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Senior principal engineer skills for your resume and career

Updated January 8, 2025

9 min read

Quoted experts

M. Stephen Enders Ph.D.,

Travis Mandel Ph.D.

Senior principal engineer example skills

Below we've compiled a list of the most critical senior principal engineer skills. We ranked the top skills for senior principal engineers based on the percentage of resumes they appeared on. For example, 7.6% of senior principal engineer resumes contained python as a skill. Continue reading to find out what skills a senior principal engineer needs to be successful in the workplace.

15 senior principal engineer skills for your resume and career

1. 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 senior principal engineers use python:

Use C/C++ and Python to develop new policy features: folder, content inspection, Mongo b-fetch.
Developed automated data processing platform using Python to correlate in-line performance metrics to final system level acoustic performance.

2. Architecture

Here's how senior principal engineers use architecture:

Provided architecture, designed and developed a VeUML Meta-Architecture maximizing the amount of automatically generated and validated code for Real-Time systems.
Document the refined Logical and Location Model views, Business Processes and Requirements utilizing Enterprise Architecture guidelines.

3. 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 senior principal engineers use java:

Embedded Java Platform: implement Java SDK by JNI; redesign and port existing C libraries and applications to Java.
Added an Android ViewPager UI control and supporting Java classes to extend the PagerAdapter and maintain the article state.

4. Cloud

Cloud is a server that is accessed over the internet. There are different programs and software that also run on these servers. These clouds can be accessed from anywhere in the world as they are not present in your computer storage, but have their online servers. Cloud consists of data centers all across the world.

Here's how senior principal engineers use cloud:

Defined pricing strategies to optimize profitability; mentored Solution Directors on Oracle Retail Cloud licensing and migration strategies.
Utilized cloud services to reduce simulation execution times.

5. 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 senior principal engineers use dod:

Demonstrated technical experience supporting a DoD program office.
Provided agency-level oversight of the DoD mandated Information Assurance Workforce Improvement Program for those performing IA functions at DARPA.

6. 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 senior principal engineers use software development:

Performed initial audit on software development process through a primitive CMM checklist and questionnaire from Carnegie-Mellon.
Prepared Flight Software Requirements specifications and Flight Software Development Plan documents using DOORS.

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7. Infrastructure

Infrastructure includes the organizational and physical structures needed to run an area or a society smoothly. It is a group of basic facilities required for any society or firm to run sustainably and efficiently. The infrastructural system is a high investing area and helps majorly in flourishing the economy and prosperity of a country. It is an underlying system needed for ensuring the safety and comfort of the public and to run a country smoothly. All the tasks needed to be performed for a flourishing economy and a happy and healthy public are included in infrastructure.

Here's how senior principal engineers use infrastructure:

Participated in relocating network infrastructure, server farm, network monitoring and IP telephony to another data center.
Create the appropriate infrastructure, governance forum and staffing composition needed to effectively support projects.

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 senior principal engineers use product development:

Engineered the product quality plan using appropriate national and international standards governing new product development and assuring design quality.
Recruited by division senior quality management so support quality management systems, design controls and new product development.

9. RF

Here's how senior principal engineers use rf:

Performed RF radiation hazard analysis for all facility emitters to establish personnel safety zones.
Standardized procedures and methods for performing RF coverage analysis and verification.

10. Debugging

Here's how senior principal engineers use debugging:

Trouble Shooter: a debugging tool to capture print data streams and sent out using FTP and Emails.
Aided in design of isolated Media Writer systems to maximize security but still allow remote debugging.

11. 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 senior principal engineers use linux:

Learned to use Linux to navigate through and manipulate data files in support of data analysis for Host and ERAM testing.
Created 2 presentations for Internal Training including Linux Training and Competitive Training Projects (9i vs MS SQL).

12. MATLAB

Here's how senior principal engineers use matlab:

Designed attitude control system controllers using MATLAB.
Supported Guidance Navigation Subsystems with control optimization algorithms, designing using Matlab first before implementing in flight software.

13. Project Management

Here's how senior principal engineers use project management:

Utilized project management skills to coordinate activities for multiple projects to ensure timely completion in support of departmental/divisional goals.
Directed a federal Y2K CIO Information Management Center project management, activation and operations.

14. 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 senior principal engineers use windows:

Created Windows video mirror drivers to provide remote control collaboration capabilities.
Provide daily UNIX, Windows, computer hardware and printer installation, maintenance and troubleshooting for a staff of 50.

