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Principal Software Developer Jobs in Denver, CO (NOW HIRING)

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Principal Software Engineer

Denver, CO · Remote

$150K - $210K/yr

Principal Java & .Net Software Engineer Remote - US-Based Only No visa sponsorship | No third-party ... Experience with CI/CD, DevOps practices, and automation. * Familiarity with front-end technologies ...

PDW

Principal Software Engineer

Denver, CO · On-site

$138K - $186K/yr

The Principal Software Engineer will provide technical leadership, architect complex software systems, and mentor engineers while driving high-impact initiatives across multiple platforms.

PDW

Principal Software Engineer

Denver, CO · On-site

$138K - $186K/yr

They are seeking a Principal Software Engineer to provide technical leadership, architect complex software systems, and mentor engineers while collaborating with cross-functional teams.

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All JobsPrincipal Software Developer JobsPrincipal Software Developer Jobs in Denver, CO

Principal Software Developer information

See Denver, CO salary details

$90K

$134.4K

$176.6K

How much do principal software developer jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 24, 2026, the average yearly pay for principal software developer in Denver, CO is $134,410.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $117,600.00 and $147,600.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a principal software developer?

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 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.

What are popular job titles related to Principal Software Developer jobs in Denver, CO?

For Principal Software Developer jobs in Denver, CO, the most frequently searched job titles are:

What job categories do people searching Principal Software Developer jobs in Denver, CO look for?

The top searched job categories for Principal Software Developer jobs in Denver, CO are:

Principal Software Developer jobs near you
Infographic showing various Principal Software Developer job openings in Denver, CO as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 100% Full Time. Highlights an 50% In-person, and 50% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $134,410 per year, or $64.6 per hour.

Principal Software Engineer

Avenue Technologies Company

Aurora, CO • On-site

$137K - $184K/yr

Full-time

Posted 24 days ago

Job description

About the Opportunity

Avenue Technologies is seeking a Principal Software Engineer to support technical, engineering, and program teams in a hands-on environment.

What You Will Do
  • Design, develop, integrate, and maintain software applications that support engineering, production, or test environments.
  • Develop object-oriented applications, libraries, and drivers using the required tools and programming languages.
  • Troubleshoot software issues, integrate with hardware or instrumentation, and support system-level applications.
  • Work with cross-functional engineering teams to derive requirements and deliver reliable software solutions.
Helpful Skills
  • software development
  • requirements
Qualifications
  • Bachelor’s degree in a STEM or related field is preferred or required based on the role.
  • Relevant experience in the applicable technical discipline.
  • Strong communication, ownership, and problem-solving skills.
  • Secret clearance or ability to meet the role’s clearance requirements.