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Entry Level Principal Software Architect Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Principal Software Engineer

San Diego, CA · On-site

$114K - $171K/yr

Northrop Grumman Aeronautics Systems is looking to add a Principal Software Engineer - Development ... You will be responsible for the design, architecture, development, and administration of embedded ...

Overview This is a principal-level opportunity to shape the reliability and reach of PowerPlan ... Understand the architecture of the two methods the platform uses to deliver data to customers, and ...

Principal Software Engineer

Austin, TX

$133K - $179K/yr

Provides input to the Supv, Software Architecture in designing system architecture for large, complex enterprise-wide applications and technical solutions. * Develops standards for application ...

Principal Software Engineer

Santa Clara, CA · On-site

$159K - $213K/yr

Create software architecture as part of system conception design. * Assess software-related risks with necessary mitigations. * Develop software and coding based on software architecture. * Test new ...

Principal Software Engineer

Santa Clara, CA · On-site

$159K - $213K/yr

Create software architecture as part of system conception design. * Assess software-related risks with necessary mitigations. * Develop software and coding based on software architecture. * Test new ...

Principal Engineer Software

San Diego, CA · On-site

$114K - $171K/yr

Northrop Grumman Aeronautics Systems is looking to add a Principal Engineer Software to join our ... You will be responsible for the design, architecture, development, and administration of embedded ...

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Entry Level Principal Software Architect information

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$117K

$191.8K

$274K

How much do entry level principal software architect jobs pay per year?

As of Sep 3, 2026, the average yearly pay for entry level principal software architect in the United States is $191,750.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $147,500.00 and $233,500.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is the difference between Entry Level Principal Software Architect vs Senior Software Engineer?

AspectEntry Level Principal Software ArchitectSenior Software Engineer
CredentialsBachelor's or Master's in CS or related field; certifications like TOGAF or cloud certificationsBachelor's or Master's in CS or related field; relevant certifications optional
Work EnvironmentDesigning architecture, high-level planning, collaborating with stakeholdersImplementing features, coding, debugging, and testing
Employer & Industry UsageUsed in enterprise, tech, and consulting firms for strategic rolesCommon across tech companies, startups, and software firms for development roles

The Entry Level Principal Software Architect focuses on high-level system design and strategic planning, often requiring certifications and experience in architecture frameworks. In contrast, a Senior Software Engineer primarily handles coding, implementation, and technical problem-solving. While both roles require strong technical skills, the architect role emphasizes design and stakeholder collaboration, whereas the senior engineer role is more hands-on with development tasks.

How much does an entry level principal software architect make in the US?

An entry-level principal software architect in the US typically earns between $100,000 and $130,000 annually, depending on location, industry, and company size. This role requires strong technical skills, leadership abilities, and experience with software design and architecture tools.
More about Entry Level Principal Software Architect jobs

What are the most commonly searched types of Principal Software Architect jobs?

The most popular types of Principal Software Architect jobs are:

What job categories do people searching Entry Level Principal Software Architect jobs look for?

The top searched job categories for Entry Level Principal Software Architect jobs are:

Infographic showing various Entry Level Principal Software Architect job openings in the United States as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 89% Full Time, 8% Part Time, and 3% Contract. Highlights an 88% Physical, 3% Hybrid, and 9% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $191,750 per year, or $92.2 per hour.

Principal Software Engineer

Northrop Grumman

San Diego, CA • On-site

$114K - $171K/yr

Full-time

Medical, Life, PTO

Posted 4 days ago


Northrop Grumman rating

8.3

Company rating: 8.3 out of 10

Based on 368 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

66th of 545 rated manufacturers


Job description

RELOCATION ASSISTANCE: Relocation assistance may be available CLEARANCE REQUIRED FOR START: Yes CLEARANCE TYPE: Secret TRAVEL: Yes, 10% of the Time Description At Northrop Grumman, our employees have incredible opportunities to work on revolutionary systems that impact people's lives around the world today, and for generations to come. Our pioneering and inventive spirit has enabled us to be at the forefront of many technological advancements in our nation's history - from the first flight across the Atlantic Ocean, to stealth bombers, to landing on the moon. We look for people who have bold new ideas, courage and a pioneering spirit to join forces to invent the future, and have fun along the way.

Our culture thrives on intellectual curiosity, cognitive diversity and bringing your whole self to work - and we have an insatiable drive to do what others think is impossible. Our employees are not only part of history, they're making history. Northrop Grumman Aeronautics Systems is looking to add a Principal Software Engineer - Development to join our team of qualified, diverse individuals within our Software organization.

