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.

9,620+ JobsUpdated May 29, 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

$48k – $252k

Top Companies

CSL, T-Mobile, Google, Palm Beach Tan, Clerk Crew, Sherpa 6, Inc. +36 more

Job Types

94% Full Time, 4% Contract, 2% Internship

Top Locations

Washington, Arlington, CA, Alexandria

Work Model

92% On-Site, 8% Hybrid

Experience Levels

28% principal, 22% Staff, 18% manager

We found 9,620 principal engineer jobs currently hiring in locations including Washington, Arlington, CA. Salaries range from $48k to $252k based on experience, location, and company size. Work arrangements include On-Site (92%), Hybrid (8%). Top employers include CSL, T-Mobile, Google and 39 other companies.

Companies Hiring for Principal Engineer Jobs

CSL5 jobs

T-Mobile2 jobs

Google2 jobs

Palm Beach Tan2 jobs

Clerk Crew2 jobs

Sherpa 6, Inc.1 job

+36 more companies hiring. Sign up to see all.

Career Path & Salary Progression

Lead

Salary varies

4 jobs

Staff

$90k–$140k

11 jobs

Director+

$75k–$80k

5 jobs

Latest Jobs Added

Lead Full Stack Engineer- Secret Clearance Required with Security Clearance

Sherpa 6, Inc.

2w ago

Vice President of Hospitality & Logistics - Main Event Caterers

Main Event Caterers

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Principal Engineer Jobs

Companies Hiring for Principal Engineer Jobs

Career Path & Salary Progression

Latest Jobs Added

Lead Full Stack Engineer- Secret Clearance Required with Security Clearance

Vice President of Hospitality & Logistics

Chief Compliance Officer at Silver Spring, MD

Reconstruction Project Manager - Entry Level

Vice President, Software Engineering & Platform Management

is hiring: Hybrid Remote Drupal Web Developer & UI Designer (DC)

Apprentice Electrician 309 Level 4 & 5

Team Lead, Senior Software Engineer

Auto Mechanic/Technician-B & Up-MD Inspector License a Plus- +/yr (WALDORF)

Project Manager Internal

Director of Downstream Process Development > Ontario > Joboolo FR

Principal Operations Program Manager, Global SOC

Data Scientists - Finance

Auto General Service Technician

(USA) Staff Pharmacist #1890

Principal Enterprise Account Manager, Travel & Hospitality

Lead Database & Geographic Information System (GIS) Geologist

Field Municipal Staff Engineer

Chief UAS Pilot

Technology Optimization and Platform Solutions Manager

Head of Compliance

Assistant Director of Health and Wellness

Public Policy Advisor

Sales Part-Time II (Weekends Needed!)

Telecommunications Design Engineer (TS)

Chief of Staff, Operations, Public Sector

Fire Chief

Director, Risk Reporting and Relationship Management

Project Executive - Engineering & Construction (Renewable Energy)

Full Stack Developer, Lead

Business Development Manager, Defence - Canada

ServiceNow Administrator

Project Manager and Client Account Leader — Mining & Minerals

Chief Compliance Officer

Lead Instructional Coach, Alpha - , USD

Program Manager – Contracts & Proposals

Facility Operations Specialist (Project Manager)

Principal AI Product Manager, Technical

Director of Cultivation

Head of Student Recruitment, Outreach & Marketing

Senior Principal Scientist, Tech Ops (CMC Science) - Recombinant

Senior Principal Scientist, Tech Ops (CMC Science) - Recombinant

Senior Principal Scientist, Tech Ops (CMC Science) - Recombinant

Sales Part-Time II (Weekends Needed!)

Senior Principal Scientist, Tech Ops (CMC Science) - Recombinant

Senior Principal Scientist, Tech Ops (CMC Science) - Recombinant

Senior Product Manager Canada Remote

Extra Income – /Week Online Data Entry Assistant

Week Customer Care Panelist – Beginner Level

Municipal Funding & Grant Strategist

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