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Principal Java Software Engineer Jobs in Boston, MA

Principal Software Engineer - SRE, location is Remote (ET time zone; CT considered if working ET ... Write and improve production Java code * Maintain existing Java services * Build occasional ...

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Principal Java Software Engineer information

See Boston, MA salary details

$90.2K

$162.6K

$218.9K

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

As of Aug 19, 2026, the average yearly pay for principal java software engineer in Boston, MA is $162,613.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $139,600.00 and $179,300.00 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.

What are the most commonly searched types of Principal Java Software Engineer jobs in Boston, MA?

The most popular types of Principal Java Software Engineer jobs in Boston, MA are:

What are popular job titles related to Principal Java Software Engineer jobs in Boston, MA?

For Principal Java Software Engineer jobs in Boston, MA, the most frequently searched job titles are:

What job categories do people searching Principal Java Software Engineer jobs in Boston, MA look for?

The top searched job categories for Principal Java Software Engineer jobs in Boston, MA are:

Infographic showing various Principal Java Software Engineer job openings in Boston, MA as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 85% Full Time, 9% Part Time, and 5% Contract. Highlights an 88% Physical, 4% Hybrid, and 8% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $162,613 per year, or $78.2 per hour.

Sr. Java Software Engineer - Manager

SofTec Solutions

Waltham, MA • On-site

$134K - $177K/yr

Contractor

Re-posted 10 days ago


Job description

Company Description
Founded in 1996, SofTec Solutions is a leading IT Consulting Services firm for Federal, State & Local Government, Commercial and Healthcare industries. We pride ourselves on building strong relationships with our candidates and clients to find just the right match. We look for candidates who go beyond the norm of the usual employee and are hungry for new learning experiences and situations. Because of our resources we have been listed for three consecutive years in the Inc. Magazine's Fastest Growing Companies in America.
Job Description
Job Title: Sr. Java Software Engineer - Manager
Location: Boston, MA (Waltham)
Terms: 6+ Month Contract (possible extension)
Summary
The Lead Software Engineer is viewed as an expert in systems software engineering. They undertake complex projects requiring additional specialized technical knowledge. They make well-thought-out decisions on complex or ambiguous systems software engineering issues. They ensure that system improvements are successfully implemented and monitored to increase efficiency. Designs, develops, tests, debugs and implements complex operating systems components, software tools, and utilities. They make complex modifications to existing software to fit specialized needs and configurations. Establishes and communicates common goal and direction for team. They act as a source of direction, training and guidance for less experienced staff. Monitors project schedules and costs. Typically requires six to ten years of related experience.
Responsibilities:
• Work with business sponsors and off-shore development team who have a role in the creation, acquisition and rollout of solutions.
• Produce applications that are adaptive to business and technology changes.
• Set and maintain expectations for technical deliverables.
• Lead the team to resolve critical time sensitive technical issues
• Direct the off-shore team to design and develop new products and/or new functionalities
• Make sure the implementation of software systems follow established best practices and guidelines
• Provide direction and guidance on resolving issues to the Technical Support Group
• Provide time estimates and task breakdown for software development related tasks
• When necessary, interact with clients to understand their issues and resolve those
• Knowledge of database technologies, SQL, stored procedures etc. is preferred
• Write unit tests to ensure good quality of delivery
• Lead in specification review, design review and code review and provide effective feedback
Qualifications
• BA/BS degree in Computer Science or related field required. Advanced technical degree and/or related training a plus
• 7+ years experience in software product development with progressive increases in leadership roles/responsibilities
• Proven ability to lead a team of on-shore/offshore developers and collaborate within a team and across multiple teams
• Proven experience in documenting technical commitments through a software development lifecycle including providing specific project artifacts.
• Strong Java skills and object-oriented design experience, including strong working knowledge of the Java web technology platform, applied use of design patterns, JSP and servlets using open source frameworks such as Spring, Struts, Ibatis or Hibernate
• Experience building the Java web services using Apache, or cxf and knowledge of XML
• Clear understanding of database concepts
• Ability to understand database code and its impact of database code on the application aspects (performance, security etc.)
• Experience with session management, object relational mapping, XML web services, and agile development methodologies
• Experience with unit testing (JUnit or similar)
• Excellent understanding of security and performance issues in design and development of software
• Working knowledge of Ajax, JavaScript (jQuery etc), Linux, WebSphere is a plus.
Additional Information
All your information will be kept confidential according to EEO guidelines.