Q: Do you need a Ph.D. to be a principal engineer?

No, you do not need a Ph.D. to be a principal engineer. To be eligible for a principal engineering position requires a bachelor's degree, certification, and over ten years of field experience.

Q: How much do principal engineers make?

Principal engineers make an average of $105,903 a year. However, there is a good deal of variability in how much a principal engineer can make, ranging from as low as $87,000 a year to as high as $146,000 a year. Factors such as location and industry impact how much a principal engineer can make.

Q: Is "principal" higher than "senior" for engineers?

Yes, "principal" is higher than "senior" for engineers. A principal engineer is paid more, and it takes longer to achieve compared to a senior role. Other differences include the scope of responsibilities specific to each position.

Q: Can engineers make 300K?

Yes, engineers can make $300K. However, the only engineers who earn that much money have worked their way up the corporate ladder. In many companies, for instance, the only way to reach a salary of $300K is by becoming a vice president (VP) or a senior vice president (SVP).

Question 1

Principal Engineer vs. Senior Engineer

Accepted Answer

A principal engineer is a professional who oversees other engineers in different departments and contributes to multiple projects at one time, while a senior engineer is someone who often manages just one project or department.

Question 2

Staff Engineer vs. Principal Engineer

Accepted Answer

A staff engineer is the lowest position of an engineer at a company, while a principal engineer is part of the engineering leadership at a company.

Staff engineers design, build, and test structures, products, systems, services, or equipment, depending on their area of specialty. They are employed in a variety of industries and mainly specialize in civil, mechanical, industrial, or electrical engineering.

Question 3

Do you need a Ph.D. to be a principal engineer?

Accepted Answer

No, you do not need a Ph.D. to be a principal engineer. To be eligible for a principal engineering position requires a bachelor's degree, certification, and over ten years of field experience.

Question 4

How long does it take to become a principal engineer?

Accepted Answer

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.

Question 5

How many years does it take to become a principal engineer at Google?

Accepted Answer

It takes between 12 to 20 years to become a principal engineer at Google. The time it takes largely comes down to your educational background and previous work experience.

A principal engineer at Google is considered a level 8 position. An entry-level engineer starts at level 3 or level 4.

Question 6

How much do principal engineers make?

Accepted Answer

Principal engineers make an average of $105,903 a year. However, there is a good deal of variability in how much a principal engineer can make, ranging from as low as $87,000 a year to as high as $146,000 a year. Factors such as location and industry impact how much a principal engineer can make.

Question 7

Is "principal" higher than "senior" for engineers?

Accepted Answer

Yes, "principal" is higher than "senior" for engineers. A principal engineer is paid more, and it takes longer to achieve compared to a senior role. Other differences include the scope of responsibilities specific to each position.

Question 8

Can engineers make 300K?

Accepted Answer

Yes, engineers can make $300K. However, the only engineers who earn that much money have worked their way up the corporate ladder. In many companies, for instance, the only way to reach a salary of $300K is by becoming a vice president (VP) or a senior vice president (SVP).

Question 9

What does a principal engineer do?

Accepted Answer

A principal engineer tracks data and progress across engineering projects and teams. They may be a sought-out advisor or troubleshooter for junior employees.

A principal engineer oversees teams and often negotiates contracts with vendors. In contrast to a senior engineer who is seen as a technical expert, a principal engineer is additionally a manager and advocates strategies for productivity.

Question 10

What should be on a principal engineer's resume?

Accepted Answer

A principal engineer's resume should do a clear job of highlighting years of experience with increased levels of responsibilities. Read through the job posting to gain an idea of what the employer is looking for, then write a clear resume that shows your relevance as a candidate.

Frequently asked questions about principal engineers

Questions about becoming a principal engineer