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Principal Development Engineer Jobs in Pennsylvania

The Pennsylvania State University

Lead development of analytic methods including machine learning, anomaly detection, predictive ... Lead major research thrusts, serve as principal investigator, and/or oversee integrated engineering ...

The Pennsylvania State University

Oversee sensitive research and development focused on applied electromagnetics as a Principal ... Provide knowledge in RF/microwave engineering for ground, air and sea-based operations * Possess ...

The Pennsylvania State University

Oversee sensitive research and development focused on applied electromagnetics as a Principal ... Lead engineers in day to day tasking to accomplish programmatic deliverables. Develop and present ...

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All JobsPrincipal Development Engineer JobsPrincipal Development Engineer Jobs in Pennsylvania

Principal Development Engineer information

See Pennsylvania salary details

$74.2K

$147.6K

$213K

How much do principal development engineer jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 4, 2026, the average yearly pay for principal development engineer in Pennsylvania is $147,573.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $118,800.00 and $173,400.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is the difference between Principal Development Engineer vs Senior Software Engineer?

AspectPrincipal Development EngineerSenior Software Engineer
Required CredentialsBachelor's or Master's in Engineering, extensive experience, possibly certifications in specific technologiesBachelor's or Master's in Computer Science or related field, several years of experience
Work EnvironmentLead technical projects, influence architecture, collaborate across teamsDevelop software, implement features, troubleshoot issues
Employer & Industry UsageTech companies, manufacturing, R&D departmentsSoftware development firms, tech startups, IT departments
Search & Comparison IntentUnderstanding senior technical roles, career progressionTechnical expertise, hands-on development focus

The Principal Development Engineer typically holds a higher level of responsibility, focusing on leading projects and strategic technical decisions, whereas a Senior Software Engineer primarily concentrates on coding and implementing solutions. Both roles require strong technical skills, but the Principal role involves broader influence and leadership within the organization.

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

To thrive as a Principal Development Engineer, you need extensive experience in software or hardware development, advanced problem-solving abilities, and typically a bachelor's or master's degree in engineering or a related field. Mastery of relevant programming languages, development frameworks, and project management tools, as well as certifications like PMP or Agile, is highly valuable. Leadership, collaboration, and strong communication skills are essential for guiding teams and managing complex projects. These competencies are crucial for driving technical innovation, ensuring project success, and fostering a high-performing engineering environment.

How does a principal development engineer typically collaborate with cross-functional teams during product development?

As a Principal Development Engineer, you'll frequently work with cross-functional teams including product managers, designers, QA engineers, and operations staff. Your role involves translating product requirements into technical solutions, providing technical leadership, and ensuring alignment across departments. Effective communication and the ability to balance technical constraints with business priorities are key. You'll also mentor junior engineers and help set coding standards to maintain high-quality deliverables throughout the development lifecycle.

What is a principal development engineer?

Principal Development Engineers are senior-level professionals who lead technical development efforts within engineering teams. They are responsible for designing and overseeing the implementation of complex systems or products, providing technical guidance to other engineers, and ensuring that engineering best practices are followed. In addition to their technical expertise, they often collaborate with stakeholders, manage project timelines, and help set the technical direction for their organization. Their role is critical in bridging the gap between engineering execution and strategic business goals.
What are popular job titles related to Principal Development Engineer jobs in Pennsylvania? For Principal Development Engineer jobs in Pennsylvania, the most frequently searched job titles are:
What job categories do people searching Principal Development Engineer jobs in Pennsylvania look for? The top searched job categories for Principal Development Engineer jobs in Pennsylvania are:
Principal Development Engineer jobs near you
Infographic showing various Principal Development Engineer job openings in Pennsylvania as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 80% Full Time, 17% Part Time, and 2% Contract. Highlights an 92% Physical, 2% Hybrid, and 6% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $147,573 per year, or $70.9 per hour.

Principal Software Development Engineer

Comcast

Philadelphia, PA • On-site

$136K - $182K/yr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Life, Retirement, PTO

Re-posted 23 days ago

Job description

Make your mark at Comcast -- a Fortune 30 global media and technology company. From the connectivity and platforms we provide, to the content and experiences we create, we reach hundreds of millions of customers, viewers, and guests worldwide. Become part of our award-winning technology team that turns big ideas into cutting-edge products, platforms, and solutions that our customers love. We create space to innovate, and we recognize, reward, and invest in your ideas, while ensuring you can proudly bring your authentic self to the workplace. Join us. You'll do the best work of your career right here at Comcast. (In most cases, Comcast prefers to have employees on-site collaborating unless the team has been designated as virtual due to the nature of their work. If a position is listed with both office locations and virtual offerings, Comcast may be willing to consider candidates who live greater than 100 miles from the office for the remote option.)

