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Principal Java Developer Jobs in California (NOW HIRING)

Cornerstone

Principal AI Engineer

Dublin, CA

Integrate AI capabilities into Java-based backend systems and cloud-native platforms. * Design ... Collaborate with Product, Data, UX, Security, and DevOps teams to deliver AI-driven product ...

Cornerstone OnDemand

Principal AI Engineer

Dublin, CA · On-site

Integrate AI capabilities into Java-based backend systems and cloud-native platforms. * Design ... Collaborate with Product, Data, UX, Security, and DevOps teams to deliver AI-driven product ...

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All JobsPrincipal Java Developer JobsPrincipal Java Developer Jobs in California

Principal Java Developer information

See California salary details

$47

$66

$85

How much do principal java developer jobs pay per hour?

As of Jun 19, 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:
Principal Java Developer jobs near you
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 Engineer - Java/AWS, Zelle

Principal Engineer - Java/AWS, Zelle

Early Warning Services, LLC

San Francisco, CA • On-site

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Retirement, PTO

Posted 20 days ago

Job description

At Early Warning, we've powered and protected the U.S. financial system for over thirty years with cutting-edge solutions like Zelle®, Paze℠, and so much more. As a trusted name in payments, we partner with thousands of institutions to increase access to financial services and protect transactions for hundreds of millions of consumers and small businesses.
Positions located in Scottsdale, San Francisco, Chicago, or New York follow a hybrid work model to allow for a more collaborative working environment.
Candidates responding to this posting must independently possess the eligibility to work in the United States, for any employer, at the date of hire. This position is ineligible for employment Visa sponsorship.
Overall Purpose
This position is a hands-on, individual contributor technical leader involved in setting the standards ensuing excellence in quality of outputs across multiple teams. Responsible for partnering with cross functional teams and providing input to a broad range of initiatives. A technical expert that is continuously learning and keeping abreast of new technologies and industry best practices and finding ways to bring those practices into the engineering organization.
Essential Functions
  • Partners with product management to craft product strategy, create product descriptions and ensure alignment to technology roadmaps.
  • Be a thought leader: a senior point of expertise on software engineering issues, industry trends and developing technologies. Be a role model to others on the team. Coach and mentor team members.
  • Takes ownership for creating technical product design and architecture.
  • Creates and conducts presentations for small-to-medium size groups.
  • Works closely with customers to understand their needs and create a partnership for making Early Warning products better.
  • Partners with software engineering, product, and architecture to shape engineering approaches, share knowledge and experience.
  • Develop, scope and shape a departmental-wide technical vision for the future.
  • Collaborate and build relationships cross-functionally to influence and motivate others; serve as an internal catalyst for progressive, strategic and successful change management.
  • Support the company's commitment to risk management and protecting the integrity and confidentiality of systems and data.

Minimum Qualifications
  • Education and/or experience typically obtained through a Bachelor's degree in computer science or related technical field.
  • Fifteen or more years of experience in designing and developing complex software projects with at least eight or more years in FinTech domain.
  • Experience in leading cross-functional teams to create technical solutions.
  • Effective communicator with exceptional public speaking skills. Comfortable presenting to all levels within the company.
  • Knowledge of Software Development Lifecycle (SDLC) best practices, software development methodologies (Agile, Scrum, LEAN etc) and DevOps practices
  • Proven track record designing and building complex end-to-end systems (full stack developer)
  • Hands-on experience in designing and developing using the one or more of the following technologies
    • Java RESTful Web Services (Java, J2EE, JUnit, and Tomcat.)
    • Experience in Microservices Architecture.
    • Open Source Frameworks - Spring boot, Spring Core
    • Messaging frameworks such as Kafka, Tibco EMS or JMS
    • Oracle PL/SQL
    • JavaScript and scripting frameworks (JQuery, AngularJS)
  • Hands-on experience in test automation at various levels of testing (unit, component, integration and functional tests).
  • Proven experience in OOA/OOD.
  • Experience with CI/CD pipeline implementation including GIT, Chef,Maven, Jenkins etc
  • Solid understanding of modern Cloud platforms such as AWS, Google Cloud or MS Azure.
  • Experience of working with code repositories (e.g. Git, SVN), bug tracking tools (e.g. Jira, Bugzilla) and Wikis (e.g. Confluence)
  • Background and drug screen.

