43 Principal electrical engineer jobs in Columbus, OH


5 of the Best Types of Principal Electrical Engineer Jobs in 2026

Discover some great types of Principal Electrical Engineer jobs that are hiring now.

The main qualifications for getting a job as a principal electrical engineer are a bachelor's degree in electrical engineering or a related field, though many employers prefer applicants who have a master's degree. You also need several years of work experience and demonstrated success in project management. Most in this role start their careers as junior engineers and work their way up to principal engineer positions. States typically require additional licensing or certification for engineers, so make sure to research the criteria where you live. Other qualifications include excellent communication and leadership skills, attention to detail, and the ability to work overtime as necessary to get a project done.

If you are interested in a Principal Electrical Engineerjob, here are some kinds of positions to explore for this type of work with open positions on ZipRecruiter.

High Paying Principal Electrical Engineer Jobs

List of the top 5 highest paying Principal Electrical Engineer positions in 2026, with salary ranges, according to ZipRecruiter.
  • Senior Principal Electrical Engineer

    Salary range: $139,000 - $170,000

    Senior Principal Electrical Engineer is a more unusual job search query but still may give you interesting job results. Most salaries for Senior Principal Electrical Engineer jobs pay between $139,000 (25th percentile) and $170,000 (75th percentile) annually. Currently, there are not many open positions nationwide for Senior Principal Electrical Engineer job searches hiring now on ZipRecruiter. You can take a look at what is available and find similar job searches in this list.

  • Entry Level Principal Electrical Engineer

    Salary range: $139,000 - $170,000

    Entry-level jobs are positions that do not require any previous experience in the role. Most entry-level jobs are aimed at high school or college graduates as a starting point for a future career goal. A college student may have majored in their ideal career field, but will still need to start in an entry-level position to train in a real-world environment. Some students move from internships into entry-level jobs, but most entry-level jobs do not expect a candidate to have any prior employment or on-site training.

  • Freelance Principal Electrical Engineer

    Salary range: $139,000 - $170,000

    Freelancers are self-employed. As a freelancer, you provide work to clients and invoice them for it. The type of clients you have depends on what kind of services you offer. Your clients can be individuals or companies. A full-time freelancer often has assignments from multiple clients at once. Some common services that people provide as freelancers are: writing, editing, graphic design, web design, marketing, programming, accounting, and bookkeeping. Freelancing is ideal for those who prefer to be their own boss and are willing to market themselves to meet their income goals.

  • Internship Principal Electrical Engineer

    Salary range: $139,000 - $170,000

    An Internship is a position within your desired field that pays little or no money but offers you the opportunity to gain real-world experience. This may set you apart for your future job search. Generally, Internships are almost expected by employers on an entry-level candidate’s resume. You are much more of an asset to an employer if you have some work experience.

  • Trainee Principal Electrical Engineer

    Salary range: $139,000 - $170,000

    The requirements to get a trainee job vary by industry. In some, such as architecture or accounting, you must graduate from an accredited college program before you can begin work. Other industries, such as retail, manufacturing, or telemarketing, may require only a high school diploma or a GED certificate to begin a training program. No matter what profession you are interested in, you should have strong verbal and written communication and an interest in continuing the career.