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.

11,763+ JobsUpdated Jun 4, 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

$65k – $440k

Top Companies

Lyft, Capital One, Jobgether, Dane Street, Terrestris Global Solutions, United Services Group +39 more

Job Types

96% Full Time, 4% Contract

Top Locations

Washington, CA, Baltimore, Annapolis

Work Model

92% On-Site, 6% Hybrid, 2% Remote

Experience Levels

24% manager, 22% Staff, 16% Director+

We found 11,763 principal engineer jobs currently hiring in locations including Washington, CA, Baltimore. Salaries range from $65k to $440k based on experience, location, and company size. Work arrangements include On-Site (92%), Hybrid (6%), Remote (2%). Top employers include Lyft, Capital One, Jobgether and 42 other companies.

Companies Hiring for Principal Engineer Jobs

Lyft5 jobs

Capital One2 jobs

Jobgether1 job

Dane Street1 job

Terrestris Global Solutions1 job

United Services Group1 job

+39 more companies hiring. Sign up to see all.

Career Path & Salary Progression

Lead

Salary varies

8 jobs

Staff

$83k–$94k

11 jobs

Director+

$170k–$190k

8 jobs

Latest Jobs Added

Director, Digital Marketing

Jobgether

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Principal Engineer Jobs

Companies Hiring for Principal Engineer Jobs

Career Path & Salary Progression

Latest Jobs Added

Director, Digital Marketing

Director of FP&A

Executive Administrative Assistant IV

Acquisition-Business Development Manager, West- Cleaning Industry

Customer Success, Retention

Lead Systems Engineer (IWS X)

Lead Software Engineer - Full Stack

Restaurant Server & Bartender

Lead Regulatory Data Specialist

Principal Quantum Scientist

Director of Artificial Intelligence

Head of Brand

Lead Pharmacy Technician

Staff Frontend Engineer (Remote)

Compliance Third-Party Risk Management Program Manager at Washington DC

VoIP Network Engineer (Video, Voice)

Telecommunications Project Manager (TS/SCI)

Editor in Chief

Head of Advocacy and Communications

Lead Line Technician / Lineman - Muskoka, ON

DJS COMMUNITY DETENTION OFFICER I (Repost)

Director of Performance Marketing - Hotel - Remote role

Staff Growth Product Manager, Business

Staff Growth Product Manager, Business

Senior Engineering Manager, Mapping

Staff Accountant, CPA

Product Manager, Driver Earnings

Product Manager, Driver Earnings

Director of Client Relations - Nuclear

Vice President, Client Management

Lead Electrical and Instrumentation Quality Control Inspector

Senior Manager, Project Manager - Global Payment Network Product Solutions

Global Payroll Staff Accountant

Lead Forward Deployed Engineer, Frontier GenAI

Chief Science Officer

SVP, Customer Success and Operations

Assistant General Manager - GCT

Senior Product Manager, Growth

Director Regulatory, Environmental & Permitting

Principal / Senior Principal Production Operations

Underground Mine Manager

Factory Operations Manager

Head of Global Sales Development

Business Development Manager

Lead Equipment Assembly Technician

Chief Engineer, Hypersonics Integration & Technology

Middle Market Technology Underwriter/ Account Executive Officer

Marketing Director, Brand and Creative

Project Manager (BI & SaaS) - Remote - Contract

Telecommunication Engineering / Project Lead

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