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Principal Java Developer Jobs in California (NOW HIRING)

Principal Software Engineer

Hayward, CA · On-site

$143K - $286K/yr

Collaborate closely with Product Management, UX/UI, Quality Assurance, and DevOps teams.   ... Java, JavaScript etc.), frameworks (E.g. Spring framework etc.), Platforms (E.g. Microsoft Azure ...

Principal Software Engineer

Hayward, CA · On-site

$143K - $286K/yr

Collaborate closely with Product Management, UX/UI, Quality Assurance, and DevOps teams.   ... Java, JavaScript etc.), frameworks (E.g. Spring framework etc.), Platforms (E.g. Microsoft Azure ...

Principal Software Engineer

San Jose, CA · On-site

$143K - $286K/yr

Collaborate closely with Product Management, UX/UI, Quality Assurance, and DevOps teams.   ... Java, JavaScript etc.), frameworks (E.g. Spring framework etc.), Platforms (E.g. Microsoft Azure ...

Collaborate closely with Product Management, UX/UI, Quality Assurance, and DevOps teams.   ... Java, JavaScript etc.), frameworks (E.g. Spring framework etc.), Platforms (E.g. Microsoft Azure ...

Collaborate closely with Product Management, UX/UI, Quality Assurance, and DevOps teams.   ... Java, JavaScript etc.), frameworks (E.g. Spring framework etc.), Platforms (E.g. Microsoft Azure ...

Principal Software Engineer

San Mateo, CA · On-site

$143K - $286K/yr

Collaborate closely with Product Management, UX/UI, Quality Assurance, and DevOps teams.   ... Java, JavaScript etc.), frameworks (E.g. Spring framework etc.), Platforms (E.g. Microsoft Azure ...

Principal Software Engineer

Milpitas, CA · On-site

$143K - $286K/yr

Collaborate closely with Product Management, UX/UI, Quality Assurance, and DevOps teams.   ... Java, JavaScript etc.), frameworks (E.g. Spring framework etc.), Platforms (E.g. Microsoft Azure ...

Principal Software Engineer

Cupertino, CA · On-site

$143K - $286K/yr

Collaborate closely with Product Management, UX/UI, Quality Assurance, and DevOps teams.   ... Java, JavaScript etc.), frameworks (E.g. Spring framework etc.), Platforms (E.g. Microsoft Azure ...

Principal Software Engineer

Fremont, CA · On-site

$143K - $286K/yr

Collaborate closely with Product Management, UX/UI, Quality Assurance, and DevOps teams.   ... Java, JavaScript etc.), frameworks (E.g. Spring framework etc.), Platforms (E.g. Microsoft Azure ...

Principal Software Engineer

San Jose, CA · On-site

$143K - $286K/yr

Collaborate closely with Product Management, UX/UI, Quality Assurance, and DevOps teams.   ... Java, JavaScript etc.), frameworks (E.g. Spring framework etc.), Platforms (E.g. Microsoft Azure ...

Principal Software Engineer

Milpitas, CA · On-site

$143K - $286K/yr

Collaborate closely with Product Management, UX/UI, Quality Assurance, and DevOps teams.   ... Java, JavaScript etc.), frameworks (E.g. Spring framework etc.), Platforms (E.g. Microsoft Azure ...

Principal Software Engineer

Sunnyvale, CA · On-site

$143K - $286K/yr

Collaborate closely with Product Management, UX/UI, Quality Assurance, and DevOps teams.   ... Java, JavaScript etc.), frameworks (E.g. Spring framework etc.), Platforms (E.g. Microsoft Azure ...

Principal Software Engineer

Burbank, CA · On-site

$143K - $192K/yr

Develop internal developer tools, CLIs, services, and microplatforms that integrate seamlessly with ... Technical Execution Build highperformance backend services using Java, Kotlin, Python, or Node.js.

Principal Software Engineer

Burbank, CA · On-site

$143K - $192K/yr

Develop internal developer tools, CLIs, services, and microplatforms that integrate seamlessly with ... Technical Execution Build highperformance backend services using Java, Kotlin, Python, or Node.js.

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Principal Java Developer information

See California salary details

$47

$66

$85

How much do principal java developer jobs pay per hour?

