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Principal Software Developer Jobs in Virginia (NOW HIRING)

Principal Software Developer

Ashburn, VA · On-site

$131K - $237K/yr

Leidos is seeking Principal Software Developers to join the Air Traffic Business Area within the Homeland Sector, supporting the development of next-generation flight service and air traffic systems.

Principal Software Engineer

Mclean, VA

$136K - $183K/yr

Principal Software Engineer -- emPower Do you love working with connected devices, automation, and real-world systems? Have you automated your own home, built integrations across smart devices, or ...

Principal Software Engineer -- emPower Do you love working with connected devices, automation, and real-world systems? Have you automated your own home, built integrations across smart devices, or ...

Principal Software Engineer

Arlington, VA

$155K - $208K/yr

Principal Software Engineer -- emPower Do you love working with connected devices, automation, and real-world systems? Have you automated your own home, built integrations across smart devices, or ...

Principal Software Engineer

Fairfax, VA · On-site

$120K - $222K/yr

Principal Software Engineer Requisition ID: 1801 Position Location: Fairfax, VA Position Reports To ... Experience with containerization, deployment, and DevOps tools such as Docker, CI/CD pipelines, or ...

Principal Software Engineer

Arlington, VA

$155K - $208K/yr

Title and Summary Principal Software Engineer About Mastercard Mastercard is a global technology ... Developer Experience & Enablement - Apply AI tools as part of daily engineering practice to real ...

Principal Software Engineer

Ashburn, VA · On-site

$138K - $185K/yr

Principal Software Engineer - Onsite Ashburn, VA or Massachusetts We are looking for creative software developers who have a passion to invent, design and implement embedded software along with a ...

Principal Software Engineer

Ashburn, VA

$138K - $185K/yr

Principal Software Engineer - Onsite Ashburn, VA or Massachusetts We are looking for creative software developers who have a passion to invent, design and implement embedded software along with a ...

Principal Software Engineer

Arlington, VA · On-site

$155K - $208K/yr

Apogee Research is at the forefront of a revolution in how the DoD operates, and they are seeking a Principal Software Engineer to lead the creation of capabilities addressing currently unmet needs ...

Principal Software Engineer/Tech Lead

Arlington, VA · On-site

$154K - $206K/yr

As the Principal Software Engineer/Team Lead, you will: * Engineering * Experience in working on ... Experience designing, building, and deploying DevOps pipelines with Bitbucket, Git, Jenkins ...

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Showing results 1-20

Principal Software Developer information

See Virginia salary details

$93.7K

$140K

$183.9K

How much do principal software developer jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 1, 2026, the average yearly pay for principal software developer in Virginia is $139,960.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $122,400.00 and $153,700.00 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.
Infographic showing various Principal Software Developer job openings in Virginia 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 $139,960 per year, or $67.3 per hour.

Principal Software Developer Architect

ATTAINX INC

Herndon, VA • On-site

$180K - $200K/yr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Retirement, PTO

Posted 4 days ago


Job description

Job Title: Principal Software Developer Architect      

Location: Remote

Clearance:  Govt. Public Trust

Citizenship: US Citizenship or Work Visa Required       

Computer Exempt

Preferred Salary: *US market data $180,000.00 - $200,000.00. You will receive a competitive total rewards package that is applicable to the U.S. only. The salary range may vary based on experience, skillset, and geographical location.

  

AttainX is seeking an experienced Principal Software Developer Architect with excellent communication and technical skills to support our government client. The Architect will have a minimum of 10 years of experience with software development, databases, and system architecture. This candidate will work closely with software developers and government SMEs to understand system requirements and data needs of current and future software solutions. This individual will design, configure, operate, and perform maintenance on computer systems — including hardware, software, web portals, internet and intranet connections, firewalls, servers, and security. He/she must have a positive attitude that sets the tone for their team. Most importantly, embrace the unique culture by sharing knowledge and experience with our team through collaboration, group work and peer review. This position relies on extensive experience and judgment to plan and accomplish goals. Agile/SCRUM experience is required.

