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 26, 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

$41k – $338k

Top Companies

Planet Fitness, Dynamis, Inc., Biotechnology Innovation Organization, Element Fleet Management, The MITRE Corporation, Ethos Veterinary Health +40 more

Job Types

96% Full Time, 4% Contract

Top Locations

Washington, CA, Alexandria, McLean

Work Model

88% On-Site, 6% Remote, 6% Hybrid

Experience Levels

28% principal, 20% manager, 18% Director+

We found 8,015 staff engineer jobs currently hiring in locations including Washington, CA, Alexandria. Salaries range from $41k to $338k based on experience, location, and company size. Work arrangements include On-Site (88%), Remote (6%), Hybrid (6%). Top employers include Planet Fitness, Dynamis, Inc., Biotechnology Innovation Organization and 43 other companies.

Companies Hiring for Staff Engineer Jobs

Planet Fitness4 jobs

Dynamis, Inc.2 jobs

Biotechnology Innovation Organization1 job

Element Fleet Management1 job

The MITRE Corporation1 job

Ethos Veterinary Health1 job

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

Career Path & Salary Progression

Lead

Salary varies

5 jobs

Staff

$180k–$254k

8 jobs

Director+

$200k–$275k

9 jobs

Latest Jobs Added

Vice President, Data Strategy and Data Services

Biotechnology Innovation Organization

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Staff Engineer Jobs

Companies Hiring for Staff Engineer Jobs

Career Path & Salary Progression

Latest Jobs Added

Vice President, Data Strategy and Data Services

VP, Global Enterprise Risk Management

Lead Network Engineer

Senior/Staff DevOps Engineer

Business Development Manager Facility Services

Gym Closing Team Member

Gym Closing Team Member

Gym Closing Team Member

Project Manager

Gym Closing Team Member

Operations & Maintenance Project Manager

Lead Building Engineer

Director, Market Research & Customer Insights

Principal Software Engineer

Senior Project Manager

Network Plant Engineer SME

CMMC Champion and Head of IT Security and GRC

Senior Data Officer, AVP, Translational Science

Battery Supply Chain Fellow, Washington, DC

Defense Trade Technical Manager/Director

Sales & Business Development Manager

Staff Robotics Software Engineer, Air Vehicle Autonomy

Staff Accountant Accounting Firm

Associate Director of Integrated Content Marketing

VP, Global Broker Distribution

Account Director, Triangle Retail Media

Lead Java Developer

Astrodynamics Operations - Lead Engineer Blue Ring

(Alexandria)Part-Time:Fulfillment Center Order Picker

Marketing & Business Development Manager - Healthcare JN -052026-175944

Director of Financial Planning and Analysis

Voice / Telecommunications Architect SME

General Laborer + Route Driver - Weekly Pay + Growth Opportunities in Dulles VA

Business Development Manager-Wealth and Asset Management

Director of Operations Salary range ,000

Project Manager - Commercial Construction

Director of Security

Web Designer

QA/RA Lead Engineer - Project Farma

Dedicated Analyst Financial Modelling & Research - Fresher (WFH)

Engineer, Protection and Controls

Creative Project Manager, Digital

Director of Culinary Operations

Legal Correspondent & Analyst (Video)

Director of Downstream Process Development > > Joboolo FR

Head of Finance

Residential Service Electrician

Director of Health and Wellness - Full-Time

Staff Software Engineer - International Card Tech - Backend

Principal Production Operations - R10232946

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