Principal Engineer Jobs in Massachusetts
Principal Engineer jobs in Massachusetts are in high demand, with the state ranking among the most active markets in the country for senior technical leadership roles concentrated in software systems, hardware design, and defense engineering at every level from staff engineer to distinguished principal. The greatest density of openings is in Boston, Cambridge, and the Route 128 corridor, where established employers like Raytheon Technologies, MathWorks, and Analog Devices consistently hire principal engineers across software architecture, embedded systems, and signal processing. Find a role that fits below and apply directly.
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Overview:
Draper is an independent, nonprofit research and development company headquartered in Cambridge, MA. The 2,000+ employees of Draper tackle important national challenges with a promise of delivering successful and usable solutions. From military defense and space exploration to biomedical engineering, lives often depend on the solutions we provide. Our multidisciplinary teams of engineers and scientists work in a collaborative environment that inspires the cross-fertilization of ideas necessary for true innovation. For more information about Draper, visit www.draper.com.
Job Description Summary:
We are seeking a Principal Electrical Engineer to support our growing demand for the design of avionics solutions across numerous programs. This position will require extensive knowledge and experience designing complex electronic solutions that are integrated into large-scale systems. The engineer develops the architecture, designs circuits, performs simulations, assists ECAD with layout, verifies and tests the designs. The engineer also performs a variety of engineering activities throughout the life cycle to support planning, requirements development, documentation, test, and deployment. Example designs performed under this position may include single-slot flight computers including FPGAs and processors, memory support modules, communication interface designs, backplane interconnect designs, along with common power and timing circuits used in these scenarios. Understanding of signal integrity and power integrity are extremely valuable in these types of complex, multi-card avionics systems, especially as designs move toward miniaturization. While flexible based upon project timelines, the nature of this role will require being able to support in-office work most days. As a principal engineer, it is expected that some level of leadership and mentorship will be provided toward junior staff earlier in their careers.Job Description:
Duties/Responsibilities
Translates project and system requirements into well-defined hardware architectures working with cross-functional teams.
Innovatively solves issues, drives completion of the project to schedule, and collaboratively works with other technical contributors.
Builds, debugs, and tests prototypes and deliverable hardware.
Prepares documentation for manufacturing, and provides continuous support.
Researches and enables innovative solutions for cutting-edge designs.
Builds collaborative and multidisciplinary teams to develop reliable, cost effective end solutions.
Independently drives solutions to complex problems - develops requirements, proposes ways forward when customer requirements are unclear or incomplete, and adapts appropriately to changes in requirements.
Supports business development activities including leading the development of proposals and engaging with sponsors.
Identifies program/system-level technical risks and develops and executes mitigation strategies.
Manages multi-disciplinary tasks with a cross functional team and effectively communicates status to project leadership and customers.
Develops, documents, and teaches best practices to less experienced teammates.
Skills/Abilities
Proficiency in electronic design.
Ability to write detailed design specifications.
Excellent verbal and written communication skills.
Excellent organizational skills and attention to detail.
Excellent time management skills with the proven ability to meet deadlines.
Strong analytical and problem-solving skills.
Ability to prioritize tasks.
Thorough understanding of engineering theories and procedures.
Strong organization, planning, and time management skills to achieve program goals.
Education
Bachelor's degree in electrical engineering or related field. Advanced Degree preferred.
Experience
10+ years experience in electrical engineering or related field.
Additional Job Description:
Applicants selected for this position will be required to obtain and maintain an US government security clearance.
Connect With Draper for Future Opportunities! If you don't find the right posting in our Career Opportunities, you may submit your resume for future consideration.
Job Location - City:
CambridgeJob Location - State:
MassachusettsJob Location - Postal Code:
02139-3563The US base salary range for this full-time position is
$95,000.00 - $245,000.00Our salary ranges are determined by role, level, and location. The range displayed on each job posting reflects the minimum and maximum target salaries for the position across all US locations. Within the range, individual pay is determined by work location and additional factors, including job-related skills, experience, and relevant education or training. Union ranges will be in compliance with the collective bargaining agreement's approved rates by location and role. Your recruiter can share more about the specific salary range for your preferred location during the hiring process. Please note that the compensation details listed in US role postings reflect the base salary only, and does not include bonuses or benefits.
Our work is very important to us, but so is our life outside of work. Draper supports many programs to improve work-life balance including workplace flexibility, employee clubs ranging from photography to yoga, health and finance workshops, off site social events and discounts to local museums and cultural activities. If this specific job opportunity and the chance to work at a nationally renowned R&D innovation company appeals to you, apply now www.draper.com/careers.
Draper is committed to creating an inclusive environment. We understand the value of inclusivity and its impact on a high-performance culture. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, disability, age, sexual orientation, national origin, veteran status, or genetic information. Draper is committed to providing access, equal opportunity, and reasonable accommodation for individuals with disabilities in employment, its services, programs, and activities. To request reasonable accommodation, please contact hr@draper.com.
See All 218+ Principal Engineer Jobs in Massachusetts
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Find Principal Engineer JobsPrincipal Engineer Jobs by City in Massachusetts
Where Massachusetts roles are concentrated, by current openings.
Principal Engineer Job Market in Massachusetts
A snapshot from current Massachusetts openings, updated as new roles post.
Who's Hiring
- Raytheon50

