Principal Engineer Jobs in Tampa, FL
Principal Engineer jobs in Tampa are concentrated in Westshore, downtown, and the University Area, with strong demand across defense technology, financial services, and healthcare IT. Companies currently hiring include Arcadis, RS&H, and Citi. Scan the live roles below and apply to whichever ones fit.
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- Serve as the senior technical lead for projects involving energetic materials and propellant production.
- Develop, review, and approve engineering designs, specifications, and process documentation for manufacturing and facility systems.
- Support procurement by reviewing technical bids and vendor deliverables.
- Develop and review detailed engineering designs, specifications, and calculations.
- Manage risk identification, mitigation, and problem resolution related to engineering issues.
- Ensuring compliance with industry codes, standards, and company policies.
- Lead and manage projects aimed at improving processes, introducing new technologies, or expanding capabilities related to energetic materials.
- Participating, leading, and coordinating multidisciplinary engineering teams to ensure project requirements, schedules, budgets, and quality standards are met.
- Plan, execute, and deliver complex modernization and capital improvement projects on time, within budget, and to specification.
- Develop and manage detailed project schedules, budgets, and resource plans.
- Act as the main technical point of contact between project management, clients, and contractors.
- Collaborating with Program Managers to align engineering efforts with overall project goals.
- Mentor and guide junior engineers, fostering technical excellence within the team.
- Training on processes and systems.
- Bachelor’s degree in Chemical or Mechanical Engineering (or related discipline).
- 10+ years of progressive engineering experience, with at least 5 years in process engineering leadership roles within the chemical, explosives, or energetic materials industry.
- Expert knowledge of process design, optimization, and control.
- Proficiency with engineering software (AutoCAD, Aspen HYSYS, process simulation tools) and project management and risk management software.
- Proven track record of managing complex modernization or capital projects in a chemical, defense, or aerospace manufacturing environment.
- Experience in the design, construction, and commissioning of modern chemical manufacturing facilities to include equipment selection, process control system architecture and functionality verification, Hazard Analyses (i.e. PHA, LOPA, etc.), P&ID development/review, environmental systems, and equipment commissioning activities.
- In-depth knowledge of PSM, PHA, and other safety protocols.
- Excellent problem-solving skills and attention to detail.
- Strong communication and interpersonal skills.
- Strong leadership, project management, and stakeholder engagement skills.
- Master’s degree in Engineering or MBA.
- PMP or equivalent project management certification.
- Deep knowledge of process design, safety standards, and regulations relevant to explosives and energetic materials (e.g., NFPA 70, 495, DOD 4145.26M, DESR 6055.09, ATF regulations, OSHA PSM 29 CFR 1910.119).
- Safety certifications such as Certified Safety Professional (CSP) or OSHA 30-hour.
- Travel: ~20%, including international travel.
- Work Environment: This position involves work in both office and manufacturing settings, including exposure to energetic materials. Strict adherence to safety protocols is required.
- Background Investigation / Drug Screen / US Person: Required.
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Find Principal Engineer JobsPrincipal Engineer Job Market in Tampa
Who's Hiring



Top Industries Hiring
- Construction & Real Estate
- Consulting & Professional Services
- Technology & Software
- Banking & Financial Services
- Investment & Asset Management
Principal Engineer Jobs in Tampa: Frequently Asked Questions
How do I get a principal engineer job in Tampa?
Target Tampa's highest-concentration hiring sectors: defense and aerospace contractors near MacDill Air Force Base, financial technology firms in Westshore, and health systems anchored around the University of South Florida corridor. Candidates who combine deep systems architecture experience with domain knowledge in one of these verticals stand out. Networking through Tampa Bay Tech and local IEEE chapter events also opens doors that job boards miss.
Which companies hire principal engineers in Tampa?
Companies currently hiring principal engineers in Tampa include Arcadis, RS&H, and Citi, per current listings on Migrate Mate as of July 2026. Tampa's mix of large defense contractors, regional bank technology divisions, and growing health-tech firms means principal engineer openings appear across a wide range of employer sizes and industries.
Are there remote principal engineer jobs in Tampa?
Yes, though it depends heavily on the role. Principal engineers in software architecture and platform engineering are far more likely to work remotely than those in hardware, lab, or on-site infrastructure roles. About 25% of principal engineer openings tied to Tampa are remote or hybrid as of July 2026. Software and cloud-focused positions at Tampa-area fintech and SaaS employers tend to offer the most location flexibility.
How can I get a principal engineer job in Tampa with little or no experience?
The most realistic path is moving up from a senior engineer role at one of Tampa's mid-size technology or defense employers, where internal promotion to principal is common once you lead a cross-functional project. Entry points include senior software engineer and systems engineer roles at USF-affiliated research programs, Hillsborough County government IT, and Westshore-based tech firms that promote from within. Building a portfolio of architecture decisions, technical roadmaps, or open-source contributions strengthens any application significantly.
Which industries hire the most principal engineers in Tampa?
Most principal engineer openings in Tampa sit in Construction & Real Estate, Consulting & Professional Services, and Technology & Software, per current listings on Migrate Mate as of July 2026. Tampa's role as a regional hub for defense contracting, financial services back-office operations, and academic health systems creates sustained demand for senior technical leadership across all three sectors.
See All 17 Principal Engineer Jobs in Tampa
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