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.

8,015+ JobsUpdated May 28, 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

$50k – $500k

Top Companies

CSL, Palm Beach Tan, Clerk Crew, Banfield, UpSlope, Inc., Washington Headquarters Services +37 more

Job Types

98% Full Time, 2% Contract

Top Locations

Washington, Arlington, Alexandria, Baltimore

Work Model

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

Experience Levels

30% principal, 26% Director+, 16% manager

We found 8,015 staff engineer jobs currently hiring in locations including Washington, Arlington, Alexandria. Salaries range from $50k to $500k based on experience, location, and company size. Work arrangements include On-Site (90%), Hybrid (8%), Remote (2%). Top employers include CSL, Palm Beach Tan, Clerk Crew and 40 other companies.

Companies Hiring for Staff Engineer Jobs

CSL5 jobs

Palm Beach Tan2 jobs

Clerk Crew2 jobs

Banfield2 jobs

UpSlope, Inc.1 job

Washington Headquarters Services1 job

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

Career Path & Salary Progression

Lead

Salary varies

2 jobs

Staff

$50k–$60k

7 jobs

Director+

$110k–$180k

13 jobs

Latest Jobs Added

Program Manager – Contracts & Proposals

UpSlope, Inc.

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Staff Engineer Jobs

Companies Hiring for Staff Engineer Jobs

Career Path & Salary Progression

Latest Jobs Added

Program Manager – Contracts & Proposals

Facility Operations Specialist (Project Manager)

Director of Cultivation

Head of Student Recruitment, Outreach & Marketing

Senior Principal Scientist, Tech Ops (CMC Science) - Recombinant

Senior Principal Scientist, Tech Ops (CMC Science) - Recombinant

Senior Principal Scientist, Tech Ops (CMC Science) - Recombinant

Sales Part-Time II (Weekends Needed!)

Senior Principal Scientist, Tech Ops (CMC Science) - Recombinant

Senior Principal Scientist, Tech Ops (CMC Science) - Recombinant

Senior Product Manager Canada Remote

Extra Income – /Week Online Data Entry Assistant

Week Customer Care Panelist – Beginner Level

Municipal Funding & Grant Strategist

Director of People & Culture

Stellar Staff Accountant

Staff Accountant I

Bartender-Cook-05 PT – 6762

Chief of Staff, Finance (M2)

Operations Project Manager 2/3 - R10233627

Lead Product Manager - Marketing Platform (Remote - Canada)

Staff Accountant

Clinical Staff Pharmacist or Senior CSP - Galveston Outpatient Infusion Pharmacy

Head of Operations

Lead Full Stack Java Developer

Associate Director of Strategic Affairs

Solution Architect [U.S. Citizenship Required]

Sales Development Manager- East Coast

Head of PR

Retail Assistant Store Manager

Head of Customer Success

Director of Finance & Operations

Software Engineer 2

Veterinarian - Area Chief of Staff

Security Guard - Rotational

Chief Compliance Officer

Staff Technical Program Manager, Marketing Transformation

Legal Counsel – Corporate and Transactional Affairs

Vice President, Human Resources

Veterinarian - Area Chief of Staff

Director of Human Resources

Project Executive

Head of West Coast & Entertainment

Sales Part-Time II (Weekends Needed!)

Manager/Director of Human Resources and Benefits

Communication Program Manager for Arts and Culture

Director of Health & Wellness (RN)

Lead Barber / Shop Manager (Commission or Rental Flex Options)

Vehicle Delivery Technician - Landover

Director Education & Technical Assistance

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