This position is located on site in San Diego, California. In this role you will design, develop, integrate and test software (SW) for our end-user customers and businesses. You will be responsible for the design, architecture, development, and administration of embedded and real time systems.

You will work with multi-disciplinary teams, such as Systems Engineering, Cloud & Application, Test Automation, DevSecOps and Systems Test, in an Agile SW development environment. You will analyze system capabilities to resolve problems on program intent, output requirements, input data acquisition, programming techniques and controls. Duties and Responsibilities: Work in a fast-paced environment with high expectations, significantly diverse assignments, and collaborative team settings across all levels Participate in the full SW development life cycle including requirements, design, implementation, qualification, and delivery of SW products to our customers Operate in an embedded technology development environment working with real-time operating systems for use in flight and mission critical systems Work in Agile Scrum teams to develop SW products for multiple SW baselines Basic Qualifications: Bachelor's Degree in a STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering or Mathematics) discipline and 5 years of related engineering experience; OR a Master's degree in a STEM discipline and 3 years of related engineering experience; OR a PhD in a STEM discipline and 1 year of related engineering experience.

Experience with the full SW Development Life Cycle (SDLC) Experience with the following programming and scripting languages: C, C++, and Python Experience developing software for Real-Time Operating Systems (RTOS) Experience with developing multi-threaded SW used for one of the following real-time applications: flight critical SW, Safety critical SW, medical SW, or mission critical SW Experience with one of the following tools: Jira, GitLab, Fortify, or Coverity Experience with Agile SW development, embedded system programming, SW integration and testing Active US Secret Clearance issued by the U.S. Government Preferred Qualifications: Familiarity with at least two of the data interfaces: 1553, RS-232, RS-422, ARINC-429, Serial, Discrete, or Ethernet/IP Familiarity with a Unit Test framework such as Google Unit Test Familiarity with Matlab, Simulink, or similar platforms Recent experience and proficiency in software architecture, design, implementation, integration, and debugging C++ SW running on Real-Time Operating systems such as: VxWorks, Integrity, RTX 64, AND/OR Real Time Embedded Linux. Able to read assembly and use CPU documentation to understand behaviors Can identify moderate execution defects by only reading code Understanding of how their embedded SW component will fit into a larger SW system / architecture Able to document, capture, and present software architectural components in modeling or diagramming tools Familiarity with OS partitions and isolation architectures High level understanding of architectural requirements for airworthiness certifications Primary Level Salary Range: $114,000.00 - $171,000.00 The above salary range represents a general guideline; however, Northrop Grumman considers a number of factors when determining base salary offers such as the scope and responsibilities of the position and the candidate's experience, education, skills and current market conditions

Depending on the position, employees may be eligible for overtime, shift differential, and a discretionary bonus in addition to base pay. Annual bonuses are designed to reward individual contributions as well as allow employees to share in company results. Employees in Vice President or Director positions may be eligible for Long Term Incentives.

In addition, Northrop Grumman provides a variety of benefits including health insurance coverage, life and disability insurance, savings plan, Company paid holidays and paid time off (PTO) for vacation and/or personal business. The application period for the job is estimated to be 20 days from the job posting date. However, this timeline may be shortened or extended depending on business needs and the availability of qualified candidates.

Northrop Grumman is an Equal Opportunity Employer, making decisions without regard to race, color, religion, creed, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, marital status, national origin, age, veteran status, disability, or any other protected class. For our complete EEO and pay transparency statement, please visit http://www.northropgrumman.com/EEO. U.S

Citizenship is required for all positions with a government clearance and certain other restricted positions.


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About Northrop Grumman

Sourced by ZipRecruiter

At Northrop Grumman, our employees have incredible opportunities to work on revolutionary systems that impact people's lives around the world today, and for generations to come. Our pioneering and inventive spirit has enabled us to be at the forefront of many technological advancements in our nation's history - from the first flight across the Atlantic Ocean, to stealth bombers, to landing on the moon. We look for people who have bold new ideas, courage and a pioneering spirit to join forces to invent the future, and have fun along the way. Our culture thrives on intellectual curiosity, cognitive diversity and bringing your whole self to work - and we have an insatiable drive to do what others think is impossible.

Industry

Space research administration

Company size

10,000+ Employees

Headquarters location

Falls Church, VA, US

Year founded

1939