Chief Engineer vs. Principal Engineer: What Are the Differences?

A career in engineering can be both rewarding and challenging. Two common positions in this field are that of a chief engineer and a principal engineer. Though these roles share some similarities, there are several key differences between them.

In this article, we discuss the differences between a chief engineer and a principal engineer, and we provide additional engineering professions you may be interested in pursuing.

What is a Chief Engineer?

A Chief Engineer is responsible for the overall engineering operations of a company or organization. They develop and implement engineering plans and projects, and they oversee the work of subordinate engineers. They also coordinate with other departments within the company to ensure that engineering work is completed efficiently and effectively. A Chief Engineer typically has many years of experience working in engineering, and they may have a professional engineering license.

What is a Principal Engineer?

Principal Engineers are responsible for leading and managing a team of engineers to complete engineering projects. They develop project plans and budgets, and they oversee the project from start to finish to ensure that it is completed on time and within budget. They also ensure that the project meets all safety and quality standards. Principal Engineers typically have a bachelor’s degree in engineering, and they may also have a master’s degree or a professional engineer’s license.

Chief Engineer vs. Principal Engineer

Here are the main differences between a chief engineer and a principal engineer.

Job Duties

Chief engineers oversee the entire engineering department and make sure it runs smoothly. They manage other engineers, assign projects and delegate tasks. Principal engineers develop and implement the engineering department’s goals and objectives. They direct the department in a specific direction and ensure its success. The daily job duties of both positions differ because of this difference in leadership responsibilities.

Job Requirements

Chief engineers and principal engineers typically need to have a bachelor’s degree in engineering, although some employers may prefer candidates with a master’s degree. Additionally, many chief engineers and principal engineers are licensed professional engineers (PEs). To become a PE, you must first earn a bachelor’s degree from an ABET-accredited engineering program, complete four years of work experience under the supervision of a licensed engineer and pass two exams administered by the National Council of Examiners for Engineering and Surveying (NCEES).

Work Environment

Chief engineers typically work in larger facilities with more employees. They may oversee the entire engineering department and ensure that all projects are completed on time and within budget. Chief engineers also travel to different locations to inspect construction sites or meet with clients.

Principal engineers usually work in smaller companies, such as consulting firms or private research labs. They often have fewer employees under their supervision than chief engineers do. Principal engineers may spend most of their time working alone or with a small team.

Skills

Both chief engineers and principal engineers need to have excellent problem-solving skills. They often are responsible for overseeing the work of other engineers, so they need to be able to identify issues and develop solutions quickly. Both also need to be able to effectively communicate with other engineers and colleagues.

Chief engineers typically need to have a broad range of engineering knowledge so that they can provide guidance and support to the engineers who report to them. They also may need to have project management skills to oversee multiple engineering projects at one time. Principal engineers usually focus on one specific area of engineering, such as electrical or mechanical engineering. As a result, they tend to have in-depth knowledge about their area of expertise. They also may need to have research skills to develop new products or improve existing ones.

Salary

The average salary for a chief engineer is $85,841 per year, while the average salary for a principal engineer is $145,552 per year. The salary for both positions may vary depending on the size of the company, the location of the job and the level of experience the engineer has prior to pursuing either position.