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Entry Level Principal Software Architect Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Entry-Level Architect

Seattle, WA · On-site

$63K - $74K/yr

ZGF is seeking an Entry Level Architect to join our team in the Seattle office. We are looking for ... software. * What we do is all about design - having good communication and graphic skills along ...

Entry-Level Architect

Seattle, WA · On-site

$63K - $74K/yr

ZGF is seeking an Entry Level Architect to join our team in the Seattle office. We are looking for ... software. * What we do is all about design - having good communication and graphic skills along ...

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 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 - Java

Northrop Grumman Corporation

San Diego, CA • On-site

Full-time

Medical, Life, PTO

Re-posted 25 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 availableCLEARANCE REQUIRED FOR START: YesCLEARANCE TYPE: Top SecretTRAVEL: Yes, 25% of the TimeDescriptionAt 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.

Please note that this opportunity is contingent on program funding.Start dates are determined after funding confirmation.

Northrop Grumman Aeronautics Systems is looking to add a Principal Software Engineer - Java to join our team of qualified, diverse individuals within our Software organization. This position will be filled out of our Software Engineering organization and will support the team on site in San Diego, CA.

The selected candidate should thrive in a fast-paced work environment with high expectations, significantly diverse assignments, collaborative/team settings across all levels

Duties and Responsibilities include, but are not limited to:

Collaborate and work in a team environment with Systems Engineering, Cloud & Application, Test Automation, DevSecOps and Systems Test, in an Agile software development environment.

Participate in the software development cycle including prototype and graphic user interface design, implementation and delivery of build/test/release.

Work with object-oriented programming, design patterns, JMS, Web Services, XML and related technologies (i.e., XPath, XSLT, XSD)

Develop enterprise solutions for Java Enterprise Edition (JEE) in a SOA environment

Work in a process-oriented software development environment across the software lifecycle

Collaborate with team members on a regular basis.

The selected candidate will be required to work full-time, on-site at our facility. There is no remote / hybrid / telework available for this position. An occasional travel requirement up to 10% may be needed.

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.

Prior leadership experience using agile development, including participating as Product Owner, SCRUM Master, and/or team member in an Agile development environment.

Experience with the full Software Development Life Cycle (SDLC).

Experience with Agile software development, object-oriented architecture and programming, software integration and testing.

Experience and proficiency utilizing Java, Experience with Java microservices, Graphical User Interface (GUI) applications.

Experience with at least two of the following programming or scripting languages: Python, Go, C++, C#, PowerShell, VBScript, Bash, or KornShell.

Experience with Cloud technologies and service providers.

Your ability to transfer and maintain the final adjudicated U.S. government Top Secret clearance (must be in-scope or enrolled in Continuous Evaluation) and any program access(es) required for the position within a reasonable period of time, as determined by the Company.

Ability to obtain and maintain initial Special Program Access (SAP/PAR). This SAP/PAR must be obtained prior to commencement of employment and must be obtained within a reasonable amount of time as determined by the company to meet its business needs. (Of note: SAP/PAR will be upgraded once selected candidate is in role. Therefore, candidate must also be able to obtain and maintain upgraded SAP/PAR.)

Preferred Qualifications:

Current applicable SAP access

An advanced degree in Engineering, Computer Science, Computer Engineering, or other STEM discipline.

Advanced technical management degree.

Experience with at least one of the following databases: Oracle, MySQL, Microsoft SQL Server, PostgreSQL, MongoDB, Redis, Elasticsearch.

Experience with at least one of the following container management tools: Kubernetes, Amazon ECS, Docker Swarm, Nomad, Redhat OpenShift

Experience with application and container security.

Experience with Machine Learning Model development.

Excellent communication, interpersonal skills, and the ability to interface with all levels of employees and management.

Experience with threading, intermediate object-oriented programming, design patterns, Data Distribution Service (DDS) messaging, web technologies, Unified Modeling Language (UML), database essentials and SQL/NoSQL.

Prior experience using Atlassian Tool Suite, JIRA, SonarQube

#yellow

Primary Level Salary Range: $114,000.00 - $171,000.00The 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