Principal Scientist Jobs

Explore Principal Scientist jobs on Ladders, where professionals can find vetted opportunities paying $100,000 or more. Principal Scientists lead complex research, guide scientific strategy, and turn deep technical expertise into discoveries, products, and business impact.

What Does a Principal Scientist Do?

Principal Scientists provide senior-level scientific direction within organizations such as biotechnology and pharmaceutical companies, healthcare organizations, technology firms, manufacturers, and research institutions. They design and oversee research programs, interpret complex data, develop new methods, and communicate findings to technical and executive stakeholders. Depending on the organization, they may also mentor scientists, manage collaborations, and help set long-term research priorities.

Skills and Qualifications

Employers typically seek extensive experience in a relevant scientific discipline, a strong record of research or technical achievement, and the ability to lead projects across teams. Commonly valued skills include experimental design, data analysis, scientific writing, subject-matter expertise, project leadership, and clear communication. Many positions require a Ph.D. or other advanced degree, though requirements vary by field and employer.

Principal Scientist Salary and Career Outlook

Compensation varies based on specialty, experience, location, and employer. Ladders focuses on vetted professional opportunities paying at least $100,000, making it a useful place to explore senior-level Principal Scientist roles. Career paths may lead to scientific leadership, research director, vice president of research, or other executive and technical leadership positions.

Find Principal Scientist Jobs on Ladders

Search Principal Scientist openings by specialty, location, and other preferences to identify roles aligned with your experience. Review each listing for its responsibilities, qualifications, and compensation details, then apply directly to opportunities that match your career goals.

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$110K - $130K *

Engineer innovative software solutions to enhance the Iris platform, collaborating with a dynamic team to tackle complex challenges and deliver high-quality products while ensuring compliance and effi...

Washington, DCRemote

3 days ago

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Information Technology

$80K - $95K *

Optimize energy solutions by leading technical projects, conducting site surveys, and collaborating with teams to deliver innovative, cost-effective strategies that enhance facility performance and su...

United StatesRemote

2 weeks ago

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Energy & Utilities

$110K - $130K *

Pioneer operational excellence by driving staffing visibility and standardized planning across diverse content teams. Collaborate with stakeholders to enhance resource management and optimize project...

United StatesRemote

3 weeks ago

  •   8 - 10 years exp.  •   Food & Beverages

$98K - $206K *

Join a team that architects Oracle Fusion PPM solutions to enable precise project management and financial accountability for Marine Corps initiatives. Leverage your expertise to lead configurations a...

RemoteRemote

Reposted 3 weeks ago

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Information Technology

$188K - $244K *

Transform your career by leading AI infrastructure initiatives, guiding executives through strategic architecture and value realization. Leverage your expertise to optimize data center design and driv...

RemoteRemote

Reposted 1 week ago

  •   11 - 15 years exp.  •   Manufacturing & Automotive

$139K - $174K *

Engineer impactful electrical systems by leading projects, mentoring teams, and ensuring compliance with industry standards. Collaborate to foster innovation and quality in complex building designs, d...

RemoteRemote

Reposted 3 weeks ago

  •   8 - 10 years exp.  •   Manufacturing & Automotive

$135K - $160K *

Join a cutting-edge team as you architect resilient, cloud-native healthcare solutions. Lead the design of scalable systems, drive engineering efficiency, and mentor talent in a role that bridges stra...

United StatesRemote

Reposted today

  •   8 - 10 years exp.  •   Healthcare

$150K - $180K *

Lead the charge in designing and deploying AI systems that enhance productivity and customer experience across multiple departments, driving innovation and efficiency through advanced AI capabilities...

United StatesRemote

2 weeks ago

  •   8 - 10 years exp.  •   Finance & Insurance

$190K - $210K *

Unlock the potential of technology leadership by guiding teams through strategic modernization and innovation. Drive accountability, empower talent, and bridge technical and business goals to enhance...

Owensboro, KYRemote

1 week ago

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Education, Government & Non-Profit

$140K - $175K *

Empower your career by driving impactful relationships in government sectors. Manage a dedicated account portfolio, enhance customer satisfaction, and lead strategic engagement initiatives to maximize...

United StatesRemote

6 days ago

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Healthcare

$175K - $185K *

Shape the future of product marketing by crafting compelling narratives and strategies. Collaborate with cross-functional teams to translate technical capabilities into impactful content and drive suc...

United StatesRemote

4 weeks ago

  •   8 - 10 years exp.  •   Information Technology

$98K - $164K *

Unlock potential by leading power system engineering efforts to design innovative electrification solutions for EHV/HV substations, ensuring project execution success and maximizing business developme...

