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Principal Application Developer Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Principal Application Software Engineer

Reston, VA · On-site

$140K - $188K/yr

Principal Application Software Engineer Position Overview Oracle Government Defense & Intelligence is seeking a Principal Application Software Engineer to design, build, and operate secure ...

Serve as the equipment and process development expert for the Santa Clara Application Engineering team * Operate, troubleshoot, optimize, and evaluate a broad range of application equipment ...

Create documentation and collateral such as analysis & measurement reports, application notes, white papers user manuals and datasheets * Mentor junior engineers and provide technical guidance across ...

Principal Application Engineer

Irvine, CA · On-site

$130K - $155K/yr

Manage a small (2-4) Application Engineering team to achieve project deliverables What makes you a good fit * Bachelor's degree in Materials Science, Chemical Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, or ...

$90K - $120K/yr

## Principal Application Engineer (hybrid)Applylocations: New Freedom-Pennsylvania-United States of America: San Antonio-Texas-United States of America: Grantley Plant York PA: Baltimore-Maryland-United ...

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Principal Application Developer information

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$72K

$120.8K

$158K

How much do principal application developer jobs pay per year?

As of Sep 14, 2026, the average yearly pay for principal application developer in the United States is $120,809.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $102,000.00 and $141,500.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is a principal application developer?

Principal Application Developers are senior-level software engineers responsible for leading the design, development, and implementation of complex software applications. They often set technical direction, mentor other developers, and ensure that coding standards and best practices are followed. In addition to hands-on programming, they collaborate with stakeholders to align technical solutions with business goals. Their role also involves troubleshooting high-level issues and making architectural decisions to ensure scalability and maintainability of applications.

What skills and qualifications are needed to be a principal application developer?

To thrive as a Principal Application Developer, you need extensive experience in software development, advanced programming skills in multiple languages, and a strong understanding of application architecture, typically supported by a relevant degree. Mastery of development frameworks, cloud platforms (like AWS or Azure), DevOps tools, and often certifications such as AWS Certified Solutions Architect are highly valued. Leadership, effective communication, and problem-solving skills help you guide teams and collaborate across departments. These competencies ensure the successful delivery of robust, scalable applications and effective mentorship within development teams.

How does a principal application developer collaborate with cross-functional teams on large-scale projects?

Principal Application Developers play a critical role in coordinating with cross-functional teams, including product managers, UX designers, quality assurance engineers, and infrastructure specialists. They often lead technical discussions, set architectural standards, and ensure that development aligns with business objectives. Effective collaboration involves frequent communication, agile ceremonies, code reviews, and mentoring team members. This collaborative environment enables Principal Application Developers to guide projects from conception to deployment while fostering a culture of technical excellence.

What is the difference between Principal Application Developer vs Senior Application Developer?

AspectPrincipal Application DeveloperSenior Application Developer
CredentialsBachelor's or Master's in Computer Science, relevant certificationsBachelor's or Master's in Computer Science, relevant certifications
Work EnvironmentLeads project architecture, mentors teams, influences technical strategyDevelops applications, troubleshoots, and implements solutions under guidance
Industry UsageUsed across industries for senior technical leadership rolesCommonly employed for experienced developers executing complex tasks

The Principal Application Developer typically holds a higher level of responsibility, focusing on architecture, leadership, and strategic technical decisions. In contrast, the Senior Application Developer primarily concentrates on coding, problem-solving, and project execution. Both roles require strong technical skills and relevant experience, but the Principal role involves more leadership and strategic planning.

What does a principal application developer do?

A principal application developer designs, develops, and maintains complex software applications, often providing technical leadership within a team. They analyze user requirements, create system architecture, and ensure code quality, typically using programming languages like Java, C#, or Python. They also mentor junior developers and collaborate with stakeholders to deliver scalable solutions.

What states have the most Principal Application Developer jobs?

States with the most job openings for Principal Application Developer jobs include:

What are popular job titles related to Principal Application Developer jobs?

For Principal Application Developer jobs, the most frequently searched job titles are:

Principal Application Engineer

Santa Clara, CA • On-site

Henkel AG & Co. KGaA
Manufacturing • 10K+ employees

Full-time

Posted 6 days ago


Job description

About this Position At Henkel, you'll be part of an organization that's shaping thefuture through innovation, sustainability and collaboration. With our trustedbrands like Persil, 'all, Loctite, Snuggle, and Schwarzkopf and ourcutting-edge technologies, you'll have countless opportunities to explore newpaths and grow.
This position is with our Adhesive Technologies business unit -where we empower our people to transform industries and provide our customerswith a competitive advantage through adhesives, sealants and functionalcoatings.
Dare to learn new skills, advance inyour career and make an impact at Henkel.
What youll do 
  • Lead hands-on development and optimization of adhesive application processes, provide technical expertise across a broad range of application equipment, and design custom fixtures and tooling to support laboratory and customer applications
  • The individual will also provide technical guidance to the AE team and hands-on support for customer projects
  • Serve as the equipment and process development expert for the Santa Clara Application Engineering team
  • Operate, troubleshoot, optimize, and evaluate a broad range of application equipment, including liquid dispensing, jetting, printing, film application, coating, lamination, mixing, curing, and related technologies
  • Lead application process development, optimization, and scale-up for new and existing adhesive technologies
  • Design and develop custom fixtures, jigs, tooling, and experimental setups based on application and testing requirements
  • Use CAD or similar tools to develop fixture designs and work with internal or external resources for fabrication
  • Develop experimental methods and test setups to improve process capability, repeatability, and laboratory efficiency
  • Provide hands-on technical support and troubleshooting for AE engineers, laboratory personnel, and customers
  • Evaluate new equipment and technologies and recommend solutions based on application requirements and process capability
  • Collaborate with R&D, Product Development, Sales, Marketing, Manufacturing, and customers to develop practical application solutions
  • Mentor AE team members in equipment operation, process development, and fixture design
  • Support global customer projects and travel internationally as needed, with approximately 20% travel expected
  • This role is fully onsite, requiring 5 days per week in the Santa Clara office