Basic Qualifications for the Senior Principal Quality Engineer: Bachelor's Degree (STEM) in Engineering (electrical, mechanical, systems, aerospace) with 8 years experience, Master's Degree (STEM) with 6 years experience, or PhD Degree (STEM) with 4 years experience. Basic Qualifications for the Principal Quality Engineer: Bachelor's degree (STEM) in Engineering (electrical, mechanical, systems, aerospace) with 5 years experience, Master's Degree (STEM) with 3 years experience, or PhD (STEM) with 1 years experience.