Explore jobs
Find specific jobs
Explore careers
Explore professions
Best companies
Explore companies
This question is about principal engineer.
How long does it take to become a principal engineer?
It takes about 15 to 20 years to become a principal engineer. That includes the time that it takes to earn an engineering degree, as well as the ten to 15 years of work experience needed for the position. Senior engineers and principal engineers are among the highest-ranking engineers in terms of seniority.
To become a principal engineer requires, at minimum, a four-year bachelor's degree in an engineering field is required. For some more competitive senior engineering positions, however, a master's degree can help you stay competitive.
Since this position is the highest-ranking managerial role, a master's degree is recommended for a master's in business administration (MBA).
After earning an engineering degree, it is time to start working in your industry. Expect to work ten to 15 years as an engineer with some managerial experience. The time it takes to become a senior engineer may be shortened or lengthened based on education level and industry demand.
For example, an experienced engineer with an MBA may only need ten years of work experience, whereas an engineer with just a bachelor's degree may need to work closer to 15 years.
Field demand can also impact how long it will take to become a principal engineer. Someone in chemical engineering, for example, may take longer to become a senior engineer compared to a biomedical engineer, which is in much more demand.
Choose from 10+ customizable resume templates
Zippia allows you to choose from different easy-to-use templates, and provides you with expert advice. Using the templates, you can rest assured that the structure and format of your resume is top notch. Choose a template with the colors, fonts & text sizes that are appropriate for your industry.
