Principal Engineer Jobs in Washington
Principal Engineer jobs in Washington are among the most active in the country, concentrated in software systems, cloud infrastructure, aerospace engineering, and semiconductor design across one of the nation's most technology-dense labor markets. Seattle, Bellevue, and Redmond account for the largest share of openings, anchored by employers like Microsoft, Amazon, and Boeing, which maintain deep principal engineering organizations in the state. Distributed systems architecture, large-scale platform engineering, and embedded systems for aerospace are the most consistently in-demand specialties. See the openings below and apply to the ones that match your experience.
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Showing 5 of 133+ Principal Engineer jobs
Air Defense
Design
Planning
Systems Design
REQ#: RQ229119
Public Trust: None
Requisition Type: Regular
Your Impact
Own your opportunity to support our nation's defense. Make an impact by connecting and securing critical operations across the globe, keeping our country safe and secure.
Job Description
Transform technology into opportunity as a Systems Engineer Principal with GDIT. A career in enterprise IT means connecting and enhancing the systems that matter most. At GDIT you’ll be at the forefront of innovation and play a meaningful part in improving how agencies operate.
At GDIT, people are our differentiator. As a Systems Engineer Principal, you will help ensure today is safe and tomorrow is smarter. Our work depends on a Systems Engineer Principal joining our team to facilitate the integration of Integrated Air and Missile Defense (IAMD) IT technologies as required, for LVC training scenarios supporting the homeland defense mission.
HOW A SYSTEMS ENGINEER PRINCIPAL WILL MAKE AN IMPACT:
- Systems Engineer Principal will support and subject matter expertise for implementing and sustaining LVC technologies, including networks, and Distributed Interactive Simulation (DIS) compatible virtual and constructive simulators, models and data link systems.
- Manage Battle Control System-Fixed (BCS-F) modernization, Cloud Based Command and Control (CBC2) and environment generator integration at Western Air Defense Sector (WADS) on behalf of AFNORTH/A9M
- GDIT Site Lead at WADS
- Assistance with planning and architecture design for access to LVC networks such as the DIS voice network integration into Mission Voice Platform (MVP), Air Reserve Component Network (ARCNet) and Distributed Mission Operations Network (DMON) to support test objectives and tactics, technique, procedures development.
- Purchase and installation of IT equipment necessary to support MVP capabilities and requirements resulting from architecture planning and design.
- Assistance with the design, development, installation, configuration, and maintenance of command and control (C2) systems including Battle Control System-Fixed (BCS-F) and the multi-source correlator tracker/tactical display framework (MSCT-TDF) or other IT based C2 system components.
- Support for LVC training, including preparation of scenarios, scripts and related materials in support of emerging homeland defense mission sets.
- Assistance to identify IT sustainment costs, life cycle costs, and conduct acquisition and sustainment strategy planning.
- Provide systems engineering, communications engineering and peripheral support as required to conduct live exercises and demonstrations of advanced IT systems often under field conditions.
- Assist the government maintaining inventory control, vehicle and facility access and control, COMSEC control, and classified storage requirements of IT related technologies.
- Participation in planning meetings, supplying technical expertise, planning, development of test plans and procedures to demonstrate the effectiveness of proposed solutions and accompanying tactics, techniques, and procedural modifications.
- Contributes to completion of specific training programs and projects.
- Provides training solutions to a wide range of difficult problems.
- Oversees the planning and designing of instructional methods and materials.
WHAT YOU’LL NEED TO SUCCEED:
- BA/BS (or equivalent experience)
- 8+ years of experience
- Secret Clearance Required
GDIT IS YOUR PLACE:
- 401K with company match.
- Comprehensive health and wellness packages.
- Internal mobility team dedicated to helping you own your career.
- Professional growth opportunities including paid education and certifications.
- Cutting-edge technology you can learn from.
- Rest and recharge with paid vacation and holidays.
Work Requirements
8 + years of related experience
- may vary based on technical training, certification(s), or degree
Less than 10%
U.S. Citizenship Required
Salary and Benefit Information
The likely salary range for this position is $124,093 - $132,250. This is not, however, a guarantee of compensation or salary. Rather, salary will be set based on experience, geographic location and possibly contractual requirements and could fall outside of this range.
Our Identity Verification Process
As part of the hiring process, we will ask you to complete an identity verification process that leverages advanced biometrics and artificial intelligence to ensure authenticity and protect against identity fraud. You are expected to be on camera during virtual interviews. We reserve the right to take your picture to verify your identity and prevent fraud. By proceeding, you authorize the collection, processing, and use of your biometric data for identity verification and security purposes.
