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Principal Java Developer Jobs in California (NOW HIRING)

Java Developer

Fremont, CA · On-site

$55.75 - $72.25/hr

... standards on programming style and documentation Provides training, technical support, and ... Be proactive in software design/architecture, working closely with principals, architects and ...

Java /J2EE Developer

San Jose, CA

$59.75 - $77.25/hr

Be it core Java, full-stack Java, Web/UI designers, Big Data or Cloud or Mobility developers ... PRINCIPAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES: Maintain current applications, including, but not limited to ...

Java Developer - Hybrid

Oakland, CA

$65.75 - $83.75/hr

... principal engineers, software engineers, test automation team and DevOPS engineers. Essential ... Java language knowledge for building services and micro services such as Restful with JSON and/or ...

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How much do principal java developer jobs pay per hour?

As of Jun 18, 2026, the average hourly pay for principal java developer in California is $66.82, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $51.01 and $80.67 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

How does a Principal Java Developer typically contribute to the technical leadership and mentorship within a development team?

A Principal Java Developer often plays a crucial role in guiding technical decisions, establishing coding standards, and mentoring less experienced developers. They are responsible for reviewing code, providing architectural input, and ensuring best practices are followed throughout the software development lifecycle. Additionally, they frequently collaborate with cross-functional teams, such as QA, DevOps, and Product Management, to align on project goals and resolve complex technical challenges. This leadership role not only shapes the team's technical direction but also supports professional growth among team members.

What is the difference between Principal Java Developer vs Java Developer?

AspectPrincipal Java DeveloperJava Developer
Required CredentialsBachelor's/Master's in Computer Science, Java certificationsBachelor's in Computer Science, Java certifications often preferred
Work EnvironmentLead technical projects, architecture design, mentoringDeveloping applications, coding, debugging
Industry UsageUsed across enterprise, finance, tech companiesCommon in software development firms, startups
Search & Comparison IntentHigher-level roles, architecture, leadershipEntry to mid-level development tasks

The Principal Java Developer typically holds a senior, leadership role focusing on architecture, mentoring, and strategic technical decisions. In contrast, a Java Developer primarily handles coding and application development. Both roles require similar credentials but differ significantly in responsibilities and scope.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a Principal Java Developer, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Principal Java Developer, you need advanced expertise in Java programming, software architecture, and design patterns, often backed by a degree in computer science and extensive hands-on experience. Familiarity with frameworks like Spring, build tools such as Maven or Gradle, cloud platforms, and relevant certifications like Oracle Certified Professional (OCP) are typically required. Leadership, problem-solving, and strong communication skills help you guide teams and collaborate effectively with stakeholders. These competencies are crucial for delivering robust, scalable solutions and ensuring project success at an enterprise level.

What is a Principal Java Developer?

A Principal Java Developer is a senior-level software engineer who specializes in designing, developing, and overseeing complex Java-based applications. They typically lead development teams, set technical direction, and ensure best practices are followed throughout the software development lifecycle. Principal Java Developers are also responsible for mentoring junior engineers, collaborating with stakeholders, and making high-level architectural decisions. Their deep expertise in Java and related technologies enables them to solve challenging technical problems and drive innovation within their organizations.
What are popular job titles related to Principal Java Developer jobs in California? For Principal Java Developer jobs in California, the most frequently searched job titles are:
What job categories do people searching Principal Java Developer jobs in California look for? The top searched job categories for Principal Java Developer jobs in California are:
What are popular job titles related to Principal Java Developer jobs in CA? For Principal Java Developer jobs in CA, the most frequently searched job titles are:
Infographic showing various Principal Java Developer job openings in California as of June 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 92% Full Time, 4% Part Time, and 3% Contract. Highlights an 93% Physical, 3% Hybrid, and 4% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $138,989 per year, or $66.8 per hour.
Principal, Software Engineer - Java Developer

