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Principal Development Engineer Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Travelport

Principal Software Development Engineer

Denver, CO · On-site +1

$139K - $186K/yr

PRINCIPAL SOFTWARE DEVELOPMENT ENGINEER- DEVOPS | REMOTE | US Travel obsessed? Big tech fan? Hey, you're in good company. If you want to be part of the industry that makes the world go round, then ...

Travelport

Principal Software Development Engineer

Denver, CO · On-site

$139K - $186K/yr

PRINCIPAL SOFTWARE DEVELOPMENT ENGINEER- DEVOPS | REMOTE | US Travel obsessed? Big tech fan? Hey, you're in good company. If you want to be part of the industry that makes the world go round, then ...

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All JobsPrincipal Development Engineer Jobs

Principal Development Engineer information

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$74K

$147.2K

$212.5K

How much do principal development engineer jobs pay per year?

As of Jul 14, 2026, the average yearly pay for principal development engineer in the United States is $147,220.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $118,500.00 and $173,000.00 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 engineer makes $500,000 a year?

Principal Development Engineers in certain industries, such as technology or aerospace, can earn $500,000 or more annually, especially with extensive experience, specialized skills, and leadership responsibilities. Compensation at this level often includes base salary, bonuses, stock options, or profit sharing.

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?

A principal development engineer is a senior technical role responsible for leading complex engineering projects, designing solutions, and guiding development teams. They typically possess advanced technical skills, extensive experience, and often contribute to strategic planning, code reviews, and mentoring. This role may require expertise in specific tools, programming languages, and industry standards.

What engineers make $200,000 a year?

Principal Development Engineers and senior software engineers in specialized fields such as machine learning, cloud infrastructure, or cybersecurity often earn $200,000 or more annually, especially with extensive experience, advanced skills, and relevant certifications. Compensation can vary based on industry, location, and company size, with some roles also including bonuses and stock options.

What are Principal Development Engineers?

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 engineers make $300,000 a year?

Principal Development Engineers and senior software engineers with extensive experience, specialized skills, and leadership responsibilities can earn $300,000 or more annually. High compensation often reflects expertise in areas like cloud computing, AI, or large-scale system design, along with advanced certifications and a strong track record of project delivery.
More about Principal Development Engineer jobs
What states have the most Principal Development Engineer jobs? States with the most job openings for Principal Development Engineer jobs include:
What job categories do people searching Principal Development Engineer jobs look for? The top searched job categories for Principal Development Engineer jobs are:
Principal Development Engineer jobs near you
Infographic showing various Principal Development Engineer job openings in the United States as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 95% Full Time, and 5% Contract. Highlights an 100% In-person job distribution, with an average salary of $147,220 per year, or $70.8 per hour.

Principal Test Development Engineer

Avenue Technologies and Commodities, Inc.

Middletown, RI • On-site

$134K - $180K/yr

Full-time

Posted 8 days ago

Job description

About the Opportunity
Avenue Technologies is seeking a Principal Test Development Engineer to support technical, engineering, and program teams in a hands-on environment.
What You Will Do
  • Develop, integrate, and support test solutions for engineering, production, and sustainment environments.
  • Create or improve test procedures, automated test solutions, and supporting documentation.
  • Troubleshoot test equipment, instrumentation, and system issues in a lab or production setting.
  • Collaborate with multidisciplinary engineering teams to verify product performance and resolve technical issues.

Helpful Skills
  • software development

Qualifications
  • Bachelor's degree in a STEM or related field is preferred or required based on the role.
  • Relevant experience in the applicable technical discipline.
  • Strong communication, ownership, and problem-solving skills.
  • Secret clearance or ability to meet the role's clearance requirements.

Apply