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Principal engineer skills for your resume and career

Updated January 8, 2025

6 min read

Quoted experts

Charles Jenckes,

Dr. Heidrun Schmitzer

Below we've compiled a list of the most critical principal engineer skills. We ranked the top skills for principal engineers based on the percentage of resumes they appeared on. For example, 12.6% of principal engineer resumes contained java as a skill. Continue reading to find out what skills a principal engineer needs to be successful in the workplace.

15 principal engineer skills for your resume and career

1. Java

Java is a widely-known programming language that was invented in 1995 and is owned by Oracle. It is a server-side language that was created to let app developers "write once, run anywhere". It is easy and simple to learn and use and is powerful, fast, and secure. This object-oriented programming language lets the code be reused that automatically lowers the development cost. Java is specially used for android apps, web and application servers, games, database connections, etc. This programming language is closely related to C++ making it easier for the users to switch between the two.

Here's how principal engineers use java:

Designed and implemented applications for customer support functions using Java and Java scripts.
Created Java custom objects to enhance out-of-the-box applications and complete HTML/XML transformations.

2. Architecture

Here's how principal engineers use architecture:

Developed synthesize-able decimation filter architecture.
Developed the primary control and DSP processing implementation architecture for a miniaturized ultra-sensitive RF detection system on a Programmable SoC device.

3. Python

Python is a widely-known programming language. It is an object-oriented and all-purpose, coding language that can be used for software development as well as web development.

Here's how principal engineers use python:

Designed and implemented network management and diagnostic processing using a combination of C++ and Python.
Developed interactive visualization tools to examine parallelism opportunities in Python.

4. Software Development

Software development is the mechanism by which programmers create computer programs. The Software Development Life Cycle (SDLC) is a framework for developing applications that follow technological needs and consumer requirements. It consists of many stages. The SDLC establishes an international standard that software developers can use to enhance and create their programs. It provides a well-defined framework for software developers to pursue in the production, maintenance, and design of premium quality software. The aim of the software development process is to create high-quality software on time and within budget.

Here's how principal engineers use software development:

Provided engineering and technical services to scientific laboratories, commercial electronics manufacturers, software development firms and technology consultants.
Managed external subcontractor team responsible for radar software development, greatly improving their performance to recover significant schedule delays.

5. Azure

Here's how principal engineers use azure:

Implemented Azure message bus features such as Message Queues and Topic Hubs for pub-sub.
Develop IAC product roadmap for integrations with AWS, Azure, OpenStack, VMware, Google, Rackspace and IBM.

6. Linux

Linux is a Unix-like operating system. Just like Windows, Mac OS, and IOS, Linux is an operating system used by millions across the globe. Android itself is powered by the Linux operating system. Linux manages all the hardware resources that are associated with your computer. The software is famous because of the protection it grants from viruses, malware, and crashes. The Linux operating system is entirely free and is an open-source software meaning it can be altered by those equipped with the knowledge to code.

Here's how principal engineers use linux:

Developed and implemented a Linux device driver and performed extensive user-level software validation on the completed circuit card.
Implemented Security Enhanced Linux on military application for Armed forces.

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7. Project Management

Here's how principal engineers use project management:

Developed and implemented contract, project delivery, and project management, quality management systems.
Project Manager/Engineer - Vehicles Performed project management functions for light rail vehicle procurement contract.

8. Product Development

Product development is the complete procedure of creating a product from concept until release of the final product. Product development has many stages after which a product is released into the market. Identifying the need, creating the opportunity, conceptualizing a product, and providing a solution, all are different stages of product development.

Here's how principal engineers use product development:

Designed and managed product development of a high end automatic merchandising system and equipment with both ambient and refrigerated compartments.
Process responsibilities include: quality system management, calibration, incoming inspection, new product development and supplier selection.

9. Windows

Windows is a chain of operating systems that controls a computer and is developed by Microsoft. Every version of Windows consists of GUI (graphical user interface), with a desktop that allows the user to open their files.

Here's how principal engineers use windows:

Supported a Health Care client by designing and developing additional functionality to their existing applications using Visual Basic under Windows NT.
Designed and documented Windows 2000 Active Directory model lab data into development environment.

10. JavaScript

Here's how principal engineers use javascript:

Identified, developed and implemented action items to manage & improve software releases and developed guidelines in JavaScript coding.
Developed portal interface with PHP and JavaScript to emulate the cable box on a PC and test functionality.

11. Technical Leadership

Here's how principal engineers use technical leadership:

Provided technical leadership and advice to senior management on significant matters, often requiring the coordination of activity across organizational units.
Provided technical leadership and direction in solving identified engineering and manufacturing problems and authorized disposition of non-standard designs and nonconforming products.