Qualifications and Education Requirements:

  • Bachelor’s Degree with10 years of relevant experience working as a software developer, database engineering and/or system architecture with experience leading large and complex cross-functional projects in a technology company, or master’s degree and 5 years of relevant experience. 
  • 10+ years of experience leading multiple software development initiatives.
  • 5+ years of hands-on experience with Software Development, Azure and/or AWS Cloud Platforms, IT modernization.
  • Prior experience working as a Software Developer/Architect on one or more of the following: Cloud, and/or AWS Cloud Platforms, IT modernization, automation, RPA.
  • Prior experience working on USDA software development initiatives for Phytosanitary, Veterinary Services and Multinational Data Exchange.
  • Prior experience migrating code base fromRichfacestoPrimefaces.
  • Analytical, written, and verbal communication skills must be comfortable talking about technical matters with non-technical people and business matters with technical team members.
  • Must have attention to detail, problem solving, and decision-making skills.
  • Adaptability and resilience in a fast-paced, dynamic environment with an ability to thrive under pressure and navigate ambiguity effectively.
  • Experience andproficiencywith various web-based software applications including Azure DevOps, ALM, Microsoft Office Word, Excel, PowerPoint, SharePoint, etc.
  • Experience with and knowledge of USDA systems and architecture.
  • Must be able to obtain andmaintaina Public Trust clearance.

Job Duties:

Principal Software Developer Architect is responsible for leading the successful delivery of a contract with a USDA government client. This position is responsible for:

  • Collaborating with stakeholders and technical teams to understand requirements, providean optimizedarchitecture, and address technical limitations.
  • Lead enterprise digital transformation, cloud adoption, optimization, and automation by applying broad technical skills.
  • Provide thought leadership in solution architecture, design, development, requirements analysis, strategies, and reviews.
  • Apply independent analysis based on in-depth research and interpretive thinking. 
  • Evaluate and recommend technical solutions fromvarious options.
  • Utilize expert communication skills needed to direct the skilled technical resources and report on the technical progress, issues, and problem areas, as well as write and review technical documents.
  • Lead initiatives which include Cloud Engineering, Artificial Intelligence, Machine Learning, and software engineering initiatives.
  • Coordinate and inspireAttainXteam members to deliver technical solutions which meet the client’s needs.
  • Stay informed on industry trends and best practices in software development and architecture.

Non-Essential Functions:

  • General duty requirements as assigned.

About Us

AttainX Inc. is SBA Certified 8(a), Women Owned Small Business (WOSB), Economically Disadvantaged WOSB (EDWOSB), CMMI Level 3, ISO 9001:2015 certified QMS and Silver Level SaFe Partner. For more than 12 years, AttainX, Inc. has delivered emergent technologies, software products, and high-quality services that meet the needs of our Federal Government customers. 

The last 3 years have shown significant company growth as we have increased our contracts portfolio and hold the “Best in Class” contract vehicles, GSA MAS and OASIS Small Business and 8(a) Pools 1, 2 and 3. In addition, we are prime on several Agency Specific IDIQ’s and BPA’s with the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, Department of Energy, Navy, Health and Human Service and the Defense Intelligence Agency.

AttainX is dedicated to quality and best practices for the services we provide. We understand our people are the key ingredient to ensuring our customers Mission and Goals are met with excellence. 

Benefits  

We are proud to offer competitive compensation and benefits packages to include paid vacation, medical, dental, vision, matching 401K plan, tuition/training reimbursement, and Long & Short-Term Disability. 

EEO Commitment:

AttainX is an equal employment opportunity employer, we are committed to providing a workplace that is free from discrimination based on Title VII of the Civil Rights Act, VEVRAA and Section 503, or other status protected by applicable federal, state, local, or international law. These protections also extend to applicants.

Accommodations:

If you are an individual with a disability and would like to request a reasonable workplace accommodation, please send an email to Human Resources. Indicate the specifics of the assistance needed. 

Physical Demands:

Sitting and working on a computer for long, continuous periods each day; effective communications by telephone, email, and face-to-face; standing, walking, and sitting; handling and feeling objects or controls; reaching; talking and hearing; lifting and/or moving up to 10 pounds; and specific vision abilities including close vision, distance vision, color vision, peripheral vision, depth perception, and the ability to adjust and focus.

Work Environment: The noise level in the work environment is usually moderate.