What does a staff engineer do?

A staff 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 staff engineer?

Total compensation for staff engineer roles ranges from $180k to $320k+, including base salary, equity, and bonuses. FAANG and top startups pay at the upper end.

How do I become a staff 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 Jun 4, 2026

Staff Engineer Jobs

Staff Engineer roles represent the top of the individual contributor or management ladder. These positions combine deep technical expertise with organizational influence, commanding $180k–$320k+ in total compensation at leading tech companies.

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Salary Range

$67k – $230k

Top Companies

CSL, Spiria, Capital One, Boeing, Adcock Systems LLC, Respawn Entertainment +37 more

Job Types

96% Full Time, 4% Contract

Top Locations

Washington, Arlington, CA, McLean

Work Model

90% On-Site, 8% Hybrid, 2% Remote

Experience Levels

24% Staff, 20% Lead, 18% manager

We found 9,620 staff engineer jobs currently hiring in locations including Washington, Arlington, CA. Salaries range from $67k to $230k based on experience, location, and company size. Work arrangements include On-Site (90%), Hybrid (8%), Remote (2%). Top employers include CSL, Spiria, Capital One and 40 other companies.

Companies Hiring for Staff Engineer Jobs

CSL6 jobs

Spiria2 jobs

Capital One2 jobs

Boeing1 job

Adcock Systems LLC1 job

Respawn Entertainment1 job

+37 more companies hiring. Sign up to see all.

Career Path & Salary Progression

Lead

Salary varies

10 jobs

Staff

$83k–$145k

12 jobs

Director+

$130k–$150k

9 jobs

Latest Jobs Added

Deputy Fire Chief Operations Manager

Boeing

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Staff Engineer Jobs

Companies Hiring for Staff Engineer Jobs

Career Path & Salary Progression

Latest Jobs Added

Deputy Fire Chief Operations Manager

Business Development Manager - Sprinkler Sales

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

Chief Product & Technology Officer

Staff Pharmacist

Director External Partnerships & Technology Transfer

Director External Partnerships & Technology Transfer

Director External Partnerships & Technology Transfer

Training Support Manager - SME

Staff Reporter

Creative Director

Construction Project Manager (Energy Services-Mechanical and HVAC)

Cyber Policy Analyst

Insurance & Investment Team Lead

Staff Officer II - Regional Policy and Operational Support Staff with Security

Director of Finance & Accounting (F&A)

Business Development Manager

Sales Business Development Manager

Infrastructure Project Manager

Senior Staff Environmental Engineer or Scientist

Associate Director, Data Science & AI

Director External Partnerships & Technology Transfer

Director External Partnerships & Technology Transfer

Senior Principal- Public Affairs

Project Manager, GEMS, NA Startup

Director of Data Partnerships

Vice President of Finances

Lead Software Developer

Manager, Construction

Lead Aerospace Payload Systems Engineer

Product Manager, Risk Tech - Claims

Director of Government Relations

AVP: Manager - Financial Planning & Analysis

Lead Software Engineer, Back End

AWS Principal Enterprise Account Manager, Travel & Hospitality

Project Manager & Lead Instructional Designer

Data Network Engineer, TS/SCI and Poly

Lead Platform Engineer (DevOps & MLOps)

Firefighter II- EMT Trainee ( ,000 Sign-on-Bonus) Written Exam & WPE Scheduled

Staff Accountant

Temporary Talent Acquisition Specialist

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

Lead Pharmacy Technician

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