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Principal Architect Jobs in Reston, VA (NOW HIRING)

Scale AI

Principal Architect

Washington, DC · On-site

Scale AI is seeking a Principal Architect to drive the design, development, and deployment of their agentic AI products. In this role, you will lead a team of engineers, making high-impact ...

Peraton

Senior Principal Architect

Reston, VA

$176K - $282K/yr

The Senior Principal Architect will partner closely with Capture Managers, Proposal Managers, Business Development teams, Subject Matter Experts, and executive leadership to shape winning solutions ...

Peraton

Senior Principal Architect

Reston, VA · On-site

$176K - $282K/yr

The Senior Principal Architect will partner closely with Capture Managers, Proposal Managers, Business Development teams, Subject Matter Experts, and executive leadership to shape winning solutions ...

Peraton

Senior Principal Architect

Reston, VA · On-site

$176K - $282K/yr

The Senior Principal Architect will partner closely with Capture Managers, Proposal Managers, Business Development teams, Subject Matter Experts, and executive leadership to shape winning solutions ...

Scale AI

Principal Architect

Washington, DC · On-site

They are seeking a Principal Architect to lead the design, development, and deployment of AI products while providing strategic and technical guidance to a large engineering team. Responsibilities ...

Mondo

SAP Principal Architect

Herndon, VA · On-site

$90 - $100/hr

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

Principal Cloud Architect (SAP) , location is Hybrid -- Herndon, VA (onsite 2-3 days/week, Tue-Thu) . The start date is ASAP for this contract-to-hire position. Job Title: Principal Cloud Architect ...

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Showing results 1-20

All JobsPrincipal Architect JobsPrincipal Architect Jobs in Reston, VA

Principal Architect information

See Reston, VA salary details

$83.7K

$178.3K

$240.3K

How much do principal architect jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 19, 2026, the average yearly pay for principal architect in Reston, VA is $178,299.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $150,900.00 and $202,300.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a principal architect, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Principal Architect, you need deep expertise in architectural design, project management, and building codes, typically backed by a professional degree and relevant licensure (such as an Architect Registration or equivalent). Proficiency with tools like AutoCAD, Revit, and BIM software, as well as familiarity with sustainable design standards and certifications (LEED or WELL), is crucial. Exceptional leadership, communication, and client management skills set top candidates apart by enabling successful collaboration and stakeholder engagement. These skills are vital to ensure innovative, compliant, and client-focused architectural solutions that lead complex projects to successful completion.

How does a principal architect typically collaborate with other departments during a large-scale project?

A Principal Architect often acts as a bridge between the design team, engineering, project management, and client stakeholders to ensure alignment on project goals and constraints. They participate in regular cross-functional meetings, provide technical guidance, and resolve complex design challenges while balancing aesthetic vision with practical requirements. Strong communication and leadership skills are essential, as Principal Architects are responsible for articulating architectural concepts and integrating feedback from various teams. This collaborative approach helps ensure a cohesive and successful project delivery.

What is the difference between Principal Architect vs Software Architect?

AspectPrincipal ArchitectSoftware Architect
CredentialsTypically requires extensive experience in architecture and certifications like TOGAF or AWS Certified Solutions ArchitectOften holds a degree in computer science or software engineering; certifications like AWS or Microsoft Azure are common
Work EnvironmentLeads enterprise-wide architecture strategies, collaborates with executive teamsFocuses on designing software systems, working closely with development teams
Industry UsageUsed across industries for high-level architectural planningPrimarily in software development and IT companies

The Principal Architect oversees overall enterprise architecture, setting strategic direction, while the Software Architect concentrates on designing specific software solutions. Both roles require technical expertise, but the Principal Architect has a broader scope and higher-level responsibilities.

How hard is it to become a principal architect?

Becoming a principal architect typically requires extensive experience in architecture or engineering, often 10 or more years, along with strong leadership skills and a deep understanding of design and project management. Many professionals pursue advanced certifications or degrees to advance to this senior role, which also involves demonstrating a successful track record of complex projects. The path is competitive and demands continuous skill development and industry knowledge.

What does a principal architect do?

A principal architect is a senior technical leader responsible for designing and overseeing the architecture of complex systems or projects. They set technical standards, guide development teams, and ensure that solutions align with business goals, often requiring expertise in architecture frameworks and relevant tools. Their role involves strategic planning, technical decision-making, and mentoring team members.

What are the most commonly searched types of Principal Architect jobs in Reston, VA?

The most popular types of Principal Architect jobs in Reston, VA are:

What are popular job titles related to Principal Architect jobs in Reston, VA?

For Principal Architect jobs in Reston, VA, the most frequently searched job titles are:

What job categories do people searching Principal Architect jobs in Reston, VA look for?

The top searched job categories for Principal Architect jobs in Reston, VA are:

What cities near Reston, VA are hiring for Principal Architect jobs?

Cities near Reston, VA with the most Principal Architect job openings:

Principal Architect jobs near you
Infographic showing various Principal Architect job openings in Reston, VA as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 87% Full Time, 10% Part Time, 1% Temporary, and 2% Contract. Highlights an 91% Physical, 3% Hybrid, and 6% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $178,299 per year, or $85.7 per hour.

Principal Architect

Scale AI

Washington, DC • On-site

Full-time

Re-posted 27 days ago

Scale AI rating

8.5

Company rating: 8.5 out of 10

Based on 9 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

78th of 245 rated software companies

Job description

Job Summary:
Scale AI is seeking a Principal Architect to drive the design, development, and deployment of their agentic AI products. In this role, you will lead a team of engineers, making high-impact architectural decisions and engaging with executive stakeholders to ensure the success of the technology applied to your program.
Responsibilities:
• Lead and mentor a high-performing engineering team of 80+, fostering a culture of technical excellence and ownership.
• Guide your team through complex challenges involving LLMs, AI agents, and large-scale distributed systems.
• Represent Scale AI in high-stakes negotiations and strategic discussions with senior external partners, demonstrating strong technical competence and credibility.
• Develop and communicate a compelling vision for Scale AI’s technology applied to your program.
• Provide regular updates to senior leadership and key stakeholders on progress, risks, and opportunities.
• Foster a culture of speed, unity of purpose, resilience, and teamwork.
• Lead through uncertainty with determination and adaptability.
Qualifications:
Required:
• 10+ years of software engineering experience, including 5+ years in a technical leadership or staff role.
• Deep understanding of modern AI/ML technologies, including experience working with LLMs and AI agents.
• Proficient in one or more modern programming languages (Python, JavaScript/TypeScript)
• Hands-on experience with Kubernetes and cloud infrastructure (AWS, GCP, or Azure).
• Strong product and business sense, with a track record of aligning engineering efforts with company goals.
• Ability to operate effectively in ambiguous, fast-changing environments and guide your team to do the same.
• Experience in executive level engagement with industry partners and Public Sector customers
Company:
Scale’s mission is to develop reliable AI systems for the world’s most important decisions. Founded in 2016, the company is headquartered in San Francisco, USA, with a team of 501-1000 employees. The company is currently Late Stage.

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