models that capture essential physics in the formation and sustainment of the sheared-flow-stabilized Z-pinch
  • Deploy computational tools for simulating compression physics, shock heating, turbulent and kinetic transport, plasma sheaths, atomic and molecular reactions, two-fluid effects, and 3D phenomena
  • Validate models against experimental data and refine predictive capabilities
  • Collaborate with experimental teams to harness modeling insights to guide device design and operation
  • Share findings through publications and presentations at conferences

Qualifications
Required:
  • PhD in plasma physics, fluid dynamics, turbulence, combustion, or a closely related field and 5-10+ years of relevant experience
  • Experience leading computational design optimization and experimental validation
  • Strong knowledge of scientific computing and algorithms (CFD, MHD, continuum kinetic modeling, PIC, etc.
  • Proven ability to communicate complex ideas clearly and effectively

Preferred:
  • Experience with AI augmentation of design-build-test loops
  • Familiarity with kinetic plasma physics and modeling
  • Knowledge of atomic and molecular physics of plasmas or combustion reaction chemistry
  • Expertise in modeling turbulent transport
  • Expertise in high-performance computing workflows

Employment may be conditioned upon the ability to obtain export authorization. Estimated salary range for Senior $130,000-160,000 and Principal: 150,000-200,000 annually. Candidates may be considered for other positions at Zap Energy and actual salary will be based on relevant education, experience, and other qualifications. Range is published in accordance with Washington Equal Pay and Opportunity Act.
Zap Energy is an equal opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to age, ancestry, color, family or medical care leave, gender identity or expression, genetic information, marital status, medical condition, national origin, physical or mental disability, political affiliation, protected veteran status, race, religion, sex (including pregnancy), sexual orientation, or any other characteristic protected by applicable laws and regulations.

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