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Principal Applications Developer Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Develop and maintain AWS, .NET, and X++ applications and integrations. * Develop and maintain ... multiple programming languages, infrastructure components, or technology platforms * Focus on ...

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Principal Applications Developer information

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$72K

$120.8K

$158K

How much do principal applications developer jobs pay per year?

As of May 29, 2026, the average yearly pay for principal applications 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 are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a Principal Applications Developer, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Principal Applications Developer, you need advanced proficiency in software development, system architecture, and project management, usually supported by a degree in computer science or a related field and extensive coding experience. Mastery of programming languages (such as Java, C#, or Python), cloud platforms, and familiarity with development tools like Git, CI/CD pipelines, and sometimes relevant certifications (e.g., AWS Certified Solutions Architect) is expected. Exceptional problem-solving skills, leadership, and effective communication help you mentor teams and manage complex projects. These skills ensure the delivery of robust, scalable applications and drive innovation within the organization.

How does a Principal Applications Developer typically collaborate with cross-functional teams during a project lifecycle?

A Principal Applications Developer plays a central role in cross-functional collaboration by working closely with product managers, designers, QA engineers, and other developers throughout the project lifecycle. They often lead technical discussions, translate business requirements into technical solutions, and ensure consistent communication between stakeholders. This role also involves mentoring team members, reviewing code, and guiding architectural decisions, which helps maintain project alignment and promotes best practices across the team. Effective collaboration is key to delivering robust, scalable applications that meet organizational goals.

What is a Principal Applications Developer?

A Principal Applications Developer is a senior-level software engineer responsible for leading the design, development, and implementation of complex software applications. They set technical direction, mentor junior team members, and ensure that software solutions align with business goals and best practices. Principal Applications Developers often collaborate with cross-functional teams, oversee project timelines, and play a key role in architectural decisions. Their expertise helps organizations build scalable and robust applications that meet user needs and industry standards.
Who are the top companies hiring for Principal Applications Developer jobs? The top employers for Principal Applications Developer jobs are:
Principal Applications Engineer

Principal Applications Engineer

Amtrak

Washington, DC

Other

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Posted 14 days ago


Amtrak rating

7.9

Company rating: 7.9 out of 10

Based on 140 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

23rd of 76 rated public transport


Job description

Your success is a train ride away!

As we move America's workforce toward the future, Amtrak connects businesses and communities across the country. We employ more than 20,000 diverse, energetic professionals in a variety of career fields throughout the United States. The safety of our passengers, our employees, the public and our operating environment is our priority, and the success of our railroad is due to our employees.

Are you ready to join our team?

Our values of 'Do the Right Thing, Excel Together and Put Customers First' are at the heart of what matters most to us, and our Core Capabilities, 'Building Trust, Accountability, Effective Communication, Customer Focus, and Proactive Safety & Security' are what every employee needs to know and do to be most impactful at Amtrak. By living the Amtrak values, focusing on our capabilities, and actively embracing and fostering diverse ideas, backgrounds, and perspectives, together we will honor our past and make Amtrak a company of the future.

Job Summary

Lead complex projects, offering expertise and technical direction, serving as an escalation point. Oversee system analysis, design, development, integration, and enhancements, as well as day-to-day system enhancement and development for the company. Demonstrate proficiency in various areas such as Cloud technology, middleware/DB platforms, networking, packaged applications, system integration, or software development. Areas of responsibility includes, but not limited to, AWS integrations between F&B ecosystem and other peripheral systems, such as, finance, reporting, etc., Microsoft Dynamics 365 F&O Commerce system administration, DevSecOps for entire F&B ecosystem. Handle change requests, Tier-3 ticket resolution, platform monitoring, performance tuning, and application testing. Collaborate with stakeholders to ensure technical solutions align with business goals, IT strategies, and architectural standards.

