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Principal Software Architect Jobs (NOW HIRING)

SCEYE INC

Principal Software Architect

Moriarty, NM · On-site

Principal Software Architect - Ground Systems & Fleet Automation Location: Moriarty, NM Job Type: Full-Time, Exempt Reports to: Director of Operations Who Are We: Sceye is a high-growth technology ...

Experis

Principal Software Architect

Appleton, WI · On-site

As a Principal Software Architect, you will be part of the Engineering Department supporting cross-functional product teams. The ideal candidate will demonstrate strategic thinking, collaborative ...

BambooHR

Principal Software Architect

As a Principal Software Architect, you will define the technical strategy for AI-powered product experiences and lead a talented team in building reliable AI systems and architectural advancements.

Honeywell

Principal Software Architect

Duluth, GA · On-site

We are looking for a Principal Software Architect to provide technical leadership for next-generation connected fire and life safety software platforms. This role will be responsible for defining ...

Lnw

Principal Software Architect

Chicago, IL

Position Summary The Principal Software Architect is responsible for defining and driving the technical architecture strategy that enables Light & Wonder's transition from legacy gaming technology ...

Lnw

Principal Software Architect

Las Vegas, NV

Position Summary The Principal Software Architect is responsible for defining and driving the technical architecture strategy that enables Light & Wonder's transition from legacy gaming technology ...

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How much do principal software architect jobs pay per year?

As of Jul 20, 2026, the average yearly pay for principal software architect in the United States is $191,750.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $147,500.00 and $233,500.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

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

To thrive as a Principal Software Architect, you need deep expertise in software design, architecture patterns, and multiple programming languages, often supported by a bachelor’s or master’s degree in computer science or engineering. Familiarity with cloud platforms (like AWS, Azure), architectural modeling tools (such as UML), and certifications like TOGAF or AWS Certified Solutions Architect is valuable. Leadership, strong communication, and the ability to mentor and influence cross-functional teams are standout soft skills for this role. These competencies are essential for guiding technical direction, ensuring scalable and maintainable solutions, and fostering alignment across technical and business stakeholders.

What does a principal software architect do?

A principal software architect is responsible for designing and overseeing the technical architecture of software systems, ensuring they meet business requirements and quality standards. They lead technical teams, set coding and design standards, evaluate new technologies, and provide strategic technical guidance to align projects with organizational goals.

What is the highest salary for a software architect?

The highest salaries for principal software architects can exceed $200,000 annually, especially in high-cost-of-living areas or with extensive experience, advanced certifications, and expertise in cloud computing, system design, and leadership. Top-tier professionals in large organizations or specialized industries may earn even higher compensation, including bonuses and stock options.

What is the highest salary for a principal architect?

The highest salaries for a Principal Software Architect can exceed $200,000 annually, especially in high-demand industries or senior-level positions in large organizations. Compensation often includes bonuses, stock options, and other benefits, reflecting experience, certifications, and technical expertise in areas like cloud computing and system design.

What is a Principal Software Architect job?

A Principal Software Architect is a senior technical leader responsible for designing, guiding, and overseeing an organization's software architecture. They establish technical standards, ensure scalable and efficient system design, and collaborate with engineering teams to implement best practices. This role involves making high-level design choices, mentoring developers, and aligning technical strategies with business goals. Principal Software Architects work closely with stakeholders to ensure that software solutions meet performance, security, and scalability requirements.

What does a typical day look like for a Principal Software Architect?

A typical day for a Principal Software Architect involves collaborating with development teams, product managers, and stakeholders to define and refine architectural solutions for complex projects. You’ll spend time reviewing code and system designs, setting technical guidelines, and troubleshooting architectural issues. Mentoring team members, conducting architecture reviews, and ensuring alignment with business objectives are also central responsibilities. The role is both strategic and hands-on, requiring you to balance high-level planning with practical problem-solving, often across several simultaneous initiatives.

What engineer makes $500,000 a year?

Principal Software Architects and senior engineering leaders in high-demand industries can earn $500,000 or more annually, especially with extensive experience, advanced skills in cloud computing, system design, and leadership, as well as stock options or bonuses. Such compensation typically reflects seniority, strategic impact, and the ability to lead complex projects in large organizations.
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Principal Software Architect jobs near you
Principal Software Architect

Principal Software Architect

Foundation Software

Strongsville, OH • On-site

Full-time

Posted 19 days ago

Foundation Software rating

9.3

Company rating: 9.3 out of 10

Based on 7 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

15th of 209 rated software companies

Job description

Principal Software Architect
Strongsville, OH | Full Time
About the Role
Foundation Software is seeking an experienced Principal Software Architect to lead our software architecture team and provide technical leadership across the engineering organization.
Working closely with the VP of Architecture, you'll help shape the technical direction of our platform, mentor architects and senior engineers, and guide the design of scalable, secure, and maintainable software solutions. This role is ideal for someone who enjoys influencing technical strategy while remaining hands-on through architecture reviews, design sessions, and solving complex engineering challenges.
What You'll Do
  • Lead and mentor the Software Architecture team.
  • Partner with the VP of Architecture on architectural strategy and technology roadmaps.
  • Guide solution architecture across cloud, desktop, APIs, and modernization initiatives.
  • Lead architecture reviews and establish engineering standards and best practices.
  • Mentor architects and senior developers.
  • Promote scalable, secure, cloud-native application design.
  • Evaluate emerging technologies, including AI, to improve our platform and engineering practices.
  • Collaborate with Product, Engineering, QA, Security, Infrastructure, and DevOps to deliver high-quality solutions.

Tech Stack
Backend: .NET, C#, ASP.NET Core, REST APIs, Node.js, Express Frontend: React, Vue.js, TypeScript Cloud: Microsoft Azure (App Services, Functions, SQL, Storage, Redis, Application Insights), AWS and GCP Architecture: Microservices, Clean Architecture, Domain-Driven Design, API-First, Event-Driven Systems Data: SQL Server, PostgreSQL, MongoDB
What We're Looking For
  • 12+ years of software engineering experience with enterprise applications.
  • 5+ years of software architecture experience.
  • Experience leading or mentoring architects and senior engineers.
  • Deep expertise in modern application architecture, cloud technologies, and software design patterns.
  • Strong communication, collaboration, and technical leadership skills.
  • Passion for mentoring teams and driving engineering excellence.

Why Foundation?
Join a collaborative engineering culture that values innovation, technical excellence, and work-life balance. We offer outstanding benefits, an award-winning workplace, and the opportunity to influence the future of construction software while working alongside talented engineers.

What Foundation Software employees say

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