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Principal Software Developer Backend Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Oracle

Principal Software Developer

Austin, TX · On-site

Responsibilities As a Principal Software Developer, you will lead the design, development, and evolution of backend services, APIs, and core server-side systems that support distributed cloud ...

Autodesk

Principal Software Engineer - Backend

California, MD · On-site +1

$129K - $173K/yr

... backend and distributed systems. This role is anchored inbackend software engineering excellence ... As a Principal Engineer, you will work withhigh autonomy and ambiguity, shape long-term ...

GDIT

Principal Software Engineer(Back End)

WV · On-site +1

$121K - $163K/yr

Yes PRINCIPAL SOFTWARE DEVELOPER SENIOR What You'll Do Define and drive the strategic direction for backend and full-stack engineering practices, architecture, and technical excellence across the ...

Electric Capital

Software Developer, Backend

Palo Alto, CA · On-site

$150 - $200/hr

Work with our product team to build great developer and user experiences that are consistent across ... or backend services in an agile environment * Experience in databases (e.g. Elasticsearch, Big ...

Enlyft

Principal Software Engineer - Backend

Kirkland, WA · On-site

$153K - $205K/yr

About the role The Principal Software Engineer leads our largest, most complex projects - making ... DevOps and CI/CD practices Why join Enlyft * A top-notch culture that is customer obsessed ...

Enlyft

Principal Software Engineer - Backend

Kirkland, WA · Hybrid

$153K - $205K/yr

About the role The Principal Software Engineer leads our largest, most complex projects - making ... DevOps and CI/CD practices Why join Enlyft * A top-notch culture that is customer obsessed ...

VTG

Principal Software Developer

Hanover, MD · On-site

$200K - $300K/yr

Overview As a Principal Software Engineer supporting mission-essential national security initiatives, you will design, develop, integrate, and maintain secure, high-performance software solutions ...

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Principal Software Developer Backend information

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$94.5K

$141.2K

$185.5K

How much do principal software developer backend jobs pay per year?

As of Sep 9, 2026, the average yearly pay for principal software developer backend in the United States is $141,171.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $123,500.00 and $155,000.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is a principal software developer backend?

A Principal Software Developer Backend is a senior technical leader responsible for designing, developing, and maintaining the server-side logic, databases, and core functionality of software applications. They set architectural standards, mentor teams, and ensure the scalability, reliability, and performance of backend systems. This role often involves collaborating with cross-functional teams, evaluating new technologies, and making key decisions on software architecture and coding best practices. Principal Backend Developers typically have many years of experience and play a crucial role in shaping the technical direction of their organization.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a principal software developer backend?

To thrive as a Principal Software Developer Backend, you need deep expertise in backend programming languages (such as Java, Python, or C#), system architecture, and large-scale application design, usually supported by a computer science degree or equivalent experience. Proficiency with cloud platforms (like AWS or Azure), containerization (Docker, Kubernetes), and continuous integration tools, as well as familiarity with databases, is typically required. Leadership, problem-solving, and strong communication skills are essential to mentor teams and bridge technical and business requirements. These skills ensure robust, scalable solutions and drive technical excellence across development teams.

How does a principal software developer backend typically balance hands-on coding with mentoring and architectural responsibilities?

As a Principal Software Developer Backend, you'll often find yourself striking a balance between hands-on coding work and higher-level responsibilities such as mentoring team members, conducting code reviews, and overseeing system architecture. While you may still be deeply involved in complex coding tasks or prototyping critical components, a significant portion of your time will be dedicated to guiding technical decisions, coaching less experienced developers, and ensuring that backend systems align with the company’s overall technology strategy. This role requires strong communication skills and the ability to collaborate closely with cross-functional teams, including frontend developers, product managers, and DevOps engineers.

What is the difference between Principal Software Developer Backend vs Senior Software Developer Backend?