As of Jul 9, 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 July 2026, with employment types broken down into 84% Full Time, 5% Part Time, 2% Temporary, and 9% Contract. Highlights an 82% Physical, 3% Hybrid, and 15% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $138,989 per year, or $66.8 per hour.
Principal Software Engineer

Principal Software Engineer

Walmart

Hayward, CA • On-site

$143K - $286K/yr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

This job post has expired today. Applications are no longer accepted.


Walmart rating

6.0

Company rating: 6.0 out of 10

Based on 21,943 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

24th of 39 rated national retailers


Job description

Position Summary...What you'll do...Principal, Software Engineer 
We are seeking a talented and passionate Principal, Software Engineer to join our International Technology Organization. The ideal candidate will have experience as a tech lead and strong development background in Micro Service Architectures using backend technologies like Java, Spring Boot, Kafka technologies and a proven track record of delivering high-quality scalable software applications. You will collaborate with our product team, in-house developers, and architects to design, develop, and enhance a reliable and easy-to-maintain backend infrastructure. 
About Team:  
Focusing on customer, associate and business needs, this team works with Walmart International, which includes more than 5,200 retail units, operating in 23 countries such as Canada, Central America, Chile, China, India, Mexico and South Africa to name a few. 
What you’ll do: 
  • Guide and mentor, a team of engineers, conducting code reviews and leading design discussions to ensure engineering best practices.   
  • Act as a technical authority, providing direction and expertise to the team.   
  • Drive the adoption of coding standards, design patterns, and development best practices.  
  • Lead the creation and maintenance of our technical architecture, aligning it with business goals and scalability requirements.   
  • Architect complex software systems, ensuring performance, security, and scalability needs are met.   
  • Consistently produce high-quality software with a focus on unit testing, regular code reviews, and continuous integration.   
  • Uphold high standards in quality and operational excellence.   
  • Develop comprehensive technical documentation and presentations to clearly communicate architectural decisions and design options.   
  • Ensure documentation aligns with project scopes, milestones, and deliverables.   
  • Promote and enforce technical standards across the organization to achieve concrete outcomes and drive engineering excellence.   
  • Foster a culture of learning and innovation through hands-on technical guidance and mentorship.   
  • Lead the discovery phase of major projects, ensuring the design aligns with business goals and technical requirements.  
  • Collaborate with cross-functional teams to define project scopes and milestones.   
  • Collaborate closely with Product Management, UX/UI, Quality Assurance, and DevOps teams.   
  • Communicate complex technical concepts effectively to both technical and non-technical stakeholders.   
  • Stay at the forefront of technological advancements, conducting research to identify emerging tools and methodologies.   

 What you'll bring: 
  • Ideally 12+ experience in software development, focusing on building large scale distributed systems.   
  • Experience in multiple stack technologies – Java, React Native  
  • Proficiency in API development, Node.js, GQL,   
  • Advanced knowledge of complex software design, distributed system design, design patterns, data structures, and algorithms.   
  • Proficiency in Kafka, No SQL databases. 
  • Excellent technical debugging and production support skills.   
  • Familiarity with public cloud technologies such as Azure or Google Cloud Platform.   
  • Extensive experience in the design, development, and delivery of software products with a large user base.   
  • Track record in an architect role with large-scale software development data-backed services and applications.   
  • Excellent decision-making skills with the ability to balance conflicting interests in a complex and fast-paced environment.   
  • Hands-on experience with building micro-services and event driven architecture and distributed systems using appropriate design patterns. 
  • Risk analysis methodologies - Cost Analysis; Business objectives; Classification of requirements; Domain Knowledge; User stories concepts; Functional / Non-Functional Requirements. 
  • Coding standards and guidelines; Coding languages (E.g. Java, JavaScript etc.), frameworks (E.g. Spring framework etc.), Platforms (E.g. Microsoft Azure etc.); Quality, Safety and Security (PCI etc.) standards; Emerging tools and technologies; Telemetry; CI / CD; Code Management Tools; SDLC; Secure SDL frameworks and tools. 

