What does a principal engineer do?

A principal engineer sets technical direction across teams, drives architectural decisions, mentors senior engineers, and often represents the engineering organization in cross-functional strategy discussions.

What is the salary for a principal engineer?

Total compensation for principal engineer roles ranges from $200k to $350k+, including base salary, equity, and bonuses. FAANG and top startups pay at the upper end.

How do I become a principal engineer?

Build a track record of leading high-impact projects, develop deep expertise in a domain, contribute to org-wide technical strategy, and demonstrate influence beyond your immediate team.

11,896+ JobsUpdated Jun 3, 2026

Principal Engineer Jobs

Principal Engineer roles represent the top of the individual contributor or management ladder. These positions combine deep technical expertise with organizational influence, commanding $200k–$350k+ in total compensation at leading tech companies.

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Salary Range

$61k – $150k

Top Companies

Northrop Grumman, VirtualVocations, SCM, CNN, BluEarth Renewables, Teck Resources Limited +41 more

Job Types

94% Full Time, 6% Contract

Top Locations

Washington, CA, Fairfax, Bethesda

Work Model

86% On-Site, 10% Hybrid, 4% Remote

Experience Levels

24% manager, 20% Staff, 18% Director+

We found 11,896 principal engineer jobs currently hiring in locations including Washington, CA, Fairfax. Salaries range from $61k to $150k based on experience, location, and company size. Work arrangements include On-Site (86%), Hybrid (10%), Remote (4%). Top employers include Northrop Grumman, VirtualVocations, SCM and 44 other companies.

Companies Hiring for Principal Engineer Jobs

Northrop Grumman2 jobs

VirtualVocations2 jobs

SCM2 jobs

CNN1 job

BluEarth Renewables1 job

Teck Resources Limited1 job

+41 more companies hiring. Sign up to see all.

Career Path & Salary Progression

Lead

$61k–$71k

7 jobs

Staff

Salary varies

10 jobs

Director+

$100k–$150k

9 jobs

Latest Jobs Added

Sr Product Manager, Growth

CNN

1w ago

Director Regulatory, Environmental & Permitting

BluEarth Renewables

1w ago

Principal / Sr Principal Production Operations

Northrop Grumman

1w ago

Underground Mine Manager

Teck Resources Limited

1w ago

Factory Operations Manager

NEX Building Group

1w ago

Also searching for: sde, swe, developer, programmer, software engineer, software developer

451–500 of 11,896 jobs

1w ago

Senior Product Manager, Growth

CNN·Washington, District of Columbia, US

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Principal Engineer Jobs

Companies Hiring for Principal Engineer Jobs

Career Path & Salary Progression

Latest Jobs Added

Senior Product Manager, Growth

Director Regulatory, Environmental & Permitting

Principal / Senior Principal Production Operations

Underground Mine Manager

Factory Operations Manager

Head of Global Sales Development

Business Development Manager

Lead Equipment Assembly Technician

Chief Engineer, Hypersonics Integration & Technology

Middle Market Technology Underwriter/ Account Executive Officer

Marketing Director, Brand and Creative

Project Manager (BI & SaaS) - Remote - Contract

Project Manager (18 Months Contract)

Telecommunication Engineering / Project Lead

Head of Public Relations and Communications

CORRECTIONAL OFFICER LIEUTENANT (Environmental Compliance and Safety Officer

Emergency Fire Fighter

Telecom Strategy Director at IDC

Program Manager - Community & Social Services

Senior Environmental Scientist/Project Manager

Senior Product Manager - Aviation

Lead Pharma Technology Specialist

Director of Accounting

National Head of Franchise Services - Hotel

Lead Infant /Toddler Educator

Project Manager- Furniture

Digital Product & Customer Experience Leader

Remote Claims Team Lead at ClaimsPro

Remote Claims Team Lead at ClaimsPro

Engineering Manager; Aerospace & Defense

Director, Education Project

Customer Success Executive - Cell & Gene Therapy

Director, Cloud Security Architecture & Engineering

Director of Downstream Process Development > Joboolo FR

JD Store Management - Tyson's Corner Center, McLean, VA

Interim Vice President, Financial Planning & Analysis

Head of Engineering

Principal Content Marketing Manager

Director, Global Compensation

Team Lead & Product Marketing Manager

Head of Performance Marketing & Growth Engine

Head of PR & Communications - Remote

Assistant Store Manager

Principal, Audit and Assurance

Law Clerk (5795) with Security Clearance

SAP Business Development Manager- 100% REMOTE

Business Development Manager 2 (TS/SCI)

Senior Construction Project Manager

Lead Horticulturist at Cobble Design

Intervention Engineer in Oil & Gas

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