12. DOD

Definition of Done (DoD) is a set of deliverables that are needed to devise software. These deliverables are valuable to the system and can be exemplified by writing code, coding comments, unit testing, integration testing, design documents, release notes, and so on.

Here's how principal engineers use dod:

Participated in a DOD technology demonstration evaluating the effectiveness of conductive gaskets.
Implemented IA requirements according to DoD Security Technical Implementation Guides.

13. API

Here's how principal engineers use api:

Implemented MapQuest API for integration into a custom mapping implementation.
Coordinated the design, planning, purchasing and testing to successfully qualified API 6A PR2 and satisfied customer demanding schedule.

14. QA

QA, or Quality Assurance is a procedure that entails all of the steps taken to avoid any errors in the manufacturing process or in the production of the goods that a company produces. It can also include ensuring the consistency of the services rendered. Quality assurance ensures that the quality of the service delivered to consumers meets or exceeds the promised expectations. This greatly aids in the prevention of any complications that might arise after the goods or services have been distributed. It makes sure that customers are satisfied.

Here's how principal engineers use qa:

Managed software releases from planning phase through QA, Represented Concurrent in Cable Labs effort to develop industry standard metadata specifications.
Calibrated with cross-functional team of R&D, Procurement and QA business units to implement new manufacturing technologies.

15. Technical Support

Technical support or tech support are the services provided by any hardware or software company to users. They help in solving the technical difficulties the customers face with their products or services. Moreover, the tech support employees maintain, manage, and repair the IT faults. They are also responsible for resolving the network problems, installing and configuring hardware and software.

Here's how principal engineers use technical support:

Transferred technology and provided technical support to various sites manufacturing the solutions and coordinated validation and stability studies at these sites.
Provided key technical support in maintaining plant wide diagnostic and monitoring systems including performing root cause evaluation and issue resolution.

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What skills help Principal Engineers find jobs?

Tell us what job you are looking for, we’ll show you what skills employers want.

What skills stand out on principal engineer resumes?

Charles Jenckes

Assistant Professor, University of North Carolina at Charlotte

For new graduates
1.Where the candidate went to school and what was studied
2.GPA
3.Any successful internships
4.Projects completed by the student

What soft skills should all principal engineers possess?

Dr. Heidrun Schmitzer

Professor and Chair, Xavier University

Communication, teamwork.

What hard/technical skills are most important for principal engineers?

Dr. Heidrun Schmitzer

Professor and Chair, Xavier University

Depends on the engineering career, but in general, an ability to know how to use design software, measurement/testing, and analysis equipment, in addition to prototyping and fabrication tools

What principal engineer skills would you recommend for someone trying to advance their career?

Dr. Sridhar Santhanam Ph.D.

Professor and Chair, Villanova University

In a gap year, graduates could consider retooling themselves by acquiring advanced knowledge and skills. Graduate school provides a perfect avenue for this. Enrolling in a Masters's program that aligns with one's interests and aptitudes can be an excellent investment. Many graduate schools also offer shorter certificate programs targeted to specific sub-disciplines within mechanical engineerings, such as robotics, sustainable energy, or additive manufacturing. Certificates can be obtained in a calendar year, or less, and can significantly bolster one's resume in preparation for exploring the job market after the gap year. Several programs offer online graduate classes, thereby providing convenience and accessibility to students.

What type of skills will young principal engineers need?

John Ring

Director Engineering Outreach, Elon University

While our universities consistently educate engineering students with hard skills and strong engineering fundamentals, tomorrow's engineers need to be strong communicators, collaborators, and critical thinkers. Our professional environments are filled with data and information, and the constraint is typically how much time individuals can dedicate to solving a problem. At Elon University, we educate tomorrow's engineers to have the hard skills necessary to analyze the information and situations, apply critical thinking techniques to determine ways to solve the issue, and then concisely and efficiently communicate with colleagues as solutions are being set in motion.

Do you want to know more?

List of principal engineer skills to add to your resume

The most important skills for a principal engineer resume and required skills for a principal engineer to have include:

Java
Architecture
Python
Software Development
Azure
Linux
Project Management
Product Development
Windows
JavaScript
Technical Leadership
DOD
API
QA
Technical Support
C

C++
Spring Boot
Debugging
MATLAB
Math
RF
UI
System Design
Microservices
Cloud Computing
Data Analysis
Jenkins
CAD
Emerging Technologies
Unix
Design Reviews

Senior Level Management
SQL Server
Prototyping
Amazon Web Services
Android
Engineering Design
Feature Development
HTML
TCP/IP
C Net
R
Cloud Security
ISO
Virtualization

Updated January 8, 2025

Zippia Team

Editorial Staff

The Zippia Research Team has spent countless hours reviewing resumes, job postings, and government data to determine what goes into getting a job in each phase of life. Professional writers and data scientists comprise the Zippia Research Team.

Updated January 8, 2025

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