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Principal Software Engineer Jobs in Colorado (NOW HIRING)

KBR

Principal Software Engineer

Colorado Springs, CO

$142K - $214K/yr

Principal Software Engineer Belong. Connect. Grow. with KBR! KBR's National Security Solutions team provides high-end engineering and advanced technology solutions to our customers in the ...

SAIC

Principal Software Engineer

Colorado Springs, CO · On-site +1

$160K - $200K/yr

ORA_ON_SITE Description SAIC is seeking an experienced Principal Software Engineer onsite in Colorado Springs, CO to serve as the Software Engineer for multiple mission-critical software development ...

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Principal Software Engineer information

See Colorado salary details

$63.6K

$169.2K

$242.9K

How much do principal software engineer jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 31, 2026, the average yearly pay for principal software engineer in Colorado is $169,227.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $142,000.00 and $190,300.00 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.
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Principal Software Engineer jobs near you
Infographic showing various Principal Software Engineer job openings in Colorado as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 85% Full Time, 13% Part Time, and 2% Contract. Highlights an 88% Physical, 3% Hybrid, and 9% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $169,227 per year, or $81.4 per hour.

Principal Software Engineer / Sr. Principal Software Engineer

Northrop Grumman Corporation

Colorado Springs, CO

$129K - $193K/yr

Full-time

Medical, Life, PTO

Posted 26 days ago

Northrop Grumman rating

8.3

Company rating: 8.3 out of 10

Based on 368 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

66th of 545 rated manufacturers

Job description

RELOCATION ASSISTANCE: Relocation assistance may be availableCLEARANCE REQUIRED FOR START: YesCLEARANCE TYPE: SCITRAVEL: Yes, 10% of the TimeDescriptionAt Northrop Grumman, our employees have incredible opportunities to work on revolutionary systems that impact people's lives around the world today, and for generations to come. Our pioneering and inventive spirit has enabled us to be at the forefront of many technological advancements in our nation's history - from the first flight across the Atlantic Ocean, to stealth bombers, to landing on the moon. We look for people who have bold new ideas, courage and a pioneering spirit to join forces to invent the future, and have fun along the way. Our culture thrives on intellectual curiosity, cognitive diversity and bringing your whole self to work - and we have an insatiable drive to do what others think is impossible. Our employees are not only part of history, they're making history.

Northrop Grumman Space Sector is seeking multiple Software Engineers to support Eastern Software and Controls in their development, integration, deployment, and sustainment of satellite ground software.

This position is located onsite on our Colorado Springs, CO campus. After hours or extended work week may be required.

What You'll Have an Opportunity to Do:

  • Full stack development at the OS, platform, and mission unique software layer

  • Developing client and server applications and services using service-oriented architectures, message bus-based data exchange that include first-of-a-kind capabilities.

  • Applications will span languages and toolsets including C++, Python, Postgres, Ansible, cloud infrastructure provisioning, PKI, and static code analysis execution and finding remediation.

  • Developer will be expected to be a self-starter capable of making decisions with overall project budget and schedule in mind.

  • Develop software which provides command and control functionality of a hardware system (sending commands, receiving acknowledgements, working on and integrating across interfaces)

  • Develop software which enables activity planning and constraint checking to achieve mission outcomes.

  • Develop software which enables the visualization of a complex and dynamic environment in both two and 3 dimensions, complete with decisions tools, intelligent context, and user-centric interface design.

This position may be filled at the Principal Software Engineer (level 3) or Sr. Principal Software Engineer (level 4).

Basic Qualifications

Principal Software Engineer:

  • Bachelor's Degree with 5 years of development experience (3 years with a Master's Degree, 1 years with a PhD) with Python and C++. Experience can be considered in lieu of degree

  • Active Top Secret clearance with SCI at time of application. Ability to obtain SAP

  • 2 Years Experience with Agile programs including Agile DevOps

  • 2 Years Experience with the design, build, and deployment of software products

  • 2 Years Experience in producing software architecture documentation

  • Experience with Python, C++ and Docker/Kubernetes

  • US Citizenship

Sr. Principal Engineer:

  • Bachelor's Degree with 8 years of development experience (6 years with a Master's Degree, 4 years with a PhD) with Python and C++. Experience can be considered in lieu of degree

  • Active Top Secret clearance with SCI at time of application. Ability to obtain SAP

  • 4 years with Agile programs including Agile DevOps

  • 4 years of experience with the design, build, and deployment of software products

  • 4 years of experience in producing software architecture documentation

  • 5 years of experience with Python, C++ and Docker/Kubernetes

  • Prior experience with modeling and simulation in support of wargaming, user training, TTP generation and/or CONOPS exploration

  • US Citizenship

Preferred Qualifications:

  • Experience developing satellite ground software with any of the following applications for spacecraft missions is highly preferred: Command and Control, Mission Planning, Visualization, and/or Astrodynamics

  • Experience with the creation and use of spacecraft command and control system utilizing cryptographic equipment and a combination of government and/or commercial communications paths.

  • Experience with the creation and use of planning software and constraint checking applications utilized in complex and dynamic space mission planning

  • Experience with the creation and implementation of visualization tools for space missions, including dynamic renderings of space vehicles, depiction of space vehicle missions, simulation of space vehicle sensor and mission outputs, and configuration displays of complex contextual and situational awareness information

  • Linux, Ansible, Docker, Graphics and Animation, UI/UX experience

#SpaceEngJobs
#SpaceSoftwareJobs

#COSpace

Primary Level Salary Range: $103,600.00 - $155,400.00Secondary Level Salary Range: $129,300.00 - $193,900.00The above salary range represents a general guideline; however, Northrop Grumman considers a number of factors when determining base salary offers such as the scope and responsibilities of the position and the candidate's experience, education, skills and current market conditions.Depending on the position, employees may be eligible for overtime, shift differential, and a discretionary bonus in addition to base pay. Annual bonuses are designed to reward individual contributions as well as allow employees to share in company results. Employees in Vice President or Director positions may be eligible for Long Term Incentives. In addition, Northrop Grumman provides a variety of benefits including health insurance coverage, life and disability insurance, savings plan, Company paid holidays and paid time off (PTO) for vacation and/or personal business.The application period for the job is estimated to be 20 days from the job posting date. However, this timeline may be shortened or extended depending on business needs and the availability of qualified candidates.Northrop Grumman is an Equal Opportunity Employer, making decisions without regard to race, color, religion, creed, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, marital status, national origin, age, veteran status, disability, or any other protected class. For our complete EEO and pay transparency statement, please visit http://www.northropgrumman.com/EEO. U.S. Citizenship is required for all positions with a government clearance and certain other restricted positions.

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About Northrop Grumman

Sourced by ZipRecruiter

At Northrop Grumman, our employees have incredible opportunities to work on revolutionary systems that impact people's lives around the world today, and for generations to come. Our pioneering and inventive spirit has enabled us to be at the forefront of many technological advancements in our nation's history - from the first flight across the Atlantic Ocean, to stealth bombers, to landing on the moon. We look for people who have bold new ideas, courage and a pioneering spirit to join forces to invent the future, and have fun along the way. Our culture thrives on intellectual curiosity, cognitive diversity and bringing your whole self to work - and we have an insatiable drive to do what others think is impossible.

Industry

Space research administration

Company size

10,000+ Employees

Headquarters location

Falls Church, VA, US

Year founded

1939

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