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Principal Software Developer Jobs in Ontario (NOW HIRING)

Nasdaq

Principal Software Developer

Toronto, ON · Hybrid

CA$140K - CA$196K/yr

As a Principal Software Developer reporting to the Senior Director of Software Development, you'll play a critical role in shaping technology strategy and driving innovative software solutions that ...

Autodesk

Job Requisition ID # 26WD95779 L'affichage de poste en francais suivra / The French job posting follows. 26WD95779, Principal Software Developer (Back End) Position Overview We are seeking a ...

Autodesk

Job Requisition ID # 26WD95871 L'affichage de poste en francais suivra / The French job posting follows. 26WD95871 Principal Software Developer, TakeOff Position Overview We are seeking a talented ...

Intuit

Principal Software Developer

Toronto, ON

CA$209K - CA$283K/yr

Come join Intuit as a Principal Software Developer and help us power prosperity around the world. We are looking for engineers that love to take on new challenges, solve tough problems, and have deep ...

Autodesk

Job Requisition ID # 26WD99177 L'affichage de poste en francais suivra / The French job posting follows 26WD99177, Principal Software Developer - Databases About Autodesk Construction Solutions ...

Okta

Principal Software Engineer

Toronto, ON · On-site

The Principal Software Engineer Opportunity We seek a visionary and highly influential Principal Software Engineer to help lead our Device Assurance(Security Posture) engineering team. The ideal ...

Autodesk

Job Requisition ID # 26WD97415 Principal Software Engineer, Cloud Applications (AI-Native ... Interest in improving developer productivity and adopting new engineering tools and practices. Why ...

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Showing results 1-20

All JobsPrincipal Software Developer JobsPrincipal Software Developer Jobs in Ontario

Principal Software Developer information

See Ontario salary details

$81.5K

$146K

$268.5K

How much do principal software developer jobs pay per year?

As of Jul 1, 2026, the average yearly pay for principal software developer in Ontario is $146,026.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $109,000.00 and $168,500.00 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 are popular job titles related to Principal Software Developer jobs in Ontario? For Principal Software Developer jobs in Ontario, the most frequently searched job titles are:
What job categories do people searching Principal Software Developer jobs in Ontario look for? The top searched job categories for Principal Software Developer jobs in Ontario are:
What cities in Ontario are hiring for Principal Software Developer jobs? Cities in Ontario with the most Principal Software Developer job openings:
What are popular job titles related to Principal Software Developer jobs in ON? For Principal Software Developer jobs in ON, the most frequently searched job titles are:
Principal Software Developer jobs near you
Infographic showing various Principal Software Developer job openings in Ontario as of June 2026, with employment types broken down into 65% Full Time, 29% Part Time, 5% Contract, and 1% Nights. Highlights an 89% Physical, 3% Hybrid, and 8% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $146,026 per year, or $70.2 per hour.
Principal Software Developer

Principal Software Developer

Nasdaq

Toronto, ON • Hybrid

CA$140K - CA$196K/yr

Full-time

Posted 22 days ago

Job description

As a Principal Software Developer reporting to the Senior Director of Software Development, you'll play a critical role in shaping technology strategy and driving innovative software solutions that power Nasdaq's Corporate Solutions business and global markets.
You'll thrive in this position if you're a strategic thinker who leads through influence, brings deep technical expertise, and energizes teams to solve complex problems in a fast-paced, high-impact environment.
Key Responsibilities
  • Define and lead software architecture decisions across multiple disciplines, ensuring solutions are scalable, competitive, and aligned with business strategy.
  • Serve as the go-to technical authority for complex, cross-functional engineering challenges - guiding teams from concept through delivery.
  • Partner with Architecture, Quality Assurance, and product teams to design and deliver solutions that drive measurable outcomes for clients and the business.
  • Mentor and challenge engineers to think innovatively, raise their technical standards, and deliver high-quality, impactful software.
  • Apply deep awareness of market and technology trends to identify opportunities and shape the direction of new and existing products.
Required Qualifications
  • 12+ years of experience in software engineering or a related technology discipline.
  • Proven track record of leading large-scale, complex software development projects across cross-functional teams.
  • Strong ability to translate business needs into technical strategies, with a focus on measurable outcomes and competitive advantage.
  • Experience working across multiple disciplines - including architecture, quality assurance, and systems integration - in a matrixed environment.
  • Advanced degree (Master's or equivalent) in Computer Science, Engineering, or a related field, or equivalent professional experience.
Nice-to-Have
  • Professional association memberships or recognized industry contributions in technology or software engineering.
  • Experience in capital markets, fintech, or a similarly regulated global industry.
  • Background in business strategy or financial acumen alongside deep technical expertise.

This position will be located inToronto, Ontarioand offers the opportunity for a hybrid work environment at least 3 days a week in-office, subject to change, providing flexibility and accessibility for qualified candidates.

Come as You Are

Nasdaq is an equal opportunity employer. We welcome applications from candidates of all backgrounds and identities.

We are committed to fostering an inclusive workplace where diverse perspectives, experiences, and identities are valued and celebrated.

We ensure that individuals with disabilities are provided with reasonable accommodation throughout the hiring process.

What We Offer

We're proud to offer a competitive rewards package that is meaningful, recognizes the unique needs of our employees and their families and incentivizes employees for their contribution to Nasdaq's overall success.

The base pay range for this role is $140,000 - $196,000. In addition to base salary, Nasdaq provides a generous annual bonus/commission (short-term incentive), and equity (long-term incentive), comprehensive benefits, and opportunity for growth. Exact compensation may vary based on several job-related factors that are unique to each candidate, including but not limited to: skill set, experience, education/training, business needs and market demands.

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