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Principal Software Engineer Jobs in Alabama (NOW HIRING)

TCS

Principal Software Engineer

Huntsville, AL · On-site

$133K - $178K/yr

The selected Principal Software Engineer responsibilities will include the support of the GMD Weapons System (GWS) program as an individual contributor on the GMD Fire Control (GFC) product.

TCS

Principal Software Engineer

Huntsville, AL · On-site

$133K - $178K/yr

The selected Principal Software Engineer responsibilities will include the support of the GMD Weapons System (GWS) program as an individual contributor on the GMD Fire Control (GFC) product.

TCS

Senior Principal Software Engineer

Huntsville, AL · On-site

$123K - $170K/yr

Huntsville, Alabama, United States TCS is searching for a Senior Principal Software Engineer to join our strong team of Engineers supporting our Ground-based Midcourse Defense (GMD) customer in ...

TCS

Senior Principal Software Engineer

Huntsville, AL

$123K - $170K/yr

Huntsville, Alabama, United States TCS is searching for a Senior Principal Software Engineer to join our strong team of Engineers supporting our Ground-based Midcourse Defense (GMD) customer in ...

ASRC Federal

Principal Software Engineer

Huntsville, AL · On-site

$133K - $179K/yr

They are seeking a Principal Software Engineer to join their Agile team in Huntsville, AL, where the role involves engaging in software development and testing for mission-critical defense systems.

PNC Bank

Software Engineer Principal

Birmingham, AL · On-site

$126K - $169K/yr

As a Principal Software Engineer within PNC's Contact center technology organization, you will be based in Pittsburgh, PA, Strongsville, OH, Dallas, TX, Birmingham, Al or Lakewood, CO. The Contact ...

TCS

Sr. Principal Software Engineer

Huntsville, AL · On-site

$120 - $180/hr

Must be a current US citizen TCS is searching for a Sr. Principal Software Engineer to join our strong team of Engineers supporting our Ground-based Midcourse Defense (GMD) customer in Huntsville, AL.

TCS

Sr. Principal Software Engineer

Huntsville, AL · On-site

$150 - $210/hr

Must be a current US citizen TCS is searching for a Sr. Principal Software Engineer to join our strong team of Engineers supporting our Ground-based Midcourse Defense (GMD) customer in Huntsville, AL.

KBR, Inc.

Principal Software Engineer

Huntsville, AL · On-site

$133K - $178K/yr

Principal Software Engineer Program Summary KBR's Missile, Aviation, and Ground Systems (MAGS) division delivers mission engineering solutions for critical U.S. Army programs, specializing in ...

KBR

Principal Software Engineer

Huntsville, AL

$133K - $178K/yr

Principal Software Engineer Program Summary KBR's Missile, Aviation, and Ground Systems (MAGS) division delivers mission engineering solutions for critical U.S. Army programs, specializing in ...

TCS

Sr. Principal Software Engineer

Huntsville, AL

$123K - $170K/yr

Onsite - Huntsville TCS is searching for a Sr. Principal Software Engineer to join our strong team of Engineers supporting our Ground-based Midcourse Defense (GMD) customer in Huntsville, AL. The GMD ...

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Showing results 1-20

All JobsPrincipal Software Engineer JobsPrincipal Software Engineer Jobs in Alabama

Principal Software Engineer information

See Alabama salary details

$54.8K

$145.9K

$209.4K

How much do principal software engineer jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 28, 2026, the average yearly pay for principal software engineer in Alabama is $145,871.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $122,400.00 and $164,100.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is a principal software engineer?

A principal software engineer is in charge of software development. In this career, you guide the software design process and inspect software programs to make suggestions for improvements. Principal software engineers also process complex data and may need to enforce software design, development, and maintenance requirements. Your job requires a high level of technical knowledge and skills and a thorough understanding of the software development process. Your employer may require you to have a bachelor’s or master’s degree in software development. Similar job titles include software architect and principal software developer.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a principal software engineer, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Principal Software Engineer, you need deep expertise in software architecture, programming languages, and system design, often supported by a bachelor's or master's degree in computer science or a related field. Advanced proficiency with development frameworks, cloud platforms (e.g., AWS, Azure), and familiarity with DevOps tools and agile methodologies are typically required. Exceptional leadership, mentorship, and communication skills help facilitate cross-functional collaboration and guide technical teams. These skills are crucial for driving technical vision, ensuring scalable solutions, and fostering innovation within complex projects.

How does a principal software engineer typically balance hands-on coding with leadership responsibilities?

