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Principal Java Software Engineer Jobs in Philadelphia, PA

Responsibilities Noblis MSD is seeking a well-rounded JAVA Software Developer for the development and integration of PIMCS technology for onboard trainers. This is an onsite position in Philadelphia ...

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Principal Java Software Engineer information

See Philadelphia, PA salary details

$83.8K

$151K

$203.3K

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

As of Jul 13, 2026, the average yearly pay for principal java software engineer in Philadelphia, PA is $151,040.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $129,700.00 and $166,500.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive in the Principal Java Software Engineer position, and why are they important?

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 is a Principal Java Software Engineer job?

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 popular job titles related to Principal Java Software Engineer jobs in Philadelphia, PA? For Principal Java Software Engineer jobs in Philadelphia, PA, the most frequently searched job titles are:
What job categories do people searching Principal Java Software Engineer jobs in Philadelphia, PA look for? The top searched job categories for Principal Java Software Engineer jobs in Philadelphia, PA are:
Infographic showing various Principal Java Software Engineer job openings in Philadelphia, PA as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 84% Full Time, 14% Part Time, and 2% Contract. Highlights an 85% Physical, 6% Hybrid, and 9% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $151,040 per year, or $72.6 per hour.

JAVA Developer - Philadelphia, PA

National Guard Employment Network

Philadelphia, PA • On-site

$75K - $100K/yr

Full-time

Re-posted 11 days ago


Job description


ATTENTION MILITARY AFFILIATED JOB SEEKERS - Our organization works with partner companies to source qualified talent for their open roles. The following position is available to Veterans, Transitioning Military, National Guard and Reserve Members, Military Spouses, Wounded Warriors, and their Caregivers. If you have the required skill set, education requirements, and experience, please click the submit button and follow the next steps.
Noblis MSD is seeking a well-rounded JAVA Software Developer for the development and integration of PIMCS technology for onboard trainers. This is an onsite position in Philadelphia, PA at the Naval Yard.
Noblis MSD's mission is to support the Naval Sea Systems Command (NAVSEA) and, Naval Surface Warfare Center (NSWCPD) and their missions' to enable research, development, test and evaluation, acquisition, engineering, systems integration, in-service and fleet engineering with cybersecurity, comprehensive logistics, and life-cycle savings.
Responsibilities:
Develop software requirements for Machinery Control Systems (MCS) based on the Naval Combatant Design Specification (NCDS), Design Practice Criteria (DPC) manuals, DoD and NAVSEA guidance, marine specifications, and commercial specifications as applicable.
Develop software integration designs for networking, supervisory control systems, and other test tools/systems developed inhouse.
Develop, maintain, configure, and manage software and hardware installation procedures, instructions, notices and Standard Operating Procedures.
Provide engineering services that include development and maintenance in support of hardware and software.
Analyze & decipherall automation testing pipelines and scripts from the Platform Independent Machinery Controls System (PIMCS) ecosystem in NSWCPD
Analyze & decipher all Jenkins pipelines.
Read, develop and decipher Jenkins continuous improvement and continuous deployment (CI/CD) pipelines.
Provide software lifecycle support following the NSWCPD Systems Engineering Process (SEP) with applicable Capability Maturity Model Integrated (CMMI) and Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers (IEEE) standards and specifications.
Additional Qualifications/Responsibilities
Required Qualifications
Bachelor's Degree in Computer, Electrical or Electronics Engineering, Computer Science or relevant STEM degree.
3 years of experience with Java programming.
Must be a US Citizen
Must have an Active Secret Security Clearance, or the ability to obtain one. Active clearance preferred.
Proficient in modular monolith architecture, understanding JPMS, classloader isolation, and dependency injection
Experience maintaining/refactoring large legacy Java codebases (300k+ LOC)
Knowledge of PLC I/O mapping, ladder logic behaviors, and Allen-Bradley ControlLogix/CompactLogix
Familiar with SCADA systems like FactoryTalk View, Ignition, or Wonderware
Ability to learn PIMCS framework (Platform Independent Machinery Controls System ecosystem in NSWCPD)
Experience delivering software under CMMI Level 3+ or equivalent
Decipher, read and understand code metrics for test coverage from Sonarqube
Fluent and able to navigate in a Linux Operating System
This position is on-site at the Philadelphia Naval Yard.
Desired Qualifications
Experience containerizing large Java monoliths for Docker or RHEL 8/9
Experience with Java 17 to Java 25 migration (including records, sealed classes, and enhanced switch)
Knowledge of JGroups for distributed clustering in legacy Java
Leading or mentoring development teams through modernization efforts
Collaborating with cybersecurity, systems engineering, and testing teams
Participating in IV&V and FQT
Writing clear software design documents, ICDs, and release notes
Desired certifications: Linux or OS certification, CompTIA Security+, CISSP, Oracle Certified Professional: Java SE 17 Developer (OCPJP 17)
Must have good communication skills including communication with and with people with varying technical knowledge and various levels of management