How much does a Principal Engineer make in Irvine, CA?
Principal Engineers in Irvine, CA, enjoy a strong earning potential. On average, they make about $176,550 a year. This salary can change based on experience, skills, and company. The highest earners in this role can make over $239,000 annually. This shows that with the right experience, Principal Engineers can expect a rewarding salary.
Looking at the salary data, Principal Engineers in Irvine earn different amounts depending on their experience. For instance, those with the least experience can expect to make around $139,000. As experience grows, so do the earnings. Engineers with more than ten years can earn up to $239,000. This range makes it clear that career growth in this role can lead to significant salary increases.
What are the highest paying cities for a Principal Engineer near Irvine, CA?

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Costa Mesa, CA
Average Salary: $181,722
In Costa Mesa, you'll find a hub for tech innovation with many companies seeking skilled engineers. Working here means collaborating with top firms in a dynamic environment. The area's vibrant culture and strong community make it an attractive place to build a career.
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Orange, CA
Average Salary: $180,757
Orange offers a mix of established companies and startups looking for engineering talent. This city provides a great balance between work and a relaxed lifestyle. Engineers here often work on cutting-edge projects, making a real impact in their fields.
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Anaheim, CA
Average Salary: $165,300
Anaheim is home to major firms in tech and entertainment. Engineers in this city enjoy a diverse range of projects and opportunities for career growth. The city's strategic location also offers easy access to other tech hubs in Southern California.
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Lake Forest, CA
Average Salary: $143,700
Lake Forest is known for its high-quality lifestyle and growing tech industry. Working here means being part of a close-knit community with excellent job opportunities. Engineers benefit from a supportive environment that encourages innovation and professional development.
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What are the best paying companies for a Principal Engineer in Irvine, CA?

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The Irvine Company
Average Salary: $237,500
The Irvine Company is a leading real estate developer in Southern California. They focus on commercial, residential, and industrial projects. Principal Engineers here work on designing and managing complex engineering projects. The company operates in multiple locations in California.
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Infineon Technologies
Average Salary: $207,475
Infineon Technologies is a global leader in semiconductor solutions. They offer products for various industries including automotive, industrial, and consumer markets. Principal Engineers at Infineon are responsible for developing innovative semiconductor solutions. They operate in Irvine, CA, among other locations.
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Skyworks Solutions
Average Salary: $198,800
Skyworks Solutions is a semiconductor company known for its high-quality analog and mixed-signal chips. They serve a wide range of industries, including mobile devices and industrial applications. Principal Engineers at Skyworks work on cutting-edge semiconductor technologies. They operate in Irvine, CA, and other global locations.
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AbbVie
Average Salary: $192,667
AbbVie is a biopharmaceutical company focused on research and development. They specialize in various therapeutic areas. Principal Engineers at AbbVie design and develop innovative pharmaceutical solutions. They have operations in Irvine, CA, and across the globe.
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Providence
Average Salary: $189,620
Providence is a health care provider with numerous hospitals and clinics. They focus on patient care and medical research. Principal Engineers at Providence work on medical technologies and equipment. They have facilities in Irvine, CA, and other locations.
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Marvell Technology
Average Salary: $184,698
Marvell Technology is a semiconductor company that provides networking and storage solutions. They serve the data center and communications markets. Principal Engineers at Marvell focus on developing high-performance semiconductor solutions. They operate in Irvine, CA, and other global sites.
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Ingram Micro
Average Salary: $174,688
Ingram Micro is a leading technology distributor. They provide hardware, software, and support services. Principal Engineers at Ingram Micro work on supply chain solutions and technology products. They have operations in Irvine, CA, and worldwide.
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West Yost
Average Salary: $161,610
West Yost is a renowned engineering and design firm. They specialize in architecture, engineering, and construction. Principal Engineers at West Yost focus on creating innovative building designs. They operate in Irvine, CA, and various other locations.
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Edwards Lifesciences
Average Salary: $152,500
Edwards Lifesciences is a medical device company. They focus on heart valve and hemodynamic monitoring technologies. Principal Engineers at Edwards develop and improve medical devices. They have operations in Irvine, CA, and internationally.
What are the best paying Principal Engineer related jobs in Irvine, CA?

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Director of Engineering
Average Salary: $190,356
As a director, you lead engineering teams in developing products and systems. Companies in Irvine like Broadcom and Tektronix offer opportunities to guide projects, ensuring they meet quality and performance standards. You'll collaborate closely with other executives to align engineering efforts with business goals.
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Technical Architect
Average Salary: $177,931
In this role, you create the blueprints for software and hardware systems. Firms in Irvine, such as Microsemi and Agilent Technologies, look for architects to design scalable and efficient systems. You will work with various teams to ensure the architecture supports current and future business needs.
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Chief Engineer
Average Salary: $169,407
As a chief engineer, you manage engineering teams and ensure projects stay on track. At companies like Cypress Semiconductor and Xilinx in Irvine, you'll oversee the entire engineering process. You'll also be responsible for problem-solving and driving innovation to stay ahead of the competition.
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Solutions Architect
Average Salary: $166,103
Solutions architects design comprehensive solutions that meet client needs. In Irvine, companies like VMware and Applied Materials need architects to bridge the gap between technology and business strategies. You will work closely with clients to understand their requirements and propose effective technical solutions.
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Research Manager
Average Salary: $151,625
Research managers lead teams in developing new products and technologies. At firms such as Northrop Grumman and Amphenol in Irvine, you'll direct research efforts to advance product capabilities. You'll need strong analytical skills and the ability to manage research projects efficiently.
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Cloud Engineer
Average Salary: $150,029
Cloud engineers specialize in cloud computing services. In Irvine, companies like Oracle and Broadcom offer roles in managing cloud infrastructure. You'll ensure the smooth operation of cloud services, optimizing performance and security to meet company needs.
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Data Engineer
Average Salary: $143,795
Data engineers build and maintain data systems. At firms such as Microsemi and Hitachi in Irvine, you'll work with large datasets to create efficient data pipelines. You'll ensure data accuracy and availability for analytics and business intelligence.
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Staff Engineer
Average Salary: $143,117
Staff engineers work on complex engineering problems. Companies like Seagate Technology and SunPower in Irvine seek staff engineers to tackle challenges and drive technical solutions. You'll mentor junior engineers and contribute to the overall engineering strategy.
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Safety Director
Average Salary: $141,112
Safety directors ensure compliance with safety regulations. In Irvine, companies like Northrop Grumman and Siemens look for directors to oversee safety programs. You'll develop safety policies, conduct training, and implement safety measures to protect employees and assets.
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Electrical Engineer
Average Salary: $130,115
Electrical engineers design and develop electrical systems. At firms such as Agilent Technologies and Amphenol in Irvine, you'll work on everything from circuit design to system integration. You'll need strong analytical skills and a solid understanding of electrical principles.
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