- Collins Aerospace9

- Draper7

- Analog Devices5

- Vertex Pharmaceuticals5

Top Industries Hiring
- Technology & Software20
- Biotechnology & Pharmaceuticals13
- Manufacturing7
- Medical Devices7
- Electronics & Hardware5
What Massachusetts Employers Look For
The qualifications that appear most often in principal engineer jobs across Massachusetts.
- Bachelor's or advanced degree in electrical engineering, computer science, or related technical discipline
- Ten or more years of progressive engineering experience including technical leadership of cross-functional teams
- Demonstrated ownership of system architecture decisions from design through production delivery
- Deep expertise in at least one domain such as embedded systems, distributed software, or RF hardware design
- Experience collaborating with product management and executive stakeholders on technical roadmaps
- Strong written and verbal communication skills for design reviews, RFCs, and engineering documentation
Principal Engineer Jobs in Massachusetts: Frequently Asked Questions
How do you become a principal engineer in Massachusetts?
There is no state-issued license required for most principal engineer roles in Massachusetts. The typical path is a bachelor's or master's degree in computer science, electrical engineering, or a related field, followed by progressive engineering experience culminating in demonstrated technical leadership. Massachusetts employers in defense and aerospace often additionally require eligibility for a federal security clearance, which is a practical credential that significantly expands opportunities with major employers in the state.
Which companies hire principal engineers in Massachusetts?
Employers hiring principal engineers in Massachusetts right now include Raytheon, Collins Aerospace, and Draper, based on current listings on Migrate Mate as of August 2026. Massachusetts's deep concentration of defense contractors, biotech firms, and enterprise software companies means principal engineer roles appear across a wider range of industries here than in most other states.
Which Massachusetts cities have the most principal engineer jobs?
Boston, Tewksbury, and Cambridge account for the largest share of principal engineer openings in Massachusetts. Boston and Cambridge drive volume through their dense clusters of technology companies, research institutions, and biotech firms, while suburban Route 128 corridor cities like Waltham and Lexington are home to major defense and semiconductor employers that maintain large senior engineering headcounts.
Are there remote principal engineer jobs in Massachusetts?
Yes, and more than most fields. About 34% of principal engineer openings tied to Massachusetts are remote or hybrid as of August 2026, reflecting how much of this work involves architecture, code review, and cross-team coordination rather than hands-on lab work. The most fully remote roles tend to be in software-focused companies, while hardware and defense positions generally require on-site presence in Massachusetts facilities.
How can I get hired as a principal engineer in Massachusetts with little or no experience?
The most realistic entry path is through a staff or senior engineer role at a Massachusetts employer that has a defined individual contributor ladder, then building a record of technical scope expansion over time. Large employers like MathWorks and Analog Devices hire new graduates into associate and junior engineer programs that feed their senior pipelines. Candidates who contribute to open-source projects, earn relevant certifications in cloud architecture or embedded systems, or complete a graduate degree at a Massachusetts institution like MIT or Northeastern demonstrate the kind of initiative that accelerates promotion to principal-level roles.
Where can I find and apply to principal engineer jobs in Massachusetts?
You can find and apply to principal engineer jobs in Massachusetts on Migrate Mate, which lists current openings from employers across the state. Search the listings, find roles that fit your experience and target industry, and apply directly to the ones that match.
See All 218+ Principal Engineer Jobs in Massachusetts
Find roles in Massachusetts that match your experience and apply in just a few clicks.
Find Principal Engineer Jobs