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

Cybercoders

Principal Software Engineer

Denver, CO · On-site +1

$139K - $186K/yr

Principal Software Engineer Principal Software Engineer Location: Hybrid | Denver, CO About the Role We're partnering with a well-established technology company that's investing heavily in ...

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Medtronic

Principal Software Engineer

Lafayette, CO

$140K - $188K/yr

As a Principal Software Engineer, you will be responsible for leading engineering activities that support the development, optimization, and sustained performance of products produced across ...

Medtronic

Principal Software Engineer

Lafayette, CO

$140K - $188K/yr

As a Principal Software Engineer, you will be responsible for leading engineering activities that support the development, optimization, and sustained performance of products produced across ...

Motion Recruitment

Principal Software Engineer

Arvada, CO · On-site

$137K - $184K/yr

A growing aerospace and satellite communications organization is hiring a Principal Software Engineer for a hybrid role in the Denver area. This position focuses on building and integrating mission ...

Motion Recruitment

Principal Software Engineer

Arvada, CO · On-site

$137K - $184K/yr

A growing aerospace and satellite communications organization is hiring a Principal Software Engineer for a hybrid role in the Denver area. This position focuses on building and integrating mission ...

Auria

Sr. Principal Software Engineer

Boulder, CO

$155K - $180K/yr

As a Sr. Principal Software Engineer, you will be responsible for the design, development, documentation, testing, deployment, and debugging of software applications. This includes researching ...

Auria

Sr. Principal Software Engineer

Boulder, CO · On-site

$155K - $180K/yr

As a Sr. Principal Software Engineer, you will be responsible for the design, development, documentation, testing, deployment, and debugging of software applications. This includes researching ...

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Showing results 1-20

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

Principal Software Developer information

See Denver, CO salary details

$95.8K

$143.2K

$188.1K

How much do principal software developer jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 2, 2026, the average yearly pay for principal software developer in Denver, CO is $143,177.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $125,300.00 and $157,200.00 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 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 July 2026, with employment types broken down into 100% Full Time. Highlights an 100% In-person job distribution, with an average salary of $143,177 per year, or $68.8 per hour.

Principal Software Engineer

Avenue Technologies and Commodities, Inc.

Aurora, CO • On-site

$137K - $184K/yr

Full-time

Re-posted 27 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.

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