AspectPrincipal Software Developer BackendSenior Software Developer Backend
Required CredentialsBachelor's/Master's in CS or related field, extensive experienceBachelor's/Master's in CS or related field, 5+ years experience
Work EnvironmentLeads technical strategy, mentors teams, influences architectureDevelops features, writes code, participates in design
Employer & Industry UsageTech companies, large enterprises, startupsSame as Principal, common in tech and software firms
Comparison FocusLeadership, strategic impact, architectureTechnical execution, coding, problem-solving

The Principal Software Developer Backend typically holds a higher leadership role, focusing on technical strategy and architecture, while the Senior Software Developer Backend emphasizes hands-on coding and feature development. Both roles require strong technical skills and industry experience, but the principal position involves broader influence and mentorship.

What are popular job titles related to Principal Software Developer Backend jobs?

For Principal Software Developer Backend jobs, the most frequently searched job titles are:

Principal Software Developer

Austin, TX • On-site

Oracle
IT Services • 10K+ employees
Learn more about Oracleexternal

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Re-posted 29 days ago

Oracle rating

8.7

Company rating: 8.7 out of 10

Based on 152 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

57th of 247 rated software companies

Job description

Location Requirement: This position is based in Nashville, TN and is an on-site role. Remote work is not available. Applicants must be able to work from the Nashville office.

Oracle Cloud Infrastructure (OCI) delivers mission-critical applications for leading enterprises worldwide. Our cloud offers hyper-scale, multi-tenant services deployed across more than 50 regions globally. OCI continues to expand beyond traditional public cloud boundaries to support dedicated, hybrid, and multi-cloud solutions, edge computing, and more. 

Why Join? 

At OCI, you'll play a key technical role in shaping the design and evolution of backend cloud services that operate at a global scale. You'll work on complex distributed systems, influence technical direction, and contribute to production services used by customers worldwide. This role offers the opportunity to lead by example, solve ambiguous technical problems, and mentor engineers while continuing to deepen your own technical expertise. 

Responsibilities 

As a Principal Software Developer, you will lead the design, development, and evolution of backend services, APIs, and core server-side systems that support distributed cloud platforms. You will take ownership of complex technical problems, contribute to architectural decisions, and drive scalable, reliable solutions within and across teams. 

You will work on large initiatives, guide design discussions, review and influence technical designs, and collaborate closely with cross-functional partners to ensure high-quality delivery. You will proactively identify opportunities for architectural improvement, system optimization, and operational excellence, while mentoring and supporting other engineers. 

This role requires strong technical judgment, deep understanding of distributed systems, and the ability to balance near-term delivery with long-term architectural health. 

Position Location 

This position is office-based and requires onsite presence at one of the following Oracle office locations: Austin, TX; Nashville, TN; Santa Clara, CA; Seattle, WA; or Redwood Shores, CA. Relocation assistance may be available in accordance with Oracle's relocation policies. 

Qualifications 

  • 7+ years of professional software engineering experience, with demonstrated impact on backend or platform systems 
  • BS or MS degree in Computer Science or a related field, or equivalent practical experience 
  • Strong experience designing and building highly available, scalable distributed systems 
  • Deep understanding of distributed system fundamentals, object-oriented design, data structures, and algorithms 
  • Proficiency in one or more object-oriented programming languages such as Java, C++, C#, Go, or similar 
  • Experience leading or influencing technical design and architecture decisions 
  • Strong problem-solving skills, ability to operate in ambiguous environments, and a high sense of ownership 
  • Experience with microservice architectures, service reliability, and production operations 
  • Demonstrated ability to mentor engineers and raise overall technical quality 

Only Oracle brings together the data, infrastructure, applications, and expertise to power everything from industry innovations to life-saving care. And with AI embedded across our products and services, we help customers turn that promise into a better future for all. Discover your potential at a company leading the way in AI and cloud solutions that impact billions of lives.

True innovation starts when everyone is empowered to contribute. That's why we're committed to growing a workforce that promotes opportunities for all with competitive benefits that support our people with flexible medical, life insurance, and retirement options. We also encourage employees to give back to their communities through our volunteer programs.

