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 28, 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

$50k – $500k

Top Companies

Palm Beach Tan, Clerk Crew, Banfield, CSL, Grafana Labs, Verdantas +41 more

Job Types

96% Full Time, 4% Contract

Top Locations

Washington, Alexandria, Arlington, Baltimore

Work Model

90% On-Site, 8% Hybrid, 2% Remote

Experience Levels

26% Director+, 22% principal, 20% Staff

We found 9,620 principal engineer jobs currently hiring in locations including Washington, Alexandria, Arlington. Salaries range from $50k to $500k based on experience, location, and company size. Work arrangements include On-Site (90%), Hybrid (8%), Remote (2%). Top employers include Palm Beach Tan, Clerk Crew, Banfield and 44 other companies.

Companies Hiring for Principal Engineer Jobs

Palm Beach Tan2 jobs

Clerk Crew2 jobs

Banfield2 jobs

CSL1 job

Grafana Labs1 job

Verdantas1 job

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

Career Path & Salary Progression

Lead

Salary varies

4 jobs

Staff

$60k–$230k

10 jobs

Director+

$120k–$200k

13 jobs

Latest Jobs Added

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

CSL

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Principal Engineer Jobs

Companies Hiring for Principal Engineer Jobs

Career Path & Salary Progression

Latest Jobs Added

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

Sales Part-Time II (Weekends Needed!)

Senior Product Manager Canada Remote

Extra Income – /Week Online Data Entry Assistant

Week Customer Care Panelist – Beginner Level

Municipal Funding & Grant Strategist

Director of People & Culture

Stellar Staff Accountant

Staff Accountant I

Bartender-Cook-05 PT – 6762

Chief of Staff, Finance (M2)

Operations Project Manager 2/3 - R10233627

Lead Product Manager - Marketing Platform (Remote - Canada)

Lead Aerospace Systems Engineer

Staff Accountant

Clinical Staff Pharmacist or Senior CSP - Galveston Outpatient Infusion Pharmacy

Head of Operations

Lead Full Stack Java Developer

Associate Director of Strategic Affairs

Solution Architect [U.S. Citizenship Required]

Sales Development Manager- East Coast

Head of PR

Retail Assistant Store Manager

Head of Customer Success

Director of Finance & Operations

Software Engineer 2

Veterinarian - Area Chief of Staff

Security Guard - Rotational

Director, Public Sector Customer Success

Chief Compliance Officer

Staff Technical Program Manager, Marketing Transformation

Legal Counsel – Corporate and Transactional Affairs

Vice President, Human Resources

Veterinarian - Area Chief of Staff

Director of Human Resources

Project Executive

Head of West Coast & Entertainment

Sales Part-Time II (Weekends Needed!)

Manager/Director of Human Resources and Benefits

Communication Program Manager for Arts and Culture

Director of Health & Wellness (RN)

Lead Barber / Shop Manager (Commission or Rental Flex Options)

Vehicle Delivery Technician - Landover

Director Education & Technical Assistance

java Lead developer

Infrastructure & Community Communications Lead

PR Project Manager, Global Shopping Events

Director of Sales & Marketing - One Washington Circle, A Tapestry by Hilton

Senior Director of Marketing, B2B

Director, Community Affairs

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