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Principal Software Engineer Jobs in Colorado (NOW HIRING)

Atom Computing

Principal Software Engineer

Boulder, CO · On-site

$180K - $220K/yr

We are seeking a Principal Software Engineer to provide technical leadership for the software platform that orchestrates our quantum computers. In this role, you'll set the technical direction for a ...

Atom Computing

Principal Software Engineer

Boulder, CO

$180K - $220K/yr

We are seeking a Principal Software Engineer to provide technical leadership for the software platform that orchestrates our quantum computers. In this role, you'll set the technical direction for a ...

Medtronic

Principal Software Engineer

Lafayette, CO · On-site

$140K - $188K/yr

The Principal Software Engineer acts as a software architect for the AC&M R&D organization and the development lead for patient monitors used in surgical environments. They will collaborate with ...

SAIC

Principal Software Engineer

Colorado Springs, CO · On-site

$160K - $200K/yr

Description SAIC seeks a highly experienced and energetic Principal Software Engineerto support the ... In support of the government customer, the SAIC Program Manager, and the Chief Engineer, the ...

Sovrn

Principal Software Engineer

Boulder, CO · On-site +1

$140K - $187K/yr

Make (and Keep) more money , so they control their own destiny About the Role We're looking for a Principal Software Engineer with deep roots in adtech infrastructure and a genuine conviction about ...

ServiceTitan

Principal Software Engineer

Denver, CO · On-site

$139K - $186K/yr

Over 50,000 people depend on our software to perform all their daily activities. We are looking for ... Principal Engineer We're looking for someone to lead all technical aspects of an engineering team ...

ServiceTitan

Principal Software Engineer

Denver, CO · On-site +1

$139K - $186K/yr

Over 50,000 people depend on our software to perform all their daily activities. We are looking for ... Principal Engineer We're looking for someone to lead all technical aspects of an engineering team ...

FusionAuth

Principal Software Engineer

Broomfield, CO · On-site +1

$225K - $270K/yr

Experience: 12+ years of professional software engineering, including 5+ years focused on identity, authentication, or security, with meaningful time at the principal, staff, or architect level.

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All JobsPrincipal Software Engineer JobsPrincipal Software Engineer Jobs in Colorado

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 Jun 26, 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 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.

What engineers make $500,000?

Principal Software Engineers and senior technical leaders in high-demand industries can earn $500,000 or more annually, especially with extensive experience, advanced skills in areas like cloud computing or AI, and often in large tech companies or executive roles. Compensation packages may include base salary, bonuses, and stock options, reflecting their expertise and leadership responsibilities.

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 varies based on company size, location, and individual expertise.

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.

Is it possible to make 300k as a software engineer?

Principal Software Engineers in high-demand industries or at large tech companies can earn salaries of $300,000 or more, especially with extensive experience, specialized skills, and stock options. Achieving this level often requires advanced expertise in areas like cloud computing, machine learning, or leadership roles, along with a strong track record of project success.

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 does a principal software engineer get paid?

A principal software engineer typically earns between $120,000 and $180,000 annually in the United States, with salaries varying based 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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What cities in Colorado are hiring for Principal Software Engineer jobs? Cities in Colorado with the most Principal Software Engineer job openings:
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Principal Software Engineer jobs near you
Infographic showing various Principal Software Engineer job openings in Colorado as of June 2026, with employment types broken down into 100% Full Time. Highlights an 100% In-person job distribution, with an average salary of $169,227 per year, or $81.4 per hour.
Principal Software Engineer / Sr. Principal Software Engineer (TS/SCI required)

Principal Software Engineer / Sr. Principal Software Engineer (TS/SCI required)

Northrop Grumman Corporation

Colorado Springs, CO • On-site

$103K - $193K/yr

Full-time

Medical, Life, PTO

Posted 8 days ago

Northrop Grumman rating

8.1

Company rating: 8.1 out of 10

Based on 342 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

108th of 520 rated manufacturers

Job description

RELOCATION ASSISTANCE: Relocation assistance may be available
CLEARANCE REQUIRED FOR START: Yes
CLEARANCE TYPE: SCI
TRAVEL: Yes, 10% of the TimeDescription
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. 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

Primary Level Salary Range: $103,600.00 - $193,900.00
Secondary Level Salary Range: $0.00 - $0.00
The 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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