15. Program Management

Here's how senior principal engineers use program management:

Provided project/program management support of financial and engineering metrics including the generation of control charts to statistically manage sub processes.
Provided remedy path forward for test continuation with avoidance of failure scenario, leading to program management and customer satisfaction.

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What skills help Senior 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 senior principal engineer resumes?

M. Stephen Enders Ph.D.

Professor & Department Head, Colorado School of Mines

The most important thing that stands out in resumes is past job experiences, particularly student internships in relevant companies. This demonstrates a student's ability to work safely and effectively in the workplace. The companies that employ our students expect them to have a fundamental proficiency in the basic sciences and mathematics as well as in the principles of engineering. Although this is necessary, it is not sufficient for most companies. They prefer graduates with demonstrated strong interpersonal, communication, teamwork, problem solving and critical thinking skills. They also want to see evidence that graduates can integrate and analyze multidisciplinary datasets, and they would really like to see computer coding and modeling expertise. On top of all of these attributes, companies also want to hire leaders and those who have a fundamental understanding or societal issues that impact their industry. This is a lot to expect. Students can get some of this from coursework and active participation in student clubs and other organizations.

Additionally: Presentation skills - written and oral. Management skills - CSM mining engineers have 3 to 4 courses focusing on management (mine operations, safety, construction and project mgt.), plus opportunities to work as crew fore(wo)men at the Edgar mine, where they get to lead small teams of junior classmates and assume responsibility for safety and job completion.

What soft skills should all senior principal engineers possess?

Travis Mandel Ph.D.

Assistant Professor, University of Hawaii at Hilo

Although computer science seems like a highly technical field, soft skills are really what differentiates software engineers. One of the most important qualities of any software engineer is explaining their code clearly at various levels of technical depth and explaining why certain design decisions were made. You could write code that does amazing things, but if that code consists of snippets you pasted from StackOverflow without really fully understanding them, it will be a huge headache for anyone who needs to come into the codebase later and maintain or update it.

Another one is asking the right questions. Imagine you are dropped into a huge codebase and asked to add a new feature (very common!). There's no time to understand everything that is going on, but on the other hand, you need to understand enough of the code to do your task effectively, which involves asking questions. A failure to ask questions will likely result in you wasting a huge amount of time working on something that is ultimately not useful, for instance, re-implementing a complex function that already exists somewhere in the codebase.

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

Travis Mandel Ph.D.

Assistant Professor, University of Hawaii at Hilo

Being comfortable with refactoring code is definitely one of the big ones here. Absolutely no one writes perfect code right off the bat - a good software engineer should recognize that and always be open and receptive to suggestions about improving their code. Even in the absence of such suggestions, a software engineer must be able to independently recognize that "the tower is about to fall over"! Meaning, if the code is turning into a real mess, a good software engineer will be able to realize that and independently begin refactoring it into a better state, even if that takes time away from implementing new features.

Another one I'll mention briefly is designing class inheritance diagrams to solve a new problem. The right structure here can allow components to be easily re-used and extended. But the wrong structure can lead to disastrous consequences, so it requires a lot of thought about how things will likely evolve in the future.

What senior 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 senior 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.

What technical skills for a senior principal engineer stand out to employers?

John Russo

Associate Professor and Program Coordinator of Computer Science, Landmark College

As I mentioned above, the ability to adapt to change. My favorite course is database management systems. I tell my students that the software that we use today likely will not be around for the entire span of their careers. They really need to learn how to quickly work with new technologies, languages and systems. In the span of my career much has changed. I have always found new technologies exciting and refreshing. Employers want to hire graduates who have a set of technical skills in programming languages, database management systems and techniques (such as data mining) but also can learn on the job and be excited to learn new things.

Do you want to know more?

List of senior principal engineer skills to add to your resume

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

Python
Architecture
Java
Cloud
DOD
Software Development
Infrastructure
Product Development
RF
Debugging
Linux
MATLAB
Project Management
Windows
Program Management
Data Analysis

Technical Expertise
Business Development
System Design
Ruby
IP
UI
C
C++
Regression
Macro
Design Reviews
Technical Support
Object Oriented Programming
Prototyping
Android
Corrective Action

ERP
QA
Management System
Configuration Management
Sigma
Test Procedures
Perl
CRM
XML
SDLC
Digital Transformation
Product Line
Visualization
Virtualization
Process Improvement

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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