Principal Engineer Jobs in Colorado
Principal Engineer jobs in Colorado are concentrated in Denver, Boulder, and Colorado Springs, where aerospace, defense, and technology companies maintain deep engineering workforces. Lockheed Martin, Raytheon Technologies, and Google have significant Colorado operations and consistently recruit principal engineers across software systems, embedded hardware, and cloud infrastructure disciplines. Colorado sits among the most active markets in the country for senior engineering talent, reflecting the density of both established defense contractors and high-growth tech firms along the Front Range. See the openings below and apply to the ones that match your experience.
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Build the future, spark innovation and align your career with purpose.
McKinstry is innovating the waste and climate harm out of the built environment and creating lasting impact. Together, we’re building a thriving planet.
Buildings are a leading contributor to the climate crisis, generating nearly 40% of total global energy-related carbon emissions. We’re making a lasting impact on our industry and within our communities by addressing the climate, affordability and equity crises through:
- renewables and energy services
- engineering and design
- construction and facility services
To get where we’re going, we need big thinkers, problem solvers and collaborative mindsets. Does that sound like you?
The Opportunity with McKinstry
We are currently seeking an Associate Mechanical Principal to join our Engineering and Design team in Denver, CO. The role will be a key member of the leadership team representing the Engineering and Design department professionally by engaging deeply with customers to understand their long-term needs and plans and make a compelling case for selecting the McKinstry team.
Engineers at McKinstry are unsurpassed in their ability to combine innovative problem solving with common sense design applications. Because of our design, build, operate, and maintain (DBOM) process, McKinstry engineers concern themselves not just with the construction of a building, but how it will operate over its entire lifetime. Every design choice is made toward one goal – delivering high-performance buildings that ensure occupant comfort and safety, keep energy/operating costs low, maximize client profitability, and protect the environment.
Responsibilities:
Lead delivery of complex projects for specific offerings/verticals/clients.
Lead development, with internal and external partners, of best-in-class design delivery.
Act as a thought-leader and subject matter expert internally and represent McKinstry as a respected name in the industry.
Lead strategic Engineering & Design group initiatives.
Engage in all aspects of business development and sales.
Develop and build strong customer relationships.
Build and execute on appropriate sales and proposal strategies.
Support recruiting by organizing and leading interviews for mid-level positions.
Breakdown of Responsibilities:
40%: Business development/project Sales support
40%: project delivery for large or complex projects
10%: Coaching and development of direct reports
10%: Industry Engagement
What You Need to Succeed at McKinstry
- Sixteen (16) years’ experience in the industry with proven team leadership and project management experience.
- Professional Engineering License or the ability to achieve reciprocity within 90 days of hire, preferably in Colorado or Utah.
- Demonstrated public speaking experience, with the ability to communicate complex ideas and thoughts internally and externally.
- Experience building credibility and positively influencing senior stakeholders while representing the organization with high level engagements.
- 7-10 years' team leadership experience.
- 7-10 years' project management experience.
- Exceptional strategic thinking skills.
PeopleFirst Benefits
When it comes to the basics, we have you covered:
- Competitive pay
- 401(k) with employer match and profit-sharing plan
- Paid time off and holidays
- Comprehensive medical, prescription, dental, and vision with low or zero deductible options and low out of pocket maximums
People come first at McKinstry, and we go beyond the basic benefits with:
- Family formation benefits, including adoption and IVF assistance.
- Up to 16 weeks paid parental leave.
- Transgender inclusive benefits
- Commuter benefits
- Pet insurance
- “Building Good” paid community service time.
- Learning and advancement opportunities via McKinstry University.
- McKinstry Moves onsite gyms or reimbursement for remote workers
See benefit plan documents for complete details.
If you’re driven by our vision to build a thriving planet together, McKinstry is the place to build your career.
The pay range for this position is $130,320 - $224,400 per year; however, base pay offered may vary depending on job-related knowledge, skills, and experience. A bonus may be provided as part of the compensation package, in addition to a full range of medical, financial, and/or other benefits, dependent on the position offered. Base pay information is based on market location.
The McKinstry group of companies are equal opportunity employers. We are committed to providing equal employment opportunities to all employees and qualified applicants without regard to sex, gender identity, sexual orientation, age, race, color, creed, marital status, national origin, disability, veteran status, genetic information, or any other basis protected by law. This policy applies to all terms and conditions of employment including, but not limited to employment, advancement, assignment, and training. This commitment to Equal Employment Opportunity is made equally as a social responsibility and as an economic and business necessity.
McKinstry is a drug-free workplace. Employment is contingent upon successfully passing a pre-employment drug and alcohol test, complying with the requirements of the Immigration Reform and Control Act and a Confidentiality Agreement, in addition to successful outcomes of background and reference checks.
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See All 154+ Principal Engineer Jobs in Colorado
Find roles in Colorado that match your experience and apply in just a few clicks.
Find Principal Engineer JobsPrincipal Engineer Jobs by City in Colorado
Where Colorado roles are concentrated, by current openings.
Principal Engineer Job Market in Colorado
A snapshot from current Colorado openings, updated as new roles post.
Who's Hiring
- BAE Systems USA31

