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Principal Software Architect Jobs (NOW HIRING)

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

Principal Software Architect

Tucson, AZ · On-site

$155K - $189K/yr

NOIRLab is seeking a visionary Principal Software Architect to lead the architectural strategy and technical evolution of software systems that power world-class astronomical research, observatory ...

Principal Software Architect

Tucson, AZ · On-site

$155K - $189K/yr

NOIRLab is seeking a visionary Principal Software Architect to lead the architectural strategy and technical evolution of software systems that power world-class astronomical research, observatory ...

Principal Software Architect

Tucson, AZ · On-site

$155.67 - $189.56/hr

NOIRLab is seeking a visionary Principal Software Architect to lead the architectural strategy and technical evolution of software systems that power world-class astronomical research, observatory ...

NOIRLab is seeking a visionary Principal Software Architect to lead the architectural strategy and technical evolution of software systems that power world-class astronomical research, observatory ...

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.

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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$117K

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How much do principal software architect jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 9, 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 skills and qualifications are needed to be a principal software architect?

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 is a principal software architect?

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.

How much does a principal software architect make in the US?

A principal software architect in the US typically earns between $130,000 and $180,000 annually, with total compensation often including bonuses and stock options. Salaries vary based on experience, industry, company size, and location, with higher pay generally found in tech hubs and large organizations.

What does a principal software architect do?

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.

More about Principal Software Architect jobs
What cities are hiring for Principal Software Architect jobs? Cities with the most Principal Software Architect job openings:
What are the most commonly searched types of Principal Software Architect jobs? The most popular types of Principal Software Architect jobs are:
Who are the top companies hiring for Principal Software Architect jobs? The top employers for Principal Software Architect jobs are:
What states have the most Principal Software Architect jobs? States with the most job openings for Principal Software Architect jobs include:
Infographic showing various Principal Software Architect job openings in the United States as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 100% Full Time. Highlights an 100% In-person job distribution, with an average salary of $191,750 per year, or $92.2 per hour.

Principal Software Architect

Foundation Software

Strongsville, OH • On-site

Full-time

Re-posted 9 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 242 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.

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