About Our Work
We are GDIT. A global technology and professional services company that delivers technology solutions and mission services to every major agency across the U.S. government, defense and intelligence community. Our 26,000 experts extract the power of technology to create immediate value and deliver solutions at the edge of innovation. We operate across 50+ countries worldwide, offering leading mission-ready capabilities in AI, cloud, cyber and software development.
Join our Talent Community to stay up to date on our career opportunities and events at gdit.com/tc.
Equal Opportunity Employer / Individuals with Disabilities / Protected Veterans
Air Defense
Design
Planning
Systems Design
REQ#: RQ229119
Public Trust: None
Requisition Type: Regular
Your Impact
Own your opportunity to support our nation's defense. Make an impact by connecting and securing critical operations across the globe, keeping our country safe and secure.
Job Description
Transform technology into opportunity as a Systems Engineer Principal with GDIT. A career in enterprise IT means connecting and enhancing the systems that matter most. At GDIT you’ll be at the forefront of innovation and play a meaningful part in improving how agencies operate.
At GDIT, people are our differentiator. As a Systems Engineer Principal, you will help ensure today is safe and tomorrow is smarter. Our work depends on a Systems Engineer Principal joining our team to facilitate the integration of Integrated Air and Missile Defense (IAMD) IT technologies as required, for LVC training scenarios supporting the homeland defense mission.
HOW A SYSTEMS ENGINEER PRINCIPAL WILL MAKE AN IMPACT:
- Systems Engineer Principal will support and subject matter expertise for implementing and sustaining LVC technologies, including networks, and Distributed Interactive Simulation (DIS) compatible virtual and constructive simulators, models and data link systems.
- Manage Battle Control System-Fixed (BCS-F) modernization, Cloud Based Command and Control (CBC2) and environment generator integration at Western Air Defense Sector (WADS) on behalf of AFNORTH/A9M
- GDIT Site Lead at WADS
- Assistance with planning and architecture design for access to LVC networks such as the DIS voice network integration into Mission Voice Platform (MVP), Air Reserve Component Network (ARCNet) and Distributed Mission Operations Network (DMON) to support test objectives and tactics, technique, procedures development.
- Purchase and installation of IT equipment necessary to support MVP capabilities and requirements resulting from architecture planning and design.
- Assistance with the design, development, installation, configuration, and maintenance of command and control (C2) systems including Battle Control System-Fixed (BCS-F) and the multi-source correlator tracker/tactical display framework (MSCT-TDF) or other IT based C2 system components.
- Support for LVC training, including preparation of scenarios, scripts and related materials in support of emerging homeland defense mission sets.
- Assistance to identify IT sustainment costs, life cycle costs, and conduct acquisition and sustainment strategy planning.
- Provide systems engineering, communications engineering and peripheral support as required to conduct live exercises and demonstrations of advanced IT systems often under field conditions.
- Assist the government maintaining inventory control, vehicle and facility access and control, COMSEC control, and classified storage requirements of IT related technologies.
- Participation in planning meetings, supplying technical expertise, planning, development of test plans and procedures to demonstrate the effectiveness of proposed solutions and accompanying tactics, techniques, and procedural modifications.
- Contributes to completion of specific training programs and projects.
- Provides training solutions to a wide range of difficult problems.
- Oversees the planning and designing of instructional methods and materials.
WHAT YOU’LL NEED TO SUCCEED:
- BA/BS (or equivalent experience)
- 8+ years of experience
- Secret Clearance Required
GDIT IS YOUR PLACE:
- 401K with company match.
- Comprehensive health and wellness packages.
- Internal mobility team dedicated to helping you own your career.
- Professional growth opportunities including paid education and certifications.
- Cutting-edge technology you can learn from.
- Rest and recharge with paid vacation and holidays.
Work Requirements
8 + years of related experience
- may vary based on technical training, certification(s), or degree
Less than 10%
U.S. Citizenship Required
Salary and Benefit Information
The likely salary range for this position is $124,093 - $132,250. This is not, however, a guarantee of compensation or salary. Rather, salary will be set based on experience, geographic location and possibly contractual requirements and could fall outside of this range.
