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What does a principal process engineer do?

Updated January 8, 2025
8 min read
Quoted expert
Dr. Galen Duree

A Principal Process Engineer is responsible for analyzing process technologies and proposal support for the engineering activities of the organization. They may work in various industries, such as chemical, petrochemical, agriculture, software development, and biotechnological.

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Principal process engineer responsibilities

Here are examples of responsibilities from real principal process engineer resumes:

  • Manage customer complaint resolution, root cause analysis, maintaining conformance for ISO certification.
  • Utilize SolidWorks 3D modeling in the development of new designs and components.
  • Generate detailed manufacturing process descriptions to meet FDA and global documentation requirements for medical device manufacturing.
  • Develop a method to get AutoCad isometric drawings relevant to relief valve transferred electronically to the relief valve sizing package.
  • Develop and refine device life models base on first-principles material degradation effects within ring laser gyro electronics.

Principal process engineer skills and personality traits

We calculated that 9% of Principal Process Engineers are proficient in Process Engineering, Continuous Improvement, and Engineering Design. They’re also known for soft skills such as Creativity, Listening skills, and Math skills.

We break down the percentage of Principal Process Engineers that have these skills listed on their resume here:

  • Process Engineering, 9%

    Prepared a process execution plan including organizing, determining priorities, and delegating process engineering tasks on project and proposal.

  • Continuous Improvement, 7%

    Conducted daily reviews of manufacturing data.> Improved process through structured Continuous Improvement or capital projects.> Developed and maintained SPC system

  • Engineering Design, 6%

    Conducted conceptual, detailed engineering designs and studies for new facilities, revamps and expansions.

  • RF, 5%

    Developed CMOS process technology and high voltage device on SOI, demonstrating world leading RF PA performance/ruggedness on CMOS platform.

  • Process Control, 5%

    Design and implementation of the new Automated Process Control Systems to meet Manufacturing Department requirements, safety and reliability standards.

  • Process Improvement, 5%

    Team leader for root cause analysis investigations, troubleshooting and process improvements.

Most principal process engineers use their skills in "process engineering," "continuous improvement," and "engineering design" to do their jobs. You can find more detail on essential principal process engineer responsibilities here:

Creativity. The most essential soft skill for a principal process engineer to carry out their responsibilities is creativity. This skill is important for the role because "industrial engineers use creativity and ingenuity to design new production processes in many kinds of settings in order to reduce the use of material resources, time, or labor while accomplishing the same goal." Additionally, a principal process engineer resume shows how their duties depend on creativity: "developed iso fg recycle process that refurbished or recycled returns and cancelled orders into inventory that will sell within 30 days. "

Listening skills. Another essential skill to perform principal process engineer duties is listening skills. Principal process engineers responsibilities require that "these engineers often operate in teams, but they also must solicit feedback from customers, vendors, and production staff." Principal process engineers also use listening skills in their role according to a real resume snippet: "communicated with customers the importance and capabilities of process control equipment, technical products, and process applications. "

Math skills. This is an important skill for principal process engineers to perform their duties. For an example of how principal process engineer responsibilities depend on this skill, consider that "industrial engineers use the principles of calculus, trigonometry, and other advanced topics in mathematics for analysis, design, and troubleshooting in their work." This excerpt from a resume also shows how vital it is to everyday roles and responsibilities of a principal process engineer: "used quantitative management process to plan and manage project quality and process improvement. ".

Problem-solving skills. A big part of what principal process engineers do relies on "problem-solving skills." You can see how essential it is to principal process engineer responsibilities because "in designing facilities for manufacturing and processes for providing services, these engineers deal with several issues at once, from workers’ safety to quality assurance." Here's an example of how this skill is used from a resume that represents typical principal process engineer tasks: "developed high-quality process control solutions within highly automated and complex 24x7 semiconductor manufacturing operation to support fab ramp and production goals. "

Speaking skills. Another common skill required for principal process engineer responsibilities is "speaking skills." This skill comes up in the duties of principal process engineers all the time, as "industrial engineers sometimes have to explain their instructions to production staff or technicians before they can make written instructions available." An excerpt from a real principal process engineer resume shows how this skill is central to what a principal process engineer does: "represented process for hazop and p&id; reviews. "

Writing skills. Lastly, "writing skills" is an important element of what a principal process engineer does. Principal process engineer responsibilities require this skill because "industrial engineers must prepare documentation for other engineers or scientists, or for future reference." This resume example highlights how principal process engineer duties rely on this skill: "associated responsibilities included writing equipment specifications and evaluating bid packages. "

Most common principal process engineer skills

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Compare different principal process engineers

Principal process engineer vs. Manufacturing engineering internship

A manufacturing engineering intern is responsible for assisting the manufacturing engineers on the plant's daily operations, analyzing the manufacturing process and procedures, and recommending strategic solutions to maximize productivity and minimize costs. Manufacturing engineering interns shadow the production staff, inspect the tools and equipment of the manufacturing, analyze the quality control documentation, and perform related administrative tasks to familiarize themselves with the plant structure. A manufacturing engineering intern must have excellent communication and organization skills, as well as the ability to adapt quickly to a fast-paced environment.

The annual salary of manufacturing engineering interns is $73,301 lower than the average salary of principal process engineers.Even though principal process engineers and manufacturing engineering interns are distinct careers, a few of the skills required for both jobs are similar. For example, both careers require continuous improvement, process control, and process improvement in the day-to-day roles and responsibilities.