Preferred Qualifications
  • M.S., or Ph.D. in Computer Science or another technical field
  • Knowledge of Splunk, Altiris & Zabbix
  • Hands-on Experience in working with AWS
  • Experience with various Database design and architectures
  • Expertise in TerraForm and/or other cloud orchestration technologies
  • Experience with Monitoring & Alerting systems like AppDynamics
  • Experience with other computer languages like C#, Ruby, Python, and PHP
  • Knowledge of ACH/EFT
  • Knowledge of real time payment networks(RTP, FedNow)

Physical Requirements
Working conditions consist of a normal office environment. Work is primarily sedentary and requires extensive use of a computer and involves sitting for periods of approximately four hours. Work may require occasional standing, walking, kneeling and reaching. Must be able to lift 10 pounds occasionally and/or negligible amount of force frequently. Requires visual acuity and dexterity to view, prepare, and manipulate documents and office equipment including personal computers. Requires the ability to communicate with internal and/or external customers.
Employee must be able to perform essential functions and physical requirements of position with or without reasonable accommodation.
Candidates responding to this posting must independently possess the eligibility to work in the United States at the date of hire.
The above job description is not intended to be an all-inclusive list of duties and standards of the position.
The base pay scale for this position in:
San Francisco, CA in USD per year is: $207,000 - $276,000.
Additionally, candidates are eligible for a discretionary incentive plan and benefits.
This pay scale is subject to change and is not necessarily reflective of actual compensation that may be earned, nor a promise of any specific pay for any specific candidate, which is always dependent on legitimate factors considered at the time of job offer. Early Warning Services takes into consideration a variety of factors when determining a competitive salary offer, including, but not limited to, the job scope, market rates and geographic location of a position, candidate's education, experience, training, and specialized skills or certification(s) in relation to the job requirements and compared with internal equity (peers). The business actively supports and reviews wage equity to ensure that pay decisions are not based on gender, race, national origin, or any other protected classes.
Some of the Ways We Prioritize Your Health and Happiness
  • Healthcare Coverage - Competitive medical (PPO/HDHP), dental, and vision plans as well as company contributions to your Health Savings Account (HSA) or pre-tax savings through flexible spending accounts (FSA) for commuting, health & dependent care expenses.
  • 401(k) Retirement Plan - Featuring a 100% Company Safe Harbor Match on your first 6% deferral immediately upon eligibility.
  • Paid Time Off - Flexible Time Off for Exempt (salaried) employees, as well as generous PTO for Non-Exempt (hourly) employees, plus 11 paid company holidays and a paid volunteer day.
  • 12 weeks of Paid Parental Leave
  • Maven Family Planning - provides support through your Parenting journey including egg freezing, fertility, adoption, surrogacy, pregnancy, postpartum, early pediatrics, and returning to work.

And SO much more! We continue to enhance our program, so be sure to check our Benefits page here for the latest. Our team can share more during the interview process!
Pursuant to the San Francisco Fair Chance Ordinance, we will consider for employment qualified applicants with arrest and conviction records.
Early Warning Services, LLC ("Early Warning") considers for employment, hires, retains and promotes qualified candidates on the basis of ability, potential, and valid qualifications without regard to race, religious creed, religion, color, sex, sexual orientation, genetic information, gender, gender identity, gender expression, age, national origin, ancestry, citizenship, protected veteran or disability status or any factor prohibited by law, and as such affirms in policy and practice to support and promote equal employment opportunity and affirmative action, in accordance with all applicable federal, state, and municipal laws. The company also prohibits discrimination on other bases such as medical condition, marital status or any other factor that is irrelevant to the performance of our employees.

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