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+ JobsUpdated 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

$60k – $210k

Top Companies

CSL, Adcock Systems LLC, Heartland Coca-Cola Bottling Company, LLC, Government of Nova Scotia, NCCU Public Administration, JW Marriott Reston Station +40 more

Job Types

98% Full Time, 2% Contract

Top Locations

Washington, CA, Lanham, Reston

Work Model

88% On-Site, 8% Hybrid, 4% Remote

Experience Levels

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

We found 11,745 principal engineer jobs currently hiring in locations including Washington, CA, Lanham. Salaries range from $60k to $210k based on experience, location, and company size. Work arrangements include On-Site (88%), Hybrid (8%), Remote (4%). Top employers include CSL, Adcock Systems LLC, Heartland Coca-Cola Bottling Company, LLC and 43 other companies.

Companies Hiring for Principal Engineer Jobs

CSL3 jobs

Adcock Systems LLC2 jobs

Heartland Coca-Cola Bottling Company, LLC2 jobs

Government of Nova Scotia1 job

NCCU Public Administration1 job

JW Marriott Reston Station1 job

+40 more companies hiring. Sign up to see all.

Career Path & Salary Progression

Lead

$106k–$210k

5 jobs

Staff

$72k–$130k

11 jobs

Director+

Salary varies

10 jobs

Latest Jobs Added

Business Development Manager - Sprinkler Sales

Adcock Systems LLC

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Principal Engineer Jobs

Companies Hiring for Principal Engineer Jobs

Career Path & Salary Progression

Latest Jobs Added

Business Development Manager - Sprinkler Sales

Summer Labourer in Public Works

Chief Advancement Officer Strategic Fundraising Leader

Director of Marketing Hotel

Staff Attorney

Director of Convention Services and Events

Staff Software Developer Focused on Cutting-Edge Backup Features (Ottawa)

Staff Software Engineer, Platform Vancouver, Toronto or Remote (Canada)

Business Analyst-Technical & AI

Smith School Principal

Aerospace Manufacturing SME with Security Clearance

Business Development Manager-RF Systems with Security Clearance

Marketing & Business Development Manager – Healthcare

Facility Security Officer - Arlington, VA

Ontario Business Development Manager - Cleaning

Sales Development Manager Northern Alberta

Business Development Manager, Specialty - GTA and West

GitLab Staff Engineer (Python & AI)

Head of Content Marketing

Business Development Manager - Brand Partnership

Head of Social Media

Strategic Sales Engineer for Global OEM Accounts

Lead Full Stack Engineer

Business Development Manager – AV Solutions

Program Manager, Human Resources and Safety

Director of Communications and Engagement NCC

Production Manager for Casegoods Division

Policy Analyst

Infrastructure Business Development Manager Heavy Travel

Chief of Police

Network Communications Engineer

Registered Nurse Case Manager / Alt. Director of Clinical Services (Hospice)

Mine Operations Manager

Coke Canada Seasonal Merchandiser Needed

Chief Communications Officer

IDC Research Director for Telecom Insights

Lead Data Scientist in Toronto

Lead AML Audit Manager Position in Toronto

Experienced Project Manager - Mining

Deputy Fire Chief Operations Manager

Business Development Manager - Sprinkler Sales

Program Manager (Social Work)

Lead Producer - Monetization and Content Production Leadership (Apex Legends)

Chief Product & Technology Officer

Staff Pharmacist

Lead Customer Success Manager

Director of Process Optimization & Manufacturing

Director External Partnerships & Technology Transfer

Director External Partnerships & Technology Transfer

Director External Partnerships & Technology Transfer

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