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.

11,745+ Jobs2 new this weekUpdated Jun 7, 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

$52k – $230k

Top Companies

Northrop Grumman, HDR, The Media Trust, ChatGPT Jobs, Confidential, Gaulin Media +42 more

Job Types

98% Full Time, 2% Contract

Top Locations

Washington, CA, Saskatchewan, Fairfax

Work Model

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

Experience Levels

26% Staff, 18% Director+, 16% manager

We found 11,745 principal engineer jobs currently hiring in locations including Washington, CA, Saskatchewan. 2 new positions were added this week at companies like The Media Trust, ChatGPT Jobs. Salaries range from $52k to $230k based on experience, location, and company size. Work arrangements include On-Site (86%), Hybrid (10%), Remote (4%). Top employers include Northrop Grumman, HDR, The Media Trust and 45 other companies.

Companies Hiring for Principal Engineer Jobs

Northrop Grumman2 jobs

HDR2 jobs

The Media Trust1 job

ChatGPT Jobs1 job

Confidential1 job

Gaulin Media1 job

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

Career Path & Salary Progression

Lead

$52k–$81k

7 jobs

Staff

$170k–$230k

13 jobs

Director+

$175k–$215k

9 jobs

Latest Jobs Added

Sales & Business Development Manager

The Media Trust

6d ago

AI Content Writer - Remote

ChatGPT Jobs

6d ago

Head of Digital Marketing

Confidential

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Principal Engineer Jobs

Companies Hiring for Principal Engineer Jobs

Career Path & Salary Progression

Latest Jobs Added

Sales & Business Development Manager

AI Content Writer - Remote

Head of Digital Marketing

Senior Journalist Role: Ottawa Bureau Chief

Tax Staff Accountant

Lead Mechanical Engineer - Integrated Manufacturing

Global HR Director: Strategy, Talent & Inclusion

Data Visualization/Web Designer

Aerospace Engineer Level IV

Medical Staff Coordinator, , Medical Staff

Cyber-Supply Chain Risk Management (C-SCRM) SME Analyst

Team Lead, Operations

(Remote) Vice President of Research & Development

Associé(e) de recherche clinique (ARC) principal(e) or Attaché(e) de recherche

Head of Community Bioeconomy Finance & Inclusive Capital

Curriculum Development Manager

Business Analyst IV

Lead Firefighter (Crew Chief)

Program Manager, Public Sector – State & Local

Lead Strategic Partnerships in Entertainment

Staff Engineer, Business Analyst (Core banking-DMS)

Business Development Manager (m/w/d)

Energy Procurement Manager Quebec

Veterans Wanted: Security Guard – Continue Your Service

Senior Project Manager (Fixed Term contract-Pharma Agency)

Head of Digital Marketing / Online Marketing (m/w/d)

Lead Residential HVAC Technician (3 yrs experience required)

Lead Senior Engineer

Head Waiter - GAIA Mayfair

Software Engineering Manager

Lead DevOps Engineer in Ottawa

Senior Business Development Manager - Navy Market

Assistant Director of Finance and Accounting

SVP of Manufacturing and Launch

Lead Underwriter - Risk Management General Casualty

Mental Health Therapist Staff

Principal Network Engineer / Senior Principal Network Engineer

Customer-Focused Avionic & Mechanical Representative in Aerospace

Director of Risk Management - Full Time

Director - Data Center Product Line Management (PLM) & Utilities

Industrial Wastewater Program Lead - Oil, Gas and Chemicals Practice

Industrial Wastewater Program Lead - Oil, Gas and Chemicals Practice

Chief of Police for Bathurst

Vice-President & General Auditor

Principal AI Research Scientist Post-Training Alignment

Principal Deputy Clerk - Probate (re-ad 26-00712)

New Business Development Manager

Founding Head of Recruiting at Fellow

Director of Strategic Finance

Senior Principal Production Operations

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