Jobloria
Design Engineer Principal
Planet Group
Location : Richland,WA
Job Type : Contractor
Salary : $60.52-$82.76hr
Date Posted : 1 December 2025
The Planet Group https://cdn.haleymarketing.com/templates/63515/logos/theplanetgroup-200x200.png http://www.theplanetgroup.com http://www.theplanetgroup.com true
76 N Power Plant Loop Richland , WA 99354 US
Design Engineer Principal76 N Power Plant Loop Richland , WA 99354 US
Posted: 11/13/2025 2025-11-13 2025-12-20 Employment Type: Contract To Hire Job Category: Engineering Job Number: 638190 Is job remote?: No
Job DescriptionLocation:Richland, WA 99354
Pay:$60.52-$82.76hr
Description:
Provide independent engineering service and support to perform highly complex engineering tasks requiring specialized skills and broad experience in the application of engineering fundamentals in support of the design modification, operating, and independent assessment of facilities. Serve as an advisor to others.
Principal Accountabilities:
• Perform highly complex engineering analyses and designs in support of operations, systems, programs, audit inspections, and assessments requiring skills and experience gained through application of engineering methods and analysis, codes, standards, and regulatory requirements.
o Work with minimal supervision.
o Serve as an advisor providing advice and counsel on assignments concerned with specialized or unique engineering requirements. Solutions provided involve unconventional or innovative problem-solving techniques.
• Provide technical training on highly complex or extended projects.
• Provide Solutions and training of small groups to resolve complex issues.
• Identify need and initiate development of new policies, programs, plans, and procedures to meet strategic objectives.
• Assure compliance with regulatory and industry guidance. Provide interpretation of industry guidance for application.
• Identify potential problems in design, quality, or operation and initiate corrective action.
• 12-hour work shifts during outages as part of our overall Outage support (24/7)
Required Education & Experience:Requires a bachelor’s degree in engineering from an accredited college or university and seven years of engineering experience.
OR
High school diploma and PE license obtained by accredited examination plus eight years of engineering experience.
OR
GED and PE license obtained by accredited examination plus eight years of engineering experience.
Required Abilities:
• Requires knowledge of discipline engineering principles, practices, and theories, and methods to identify and solve the highest complex problems and perform sophisticated analyses.
• Advanced technical knowledge of related disciplines is required.
• Must maintain current knowledge of industry developments and applications
• Effective communication skills are required to relate to both highly analytical and nonscientific backgrounds.
• Ability to provide strong technical guidance, and technical training to other technical employees.
• Ability to work independently without supervision.
• Demonstrate core values: Teamwork, Excellence, Accountability, Mutual respect and trust through open, honest communication.
• Ability to represent Engineering in industry working groups and other discipline related activities.
Location:Richland, WA 99354
Pay:$60.52-$82.76hr
Description:
Provide independent engineering service and support to perform highly complex engineering tasks requiring specialized skills and broad experience in the application of engineering fundamentals in support of the design modification, operating, and independent assessment of facilities. Serve as an advisor to others.
Principal Accountabilities:
• Perform highly complex engineering analyses and designs in support of operations, systems, programs, audit inspections, and assessments requiring skills and experience gained through application of engineering methods and analysis, codes, standards, and regulatory requirements.
o Work with minimal supervision.
o Serve as an advisor providing advice and counsel on assignments concerned with specialized or unique engineering requirements. Solutions provided involve unconventional or innovative problem-solving techniques.
• Provide technical training on highly complex or extended projects.
• Provide Solutions and training of small groups to resolve complex issues.
• Identify need and initiate development of new policies, programs, plans, and procedures to meet strategic objectives.
• Assure compliance with regulatory and industry guidance. Provide interpretation of industry guidance for application.
• Identify potential problems in design, quality, or operation and initiate corrective action.
• 12-hour work shifts during outages as part of our overall Outage support (24/7)
Required Education & Experience:Requires a bachelor’s degree in engineering from an accredited college or university and seven years of engineering experience.
OR
High school diploma and PE license obtained by accredited examination plus eight years of engineering experience.
OR
GED and PE license obtained by accredited examination plus eight years of engineering experience.
Required Abilities:
• Requires knowledge of discipline engineering principles, practices, and theories, and methods to identify and solve the highest complex problems and perform sophisticated analyses.
• Advanced technical knowledge of related disciplines is required.
• Must maintain current knowledge of industry developments and applications
• Effective communication skills are required to relate to both highly analytical and nonscientific backgrounds.
• Ability to provide strong technical guidance, and technical training to other technical employees.
• Ability to work independently without supervision.
• Demonstrate core values: Teamwork, Excellence, Accountability, Mutual respect and trust through open, honest communication.
• Ability to represent Engineering in industry working groups and other discipline related activities.
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Freqently Asked Questions
A Design Engineer Principal in Richland must have advanced knowledge spanning mechanical, electrical, and systems engineering principles. Given the nuclear power plant context, expertise in regulatory compliance, safety codes, and multidisciplinary integration is critical to ensure design integrity and operational reliability.
Moving into a principal role involves developing skills beyond technical design, such as mentoring junior engineers, leading complex problem-solving initiatives, and innovating policy improvements. Building credibility through specialized expertise and effective communication fosters trust and advisory capacity in engineering teams.
Professionals often progress to leadership roles such as Engineering Manager, Principal Project Engineer, or specialized consultant roles. Opportunities include influencing strategic engineering decisions, representing the company in industry forums, or spearheading innovation in design assurance and facility assessments.
Planet Group emphasizes a contract-to-hire model with a focus on nuclear power plant operations, requiring deep regulatory knowledge and 12-hour shift adaptability. Their culture values open communication, mutual respect, and technical leadership, which distinguishes their approach to engineering roles.
Planet Group encourages continuous learning by facilitating access to advanced training, workshops on evolving codes and standards, and participation in industry working groups. This approach ensures engineers stay current with regulatory changes and technological advancements vital for complex facility assessments.
The Design Engineer Principal at Planet Group offers $60.52 to $82.76 per hour, which is competitive within Richland's engineering sector, reflecting the specialized skills and experience required for nuclear facility projects. This range typically exceeds average local design engineer salaries due to the role’s complexity.
Holding a Professional Engineer (PE) license, especially with accreditation in mechanical or electrical disciplines, significantly boosts employability. Additional certifications related to nuclear safety, quality assurance, and regulatory compliance are highly valued in Richland’s specialized job market.
While 12-hour shifts can be demanding, they offer concentrated periods of focused work followed by extended off-duty time. This shift pattern supports intensive project phases like outages but requires strong time management and adaptability to maintain personal well-being.
A Design Engineer Principal possesses not only advanced technical mastery and problem-solving abilities but also leadership qualities such as mentoring, independent decision-making, and strategic policy development. Soft skills like effective communication across disciplines and teamwork are essential for successful project delivery.
Given the role’s emphasis on onsite presence for facility assessments and outage support, remote work is not available. Physical access to the power plant and collaboration during 24/7 operations necessitate on-location commitment.
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