Principal Software Engineers often split their time between technical contributions—such as designing system architecture and reviewing complex code—and guiding teams through mentorship, technical direction, and cross-functional collaboration. While they may not code as much as junior engineers, they remain highly involved in critical implementations and code reviews. Balancing these responsibilities requires strong time management, clear communication, and the ability to prioritize tasks that have the highest impact on project and team success.

What is the difference between Principal Software Engineer vs Senior Software Engineer?

AspectPrincipal Software EngineerSenior Software Engineer
Required CredentialsBachelor's or Master's in CS or related field; extensive experienceBachelor's or Master's in CS; several years of experience
Work EnvironmentLeadership roles, strategic planning, cross-team collaborationDesign, develop, and troubleshoot software; mentorship
Employer & Industry UsageTech companies, large enterprises, startupsMost industries, including tech, finance, healthcare

The main difference between a Principal Software Engineer and a Senior Software Engineer lies in their level of responsibility and scope. Principal Software Engineers typically lead technical strategy, influence architecture decisions, and mentor multiple teams, whereas Senior Software Engineers focus on coding, design, and individual project contributions. Both roles require strong technical skills, but the Principal role emphasizes leadership and strategic impact.

How much does a principal software engineer get paid?

A principal software engineer typically earns between $120,000 and $180,000 annually, depending on experience, location, and company size. They often have advanced skills in software architecture, leadership, and technical expertise in programming languages and tools.
More about Principal Software Engineer jobs

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Principal Software Engineer jobs near you
Infographic showing various Principal Software Engineer job openings in Alabama as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 86% Full Time, and 14% Contract. Highlights an 86% In-person, and 14% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $145,871 per year, or $70.1 per hour.

Principal Software Engineer

Technical Consulting Solutions, Inc.

Huntsville, AL • On-site

$140 - $190/hr

Other

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Re-posted 20 days ago

Job description

Current job opportunities are posted here as they become available.

Job Description

TCS is searching for a Principal Software Engineer to join our strong team of Engineers supporting our Ground-based Midcourse Defense (GMD) customer in Huntsville, AL. The GMD program is a portion of the Missile Defense Agency's (MDA) system to protect the US and our allies from ballistic missile attacks. The selected candidate will use modern tools to further the development and sustainment of the GMD system.

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This is an in-office position. Remote work is not available.

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Role:

The selected Principal Software Engineer responsibilities will include the support of the GMD Weapons System (GWS) program as an individual contributor on the GMD Fire Control (GFC) product.

Essential Functions:

  • The Principal Software Engineer will be responsible for understanding, implementing, and testing both existing and new capabilities and algorithms, which include complex mathematics and physics-based solutions, that directly support GWS capabilities on behalf of the Missile Defense Agency (MDA).
  • As a Principal Software Engineer on the GFC team, you will be part of a team that writes the software (currently ~1.5 million lines of code) that evaluates and manages the threat scene for the missile defense system that protects the US.
  • The selected candidate should thrive in a fast-paced work environment with high expectations, significantly diverse assignments, and collaborative/teams comprised of all experience levels.

Basic Qualifications:

  • Bachelor’s Degree in a STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering or Mathematics) discipline preferred from an accredited university and 5 years of related work experience, or a Master's Degree and 3 years of related work experience, or 1 year of related work experience with a PhD.
  • Recent experience developing software in C++ or Java or Ada
  • Willingness to become proficient with Ada software development
  • Applicants must possess good communication skills.
  • Applicants must demonstrate ability to think critically and capture concepts in work products, presentations, and discussions.
  • Capable of working both independently and within a team environment.
  • Must be able to support an in-person / closed-area work environment.
  • Ability and willingness to travel up to 10% of the time to support business needs.
  • Applicants must have a current active in-scope DoD-issued Secret security clearance at the time of application, which is required to start.

Preferred Qualifications:

  • Highly experienced with Linux, scripting, and operations
  • Recent MATLAB and Python experience
  • Advanced degree or strong background in Mathematics or Physics
  • Battle Management or Fire Control experience.
  • Experience with Agile Project Management tools (Jira/Confluence) and DevSecOps tools and methods (Jenkins, Ansible, Git/Gitlab) of continuous integration/continuous delivery and deployment (CI/CD) automation.
  • Highlights of our benefits include BC/BS Health, Dental, Vision, 401(k) match, Profit Sharing, Flexible Time Off, STD/LTD/Life Insurance, Referral Bonuses, professional development reimbursement, vacation, sick leave, and maternity/paternity leave.
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