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Principal Software Developer Jobs in Virginia (NOW HIRING)

Principal Software Engineer

Richmond, VA

$133.90K - $179.50K/yr

Position Overview As a Principal Engineer, Software at CarMax, you will lead the design and ... Apply Agile and DevOps methodologies to deliver high-quality products efficiently. * Ensure ...

Principal Software Engineer

Richmond, VA · On-site

$133.90K - $179.50K/yr

Position Overview As a Principal Engineer, Software at CarMax, you will lead the design and ... Apply Agile and DevOps methodologies to deliver high-quality products efficiently. * Ensure ...

As a Principal Software Engineer , you won't just contribute--you'll lead from the front, solving some of the hardest technical challenges in distributed systems, performance engineering, and large ...

Principal Software Engineer

Herndon, VA · On-site +1

$139.24K - $185K/yr

As a Principal Software Engineer , you won't just contribute-you'll lead from the front, solving some of the hardest technical challenges in distributed systems, performance engineering, and large ...

Principal Software Engineer

Herndon, VA · Remote

$139.24K - $185K/yr

As a Principal Software Engineer , you won't just contribute-you'll lead from the front, solving some of the hardest technical challenges in distributed systems, performance engineering, and large ...

Principal Software Development Engineer

Reston, VA

$140.40K - $188.30K/yr

Experience leading the technical roadmap for software engineering teams or data scientists without direct reporting authority (e.g., Lead, Principal, or Staff level experience). Technical Influence:

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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 May 31, 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 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.

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 does a Principal Software Developer do?

A Principal Software Developer is a senior-level engineer responsible for leading complex software projects, setting technical direction, and mentoring other developers. They design and architect software solutions, ensure best coding practices, and collaborate with stakeholders to align technical strategy with business goals. Principal Software Developers often influence company-wide technology decisions and help solve the most challenging engineering problems. Their role typically combines hands-on coding with leadership and strategic planning.

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.

Infographic showing various Principal Software Developer job openings in Virginia as of May 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 88% Full Time, 10% Part Time, and 1% Contract. Highlights an 97% Physical, and 3% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $139,960 per year, or $67.3 per hour.
Principal Software Engineering, Information Security

Principal Software Engineering, Information Security

TransUnion

Reston, VA • Hybrid

$140.40K - $188.30K/yr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Retirement, PTO

Posted 26 days ago


TransUnion rating

9.0

Company rating: 9.0 out of 10

Based on 5 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz


Job description

TransUnion's Job Applicant Privacy Notice

Personal Information We Collect

Your Privacy Choices

What We'll Bring:

At TransUnion, we have a welcoming and energetic environment that encourages collaboration and innovation we're consistently exploring new technologies and tools to be agile. This environment gives our people the opportunity to hone current skills and build new capabilities, while discovering their genius.
Come be a part of our team - you'll work with great people, pioneering products and cutting-edge technology.
Principal Software Engineering role for a highly skilled and experienced Information Security Developer/Architect to lead the design, development, and implementation of Information Security systems and infrastructure. This role blends deep expertise in cybersecurity architecture and development with hands-on software engineering and DevOps. You will work across multiple Cyber Fusion Engineering functions including Security Analytics Engineering, Attack Surface Management, and Cyber Threat Intelligence and Cybercrime, with a primary focus on building internally developed systems.

What You'll Bring:

    • 10+ years of experience in software development, application architecture, and DevOps.

    • Experience designing and implementing secure software solutions for cloud-native (AWS, Azure, GCP) and hybrid environments using infrastructure-as-code tools (Harness, Terraform, CloudFormation).

    • Strong programming skills in languages such as Python, Go, Java, or C/C++/C#.

    • Deep understanding of secure software development practices and SDLC.

    • Proven track record developing and implementing security analytics solutions focused on disciplines like threat detection, incident response, and risk mitigation.

    • Experience with Microsoft Power BI or other data visualization tools.

    • Experience with modern "Big Data" platforms in the context of a security data lake (ElasticSearch, Amazon Security Lake, Apache Spark, SnowFlake, etc.).

    • Experience with ETL / Distributed Data Processing Tools (e.g., Cribl, Kafka, AirFlow)

    • Strong verbal and written communication skills with extensive experience collaborating with and presenting to senior leadership.

    • Ability to operate autonomously and collaborate effectively in a fast-moving and highly matrixed environment.