About Walmart Global Tech 
Imagine working in an environment where one line of code can make life easier for hundreds of millions of people. That’s what we do at Walmart Global Tech. We’re a team of software engineers, data scientists, cybersecurity experts and service professionals within the world’s leading retailers who make an epic impact and are at the forefront of the next retail disruption. People are why we innovate, and people power our innovations. We are people-led and tech-empowered. We train our team in the skillsets of the future and bring in experts like you to help us grow. We have roles for those chasing their first opportunity as well as those looking for the opportunity that will define their career. Here, you can kickstart a great career in tech, gain new skills and experience for virtually every industry, or leverage your expertise to innovate on a scale that impacts millions and reimagine the future of retail. 
Flexible, hybrid work: 
We use a hybrid way of working that is primarily in office coupled with virtual when not onsite. Our campuses serve as a hub to enhance collaboration, bring us together for purpose and deliver on business needs. This approach helps us make quicker decisions, remove the location barriers across our global team and be more flexible in our personal lives. 
Benefits: 
Beyond our great compensation package, you can receive incentive awards for your performance. Other great perks include 401(k) match, stock purchase plan, paid maternity and parental leave, PTO, multiple health plans, and much more. 
Equal Opportunity Employer: 
Walmart, Inc. is an Equal Opportunity Employer – By Choice. We believe we are best equipped to help our associates, customers and the communities we serve live better when we really know them. That means understanding, respecting and valuing diversity- unique styles, experiences, identities, ideas and opinions – while being inclusive of all people. 
The above information has been designed to indicate the general nature and level of work performed in the role. It is not designed to contain or be interpreted as a comprehensive inventory of all responsibilities and qualifications required of employees assigned to this job. The full Job Description can be made available as part of the hiring process.  At Walmart, we offer competitive pay as well as performance-based bonus awards and other great benefits for a happier mind, body, and wallet. Health benefits include medical, vision and dental coverage. Financial benefits include 401(k), stock purchase and company-paid life insurance. Paid time off benefits include PTO (including sick leave), parental leave, family care leave, bereavement, jury duty, and voting. Other benefits include short-term and long-term disability, company discounts, Military Leave Pay, adoption and surrogacy expense reimbursement, and more. You will also receive PTO and/or PPTO that can be used for vacation, sick leave, holidays, or other purposes. The amount you receive depends on your job classification and length of employment. It will meet or exceed the requirements of paid sick leave laws, where applicable. For information about PTO, see https://one.walmart.com/notices. Live Better U is a Walmart-paid education benefit program for full-time and part-time associates in Walmart and Sam's Club facilities. Programs range from high school completion to bachelor's degrees, including English Language Learning and short-form certificates. Tuition, books, and fees are completely paid for by Walmart.
Eligibility requirements apply to some benefits and may depend on your job classification and length of employment. Benefits are subject to change and may be subject to a specific plan or program terms.
For information about benefits and eligibility, see One.Walmart.
The annual salary range for this position is $143,000.00 - $286,000.00 Additional compensation includes annual or quarterly performance bonuses. Additional compensation for certain positions may also include :
- Stock

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Minimum Qualifications...

Outlined below are the required minimum qualifications for this position. If none are listed, there are no minimum qualifications.

Option 1: Bachelor's degree in computer science, computer engineering, computer information systems, software engineering, or related area and 5 years’ experience in software engineering or related area.
Option 2: 7 years’ experience in software engineering or related area.Preferred Qualifications...

Outlined below are the optional preferred qualifications for this position. If none are listed, there are no preferred qualifications.

Master’s degree in computer science, computer engineering, computer information systems, software engineering, or related area and 3 years' experience in software engineering or related area., We value candidates with a background in creating inclusive digital experiences, demonstrating knowledge in implementing Web Content Accessibility Guidelines (WCAG) 2.2 AA standards, assistive technologies, and integrating digital accessibility seamlessly. The ideal candidate would have knowledge of accessibility best practices and join us as we continue to create accessible products and services following Walmart’s accessibility standards and guidelines for supporting an inclusive culture.Primary Location...815 Eleventh Ave, Sunnyvale, CA 94089-4731, United States of AmericaWalmart and its subsidiaries are committed to maintaining a drug-free workplace and has a no tolerance policy regarding the use of illegal drugs and alcohol on the job. This policy applies to all employees and aims to create a safe and productive work environment.

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About Walmart

Sourced by ZipRecruiter

From our humble beginnings as a small discount retailer in Rogers, Ark., Walmart has opened thousands of stores in the U.S. and expanded internationally. Through innovation, we're creating a seamless experience to let customers shop anytime and anywhere online and in stores. We are creating opportunities and bringing value to customers and communities around the globe. Walmart operates approximately 10,500 stores and clubs in 19 countries and eCommerce websites. We employ 2.1 million associates around the world — nearly 1.6 million in the U.S. alone.

Industry

Retail and transportation and warehousing

Company size

10,000+ Employees

Headquarters location

Bentonville, AR, US

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