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Principal Java Software Engineer Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Test Java Software Engineer

Paterson, NJ · On-site

$52.75 - $72.25/hr

Java Software Engineer's responsibilities include defining software requirements, writing clean and efficient code for various applications, and running tests to improve system functionality. If you ...

Java Software Engineer

Tampa, FL · On-site

$49 - $67/hr

Java Software Engineer, Tampa, FL The Java Software Engineer will assist a group of top notch developers to build the breakthrough features customers will love, adopt, and use while keeping the ...

Java Software Engineer

Chantilly, VA · On-site

$110 - $150/hr

Java Software Engineer LOCATION Chantilly, VA 20151 CLEARANCE TS/SCI Full Poly (Please note this position requires full U.S. Citizenship) KEY SUMMARY We are seeking a skilled and passionate Java ...

Java Software Engineer

Honolulu, HI · On-site

$95 - $135/hr

Java Software Engineer LOCATION Honolulu, HI 96815 CLEARANCE TS/SCI Full Poly (Please note this position requires full U.S. Citizenship) KEY SUMMARY We are seeking a skilled and passionate Java ...

Java Software Engineer

Aurora, CO · On-site

$95 - $125/hr

Java Software Engineer LOCATION Aurora, CO 80014 CLEARANCE TS/SCI Full Poly (Please note this position requires full U.S. Citizenship) KEY SUMMARY We are seeking a skilled and passionate Java ...

Java Software Engineer

Honolulu, HI · On-site

$51.25 - $70.25/hr

Java Software Engineer LOCATION Honolulu, HI 96815 CLEARANCE TS/SCI Full Poly (Please note this position requires full U.S. Citizenship) KEY SUMMARY We are seeking a skilled and passionate Java ...

Java Software Engineer

Reston, VA · On-site

$110 - $160/hr

Java Software Engineer LOCATION Reston, VA 20190 CLEARANCE TS/SCI Full Poly (Please note this position requires full U.S. Citizenship) KEY SUMMARY We are seeking a skilled and passionate Java ...

Java Software Engineer

Tysons, VA · On-site

$52 - $71.25/hr

Java Software Engineer LOCATION Tysons, VA 22182 CLEARANCE TS/SCI Full Poly (Please note this position requires full U.S. Citizenship) KEY SUMMARY We are seeking a skilled and passionate Java ...

Java Software Engineer

Phoenix, AZ · On-site

$51.50 - $70.50/hr

Java Software Engineer Location: Phoenix, AZ 85054 HYBRID role: 2 days remote / 3 days onsite (must be onsite 3 days per week). Team collaborates on the days they will be office - likes the team to ...

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Principal Java Software Engineer information

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$83K

$149.7K

$201.5K

How much do principal java software engineer jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 27, 2026, the average yearly pay for principal java software 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 is a principal Java software engineer?

A Principal Java Software Engineer is a senior-level technical expert responsible for designing, developing, and optimizing complex Java-based applications. They provide technical leadership, mentor junior engineers, and drive best practices in coding, architecture, and system scalability. This role often involves collaborating with cross-functional teams to ensure high-quality software delivery while aligning with business objectives. Additionally, they evaluate new technologies, improve system performance, and contribute to strategic decision-making within the engineering team.

What are the typical responsibilities of a principal Java software engineer within a development team?

A Principal Java Software Engineer is generally responsible for leading the technical design and implementation of major software projects, making architectural decisions, and ensuring best coding practices throughout the team. They mentor junior engineers, conduct code reviews, and often coordinate with product managers, QA, and DevOps to facilitate seamless project delivery. Beyond hands-on coding, they provide strategic guidance, troubleshoot complex technical problems, and help shape the long-term technology roadmap. This role typically involves balancing individual contribution with leadership and collaboration across multiple teams.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a principal Java software engineer?

