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Principal Software Development Engineer Jobs in California

SAIC

Principal Software Engineer

San Diego, CA · Hybrid

$160K - $200K/yr

Your Role As a Principal Software Engineer , you will be a key technical contributor supporting the ... Support the full software development lifecycle (SDLC) including requirements analysis, design ...

SAIC

Principal Software Engineer

San Diego, CA · Hybrid

$160K - $200K/yr

Your Role As a Principal Software Engineer , you will be a key technical contributor supporting the ... Support the full software development lifecycle (SDLC) including requirements analysis, design ...

SAIC

Principal Software Engineer

San Diego, CA · On-site

$160K - $200K/yr

Description SAIC is seeking a talented and motivated Principal Software Engineer to support ... Support the full software development lifecycle (SDLC) including requirements analysis, design ...

SAIC

Principal Software Engineer

San Diego, CA · On-site +1

$160K - $200K/yr

ORA_REMOTE Description SAIC is seeking a full-stack Principal Software Engineer to join the Joint Range Extension (JRE) software development team. This is a Remote Role in San Diego, CA. It is ...

Saviynt

Associate Principal SDET

Milpitas, CA · On-site

$160K - $180K/yr

We are seeking a Associate Principal SDET to lead the architecture and evolution of our automation and quality engineering strategy for Saviynt's cloud-native Identity Security platform. In this role ...

Saviynt

Associate Principal SDET

Milpitas, CA · On-site

$160K - $180K/yr

We are seeking a Associate Principal SDET to lead the architecture and evolution of our automation and quality engineering strategy for Saviynt's cloud-native Identity Security platform. In this role ...

Saviynt

Associate Principal SDET

Milpitas, CA · On-site

$160K - $180K/yr

We are seeking a Associate Principal SDET to lead the architecture and evolution of our automation and quality engineering strategy for Saviynt's cloud-native Identity Security platform. In this role ...

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All JobsPrincipal Software Development Engineer JobsPrincipal Software Development Engineer Jobs in California

Principal Software Development Engineer information

See California salary details

$59.7K

$158.8K

$228K

How much do principal software development engineer jobs pay per year?

As of Jun 12, 2026, the average yearly pay for principal software development engineer in California is $158,829.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $133,200.00 and $178,600.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

How does a Principal Software Development Engineer typically collaborate with other teams within the organization?

As a Principal Software Development Engineer, you will frequently work cross-functionally with product managers, designers, and other engineering teams to align technical solutions with business goals. You may also mentor junior engineers, participate in architectural reviews, and help drive the adoption of best practices across teams. This role often involves leading technical discussions, facilitating communication between stakeholders, and ensuring that projects are delivered efficiently and at a high standard. Collaborative skills and the ability to communicate complex technical concepts clearly are essential for success in this position.

What is a Principal Software Development Engineer?

A Principal Software Development Engineer is a senior technical leader responsible for designing, developing, and guiding complex software projects. They often set technical direction, mentor engineering teams, and ensure best practices are followed across projects. Principal engineers collaborate closely with product managers, architects, and other stakeholders to deliver scalable and robust software solutions. Their role usually requires extensive experience in software engineering, deep technical expertise, and strong leadership skills.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a Principal Software Development Engineer, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Principal Software Development Engineer, you need deep expertise in software architecture, advanced programming skills, and a strong foundation in computer science, typically supported by a bachelor's or master's degree in a related field. Mastery of development frameworks, cloud platforms (such as AWS or Azure), and familiarity with CI/CD tools are commonly required, along with experience leading code reviews and technical teams. Exceptional communication, leadership, and problem-solving abilities help you mentor others and drive cross-functional projects to success. These skills and qualities are critical for guiding technical direction, ensuring high-quality solutions, and fostering innovation within engineering teams.
Principal Software Development Engineer jobs near you
Infographic showing various Principal Software Development Engineer job openings in California as of June 2026, with employment types broken down into 2% As Needed, 58% Full Time, 25% Part Time, 4% Temporary, 9% Contract, and 2% Nights. Highlights an 87% Physical, 5% Hybrid, and 8% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $158,829 per year, or $76.4 per hour.
Principal Software Development Engineer, Solid State Drives

Principal Software Development Engineer, Solid State Drives

Nvidia

Santa Clara, CA

$158K - $212K/yr

Full-time

Posted 1 hour ago

Job description

Are you ready to push the boundaries of what's possible? At NVIDIA, you'll have the opportunity to work on groundbreaking technology that's setting the standard for graphical processing, PC gaming, and AI computing. As a Principal Software Development Engineer specializing in Solid State Drives (SSD), you'll help define accelerated storage technology!

What You Will Be Doing:

  • Architect new persistent data storage platforms that meet targeted AI/HPC workload requirements.

  • Own the solid state drive selection process, storage performance optimization and ensuring operational excellence in NVIDIA platforms using SSDs.

  • Lead system integration and optimizing storage performance and endurance for SSD based storage platforms for NVIDIA.

  • Industry Influence: Track and influence storage-class memory industry roadmap to keep NVIDIA leading in technological advancements.

What We Need to See:

  • Proven Experience: Demonstrated expertise in SSD architecture and software/firmware development [Flash Translation Layer, NAND Backend optimization, SSD performance optimization].

  • Technical Proficiency: Extensive knowledge of storage systems architecture and SSD performance metrics.

  • Proven expertise in driving at-scale operational excellence for storage systems, ideally in a Cloud provider setting.

  • Industry Insight: Ability to track and impact industry trends and roadmaps.

  • Collaboration Skills: Outstanding ability to work with cross-functional teams, industry partners and ODMs to successfully implement storage solutions.

  • Bachelor's or preferably Master's or Doctoral (Ph.D) degree or equivalent experience in Computer Science, Electrical Engineering, or a related field.

  • 15+ years of firmware development experience in Industry using C/C++

Ways to Stand Out from the Crowd:

  • Innovative Thinking: Proven track record of innovative problem-solving in SSD technologies.

  • Technical Leadership: Experience leading technical projects and teams to achieve flawless execution.

  • Knowledge: In-depth understanding of NAND and other persistent storage technologies, encompassing emerging trends and future possibilities.

  • Patents, publications and demonstrated industry impact

At NVIDIA, we believe in the power of diverse perspectives and collaboration to drive world-class innovation. Join us and help build the future of computing with your outstanding skills and ambitious vision!

Your base salary will be determined based on your location, experience, and the pay of employees in similar positions. The base salary range is 248,000 USD - 391,000 USD.

You will also be eligible for equity and benefits.

Applications for this job will be accepted at least until June 11, 2026.

This posting is for an existing vacancy.

NVIDIA uses AI tools in its recruiting processes.

NVIDIA is committed to fostering an inclusive work environment and proud to be an equal opportunity employer. As we highly value diversity in our current and future employees, we do not discriminate (including in our hiring and promotion practices) on the basis of race, religion, color, national origin, gender, gender expression, sexual orientation, age, marital status, veteran status, disability status or any other characteristic protected by law.
Nvidia logo

About Nvidia

Sourced by ZipRecruiter

NVIDIA has been transforming computer graphics, PC gaming, and accelerated computing for more than 25 years. It's a unique legacy of innovation that's fueled by great technology--and amazing people. Today, we're tapping into the unlimited potential of AI to define the next era of computing. An era in which our GPU acts as the brains of computers, robots, and self-driving cars that can understand the world. Doing what's never been done before takes vision, innovation, and the world's best talent.

Industry

Computer and electronic product manufacturing

Company size

10,000+ Employees

Headquarters location

Santa Clara, CA, US

Year founded

1993

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