Discover Principal Engineer opportunities at companies seeking experienced technical leaders. Principal Engineers shape architecture, guide complex engineering work, and help teams deliver reliable, scalable products and systems. Browse vetted roles on Ladders, where listed jobs pay $100,000 or more.
A Principal Engineer is a senior individual contributor who influences technical direction across teams or an organization. Depending on the employer and discipline, the role may involve setting architecture standards, evaluating technologies, solving high-impact engineering problems, mentoring engineers, and partnering with product and business leaders. Principal Engineers often lead through expertise and influence rather than direct people management.
Employers commonly seek deep experience in a relevant engineering specialty, a record of delivering complex projects, and strong system-design and problem-solving skills. Communication, technical judgment, collaboration, and the ability to align stakeholders around a sound approach are also important. Requirements vary by industry and role; some positions emphasize software architecture, while others focus on infrastructure, hardware, data, security, or other engineering domains.
Compensation depends on factors such as location, industry, scope, and experience. Ladders focuses on vetted professional opportunities paying $100,000 or more, helping experienced candidates explore senior engineering roles. Review each listing for details about compensation, responsibilities, and qualifications.
Search Principal Engineer jobs to compare opportunities and identify roles that match your expertise and career goals. Explore openings across companies and engineering disciplines, and use each job description to assess technical scope, team influence, and the experience required.
Sr Manager Software Engineering
$175K - $204K *
Champion innovative software solutions by leading engineering teams, driving strategic initiatives, and fostering a culture of collaboration and growth. Oversee technical execution and ensure alignmen...
2 weeks ago
$100K - $175K *
Empower teams by leading innovative technology solutions through Agile project management. Drive strategic initiatives, manage remote teams, and facilitate technical discussions to ensure successful p...
3 days ago
Principal Security Software Engineer, PKI and Secrets Management
$201K - $309K *
Elevate security standards by leading the development of innovative software solutions. Collaborate with cross-functional teams to integrate robust security measures, ensuring the integrity of applica...
5 days ago
$202K - $253K *
Shape the future of cardiometabolic care by driving backend architecture and cross-functional collaboration. Lead technical direction, mentor engineers, and deliver scalable solutions that enhance mem...
4 weeks ago
Vice President Contracts, Engineered Systems
$200K - $383K *
Join us to lead the contracts function in a dynamic Federal contracting environment. Oversee a team of 20+ professionals, develop strategies, and negotiate complex contracts while fostering strong rel...
2 weeks ago
Senior Software Engineer II, Mobile - Revenue Experimentation (AI Native)
$118K - $216K *
Innovate and drive growth by designing and executing high-velocity monetization experiments. Collaborate with cross-functional teams to transform hypotheses into impactful Android features, leveraging...
2 weeks ago
Principal Cloud Security Engineer
$159K - $210K *
Unlock potential by leading cloud security architecture and posture management across multi-subscription environments. Drive automation, establish guardrails, and collaborate with teams to ensure secu...
Yesterday
Civil Engineer (Structural Specialty)
$100K - $170K *
Champion innovative structural engineering solutions for federal facilities. Lead design, review, and oversight of construction projects, ensuring compliance with codes and standards while enhancing s...
3 weeks ago
Sr Software Engineer (Backend)
$140K - $165K *
Join a dynamic team as you lead the design and development of complex software systems. Drive technical direction, mentor peers, and ensure high-quality, scalable solutions that align with business go...
2 weeks ago
$170K - $190K *
Shape the future of data engineering by leading architectural improvements, enhancing data quality, and driving technical initiatives across diverse business domains. Collaborate with stakeholders to...
6 days ago
Instrumentation & Controls Engineering Senior Consultant - Nuclear
$165K - $253K *
Join a dynamic team to lead complex instrumentation and controls engineering projects in nuclear power. Drive innovation, ensure compliance, and enhance safety through digital upgrades and strategic c...
3 weeks ago
Regional Program Lead - Utilities
$125K - $175K *
Drive the expansion of PMO services in the utility sector, leading a multidisciplinary team while fostering executive relationships and enhancing project delivery. Leverage extensive industry expertis...
