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Principal Software Developer Jobs in California (NOW HIRING)

Principal, Software Engineer We are seeking a talented and passionate Principal, Software Engineer ... Collaborate closely with Product Management, UX/UI, Quality Assurance, and DevOps teams.  

Principal Software Engineer

Hayward, CA · On-site

$143K - $286K/yr

Principal, Software Engineer We are seeking a talented and passionate Principal, Software Engineer ... Collaborate closely with Product Management, UX/UI, Quality Assurance, and DevOps teams.  

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Principal Software Developer information

See California salary details

$93.3K

$139.3K

$183.1K

How much do principal software developer jobs pay per year?

As of Jul 23, 2026, the average yearly pay for principal software developer in California is $139,322.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $121,900.00 and $153,000.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

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

AspectPrincipal Software DeveloperSenior Software Engineer
CredentialsBachelor's or Master’s in Computer Science; extensive experienceBachelor's or Master’s in Computer Science; 5+ years experience
Work EnvironmentLeads technical strategy, mentors teams, influences architectureDevelops features, writes code, mentors junior staff
Industry UsageUsed in large organizations, tech companies, and enterprise settingsCommon across startups, mid-sized, and large companies

The Principal Software Developer typically holds a higher-level role focused on technical leadership, architecture, and strategic planning, whereas the Senior Software Engineer primarily focuses on coding, feature development, and mentoring. Both roles require strong technical skills, but the Principal position involves broader responsibilities and influence within the organization.

How does a Principal Software Developer typically balance hands-on coding with leadership and mentorship responsibilities?

As a Principal Software Developer, you’ll often split your time between writing high-impact code and guiding technical direction for the team. While you remain involved in architecting and developing complex features, a significant portion of your role will also involve mentoring less-experienced developers, leading code reviews, and fostering best practices. You’ll collaborate closely with cross-functional teams to align technical solutions with business goals, and you’re expected to influence the overall engineering culture. This balance requires strong time management skills and a passion for both technical excellence and team development.

What engineer makes $500,000 a year?

Principal Software Developers in high-demand industries or senior leadership roles can earn $500,000 or more annually, especially with extensive experience, specialized skills, and stock options or bonuses. Compensation varies based on company size, location, and individual performance.

What engineers make $300,000 a year?

Principal Software Developers and senior engineers with extensive experience, specialized skills, and leadership responsibilities can earn $300,000 or more annually. High compensation often depends on factors such as industry, location, company size, and expertise in areas like cloud computing, machine learning, or distributed systems.

Can you make $500,000 as a software engineer?

Principal Software Developers and experienced software engineers in high-demand industries or senior roles can potentially earn $500,000 or more annually, especially with bonuses, stock options, or in high-cost-of-living areas. Achieving this level typically requires advanced skills, extensive experience, and often leadership responsibilities or specialized expertise in areas like cloud computing or AI.

What does a principal software developer do?

A principal software developer leads the design, development, and implementation of complex software systems, often providing technical guidance to teams. They analyze requirements, set technical standards, and ensure code quality, typically using programming languages, development tools, and version control systems. This role requires strong problem-solving skills and experience in software architecture and project management.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a Principal Software Developer, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Principal Software Developer, you need advanced expertise in software engineering, architecture design, and problem-solving, typically backed by a degree in computer science or a related field and extensive industry experience. Mastery of programming languages (such as Java, Python, or C#), software development frameworks, cloud platforms, and familiarity with tools like Git, Docker, and CI/CD systems is critical. Leadership, effective communication, and mentorship abilities are vital soft skills that set top performers apart in this role. These competencies ensure scalable solutions, effective project delivery, and the growth of high-performing development teams.
What job categories do people searching Principal Software Developer jobs in California look for? The top searched job categories for Principal Software Developer jobs in California are:
Infographic showing various Principal Software Developer job openings in California as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 82% Full Time, 6% Part Time, 1% Temporary, and 11% Contract. Highlights an 83% Physical, 4% Hybrid, and 13% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $139,322 per year, or $67 per hour.
Principal / Senior Principal Embedded Software Engineer

