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Principal Java Engineer Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Leidos

Principal Java Developer

Bethesda, MD · On-site

$131K - $237K/yr

Leidos has an exciting opportunity for a Principal Java Developer in our Intel Security Sector's Analysis Solutions Business Area . Our talented team is at the forefront in Security Engineering ...

Leidos

Principal Java Developer

Bethesda, MD · On-site

$131K - $237K/yr

Leidos has an exciting opportunity for a Principal Java Developer in our Intel Security Sector's Analysis Solutions Business Area . Our talented team is at the forefront in Security Engineering ...

StackandCo

... Java Engineers who have led teams, to work on both the Architecture and Development on multiple key projects. \n \n \n \n \n \n This is ideal for someone who enjoys mentoring engineers, enjoys ...

Kasmo Global

Java Backend Engineer

Pearland, TX · On-site

$45 - $58.50/hr

Principal Java Backend Engineer Location: Cincinnati, Ohio, (Remote) Role Overview We are seeking a highly experienced Principal Java Backend Software Engineer to design, develop, and lead scalable ...

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Principal Java Engineer information

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$83K

$149.7K

$201.5K

How much do principal java engineer jobs pay per year?

As of Jun 26, 2026, the average yearly pay for principal java engineer in the United States is $149,680.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $128,500.00 and $165,000.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

How does a Principal Java Engineer typically contribute to architectural decisions and cross-team collaboration?

A Principal Java Engineer is often a key decision-maker when it comes to designing and evolving the software architecture. They regularly collaborate with product managers, other engineering teams, and stakeholders to ensure technical solutions align with business goals. In addition to providing technical leadership, Principal Java Engineers mentor junior developers, participate in code reviews, and help resolve complex technical challenges across teams. Their role is highly collaborative and strategic, making them instrumental in guiding project direction and maintaining code quality.

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

To thrive as a Principal Java Engineer, you need deep expertise in Java programming, software architecture, and system design, usually backed by a computer science degree and extensive industry experience. Familiarity with frameworks like Spring, build tools such as Maven or Gradle, cloud platforms (AWS, Azure), and relevant certifications (e.g., Oracle Certified Professional Java SE) is often required. Strong leadership, communication, and mentoring abilities are crucial soft skills to guide teams and drive technical excellence. These skills and qualities are vital for delivering robust, scalable solutions and ensuring the success of complex software projects.

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

AspectPrincipal Java EngineerSenior Java Developer
Required CredentialsBachelor's/Master's in Computer Science, Java certificationsBachelor's in Computer Science, Java certifications
Work EnvironmentLead technical projects, architecture design, cross-team collaborationDevelops features, writes code, fixes bugs
Employer & Industry UsageTech companies, large enterprises, consulting firmsStartups, mid-sized companies, tech teams
Common Search & ComparisonLeadership, architecture, high-level technical expertiseHands-on coding, feature development, troubleshooting

The Principal Java Engineer typically holds a higher-level, strategic role focusing on architecture and leadership, while a Senior Java Developer concentrates on coding and implementing features. Both roles require strong Java skills and relevant certifications, but their responsibilities and scope differ significantly.

What does a Principal Java Engineer do?

A Principal Java Engineer is a senior-level software engineer responsible for designing, developing, and overseeing complex Java-based applications and systems. They lead technical teams, make high-level architectural decisions, and ensure best practices in coding and software design are followed. Principal Java Engineers mentor junior developers, collaborate with stakeholders to define technical requirements, and play a key role in troubleshooting and optimizing application performance. Their expertise in Java and related technologies is critical for delivering scalable and reliable software solutions.
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Principal Java Engineer jobs near you
Principal Java Engineer (Back-End)

Principal Java Engineer (Back-End)

Roberts Recruiting

Boston, MA • On-site

Other

Posted 12 days ago

Job description

A fast growing Series A startup located in Boston, we'rea groupof construction business owners in the Boston area determined to find an efficient alternative to an antiquated dump truck hiring and management workflow. Due to our recent funding, we're looking to scale out our engineering team (currently a team of 7) and adda sharp Principal Back-end Java Engineer to the teamwho can help us reach the next level!
Job Requirement:
  • 8+ years of experience owning Java server side functionality, including Java 8
  • Deep understanding of web technologies and RESTful API design and best practices required; experience using nginx, Jetty, Jersey, and DropWizard strongly preferred
  • Solid SQL fundamentals, including query and data model design
  • Hands-on experience creating and consuming Docker containers
  • Comfort and familiarity with agile process management
  • Experience managing distributed processing systems such as Docker swarm, DC/OS, or Kubernetes highly desirable

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