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Principal Software Engineer Jobs in Alabama (NOW HIRING)

Hexagon AB

Principal Software Developer

Madison, AL · On-site

Principal Software Developer Job Location (Short): Atlanta, United States | Madison, United States Workplace Type: Hybrid Req Id: 2749 Responsibilities Octave is looking for a Principal Software ...

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Principal Software Engineer information

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$54.8K

$145.9K

$209.4K

How much do principal software engineer jobs pay per year?

As of Jul 14, 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 are Principal Software Engineers?

Principal Software Engineers are highly experienced technical leaders responsible for designing, developing, and overseeing complex software systems. They set technical direction, mentor engineering teams, and often collaborate with stakeholders to align technology solutions with business goals. In addition to coding, they play a key role in establishing best practices, reviewing architectural decisions, and ensuring high-quality software delivery. Their expertise and leadership are critical in driving innovation and maintaining technical excellence within an organization.

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 engineers make $300,000 a year?

Principal Software Engineers and senior technical leaders in high-demand industries such as technology, finance, and cloud computing often earn $300,000 or more annually, especially with extensive experience, advanced skills in areas like distributed systems or machine learning, and relevant certifications. Compensation can include base salary, bonuses, and stock options, particularly at large tech companies or startups with significant funding.

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.

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.

What engineer makes $500,000 a year?

Principal Software Engineers at large technology companies or in specialized fields such as machine learning, cloud computing, or cybersecurity can earn $500,000 or more annually, often including bonuses and stock options. Achieving this level typically requires extensive experience, advanced skills, and leadership responsibilities within high-demand environments.

What Is 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.

How much do principal software engineers get paid?

Principal software engineers typically earn between $120,000 and $180,000 annually, with total compensation often including bonuses and stock options. Salaries vary based on experience, location, industry, and company size, with some earning over $200,000 in high-demand markets.

Can you make $500,000 as a software engineer?

Principal Software Engineers at senior levels in large companies or with specialized skills such as machine learning or cloud architecture can earn $500,000 or more annually, often including bonuses and stock options. However, such high compensation is typically reserved for experienced professionals in high-cost-of-living areas or executive-level roles, and not common for entry- or mid-level positions.
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Principal Software Engineer jobs near you
Principal Software Engineer

Principal Software Engineer

ASRC Federal Holding

Huntsville, AL • On-site

$133K - $178K/yr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Re-posted 9 days ago

ASRC Federal rating

7.7

Company rating: 7.7 out of 10

Based on 27 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

199th of 368 rated engineering

Job description

ASRC Federal is a leading government contractor furthering missions in space, public health and defense. As an Alaska Native owned corporation, our work helps secure an enduring future for our shareholders. Join our team and discover why we are a top veteran employer and Certified Great Place to Work™
ASRC Federal Mission Solutions is a premier provider of systems engineering, software engineering, system integration and project management services for real-time, mission-critical defense systems. We are seeking highly motivated Software Engineers to support the continued development and sustainment of the U.S. Navy's Aegis Weapons System in Huntsville, AL.
Responsibilities:
Work in a collaborative team using agile software development methodology, performing the following tasks:
  • Develop software maintenance and upgrade solutions for tactical systems on a collaborative agile team. The candidate will engage in all activities associated with the software development lifecycle and support all process requirements and reviews as necessary.

Requirements:
  • Bachelor's degree or higher (in Engineering, Computer Science, Math, Physics, or related field) or equivalent related work experience
  • This position requires the ability to obtain and maintain a government secret clearance, U.S. Citizenship is required
  • This position requires the successful applicant to obtain and maintain the required security clearance or other authorization(s) within the necessary timeframe required by applicable contract(s)
  • 8-10 years' experience in software development, maintenance, or support in an Open/Layered Architecture Environment, Operating Environments; Model-based tools; Information Assurance; Tools Development; Safety Analysis; Real-Time System Data Analysis; Problem Analysis; System Integration
  • Experience developing software with Java, C++, or Python
  • Experience developing software with Agile scaled principles
  • Experience with Object Oriented design/development including the employment of Design Patterns to facilitate the utilization of software insulation techniques and plugins
  • Experience working with Linux and UNIX environments
  • Strong skills with Integrated Development Environments (IDE) such as Eclipse
  • Familiar with UML syntax and its use
  • Familiar with driver-based and automated test environments

Experience with the following is considered a plus:
  • Clearcase (Version Control Software)
  • JIRA (Project Management Tool)
  • xUnit Framework, Junit and CPPUnitLite
  • CMMI Level 5 Life Cycle Processes and Procedures
  • Assemblers

We invest in the lives of our employees, both in and out of the workplace, by providing competitive pay and benefits packages. Benefits offered may include health care, dental, vision, life insurance; 401(k); education assistance; paid time off including PTO, holidays, and any other paid leave required by law. The salary offered will depend on several factors including, but not limited to, relevant experience, skills, education, geographic location, internal equity, business needs, and other factors permitted by law. Posted pay ranges are a general guideline only and are not a guarantee of compensation or salary.
EEO Statement
ASRC Federal and its Subsidiaries are Equal Opportunity employers. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, gender, color, age, sexual orientation, gender identification, national origin, religion, marital status, ancestry, citizenship, disability, protected veteran status, or any other factor prohibited by applicable law.

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