Essential Functions
  • Lead systems development with a focus on clear requirements, documented methodology, and robust testing.
  • Develop and maintain AWS, .NET, and X++ applications and integrations.
  • Develop and maintain Payment (PCI DSS) APIs.
  • Perform Microsoft Dynamics 365 F&O Administration activities, such as, user onboarding/offboarding and store creation.
  • Integrate and work on large Data Lakes to develop reporting and analytics dashboards.
  • Develop and document requirements and technical specifications according to established methodologies.
  • Consult with various stakeholders during development planning, taking the lead on technical issues.
  • Create technical solutions for defined requirements, including infrastructure, platform, and system development.
  • Ensure alignment with industry and company standards, adheres to quality procedures, and provides ongoing maintenance and oversight.
Minimum Qualifications
  • Bachelor's Degree or equivalent combination of education, training and/or relevant experience. 
  • Plus 7 years of relevant work experience.
Preferred Qualifications
  • Bachelor's Degree or equivalent combination of education, training and/or relevant experience. 
  • Plus 9 years of relevant work experience.
Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities
  • Experience in systems development and analysis, and managing third-party/vendor technical teams and resources
  • Strong experience in development of AWS, .NET, X++ applications and integrations
  • Proven experience in developing reports and dashboards in Microsoft Power BI
  • Strong experience integrating data into Data Lakes (Databricks, AWS, etc.)
  • Strong experience working with complex data to develop analytics, reports and dashboards
  • Broad understanding of information systems, architecture, and integration standards and mastery of multiple programming languages, infrastructure components, or technology platforms
  • Focus on business goals while ensuring timely development
  • Ability to work effectively under deadlines and in a flexible environment
  • In-depth knowledge of business operations and systems requirements processes, applying technical solutions to meet business needs
  • Adaptable communication skills to translate between technical and business language
  • Educating project team members on business unit goals and guiding junior resources
  • Identifying and proposing business and IT solutions, interpreting documents communicating business and IT needs
  • Assessing client needs and identifying opportunities for business development through technology
  • Excellent troubleshooting skills

The salary/hourly range is $113,200.00 - $146,664.00. Pay is based on several factors including but not limited to education, work experience, certifications, etc. Depending on an employee's assigned worksite or location, Amtrak may consider a geo-pay differential to be applied to the employee's base salary. Amtrak may offer additional incentive and pay programs to recognize and reward our employees, including a short-term incentive bonus based upon factors such as individual and company performance that is commensurate with the level of the position. 

Health and Wellbeing Financial and Retirement Work and Family Life Support Health, Dental, and Vision Insurance 401K with Employer Match Generous Paid Time Off  Wellness Programs Railroad Retirement Benefits Paid Caregiving Days and Backup Care Health Savings Account Public Service Student Loan Forgiveness Fertility and Family Building Benefits No-cost Personal Health Advocate Student Loan Assistance Adoption and Surrogacy Assistance Medical Plan Opt-out Credit Tuition and Education Reimbursement Paid Family Leave   Life Insurance Rail Pass Privileges   Short- and Long-term Disability Insurance Employee Assistance Program   No-cost Financial Advisor Sessions Commuter and Flexible Spending Accounts

Learn more about our benefits offerings here.

Requisition ID:166503

Work Arrangement:06-Onsite 4/5 Days Click here for more information about work arrangements at Amtrak.
Relocation Offered:No
Travel Requirements:Up to 25%

You power our progress through your performance.

We want your work at Amtrak to be more than a job. We want your career at Amtrak to be a fulfilling experience where you find challenging work, rewarding opportunities, respect among colleagues, and attractive compensation. Amtrak maintains a culture that values high performance and recognizes individual employee contributions.


Amtrak is committed to a safe workplace free of drugs and alcohol. All Amtrak positions requires a pre-employment background check that includes prior employment verification, a criminal history check and a pre-employment drug screen.

Candidates who test positive for marijuana will be disqualified, regardless of any state or local statute, ordinance, regulation, or other law that legalizes or decriminalizes the use or possession of marijuana, whether for medical, recreational, or other use. Amtrak's pre-employment drug testing program is administered in accordance with DOT regulations and applicable law.


In accordance with DOT regulations (49 CFR 40.25), Amtrak is required to obtain prior drug and alcohol testing records for applicants/employees intending to perform safety-sensitive duties for covered Department of Transportation positions. If an applicant/employee refuses to provide written consent for Amtrak to obtain these records, the individual will not be permitted to perform safety-sensitive functions.

In accordance with federal law governing security checks of covered individuals for providers of public transportation (Title 6 U.S.C. 1143), Amtrak is required to screen applicants for any permanent or interim disqualifying criminal offenses.


Note that any education requirement listed above may be deemed satisfied if you have an equivalent combination of education, training and experience.


Amtrak is an equal opportunity employer and all qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race/color, to include traits historically associated with race, including but not limited to, hair texture and hairstyles such as braids, locks and twists, religion, sex (including pregnancy, childbirth and related conditions, such as lactation), national origin/ethnicity, disability (intellectual, mental and physical), veteran status, marital status, ancestry, sexual orientation, gender identity and gender expression, genetic information, citizenship or any other personal characteristics protected by law.


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About Amtrak

Sourced by ZipRecruiter

As we move America's workforce toward the future, Amtrak connects businesses and communities across the country. We employ more than 20,000 diverse, energetic professionals in a variety of career fields throughout the United States. The safety of our passengers, our employees, the public and our operating environment is our priority, and the success of our railroad is due to our employees.

Industry

Travel arrangement services

Company size

10,000+ Employees

Headquarters location

Washington, DC, US

Year founded

1971