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Entry Level Principal Software Architect Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Senior/Principal Software Developer

Austin, TX ยท Hybrid

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Retirement

... Principal software developer to join our rapidly growing team. We're a laid\-back team who works ... Architect, design and build amazing products using .Net Core, React, and a mix of new and proven ...

Software Engineer

Denver, CO ยท On-site

$210K - $240K/yr

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Retirement

Principal Software Engineer * Senior Application Developer * Senior Full Stack Developer Keywords: * Software Architecture * Technical Leadership * Advanced Programming * System Design * Code Review ...

Principal Software Engineer

Boulder, CO ยท On-site

$185K - $250K/yr

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Retirement

Architect and implement core systems for an AI-powered enterprise collaboration platform, as a core ... If you're a senior software engineer or principal technologist who thrives on autonomy, deep ...

Software Engineer

Denver, CO ยท On-site

$210K - $240K/yr

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Retirement

Principal Software Engineer * Senior Application Developer * Senior Full Stack Developer Keywords: * Software Architecture * Technical Leadership * Advanced Programming * System Design * Code Review ...

Showing results 21-40

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 Aug 14, 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.

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 often requires strong technical skills, leadership abilities, and experience with software design and architecture tools.

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.

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 1% Internship, 87% Full Time, 8% Part Time, and 4% Contract. Highlights an 87% Physical, 4% Hybrid, and 9% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $191,750 per year, or $92.2 per hour.

Principal Software Engineer

II-VI Aerospace & Defense

Santa Clara, CA โ€ข On-site

$159K - $213K/yr

Full-time

Re-posted 25 days ago


Job description


Primary Duties & Responsibilities
  • Work with internal customers to define the automated process and system specifications.
  • Understand and document customers' requirements and reach agreements with customers.
  • Work with hardware engineering colleagues to design/select suitable key parts as part of system conception design.
  • 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 developed modules if feasible.
  • Simulate environment to verify key algorithms.
  • Finish the whole software coding within the pre-defined schedule.
  • Set up PC and install necessary software and hardware drivers.
  • Make each control module functional individually.
  • Debug software to make each functional unit work properly.
  • Integrate system to make the whole auto sequence as defined.
  • Work with hardware engineering colleagues to continuously trial run the system and improve and verify the system reliability.
  • Install the system on the production floor and work with the customer to qualify the system.
  • Support the production and trouble-shooting system issues if needed.

Education & Experience
  • 15+ yrs. of software engineering experience in automated process and test systems development is must.
  • Skilled in the use of software development language such as C#, C, C++.
  • Knowledge of optical communication technology is preferred.

Skills & Other Requirements
  • Expert in the design and developing software for automated assembly and test systems for optical data communication related product manufacturing, such as transceivers, OCS, and CPO.
  • Proficient in motion control and machine vision technology applications.
  • Familiar with deep learning technology application is a plus.
  • Ability to develop regular automation projects independently.
  • Ability to work closely with colleagues from various fields.
  • Excels in a high teamwork sprit across teams, departments, and sites.
  • Able to support a flexible work schedule due to the needs of collaboration with multiple facility's customers and colleagues.

Working Conditions
  • 8-hour shift: 8 AM to 5 PM. May need to work on some irregular hours, such as earnings and weekends, for urgent production support.
  • Must be able to function in a fast-paced environment, carrying out multiple projects at a time.
  • Candidate may need to occasionally travel overseas to customer site for system transfer or support.

Physical Requirements
  • Able to work in a clean room environment when needed.

Safety Requirements
All employees are required to follow the site EHS procedures and Coherent Corp. Corporate EHS standards.
Quality and Environmental Responsibilities
Depending on location, this position may be responsible for the execution and maintenance of the ISO 9000, 9001, 14001 and/or other applicable standards that may apply to the relevant roles and responsibilities within the Quality Management System and Environmental Management System.
Culture Commitment
Ensure adherence to company's values (ICARE) in all aspects of your position at Coherent Corp.:
Integrity - Create an Environment of Trust
Collaboration - Innovate Through the Sharing of Ideas
Accountability - Own the Process and the Outcome
Respect - Recognize the Value in Everyone
Enthusiasm - Find a Sense of Purpose in Work
Coherent Corp. is an equal opportunity/affirmative action employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to sex, gender identity, sexual orientation, race, color, religion, national origin, disability, protected Veteran status, age, or any other characteristic protected by law.
If you need assistance or an accommodation due to a disability, you may contact us at talentacquisition@coherent.com.
About Us
Coherent is a global leader in lasers, engineered materials and networking components. We are a vertically integrated manufacturing company that develops innovative products for diversified applications in the industrial, optical communications, military, life sciences, semiconductor equipment, and consumer markets. Coherent provides a comprehensive career development platform within an environment that challenges employees to perform at their best, while rewarding excellence and hard-work through a competitive compensation program. It's an exciting opportunity to work for a company that offers stability, longevity and growth. Come Join Us!
Note to recruiters and employment agencies: We will not pay for unsolicited resumes from recruiters and employment agencies unless we have a signed agreement and have required assistance, in writing, for a specific opening.