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.

3,407+ Jobs7 new this weekUpdated Mar 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

$106k – $222k

Top Companies

Luxury Presence, Workday, Inc., Upshop, Capital One, Tesla, ACTO Technologies

Job Types

100% Full Time

Top Locations

Austin, Texas, Mississauga, Ontario, McLean, Virginia, Hawthorne, California

Work Model

100% On-Site

Experience Levels

57% manager, 29% principal, 14% Staff

We found 3,407 principal engineer jobs currently hiring in locations including Austin, Texas, Mississauga, Ontario, McLean, Virginia. 7 new positions were added this week at companies like Workday, Inc., Luxury Presence, Upshop. Salaries range from $106k to $222k based on experience, location, and company size. Work arrangements include On-Site (100%). Top employers include Luxury Presence, Workday, Inc., Upshop and 3 other companies.