United StatesRemote

Reposted 3 weeks ago

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Business Services

$100K - $120K *

Champion the recruitment of top technical talent by leveraging innovative sourcing techniques and building strong client relationships to enhance talent acquisition strategies and drive organizational...

United StatesRemote

4 weeks ago

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Staffing

$90K - $125K *

Lead the charge in diverse control system projects, overseeing tasks and teams while ensuring successful project completion. Collaborate with stakeholders and provide engineering support, driving qual...

United StatesRemote

2 weeks ago

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Enterprise Technology

$175K - $210K *

Accelerate progress at a senior leadership level, driving business growth and transformational results for clients across various industries. Build C-suite relationships, lead complex engagements, and...

Columbus, OHRemote

Yesterday

  •   11 - 15 years exp.  •   Technical Services

$135K - $160K *

Transform your career by leading platform engineering initiatives that enhance developer experience and operational excellence. Drive technical ownership across the software lifecycle, shaping the pla...

United StatesRemote

3 weeks ago

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Information Technology

$170K - $220K *

Shape the future of customer solutions by leading implementations and driving adoption of innovative technologies. Collaborate with teams to deliver tailored architectural designs that meet strategic...

RemoteRemote

2 weeks ago

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Enterprise Technology

$195K - $215K *

Lead the charge in brand strategy, inspiring teams and fostering innovative solutions in a dynamic healthcare advertising environment, focused on advancing compelling communications and effective clie...

RemoteRemote

Reposted 2 weeks ago

  •   8 - 10 years exp.  •   Pharmaceuticals & Biotech

$150K - $180K *

Unlock potential by leading multidisciplinary engineering teams to design and deploy complex power generation systems. Drive strategic initiatives, ensure technical excellence, and foster collaboratio...

United StatesRemote

2 days ago

  •   11 - 15 years exp.  •   Energy & Utilities

$124K - $186K *

Drive environmental compliance initiatives globally, ensuring best practices and risk reduction across diverse business units. Collaborate with senior leaders to enhance sustainability and performance...

Northbrook, ILRemote

Reposted today

  •   8 - 10 years exp.  •   Manufacturing & Automotive

$95K - $105K *

Unlock potential by leading impactful medical writing projects, mentoring junior writers, and collaborating with diverse teams to produce high-quality scientific communications that meet industry stan...

United StatesRemote

Today

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Aerospace & Defense

$140K - $160K *

Grow your career with a dynamic team focused on project management excellence. Lead initiatives, manage stakeholder expectations, and drive project success through effective planning and execution in...

United StatesRemote

1 month ago

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Business Services

$110K - $130K *

Join a team that's driving innovation in transplant advocacy by integrating business development, marketing, and medical expertise. Collaborate with key stakeholders to enhance KOL engagement and mark...

United StatesRemote

1 month ago

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Pharmaceuticals & Biotech

$100K - $180K *

Lead the charge in delivering enterprise-level growth programs by ensuring alignment across all functions, driving planning and execution adherence, and managing complex initiatives for timely product...

United StatesRemote

Reposted 3 weeks ago

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Consumer Technology

$80K - $90K *

Unlock your potential by designing prompt strategies that enhance data annotation and localization workflows. Collaborate with cross-functional teams to drive AI-driven solutions, ensuring quality and...

CanadaRemote

4 weeks ago

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Information Technology

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

  • What does a Principal Scientist do?question toggle

    A Principal Scientist leads advanced research or technical programs, sets scientific direction, analyzes results, and shares findings with stakeholders. Responsibilities may also include mentoring colleagues and coordinating cross-functional teams.

  • What qualifications are commonly required for Principal Scientist jobs?question toggle

    Requirements vary by specialty, but employers often look for extensive relevant experience, a strong record of scientific or technical work, and advanced expertise. Many roles require a Ph.D. or another advanced degree, along with research leadership and communication skills.

  • How much do Principal Scientists earn?question toggle

    Pay depends on factors such as field, location, experience, and employer. Ladders features vetted professional jobs paying $100,000 or more; check individual listings for compensation information.

  • Where do Principal Scientists work?question toggle

    Principal Scientists work across industries including biotechnology, pharmaceuticals, healthcare, technology, manufacturing, and academic or independent research.

  • How can I find Principal Scientist jobs on Ladders?question toggle

    Browse Principal Scientist listings on Ladders and use available search filters to narrow opportunities by location, specialty, or other preferences. Review each listing for its requirements and compensation details.