    We'd Love to See:

    • Degree in Computer Science, Computer Engineering, or related fields.

    • Hands-on security experience with Security Operations development and implementation, including SIEM, Security Automation, Data Engineering, and Threat Detection.

    • Experience with operationalizing security telemetry to design and generate metrics for business and technology stakeholders at multiple levels.

    • Extensive knowledge of the emerging cyber threat landscape and threat actor Tactic, Techniques, and Procedures (TTPs).

    • Familiarity with CIS CSC, NIST CSF, and MITRE ATT&CK Framework.

    • Experience working in the Financial Services sector

    • Experience working in a regulated environment (PCI DSS, NYDFS, GDPR, Reserve Bank of India).

    • 3+ years of technical people leadership experience.

      Impact You'll Make:

      • An opportunity as Principal, Cyber Fusion Engineering, for a highly skilled and experienced Information Security Developer/Architect to lead the design, development, and implementation of Information Security systems and infrastructure. This role blends deep expertise in cybersecurity architecture and development with hands-on software engineering and DevOps. You will work across multiple Cyber Fusion Engineering functions including Security Analytics Engineering, Attack Surface Management, and Cyber Threat Intelligence and Cybercrime, with a primary focus on building internally developed systems.

      • Be apart of a culture which encourages our people to hone current skills and build new capabilities while discovering their genius.

      • You will create a new Information Security software build capability

      • You will build new data storage and analytics capabilities to enable Data Science use cases.

      • You will contribute to infrastructure and tooling initiatives for Microsoft Power BI and other reporting and metrics platforms.

      • You will be the subject matter expert for our internal analytics products.

      • You will foster a high-performance culture and cultivate an environment that promotes excellence and reflects the TransUnion brand.

      #LI-KJ1

      Qualified applicants with arrest or conviction records will be considered for employment in accordance with applicable law, including the Los Angeles County Fair Chance Ordinance for Employers, the San Francisco Fair Chance Ordinance, Fair Chance Initiative for Hiring Ordinance, and the California Fair Chance Act.

      Adherence to Company policies, sound judgment and trustworthiness, working safely, communicating respectfully, and safeguarding business operations, confidential and proprietary information, and the Company's reputation are also essential expectations of this position.

      This is a hybrid position and involves regular performance of job responsibilities virtually as well as in-person at an assigned TU office location for a minimum of two days a week.

      Benefits:

      TransUnion provides flexible benefits including flexible time off for exempt associates, paid time off for non-exempt associates, up to 12 paid holidays per year, health benefits (including medical, dental, and vision plan options and health spending accounts), mental health support, disability benefits, up to 12 weeks of paid parental leave, adoption assistance, fertility planning coverage, legal benefits, long-term care insurance, commuter benefits, tuition reimbursement, charity gift matching, employee stock purchase plan, 401(k) retirement savings with employer match, and access to TransUnion's Employee Resource Groups. Spousal, domestic partner, and other eligible dependent coverage is available on select health and welfare plans.

      We are committed to being a place where diversity is not only present, it is embraced. As an equal opportunity employer, all qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, disability status, veteran status, genetic information, marital status, citizenship status, sexual orientation, gender identity or any other characteristic protected by law. Additionally, in accordance with Section 503 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973 and the Vietnam Era Veterans' Readjustment Assistance Act of 1974, TransUnion takes affirmative action to employ and advance in employment qualified individuals with a disability and protected veterans in all levels of employment and develops annual affirmative action plans. Components of TransUnion's Affirmative Action Program for individuals with disabilities and protected veterans are available for review to any associate or applicant for employment upon request by contacting ERCoE@transunion.com.

      Pay Scale Information :The U.S. base salary range for this position is $168,750.00 - $281,250 annually. *The salary range for this position reflects a reasonable estimate of the range of compensation for this job. At TransUnion, actual compensation is based on careful consideration of additional factors such as (but not limited to) an individual's education, training, work experience, job-related skill set, location, and industry knowledge, as well as the scope and responsibilities of the position and market considerations.Regular, fulltime non-sales positions may be eligible to participate in TransUnion's annual bonus plan. Certain positions may be also eligible for long-term incentives and other payments based on applicable company guidance and plan documents.


      TransUnion's Internal Job Title:

      Principal, Cybersecurity

      Company:

      TransUnion LLC