2 weeks ago
Sr Project Engineer (SRM) (Remote Option Available)
$95K - $125K *
Lead and coordinate engineering projects, ensuring technical quality and compliance. Collaborate with cross-functional teams to deliver innovative solutions while managing resources, schedules, and bu...
4 weeks ago
Consulting Engineer - AI Networking & Fabric Architecture
$77K - $108K *
Innovate high-performance AI network fabrics for accelerated computing. Engage with clients to deliver tailored solutions, ensuring optimal configurations for GPU clusters and data-center infrastructu...
1 week ago
Principal Engineer Materials Modeling (Remote)
$107K - $204K *
Unlock potential by leading the development of advanced materials modeling tools for gas turbine engines. Collaborate with cross-functional teams to enhance manufacturing processes and drive innovatio...
Reposted 1 week ago
Director of Construction Services
$110K - $130K *
Transform the construction services landscape by leading a dynamic CEI program, ensuring compliance and quality in roadway and bridge projects while fostering strong partnerships with VDOT and local a...
2 weeks ago
Director of Construction Services
$110K - $130K *
Transform the construction landscape in Virginia by leading a dynamic CEI program. Oversee roadway and bridge projects, foster client relationships, and mentor a dedicated team to ensure excellence in...
2 weeks ago
Director of Construction Services
$110K - $130K *
Build a transformative construction services program in Virginia, overseeing CEI services for roadway and bridge projects. Lead a dedicated team, foster client relationships, and drive strategic growt...
2 weeks ago
Staff Software Engineer, Android Design System
$217K - $303K *
Lead the charge in evolving a cohesive design system for Android, enhancing UI architecture and performance. Collaborate with cross-functional teams to build reusable components and improve accessibil...
2 weeks ago
Director of Construction Services
$110K - $130K *
Shape the future of construction services by leading a dynamic program, overseeing roadway and bridge projects, and fostering strong partnerships with VDOT and local agencies while mentoring a skilled...
Reposted 1 week ago
Senior AI Engineer (CCC Casualty / Claims Intelligence)
$180K - $225K *
Transform the future of auto claims by designing AI agents that enhance decision-making and streamline processes. Join a dynamic team to build innovative solutions that improve efficiency and accuracy...
Today
Senior Software Engineer, Biggy Engineering
$187K - $220K *
Unlock potential by designing and building AI-powered solutions to enhance enterprise IT operations, collaborating directly with customers and driving impactful product features across backend and aut...
Reposted 2 days ago
$80K - $95K *
Lead the charge in strategic growth and relationship development for a portfolio of EPE clients. Drive business development, uncover opportunities, and enhance client engagement to expand EPE’s footpr...
4 weeks ago
$90K - $100K *
Contribute to the development and integration of mission-critical systems, applying systems engineering principles to ensure high reliability and security. Collaborate across teams to support the enti...
1 week ago
$137K - $245K *
Shape the future of physical operations by driving AI-powered product innovation. Collaborate across teams to identify customer needs, prototype solutions, and deliver impactful products that enhance...
1 week ago
What is a Principal Engineer?
A Principal Engineer is a senior technical individual contributor who helps set engineering direction, addresses complex problems, and influences architecture and practices across teams or an organization.
What does a Principal Engineer do?
Responsibilities vary, but may include designing systems, establishing technical standards, guiding high-impact projects, mentoring engineers, and collaborating with product and business stakeholders.
How is a Principal Engineer different from an Engineering Manager?
A Principal Engineer typically leads through technical expertise and influence, while an Engineering Manager generally focuses on people management, team operations, and delivery. Some organizations combine or vary these responsibilities.
What qualifications are commonly required for Principal Engineer jobs?
Employers often look for extensive experience in a relevant engineering discipline, a history of delivering complex projects, strong system-design skills, and effective communication and collaboration.
How much do Principal Engineers earn?
Pay varies by location, industry, specialization, and role scope. Ladders features vetted professional job listings paying $100,000 or more; check individual listings for compensation details.