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Principal Java Engineer Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Description Principal Java Data Engineer Enterprise Data Platforms and Engineering Role Summary The Enterprise Data Platforms and Engineering team is seeking a Principal level Java focused software ...

Description Principal Java Data Engineer Enterprise Data Platforms and Engineering Role Summary The Enterprise Data Platforms and Engineering team is seeking a Principal level Java focused software ...

PointClickCare is searching for a Principal Software Data Engineer who will contribute to all ... on Java microservices -Engineer and optimize data pipelines using solutions like Apache Hudi ...

Java, C#, Python Expertise with private and public cloud engineering (VMware, OpenStack) Experience using Source Control (Subversion, GitHub) and Bug Tracking Systems (JIRA) Demonstrable skills ...

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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 3, 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.

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.

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 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.

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.

More about Principal Java Engineer jobs
What cities are hiring for Principal Java Engineer jobs? Cities with the most Principal Java Engineer job openings:
Infographic showing various Principal Java Engineer job openings in the United States as of May 2026, with employment types broken down into 90% Full Time, 8% Part Time, and 2% Contract. Highlights an 94% Physical, 2% Hybrid, and 4% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $149,680 per year, or $72 per hour.
Principal Java Software Engineer (on-site)

Principal Java Software Engineer (on-site)

Raytheon Technologies

State College, PA โ€ข On-site

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Posted 24 days ago


Job description

Date Posted:
2026-04-06
Country:
United States of America
Location:
US-PA-STATE COLLEGE-5A ~ 302 Science Park Rd ~ BLDG 5A
Position Role Type:
Onsite
U.S. Citizen, U.S. Person, or Immigration Status Requirements:
The ability to obtain and maintain a U.S. government issued security clearance is required. U.S. citizenship is required, as only U.S. citizens are eligible for a security clearance
Security Clearance Type:
TS/SCI with Polygraph
Security Clearance Status:
Active and existing security clearance required on day 1
At Raytheon, the foundation of everything we do is rooted in our values and a higher calling - to help our nation and allies defend freedoms and deter aggression. We bring the strength of more than 100 years of experience and renowned engineering expertise to meet the needs of today's mission and stay ahead of tomorrow's threat. Our team solves tough, meaningful problems that create a safer, more secure world.
In the Principal Java Software Engineering role, you will design, develop, and test Java code in a Linux, Agile, DevOps environment. We are at the forefront of aerospace and defense technology. Our Satellite Ground Systems Team plays a pivotal role in ensuring communication, surveillance, and defense capabilities through cutting-edge satellite systems. We invite you to be part of a team that pushes the boundaries of what's possible. This is an onsite position in either State College, PA, Ft. Meade, MD or Aurora, CO.
What You Will Do
  • The Principal Java Software Engineer will design, develop, and maintain advanced software applications for our Satellite Ground Systems. This role involves close collaboration with systems engineers, hardware designers, and other software engineers to deliver reliable and high-performance software solutions. Other responsibilities to anticipate may include:
  • Design, implement, and test Java-based applications and software components for satellite ground systems.
  • Collaborate with cross-functional teams to define software requirements and specifications.
  • Work with previously written code and make modifications as necessary.
  • Ensure software performance, reliability, and scalability.
  • Participate in software design reviews, code reviews, and system integration activities.
  • Contribute to the completion of program and project milestones under the specific guidance of their immediate supervisor.
  • Follow established Software processes and procedures, development, documentation and maintenance/management of operations concepts, requirements (system, element, segment level), external and internal interfaces, and other software engineering work products/artifacts.
  • Stay updated with the latest advancements in Java and satellite technology to drive innovation.

Qualifications You Must Have
  • Active and transferable TS/SCI with Polygraph U.S. government issued security clearance with an adjudication date less than three years from your start date for this position, is required prior to start date. U.S. citizenship is required, as only U.S. citizens are eligible for a security clearance.
  • Typically requires a degree in Science, Technology, Engineering or Mathematics (STEM) and a minimum of 8 years of prior relevant experience.
  • Experience in object-oriented software design and development using Java in a Linux environment.
  • Experience using unit testing tools (e.g., JUnit).
  • Experience with scripting languages such as Perl or Python.
  • Experience in an Agile/DevOps environment.

Qualifications We Prefer
  • Experience with Ansible, Jenkins, containers, and the Spring Framework.
  • Security+ certification.
  • Experience using the Atlassian tool suite.
  • Experience with satellite communication systems and protocols is highly preferred.
  • Familiarity with secure coding practices, especially in a defense or aerospace setting.

What We Offer
  • Whether you're just starting out on your career journey or are an experienced professional, we offer a total rewards package that goes above and beyond with compensation; healthcare, wellness, retirement, and work/life benefits; career development and recognition programs. Some of the benefits we offer include parental (including paternal) leave, flexible work schedules, achievement awards, educational assistance, and child/adult backup care.
  • Relocation Eligibility - Relocation assistance is available.

Learn More & Apply Now!
Please consider the following role type definition as you apply for this role. Onsite: Employees who are working in Onsite roles will work primarily onsite. This includes all production and maintenance employees, as they are essential to the development of our products.
This position requires a security clearance. DCSA Consolidated Adjudication Services (DCSA), an agency of the Department of Defense, handles and adjudicates the security clearance process. More information about Security Clearances can be found on the US Department of State government website here: https://www.state.gov/m/ds/clearances/c10978.htm
State College, PA: https://careers.rtx.com/global/en/raytheon-state-college,-pa-location
DMV: https://careers.rtx.com/global/en/raytheon-dmv-location
Aurora, CO: Aurora, CO: https://careers.rtx.com/global/en/raytheon-aurora-co-location
As part of our commitment to maintaining a secure hiring process, candidates may be asked to attend select steps of the interview process in-person at one of our office locations, regardless of whether the role is designated as on-site, hybrid or remote.
The salary range for this role is 107,500 USD - 204,500 USD. The salary range provided is a good faith estimate representative of all experience levels. RTX considers several factors when extending an offer, including but not limited to, the role, function and associated responsibilities, a candidate's work experience, location, education/training, and key skills.
Hired applicants may be eligible for benefits, including but not limited to, medical, dental, vision, life insurance, short-term disability, long-term disability, 401(k) match, flexible spending accounts, flexible work schedules, employee assistance program, Employee Scholar Program, parental leave, paid time off, and holidays. Specific benefits are dependent upon the specific business unit as well as whether or not the position is covered by a collective-bargaining agreement.
Hired applicants may be eligible for annual short-term and/or long-term incentive compensation programs depending on the level of the position and whether or not it is covered by a collective-bargaining agreement. Payments under these annual programs are not guaranteed and are dependent upon a variety of factors including, but not limited to, individual performance, business unit performance, and/or the company's performance.
This role is a U.S.-based role. If the successful candidate resides in a U.S. territory, the appropriate pay structure and benefits will apply.
RTX anticipates the application window closing approximately 40 days from the date the notice was posted. However, factors such as candidate flow and business necessity may require RTX to shorten or extend the application window.
RTX is an Equal Opportunity Employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, age, disability or veteran status, or any other applicable state or federal protected class. RTX provides affirmative action in employment for qualified Individuals with a Disability and Protected Veterans in compliance with Section 503 of the Rehabilitation Act and the Vietnam Era Veterans' Readjustment Assistance Act.
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