ZipRecruiter

Log In

1

Principal Software Developer Backend Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Beyond SOF

Software Developer, Backend (TS/SCI)

Reston, VA · On-site

$52.75 - $68.25/hr

Software Developer, Backend (TS/SCI) * Reston, VA, USA * Full-time * Clearance: Top Secret/SCI This is an opportunity to build cutting-edge solutions in direct support of unconventional warfare ...

Alarm.com

Principal Software Engineer

Washington, DC

$152K - $205K/yr

Principal Software Engineer -- emPower Do you love working with connected devices, automation, and ... Reason across the full product stack, including backend services, databases, APIs, web and mobile ...

NAVA Software Solutions

Principal Software Engineer

Spring, TX · On-site

$124K - $166K/yr

Develop secure, well-structured back-end services and REST APIs, ensuring robust authentication ... Well versed in CI/CD pipelines (Jenkins, Azure DevOps, GitHub Actions etc.) * Comfortable working ...

Alarm.com

Principal Software Engineer

Arlington, VA

$155K - $208K/yr

Principal Software Engineer -- emPower Do you love working with connected devices, automation, and ... Reason across the full product stack, including backend services, databases, APIs, web and mobile ...

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 ...

VTG

Principal Software Engineer

Hanover, MD · On-site

$200K - $275K/yr

The Principal Software Engineer will design, develop, integrate, test, and maintain enterprise ... Develop enterprise backend applications and services, preferably using Java and/or C++. * Interface ...

KBR

Principal Software Engineer

El Segundo, CA · On-site +1

$143K - $192K/yr

Principal Software Engineer Belong. Connect. Grow. with KBR! KBR is seeking an experienced ... Develop modern user interfaces using Angular and related technologies. * Back-End Development:

VTG

Principal Software Engineer

Hanover, MD · On-site

$200K - $275K/yr

The Principal Software Engineer will design, develop, integrate, test, and maintain enterprise ... Develop enterprise backend applications and services, preferably using Java and/or C++. * Interface ...

KBR, Inc.

Principal Software Engineer

El Segundo, CA · On-site

$143K - $192K/yr

Principal Software Engineer Belong. Connect. Grow. with KBR! KBR is seeking an experienced ... Develop modern user interfaces using Angular and related technologies. * Back-End Development:

THOMSON REUTERS

Principal Software Engineer

New York, NY · Hybrid

$147K - $198K/yr

This role is backend-leaning - you'll spend most of your time on server-side architecture, data ... Take ownership in developer experience by improving/automating CI/CD and other day to day ...

THOMSON REUTERS

Principal Software Engineer

Ann Arbor, MI · Hybrid

$132K - $177K/yr

This role is backend-leaning - you'll spend most of your time on server-side architecture, data ... Take ownership in developer experience by improving/automating CI/CD and other day to day ...

THOMSON REUTERS

Principal Software Engineer

Eagan, MN · Hybrid

$137K - $184K/yr

This role is backend-leaning - you'll spend most of your time on server-side architecture, data ... Take ownership in developer experience by improving/automating CI/CD and other day to day ...

Thomson Reuters

Principal Software Engineer

New York, NY · On-site

$147K - $198K/yr

This role is backend-leaning - you'll spend most of your time on server-side architecture, data ... Take ownership in developer experience by improving/automating CI/CD and other day to day ...

KBR, Inc

Principal Software Engineer

El Segundo, CA · On-site

$150 - $200/hr

Principal Software Engineer Belong. Connect. Grow. with KBR! KBR is seeking an experienced ... Develop modern user interfaces using Angular and related technologies. * Back-End Development:

THOMSON REUTERS

Principal Software Engineer

Frisco, TX · Hybrid

$126K - $169K/yr

This role is backend-leaning - you'll spend most of your time on server-side architecture, data ... Take ownership in developer experience by improving/automating CI/CD and other day to day ...

previous page

Showing results 41-60

All JobsTechnology JobsSoftware JobsSoftware Developer JobsPrincipal Software Developer Backend Jobs

Principal Software Developer Backend information

See salary details

$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:

Software Developer, Backend (TS/SCI)

Reston, VA • On-site

Beyond SOF
Professional, Scientific, and Technical Services • 11 - 50 employees
Learn more about Beyond SOFexternal

$52.75 - $68.25/hr

Full-time

Re-posted 24 days ago

Job description

Software Developer, Backend (TS/SCI)
  • Reston, VA, USA
  • Full-time
  • Clearance: Top Secret/SCI

Job Description
This is an opportunity to build cutting-edge solutions in direct support of unconventional warfare clients. You'll work with a team to develop frontend applications or backend services. With mentoring, positive code reviews, and opportunities to learn new tools and skills, we focus on growing as a team to make the best solutions for our customers. Join us as we build, design, and test systems that will change unconventional warfare from vision to production-ready system.
Qualifications
Required Qualifications:
  • 3-5 years of experience in any of the following:
  • Experience with development of web-services using Java, C# or Python against big-data technologies
  • 1-3 years of experience in any of the following:
  • Developing web applications using JavaScript/Typescript and a related framework (Angular, React, or Vue) including building HTML and CSS Java spring
  • Experience with usability analysis, automated testing development (unit and E2E)
  • Ability to obtain 8570 Compliance Security+ certification within 6 months of start-date
  • Experience with switching between different languages and learning new ones, as necessary
  • 3+ years of experience in working closely with software development teams

Desired Qualifications:
  • DoD 8570 Compliant Security+ or CISSP Certification prior to starting on contract
  • Experience with the following:
  • Gitlab CI/CD pipeline creation (or Jenkins)
  • Software development against Cloud Services (Azure/AWS)
  • Working with various intelligence disciplines, including GEOINT, HUMINT, MASINT, OSINT, and SIGINT and a comprehension of the data and tools associated with these disciplines
  • Testing frameworks, including Jasmine, Karma, or Selenium
  • Command-line scripting
  • Using JavaScript visualization libraries, including D3, Leaflet, CytoscapeJS, and VizJS

Apply