We're committed to including people with disabilities at all stages of the employment process. If you require accessibility assistance or accommodation for a disability at any point, let us know by emailing accommodation-request_mb@oracle.com or by calling 1-888-404-2494 in the United States.

Oracle is an Equal Employment Opportunity Employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, sexual orientation, gender identity, disability and protected veterans' status, or any other characteristic protected by law. Oracle will consider for employment qualified applicants with arrest and conviction records pursuant to applicable law.

Disclaimer:
Certain US customer or client-facing roles may be required to comply with applicable requirements, such as immunization and occupational health mandates.
Range and benefit information provided in this posting are specific to the stated locations only
US: Hiring Range in USD from: $96,800 to $223,400 per annum. May be eligible for bonus and equity.
Oracle maintains broad salary ranges for its roles in order to account for variations in knowledge, skills, experience, market conditions and locations, as well as reflect Oracle's differing products, industries and lines of business.
Candidates are typically placed into the range based on the preceding factors as well as internal peer equity.
Oracle US offers a comprehensive benefits package which includes the following:
1. Medical, dental, and vision insurance, including expert medical opinion
2. Short term disability and long term disability
3. Life insurance and AD&D
4. Supplemental life insurance (Employee/Spouse/Child)
5. Health care and dependent care Flexible Spending Accounts
6. Pre-tax commuter and parking benefits
7. 401(k) Savings and Investment Plan with company match
8. Paid time off: Flexible Vacation is provided to all eligible employees assigned to a salaried (non-overtime eligible) position. Accrued Vacation is provided to all other employees eligible for vacation benefits. For employees working at least 35 hours per week, the vacation accrual rate is 13 days annually for the first three years of employment and 18 days annually for subsequent years of employment. Vacation accrual is prorated for employees working between 20 and 34 hours per week. Employees working fewer than 20 hours per week are not eligible for vacation.
9. 11 paid holidays
10. Paid sick leave: 72 hours of paid sick leave upon date of hire. Refreshes each calendar year. Unused balance will carry over each year up to a maximum cap of 112 hours.
11. Paid parental leave
12. Adoption assistance
13. Employee Stock Purchase Plan
14. Financial planning and group legal
15. Voluntary benefits including auto, homeowner and pet insurance
The role will generally accept applications for at least three calendar days from the posting date or as long as the job remains posted.

Career Level - IC4


As a member of the software engineering division, you will take an active role in the definition and evolution of standard practices and procedures. You will be responsible for defining and developing software for tasks associated with the developing, designing and debugging of software applications or operating systems.

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About Oracle

Sourced by ZipRecruiter

An Oracle career can span industries, roles, Countries and cultures, giving you the opportunity to flourish in new roles and innovate, while blending work life in. Oracle has thrived through 40+ years of change by innovating and operating with integrity while delivering for the top companies in almost every industry. In order to nurture the talent that makes this happen, we are committed to an inclusive culture that celebrates and values diverse insights and perspectives, a workforce that inspires thought leadership and innovation. Oracle offers a highly competitive suite of Employee Benefits designed on the principles of parity, consistency, and affordability. The overall package includes certain core elements such as Medical, Life Insurance, access to Retirement Planning, and much more. We also encourage our employees to engage in the culture of giving back to the communities where we live and do business. At Oracle, we believe that innovation starts with diversity and inclusion and to create the future we need talent from various backgrounds, perspectives, and abilities. We ensure that individuals with disabilities are provided reasonable accommodation to successfully participate in the job application, interview process, and in potential roles. to perform crucial job functions. That's why we're committed to creating a workforce where all individuals can do their best work. It's when everyone's voice is heard and valued that we're inspired to go beyond what's been done before.

Industry

It services

Company size

10,000+ Employees

Headquarters location

Redwood City, CA, US

Year founded

1977

Social media

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