Principal is higher. The position is more like a manager type of consultant. They are very in-depth with the technology, but now more then not, manage the seniors or provide guidance to the seniors....
Consultant.
Here is a definition that I recently created for a Search Engine Optimized financial glossary:
A consultant is an individual or firm that offers expert advice or provides a...
A Presales consultant is normally an IT person that works with a sales person to explain the more detailed aspects of a solution to a customer, so a sale can be made. They would be experts in a...
A telecommunication consultant is a fancy name for a telemarketer. A telemarketer or telecommunication consultant is someone who markets over the phone, calling people at work or in their homes on...
Consultants gives professional advice and offers business improvement, transformation and organizational services to small and medium sized businesses, corporate and local authorities.