Job Summary

This job involves leading software solution development that meets strategic goals and user expectations. It includes integrating applications, enhancing scalability and security, and performing system analyses. It creates comprehensive development documentation, mentors technical staff, and monitors key performance metrics to inform improvements. The job provides technical leadership during design and oversees the software release process, ensuring efficient, on-budget delivery. Collaboration with Quality Assurance guarantees software quality, guiding project planning and resource management.

Job Description

The Technology + Product organization works at the intersection of media and technology and our innovative teams are continually developing and delivering products and next-generation technologies that transform the customer experience.

The Comcast Network and CONNECTivity (CONNECT) organization is a highly agile, fastpaced, dedicated group at the forefront of change focused on innovating, building, and operating the best in class, most reliable access network for our customers.

Required Qualifications:

  • Extensive hands-on software engineering experience in Linux-based systems using C, C++, Golang, and/or Python.
  • Experience designing, developing, or supporting large-scale network infrastructure, broadband access platforms, CMTS/vCMTS, DOCSIS/PON, or similar carrier-grade distributed systems.
  • Strong understanding of distributed systems, control-plane architecture, service resiliency, software upgrade compatibility, telemetry, and production debugging.
  • Experience with cloud-native or containerized environments, including Docker, Kubernetes, microservices, messaging/event-driven architectures, or configuration/state management systems.
  • Demonstrated ability to lead complex technical initiatives from architecture and design through development, validation, deployment, and operational support.
  • Proven ability to troubleshoot urgent production issues and collaborate with internal teams, vendors, and external partners.
  • Strong communication skills with the ability to explain complex technical issues, drive alignment, and mentor other engineers.

Preferred Qualifications:

  • Direct experience with DOCSIS 3.1, DOCSIS 4.0, Full Duplex DOCSIS, CM registration, channel bonding, DBC, load balancing, upstream/downstream resiliency, or cable modem interoperability.
  • Experience with CMTS, vCMTS, cloud-native broadband routers, access network platforms, or packet/network control-plane systems.
  • Experience working with cable modem, chipset, RPD, or network equipment vendors.
  • Experience leading geographically distributed engineering teams or acting as a technical lead / architect for major platform features.

About Our Perks & Benefits:

We are determined to create an environment where our employees feel valued, understand our business goals, and are motivated.

Here's a look at just some of the perks and benefits we make available to our US-based employees:

  • Medical & Dental
  • 401(k) Savings Plan
  • Generous paid time off
  • Life Milestones - from adoption assistance, childcare resources, pet insurance, and more, Comcast supports you at all life stages.
  • Courtesy Services - We offer all of our full-time employees in serviceable areas free digital TV and internet.
  • Discount tickets for Universal Resorts, including theme park tickets and onsite hotel rooms.

Learn more at jobs.comcast.com/benefits

Reasonable Accommodation

We will ensure that individuals with disabilities are provided reasonable accommodation to participate in the job application or interview process, perform essential job functions, and receive other benefits and privileges of employment. Please contact us to request an accommodation.

Disclaimer:

  • This information has been designed to indicate the general nature and level of work performed by employees in this role. It is not designed to contain or be interpreted as a comprehensive inventory of all duties, responsibilities and qualifications.

Job Profile: Engineer 6, Software Development & Engineering

Skills

Distributed Systems, Linux, Software Development

We believe that benefits should connect you to the support you need when it matters most, and should help you care for those who matter most. That's why we provide an array of options, expert guidance and always-on tools that are personalized to meet the needs of your reality-to help support you physically, financially and emotionally through the big milestones and in your everyday life.


Please visit the benefits summary on our careers site for more details.

Education

Bachelor's DegreeWhile possessing the stated degree is preferred, Comcast also may consider applicants who hold some combination of coursework and experience, or who have extensive related professional experience.

Certifications (if applicable)

Relevant Work Experience

15 Years +Comcast is an equal opportunity workplace. We will consider all qualified applicants for employment without regard to race, color, religion, age, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, veteran status, genetic information, or any other basis protected by applicable law.

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