These skill sets are where the common ground ends though. The responsibilities of a principal process engineer are more likely to require skills like "process engineering," "engineering design," "rf," and "principal process." On the other hand, a job as a manufacturing engineering internship requires skills like "cad," "solidworks," "assembly line," and "pallets." As you can see, what employees do in each career varies considerably.

Manufacturing engineering interns tend to make the most money working in the technology industry, where they earn an average salary of $49,245. In contrast, principal process engineers make the biggest average salary, $138,198, in the finance industry.On average, manufacturing engineering interns reach lower levels of education than principal process engineers. Manufacturing engineering interns are 8.2% less likely to earn a Master's Degree and 3.7% less likely to graduate with a Doctoral Degree.

Principal process engineer vs. Engineer

Engineers are highly trained professionals who determine the feasibility of various projects, usually related to the construction industry. They are considered experts in mathematics and science, two disciplines that they need to use in designing and coming up with plans for projects. They should also be well-versed in different construction or industrial materials, and they ensure that appropriate materials are used for the project. They also ensure that the projects meet the requirements of the groups that hired them. They create spaces that would both address the needs of the end-users and the industry standards. They also ensure that the projects they make would stand the test of time.

A career as a engineer brings a lower average salary when compared to the average annual salary of a principal process engineer. In fact, engineers salary is $34,271 lower than the salary of principal process engineers per year.A few skills overlap for principal process engineers and engineers. Resumes from both professions show that the duties of each career rely on skills like "rf," "technical support," and "data analysis. "

Each career also uses different skills, according to real principal process engineer resumes. While principal process engineer responsibilities can utilize skills like "process engineering," "continuous improvement," "engineering design," and "process control," engineers use skills like "python," "cloud," "c++," and "c #."

On average, engineers earn a lower salary than principal process engineers. Some industries support higher salaries in each profession. Interestingly enough, engineers earn the most pay in the automotive industry with an average salary of $97,672. Whereas principal process engineers have higher pay in the finance industry, with an average salary of $138,198.engineers earn lower levels of education than principal process engineers in general. They're 6.1% less likely to graduate with a Master's Degree and 3.7% less likely to earn a Doctoral Degree.

What technology do you think will become more important and prevalent for principal process engineers in the next 3-5 years?

Dr. Galen Duree

Head of the Department of Physics and Optical Engineering and Professor, Rose-Hulman Institute of Technology

People with knowledge, even introductory experience, in quantum effects, quantum computing, optics in general (communication, measurements, imaging, illumination, detection), material science and engineering, biotechnology, and nanotechnology, will be in high demand.

Principal process engineer vs. Supplier quality engineer

A Supplier Quality Engineer ensures that the supplier's quality standards are in accordance with the requirement of the organization. They also report supplier performance and quality to management.

An average supplier quality engineer eans a lower salary compared to the average salary of principal process engineers. The difference in salaries amounts to supplier quality engineers earning a $43,166 lower average salary than principal process engineers.By looking over several principal process engineers and supplier quality engineers resumes, we found that both roles require similar skills in their day-to-day duties, such as "continuous improvement," "process control," and "process improvement." But beyond that, the careers look very different.

There are many key differences between these two careers, including some of the skills required to perform responsibilities within each role. For example, a principal process engineer is likely to be skilled in "process engineering," "engineering design," "rf," and "principal process," while a typical supplier quality engineer is skilled in "ppap," "product quality," "apqp," and "gd."

Supplier quality engineers earn the highest salary when working in the professional industry, where they receive an average salary of $87,103. Comparatively, principal process engineers have the highest earning potential in the finance industry, with an average salary of $138,198.Most supplier quality engineers achieve a similar degree level compared to principal process engineers. For example, they're 3.5% less likely to graduate with a Master's Degree, and 3.7% less likely to earn a Doctoral Degree.

Principal process engineer vs. Senior engineer

A senior engineer is responsible for overseeing all operations within a designated area. With years of experience and expertise, a senior engineer may take charge of establishing goals, deadlines, and budgets for a particular project. They must devise and implement strategies that would improve the quality of workflow and deliver significant results. Furthermore, a senior manager must also supervise a team of skilled engineers, leading them in the joint effort to reach the company's vision and mission, all while adhering to the safety standards and regulations.

Senior engineers average a lower salary than the annual salary of principal process engineers. The difference is about $17,605 per year.According to resumes from principal process engineers and senior engineers, some of the skills necessary to complete the responsibilities of each role are similar. These skills include "rf," "technical support," and "sigma. "

Even though a few skill sets overlap between principal process engineers and senior engineers, there are some differences that are important to note. For one, a principal process engineer might have more use for skills like "process engineering," "continuous improvement," "engineering design," and "process control." Meanwhile, some responsibilities of senior engineers require skills like "java," "python," "architecture," and "c #. "

In general, senior engineers earn the most working in the start-up industry, with an average salary of $125,167. The highest-paying industry for a principal process engineer is the finance industry.senior engineers reach similar levels of education compared to principal process engineers, in general. The difference is that they're 0.4% more likely to earn a Master's Degree, and 1.0% less likely to graduate with a Doctoral Degree.

Types of principal process engineer

Updated January 8, 2025

Zippia Research Team
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.

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