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

$31k – $300k

Top Companies

Varicent Software, Black Duck Software, Inc., Rumble, Palm Beach Tan, Banner Witcoff, SEIU (Service Employees International Union) +42 more

Job Types

88% Full Time, 12% Contract

Top Locations

Washington, Arlington, Bethesda, Canada, Remote

Work Model

82% On-Site, 10% Hybrid, 8% Remote

Experience Levels

24% Director+, 24% Lead, 20% Staff

We found 9,620 principal engineer jobs currently hiring in locations including Washington, Arlington, Bethesda. Salaries range from $31k to $300k based on experience, location, and company size. Work arrangements include On-Site (82%), Hybrid (10%), Remote (8%). Top employers include Varicent Software, Black Duck Software, Inc., Rumble and 45 other companies.

Companies Hiring for Principal Engineer Jobs

Varicent Software2 jobs

Black Duck Software, Inc.2 jobs

Rumble1 job

Palm Beach Tan1 job

Banner Witcoff1 job

SEIU (Service Employees International Union)1 job

+42 more companies hiring. Sign up to see all.

Career Path & Salary Progression

Lead

$104k–$130k

12 jobs

Staff

$90k–$160k

10 jobs

Director+

$120k–$180k

12 jobs

Latest Jobs Added

Head of West Coast & Entertainment

Rumble

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Principal Engineer Jobs

Companies Hiring for Principal Engineer Jobs

Career Path & Salary Progression

Latest Jobs Added

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

Java AWS Developer / Tech Lead -- KUMDC5806469

Healthcare Data Analyst Consultant (Risk Adjustment & Stars)

Assistant Director of Finance - Waldorf Astoria Washington DC

Senior Staff Attorney, Direct Legal Services

Lead Coordinator, Customer Service (Night)

KFC Shift Supervisor

Lead Specialist, Marketing

Director/Principal Counsel, AI Governance

National Head of Franchise Services - Hotel

Staff Backend Developer

Lead Backend Developer

Director of Market Liquidity

Lead Cybersecurity Defense Engineer

Engineering Manager, Customer Studio

Engineering Program Manager

Senior Project manager - Salesforce

Product Manager, Point of Sale

Principal Technical Writer

Lead AWS Cloud Engineer - W2 Only

Servicenow Business Analyst / Project Manager Jobs

Lead Enterprise Account Executive (Canada)

Director of Engineering (Renewable Energy)

Network Engineer

Lead Enterprise Account Executive (Canada)

Optical Network Engineer Lead

Staff Nurse - Emergency Department

SME Strategic Communications Specialist Jobs

Senior Project Manager II (6591)

HRBP Lead Specialist - Head of Human Resources Business Partner Corporate

Job Opening for Director of Music at Gloria Dei!

1st Shift General Labour

Lead AWS Cloud Engineer - W2 Only

Lead Enterprise Account Executive (Canada)

PROGRAM MANAGER (ENABLING SCIENCE) Jobs

Principal DT Security Analyst - 90289278 - Washington

Licensed Insurance Sales Agent/ Staff Producer

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