- Northrop Grumman29

- Xcel Energy8

- Sierra Space8

- Raytheon5

Top Industries Hiring
- Electronics & Hardware
- Science & Research
- Technology & Software
What Colorado Employers Look For
The qualifications that appear most often in principal engineer jobs across Colorado.
- Bachelor's or master's degree in computer science, electrical engineering, or a related engineering discipline
- Ten or more years of progressive engineering experience with demonstrated technical leadership
- Proven ability to architect and own large-scale systems across the full software development lifecycle
- Experience mentoring senior engineers and driving engineering standards across cross-functional teams
- Proficiency in cloud platforms such as AWS or Azure, or embedded systems for defense and aerospace roles
- Active security clearance or eligibility for one, required by many Colorado defense and aerospace employers
Principal Engineer Jobs in Colorado: Frequently Asked Questions
How do you become a principal engineer in Colorado?
Becoming a principal engineer in Colorado typically follows a path from bachelor's or master's degree in engineering or computer science through progressive roles as a software engineer, senior engineer, and staff engineer before reaching the principal level. Colorado employers in aerospace and defense frequently require or prefer candidates who can obtain a security clearance, which means a background that supports federal adjudication. No state-issued engineering license is required for software-focused principal engineer roles, though candidates targeting civil or systems engineering positions may pursue a Colorado Professional Engineer registration through the Colorado State Board of Licensure for Architects, Professional Engineers, and Professional Land Surveyors.
Which companies hire principal engineers in Colorado?
Employers hiring principal engineers in Colorado right now include BAE Systems USA, Northrop Grumman, and Xcel Energy, based on current listings on Migrate Mate as of September 2026. Colorado's concentration of aerospace primes, federal contractors, and technology companies along the Front Range keeps demand for principal-level engineering talent consistently high across both defense and commercial sectors.
Which Colorado cities have the most principal engineer jobs?
Denver, Colorado Springs, and Aurora account for the largest share of principal engineer openings in Colorado. Denver anchors demand through its technology and corporate headquarters presence, Boulder draws heavily from the software and deep-tech startup ecosystem, and Colorado Springs reflects the significant concentration of defense contractors and military installations that generate steady principal engineering hiring.
Are there remote principal engineer jobs in Colorado?
Yes, and more than most fields. About 54% of principal engineer openings tied to Colorado are remote or hybrid as of September 2026, reflecting the desk-based nature of most software and systems architecture work. The parts of the role most commonly offered remotely are pure software architecture, platform engineering, and cloud infrastructure, while principal engineers supporting defense programs with classified environments are almost always required on-site.
How can I get hired as a principal engineer in Colorado with little or no experience?
The most realistic path for candidates without principal-level experience is to move into a senior engineer role first and build a record of system ownership and cross-team technical leadership that Colorado employers recognize as principal-ready. Lockheed Martin, Raytheon, and Google all operate new-grad and rotational engineering programs in Colorado that place early-career engineers on paths toward senior and staff levels. Lateral movement from roles like solutions architect, tech lead, or staff engineer is a common entry point. Candidates who accelerate this path typically hold a master's degree, can qualify for a security clearance, or maintain a strong portfolio of open-source or systems design work that demonstrates independent technical judgment.
Where can I find and apply to principal engineer jobs in Colorado?
You can find and apply to principal engineer jobs in Colorado on Migrate Mate, which lists current Colorado openings updated regularly. Search the listings, find the roles that fit your background and the location or remote arrangement you need, and apply directly to the ones that match. No sign-up is required to see the openings.
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