Principal / Senior Principal Embedded Software Engineer

Northrop Grumman Corporation

Los Angeles, CA

$135K - $186K/yr

Full-time

Medical, Life, PTO

Posted 13 days ago


Northrop Grumman rating

8.2

Company rating: 8.2 out of 10

Based on 356 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

85th of 535 rated manufacturers


Job description

RELOCATION ASSISTANCE: Relocation assistance may be availableCLEARANCE REQUIRED FOR START: NoCLEARANCE TYPE: SecretTRAVEL: Yes, 10% of the TimeDescriptionAt Northrop Grumman, our employees have incredible opportunities to work on revolutionary systems that impact people's lives around the world today, and for generations to come. Our pioneering and inventive spirit has enabled us to be at the forefront of many technological advancements in our nation's history - from the first flight across the Atlantic Ocean, to stealth bombers, to landing on the moon. We look for people who have bold new ideas, courage and a pioneering spirit to join forces to invent the future, and have fun along the way. Our culture thrives on intellectual curiosity, cognitive diversity and bringing your whole self to work - and we have an insatiable drive to do what others think is impossible. Our employees are not only part of history, they're making history.

Northrop Grumman Mission Systems is a trusted provider of mission-enabling solutions for global security. Our Engineering and Sciences (E&S) organization pushes the boundaries of innovation, redefines engineering capabilities, and drives advances in various sciences. Our team is chartered with providing the skills, innovative technologies to develop, design, produce and sustain optimized product lines across the sector while providing a decisive advantage to the warfighter. Come be a part of our mission!

We are looking for you to join our team as a Principal or Senior Principal Embedded Software Engineer based out of Woodland Hills, CA. As an Embedded Software Engineer at Northrop Grumman you will have a challenging and rewarding opportunity to be a part of our Enterprise-wide digital transformation. Through the use of Model-based Engineering, DevSecOps and Agile practices we continue to evolve how we deliver critical national defense products and capabilities for the warfighter. Our success is grounded in our ability to embrace change, move quickly and continuously drive innovation. The successful candidate will be collaborative, open, transparent, and team-oriented with a focus on team empowerment & shared responsibility, flexibility, continuous learning, and a culture of automation.

What You'll get to Do:

In this position you will be developing embedded softwarefor our cutting edge Navigation systems. As a member of our world class software development team, you will have opportunities to improve and expand your capabilities in software design and code development. You will also have opportunities to perform software and system integration on state of the art hardware, implement software development techniques such as Model Based Engineering (MBE), and work in an agile and collaborative development environment.

As a successful candidate, you will collaborate with peers across our organization and will have clearly demonstrated the strong leadership skills needed to join our top performing team. You will have a track record as an effective communicator and problem solver who is able to develop and maintain good working relationships with our internal and external customers. You will also have demonstrated a commitment to ethics and integrity, and the capability to innovate while challenging our traditional ways of doing business. You will make us even better!

This requisition may be filled as a Principal Software Engineer or Senior Principal Software Engineer

Basic Qualifications for Principal Software Engineer:

  • Bachelors degree in STEM with 5 years of hands on Software Development experience; Masters in STEM with 3 years of hands on Software Development experience; PhD in STEM with 1 year of hands on Software Development experience

  • Demonstrated capability to translate formal software requirements into software designs

  • Demonstrated use of high-level programming languages such as C, C++, or Java, or scripting languages such as Python

  • Experience using software management and workflow automation tools such as ClearCase, Git, ClearQuest, or Jira

  • Demonstrated capability to develop UML software designs using design tools such as Rhapsody and/or Model Based Engineering designs using tools such as Simulink or SCADE

  • Demonstrated ability to work in a collaborative development environment

  • Experience in the development and performance of software tests

  • U.S. Citizenship is required

  • Ability to obtain and maintain a U.S. Government Secret clearance is required

  • Ability to work on site at our Woodland Hills, CA facility

Basic Qualifications for Senior Principal Software Engineer:

  • Bachelors degree in STEM with 8 years of hands on Software Development experience; Masters in STEM with 6 years of hands on Software Development experience; PhD in STEM with 4 year of hands on Software Development experience

  • Demonstrated capability to translate formal software requirements into software designs

  • Demonstrated use of high-level programming languages such as C, C++, or Java, or scripting languages such as Python

  • Experience using software management and workflow automation tools such as ClearCase, Git, ClearQuest, or Jira

  • Demonstrated capability to develop UML software designs using design tools such as Rhapsody and/or Model Based Engineering designs using tools such as Simulink or SCADE

  • Demonstrated ability to work in a collaborative development environment

  • Experience in the development and performance of software tests

  • U.S. Citizenship is required

  • Ability to obtain and maintain a U.S. Government Secret clearance is required

  • Ability to work on site at our Woodland Hills, CA facility

Preferred Qualifications:

  • Current/Active U.S. Government Secret clearance

  • Experience using DOORS for software requirements management

  • MATLAB/Simulink model-based software development

  • Demonstrated capability to define software requirements for an INS/GPS system

  • Familiarity with/Experience in INS/GPS Kalman filter design and requirements definition

  • Experience developing, verifying, certifying and releasing mission and safety-critical software systems that comply with RTCA DO-178B/ C or similar guidelines.

  • Demonstrated use of MATLAB for simulation and INS/GPS system performance evaluation

  • Experience in the development and performance of system tests

  • Hands-on experience with one or more communication protocols such as MIL-STD-1553, ARINC-429 or RS-422

  • Real-time safety-critical embedded software systems development experience (including APIs, interfaces and device drivers)

  • Navigation and/or Integrated Avionics System development experience

  • Experience with the full software lifecycle: specification, design, implementation and unit test, integration, and maintenance

  • Experience developing, verifying, certifying and releasing mission and safety-critical software systems that comply with RTCA DO-178B/ C or similar guidelines

  • Experience with software test tools such as LDRA and Vector Cast and code analysis tools such as Polyspace

Primary Level Salary Range: $114,000.00 - $171,000.00Secondary Level Salary Range: $142,200.00 - $213,400.00The above salary range represents a general guideline; however, Northrop Grumman considers a number of factors when determining base salary offers such as the scope and responsibilities of the position and the candidate's experience, education, skills and current market conditions.Depending on the position, employees may be eligible for overtime, shift differential, and a discretionary bonus in addition to base pay. Annual bonuses are designed to reward individual contributions as well as allow employees to share in company results. Employees in Vice President or Director positions may be eligible for Long Term Incentives. In addition, Northrop Grumman provides a variety of benefits including health insurance coverage, life and disability insurance, savings plan, Company paid holidays and paid time off (PTO) for vacation and/or personal business.The application period for the job is estimated to be 20 days from the job posting date. However, this timeline may be shortened or extended depending on business needs and the availability of qualified candidates.Northrop Grumman is an Equal Opportunity Employer, making decisions without regard to race, color, religion, creed, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, marital status, national origin, age, veteran status, disability, or any other protected class. For our complete EEO and pay transparency statement, please visit http://www.northropgrumman.com/EEO. U.S. Citizenship is required for all positions with a government clearance and certain other restricted positions.

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About Northrop Grumman

Sourced by ZipRecruiter

At Northrop Grumman, our employees have incredible opportunities to work on revolutionary systems that impact people's lives around the world today, and for generations to come. Our pioneering and inventive spirit has enabled us to be at the forefront of many technological advancements in our nation's history - from the first flight across the Atlantic Ocean, to stealth bombers, to landing on the moon. We look for people who have bold new ideas, courage and a pioneering spirit to join forces to invent the future, and have fun along the way. Our culture thrives on intellectual curiosity, cognitive diversity and bringing your whole self to work - and we have an insatiable drive to do what others think is impossible.

Industry

Space research administration

Company size

10,000+ Employees

Headquarters location

Falls Church, VA, US

Year founded

1939