Our Identity Verification Process
As part of the hiring process, we will ask you to complete an identity verification process that leverages advanced biometrics and artificial intelligence to ensure authenticity and protect against identity fraud. You are expected to be on camera during virtual interviews. We reserve the right to take your picture to verify your identity and prevent fraud. By proceeding, you authorize the collection, processing, and use of your biometric data for identity verification and security purposes.
About Our Work
We are GDIT. A global technology and professional services company that delivers technology solutions and mission services to every major agency across the U.S. government, defense and intelligence community. Our 26,000 experts extract the power of technology to create immediate value and deliver solutions at the edge of innovation. We operate across 50+ countries worldwide, offering leading mission-ready capabilities in AI, cloud, cyber and software development.
Join our Talent Community to stay up to date on our career opportunities and events at gdit.com/tc.
Equal Opportunity Employer / Individuals with Disabilities / Protected Veterans
See All 133+ Principal Engineer Jobs in Washington
Find roles in Washington that match your experience and apply in just a few clicks.
Find Principal Engineer JobsPrincipal Engineer Jobs by City in Washington
Where Washington roles are concentrated, by current openings.
Principal Engineer Job Market in Washington
A snapshot from current Washington openings, updated as new roles post.
Who's Hiring
- Microsoft37
- Blue Origin12
- Oracle9
- Atlassian8
- AT&T4
Top Industries Hiring
- Technology & Software
- Retail
- Automotive
- Manufacturing
- Distribution & Wholesale
What Washington Employers Look For
The qualifications that appear most often in principal engineer jobs across Washington.
- Bachelor's or master's degree in computer science, electrical engineering, or a closely related engineering field
- Ten or more years of progressive software or systems engineering experience with demonstrated technical leadership
- Proven ability to define and drive architecture decisions across multiple engineering teams and product areas
- Deep expertise in at least one principal domain such as distributed systems, cloud platforms, or embedded systems
- Experience mentoring senior engineers and contributing to hiring, roadmaps, and cross-functional technical strategy
- Strong written and verbal communication skills for presenting technical direction to executive and non-technical audiences
Principal Engineer Jobs in Washington: Frequently Asked Questions
How do you become a principal engineer in Washington?
Becoming a principal engineer in Washington follows a seniority ladder rather than a state-issued license, since the role is not regulated by Washington's Department of Licensing for software and most systems disciplines. The typical path starts with a bachelor's or master's degree in computer science or engineering, followed by progression through senior engineer roles where you build a record of owning large technical systems. Washington employers expect candidates to demonstrate cross-team architectural influence before the principal title is granted.
Which companies hire principal engineers in Washington?
Employers hiring principal engineers in Washington right now include Microsoft, Blue Origin, and Oracle, based on current listings on Migrate Mate as of September 2026. Washington's concentration of major technology headquarters and aerospace manufacturing hubs means principal engineering roles here tend to be attached to core product and platform organizations rather than satellite offices.
Which Washington cities have the most principal engineer jobs?
Seattle, Redmond, and Bellevue hold the most principal engineer openings in Washington. Seattle and Bellevue dominate because Microsoft and Amazon maintain their largest engineering organizations there, while Redmond is home to several Microsoft campuses that produce a sustained volume of principal-level postings independent of broader hiring cycles.
Are there remote principal engineer jobs in Washington?
Yes, and more than most fields. About 81% of principal engineer openings tied to Washington are remote or hybrid as of September 2026, reflecting how deeply remote-capable this discipline is at the senior level. The parts of the role most likely to stay fully remote are architecture definition, design review, and cross-team technical leadership, while roles involving on-site hardware, lab environments, or aerospace manufacturing systems tend to require in-person presence.
How can I get hired as a principal engineer in Washington with little or no experience?
The most realistic entry path is landing a mid-level or senior software engineer role at a large Washington employer and building your way toward principal through demonstrated scope ownership. Microsoft, Amazon, and Boeing all run new-graduate and university-hire programs in the state that place candidates into engineering tracks designed to develop principal-level talent over time. Moving laterally from a staff engineer or technical lead title at a smaller Washington company is another well-worn door. A portfolio showing system design decisions at scale, open-source contributions, or a relevant graduate degree strengthens candidacy significantly.
Where can I find and apply to principal engineer jobs in Washington?
You can find and apply to principal engineer jobs in Washington on Migrate Mate, which lists current Washington openings. Search the roles that fit your background and experience level, then apply directly to the ones that match. No account creation is required to view and apply to listings.
See All 133+ Principal Engineer Jobs in Washington
Find roles in Washington that match your experience and apply in just a few clicks.
Find Principal Engineer Jobs