Principal, Software Engineer - Java Developer

Ingram Micro

Irvine, CA • On-site

$133K - $226K/yr

Full-time

Medical, Life, Retirement, PTO

Posted 16 days ago


Ingram Micro rating

7.0

Company rating: 7.0 out of 10

Based on 34 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

200th of 339 rated retail wholesalers


Job description

Accelerate your career. Join the organization that's driving the world's technology and shape the future.
Ingram Micro is a leading technology company for the global information technology ecosystem. With the ability to reach nearly 90% of the global population, we play a vital role in the worldwide IT sales channel, bringing products and services from technology manufacturers and cloud providers to business-to-business technology experts. Our market reach, diverse solutions and services portfolio, and digital platform Ingram Micro Xvantage™ set us apart. Learn more at www.ingrammicro.com
Come join our team where you'll make technology happen in surprising ways. Let's shape tomorrow - it'll be a fun journey!
Ingram Micro is seeking a Principal, Java Developer to design, develop, and maintain scalable backend applications and APIs. The role involves working on microservices, system integrations, and supporting high-performance enterprise applications. For this role, we are looking for a quick learner who loves challenging themselves to constantly raise the bar. This opportunity requires strong problem-solving skills, an aptitude for team collaboration and open communication as they deliver efficient, well designed, and tested software for a positive user experience. Innovative thinking and well-designed products with an emphasis on performance are a necessity to give our customers the best experience possible.
Key Responsibilities
  • Design and develop Java-based applications using Spring Boot/Spring MVC
  • Build and maintain RESTful APIs and microservices
  • Integrate with external/vendor systems (REST/SOAP, messaging)
  • Write and optimize complex SQL queries and ensure database performance
  • Troubleshoot and resolve production issues and performance bottlenecks
  • Participate in code reviews, design discussions, and architecture decisions
  • Collaborate with cross-functional teams (Product, QA, DevOps)
  • Ensure code quality, security, and best practices

#LI-RT1
What you bring to the role:
  • Bachelor's degree required in computer science of relevant science and math discipline with IT Discipline.
  • Minimum of 8+ years of relevant technical experience
  • Strong in Java (8+), OOP, multithreading
  • Experience with Spring Boot, Spring MVC, Spring Security
  • Hibernate/JPA and relational databases (Oracle/MySQL/PostgreSQL)
  • API development & integration (REST/SOAP)
  • Strong interpersonal skills
  • Strong ability to collaborate and work across teams and disciplines
  • Strong software design and test methodology knowledge and abilities
  • Ability to communicate clearly and concisely, both verbally and in written forms
  • Ability to understand and analyze complex problems and break them into small solvable pieces
  • Ability to learn new tools, frameworks, technologies and platforms
  • Messaging systems (Kafka/RabbitMQ) - preferred
  • Tools: Git, Maven/Gradle, CI/CD pipelines
  • Exposure to Docker/Kubernetes, Cloud (GCP/AWS/Azure) - good to have

The typical base pay range for this role across the U.S. is USD $133,400.00 - $226,800.00 per year.
The ranges above reflect the potential annual base pay across the U.S. for all roles; the applicable base pay range will depend on the candidate's primary work location, pay grade, and variable compensation plan. Individual base pay within each range depends on various factors, in addition to primary work location, such as complexity and responsibility of role, job duties/requirements, and relevant experience and skills. Base pay ranges are reviewed and typically updated each year. Offers are made within the base pay range applicable at the time of hire. New hires starting base pay generally falls in the bottom half (between the minimum and midpoint) of a pay range.
At Ingram Micro certain roles are eligible for additional rewards, including merit increases, annual bonus or sales incentives and long-term incentives. These awards are allocated based on position level and individual performance. U.S.-based employees have access to healthcare benefits, paid time off, parental leave, a 401(k) plan and company match, short-term and long-term disability coverage, basic life insurance, and wellbeing benefits, among others.
This is not a complete listing of the job duties. It's a representation of the things you will be doing, and you may not perform all these duties.
Please be prepared to pass a drug test and successfully pass a pre-employment (post offer) background check.
Ingram Micro Inc. is proud to be an equal opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, gender, gender identity or expression, sexual orientation, national origin, genetics, disability, age, veteran status, or any other protected category under applicable law.

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