To thrive as a Principal Java Software Engineer, you need advanced proficiency in Java, strong knowledge of system architecture and design patterns, and extensive experience in large-scale application development, usually supported by a degree in computer science or equivalent experience. Familiarity with frameworks like Spring, cloud technologies (AWS or Azure), CI/CD tools, and relevant certifications such as Oracle Certified Professional – Java SE are typically required. Exceptional leadership, mentoring, communication, and problem-solving skills help you guide teams and work collaboratively across departments. These combined technical and interpersonal skills enable you to drive complex projects, set technical direction, and deliver robust software solutions efficiently.

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What cities are hiring for Principal Java Software Engineer jobs?

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Infographic showing various Principal Java Software Engineer job openings in the United States as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 87% Full Time, 8% Part Time, and 4% Contract. Highlights an 87% Physical, 4% Hybrid, and 9% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $149,680 per year, or $72 per hour.

Principal Java Software Engineer (on-site)

Prattwhitney

State College, PA • On-site

$107.50 - $204.50/hr

Other

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Re-posted 13 days ago


Pratt & Whitney rating

8.7

Company rating: 8.7 out of 10

Based on 157 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

16th of 72 rated aerospace companies


Job description

Principal Java Software Engineer – Satellite Ground Systems

The Principal Java Software Engineer will design, develop, test, and maintain advanced software applications for our Satellite Ground Systems. This onsite role is based in State College, PA, Ft. Meade, MD, or Aurora, CO, and works in a Linux, Agile, DevOps environment.

Responsibilities
  • Design, implement, and test Java‑based applications and components for satellite ground systems
  • Collaborate with systems engineers, hardware designers, and cross‑functional teams to define software requirements and specifications
  • Maintain and modify existing codebases to meet performance, reliability, and scalability goals
  • Participate in software design reviews, code reviews, and system integration activities
  • Adhere to established software processes, documentation standards, and development practices, including management of operations concepts, requirements, interfaces, and other engineering artifacts
  • Stay current with advances in Java and satellite technology to drive continuous improvement and innovation
Qualifications
  • Active TS/SCI with polygraph security clearance (adjudication date within three years of start date)
  • U.S. citizenship
  • A STEM degree and at least 8 years of relevant experience in object‑oriented Java development in a Linux environment
  • Experience with unit testing tools such as JUnit
  • Proficiency in scripting languages (Perl or Python)
  • Experience working in an Agile/DevOps environment
  • Preferred: Ansible, Jenkins, containers, Spring Framework, Security+ certification, Atlassian suite, satellite communications protocols, and secure coding practices in defense or aerospace contexts
Benefits
  • Competitive salary range: 107,500–204,500USD
  • Health, dental, vision, life insurance, and long‑term disability coverage
  • Retirement plan with employer match
  • Paid time off, holidays, parental leave (including paternal), and flexible work schedules
  • Career development and recognition programs, educational assistance, and child/adult backup care
  • Relocation assistance for eligible candidates

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. RTX provides affirmative action in employment for qualified individuals with a disability and protected veterans in compliance with applicable federal law.

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About Pratt & Whitney

Sourced by ZipRecruiter

Pratt & Whitney has a long history of leadership and innovation in the field of aviation propulsion. Our story begins in the 1920s and has flourished throughout the decades. We have continuously transformed and reinvented our businesses to offer superior products and services to our customers. In 1925, the Pratt & Whitney Aircraft Company was founded by Frederick B. Rentschler, pioneer of the air-cooled radial engine design which enabled unprecedented power-to-weight ratio. Its first engine, the R-1340 Wasp engine, transformed military and commercial aviation and is still in use today. In 1928, the Canadian division of the Pratt & Whitney Aircraft Company was established. In 1944, Pratt & Whitney began its gas turbine and jet propulsion initiative. The company constructed a wind tunnel, laboratory and engineering center to support our allies’ efforts in World War II. In 1945, wartime production included more than 300,000 Pratt & Whitney engines, touted by service members as extremely dependable – a legacy that continues today. From there, Pratt & Whitney continued to design and innovate more powerful, agile, and reliable engines becoming a leader in the aerospace industry. Today, Pratt & Whitney has more than 85,000 engines in service and more than 16,000 customers worldwide.

Industry

Engineering professional services

Company size

10,000+ Employees

Headquarters location

East Hartford, CT, US