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Principal Software Architect Jobs in Virginia (NOW HIRING)

Socket.dev

Principal Software Architect

Chantilly, VA · On-site

$170 - $210/hr

We are seeking a Principal Software Architect to serve as a recognized expert and technical leader within the company. This role is pivotal to our mission, as you will design, research, and develop ...

Attainx

Principal Software Developer Architect

Herndon, VA · On-site

$180K - $200K/yr

Principal Software Developer Architect Location: Remote Clearance: Govt. Public Trust Citizenship: ship or Work Visa Required Computer Exempt Preferred Salary: *US market data $180,000.00 - $200,000 ...

Gridpoint

Software Architect

Reston, VA

The Software Architect shall be the principal author and advocate for the specification of software architecture and design for GridPoint's product and service offerings portfolio. The Software ...

Gridpoint

Software Architect

Reston, VA · On-site

The Software Architect shall be the principal author and advocate for the specification of software architecture and design for GridPoint's product and service offerings portfolio. The Software ...

Alarm.com

Principal Software Engineer

Mclean, VA · On-site

$136K - $183K/yr

Principal Software Engineer -- emPower Do you love working with connected devices, automation, and ... You will help define architecture, guide major design decisions, mentor engineers, and lead the ...

Alarm.com

Principal Software Engineer

Tysons Corner, VA

$135K - $182K/yr

Principal Software Engineer -- emPower Do you love working with connected devices, automation, and ... You will help define architecture, guide major design decisions, mentor engineers, and lead the ...

Alarm.com

Principal Software Engineer

Arlington, VA · On-site

$155K - $208K/yr

Principal Software Engineer -- emPower Do you love working with connected devices, automation, and ... You will help define architecture, guide major design decisions, mentor engineers, and lead the ...

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All JobsPrincipal Software Architect JobsPrincipal Software Architect Jobs in Virginia

Principal Software Architect information

See Virginia salary details

$116K

$190.1K

$271.6K

How much do principal software architect jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 18, 2026, the average yearly pay for principal software architect in Virginia is $190,105.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $146,200.00 and $231,500.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

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.

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.

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.

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 are the most commonly searched types of Principal Software Architect jobs in Virginia?

The most popular types of Principal Software Architect jobs in Virginia are:

What are popular job titles related to Principal Software Architect jobs in Virginia?

For Principal Software Architect jobs in Virginia, the most frequently searched job titles are:

What job categories do people searching Principal Software Architect jobs in Virginia look for?

The top searched job categories for Principal Software Architect jobs in Virginia are:

What are popular job titles related to Principal Software Architect jobs in VA?

For Principal Software Architect jobs in VA, the most frequently searched job titles are:

Principal Software Architect jobs near you
Infographic showing various Principal Software Architect job openings in Virginia as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 100% Full Time. Highlights an 83% In-person, and 17% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $190,105 per year, or $91.4 per hour.

Principal Software Architect

Redhorse Corporation

Chantilly, VA

$275K - $285K/yr

Full-time

Posted 8 days ago

Job description

About the Organization
Now is a great time to join Redhorse Corporation. We are a solution-driven company delivering data insights and technology solutions to customers with missions critical to U.S. national interests. We're looking for thoughtful, skilled professionals who thrive as trusted partners building technology-agnostic solutions and want to apply their talents supporting customers with difficult and important mission sets.

About the Role

Redhorse transforms the way government uses data and technology. We are seeking a Principal Software Architect to serve as a recognized expert and technical leader within the company. This role is pivotal to our mission, as you will design, research, and develop highly advanced applications that create new business opportunities. You will provide the big-picture architectural oversight for our most critical products, turning complex technical visions into reality while leading technical capture efforts to win new missions for Redhorse.
Key Responsibilities
  • Provide architectural and big-picture oversight for the development of new or enhanced products.
  • Articulate a clear architectural vision and conceptualize alternative approaches through rigorous experimentation.
  • Create comprehensive architectural models, component specifications, and interface documentation.
  • Validate system architecture against complex requirements and foundational assumptions.
  • Collaborate with product developers, managers, and customer experts to create software containing required features.
  • Act as a recognized expert to design, research, and develop advanced applications that result in new product or business opportunities.
  • Lead efforts to capture new business through technical work, proofs of concept, and high-level capability briefings.
  • Provide high-level technical advice to departments across the organization.
  • Integrate complex components built by distributed product development teams.
  • Lead teams of planning analysts responsible for technical research and user group assistance.
  • Work with wide latitude for independent judgment on unusually complex technical problems.
Required Experience/Clearance
  • Must have an active TS/SCI security clearance 
  • Bachelor's degree (or equivalent) with 12+ years of relevant experience, or a Master's degree with 10+ years of relevant experience.
  • Demonstrated experience as a recognized authority in designing and developing highly advanced software applications.
  • Proven track record of leading technical capture efforts and providing capability briefings to secure new business.
  • Extensive proficiency in architectural modeling, component/interface specification, and R&D.
  • Ability to work without supervision on highly complex projects that require innovative solutions.
  • Ability to obtain and maintain a security clearance (specific level to be determined by mission requirements).
Desired Experience

We encourage all candidates who meet the basic requirements to apply, even if you do not have any of the following experience:

  • Experience with modern data platforms such as DataBricks, Spark, or similar cloud-based analytics tools.
  • Proficiency with enterprise-level version control and CI/CD tools like GitLab and Jira.
  • Experience architecting solutions for the Department of Defense (DoD) or the Intelligence Community (IC).
  • Background in identifying and prototyping emerging technologies to solve government mission gaps.
  • Familiarity with containerization (Docker, Kubernetes) and microservices architecture.
$275,000 - $285,000 a year
The salary range provided for this position represents the anticipated base salary for successful candidates. Actual compensation will be determined based on a variety of factors, including relevant experience, education, certifications, skills, security clearance level, geographic location, market conditions, and internal equity. In addition to base salary, eligible employees may participate in Redhorse's comprehensive benefits programs and may be eligible for performance-based or other incentive compensation, where applicable.
 
Redhorse Corporation is an equal opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment and will not be discriminated against on the basis of race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, veteran status, disability, or any other protected class.
 
If you are a qualified individual with a disability or a disabled veteran, you may request a reasonable accommodation if you are unable or limited in your ability to access job openings or apply for a job on this site as a result of your disability. You can request reasonable accommodations by contacting Talent Acquisition at [email protected]
 
Redhorse Corporation shall, in its discretion, modify or adjust the position to meet Redhorse's changing needs. This job description is not a contract and may be adjusted as deemed appropriate in Redhorse's sole discretion.
We may use artificial intelligence (AI) tools to support parts of the hiring process, such as reviewing applications, analyzing resumes, or assessing responses and identifying potential inconsistencies or verification signals in application materials based on available information. These tools assist our recruitment team but do not replace human judgment. Final hiring decisions are ultimately made by humans. If you would like more information about how your data is processed, please contact us.
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