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Principal Software Engineer Jobs in Colorado (NOW HIRING)

SAIC

Principal Software Engineer

Colorado Springs, CO · On-site

$160K - $200K/yr

ORA_HYBRID Description SAIC seeks a highly experienced and energetic Principal Software Engineer to support the US Space Force, Space Systems Command, in performing operational maintenance and ...

PDW

Principal Software Engineer

Denver, CO · On-site

$138K - $186K/yr

The Principal Software Engineer will provide technical leadership, architect complex software systems, and mentor engineers while driving high-impact initiatives across multiple platforms.

PDW

Principal Software Engineer

Denver, CO · On-site

$138K - $186K/yr

They are seeking a Principal Software Engineer to provide technical leadership, architect complex software systems, and mentor engineers while collaborating with cross-functional teams.

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 ...

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 ...

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 ...

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Showing results 21-40

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 Aug 8, 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.

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 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 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.

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.
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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 August 2026, with employment types broken down into 88% Full Time, 8% Part Time, and 4% 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

Science Applications International Corporation

Colorado Springs, CO

$133K - $178K/yr

Full-time

Re-posted 2 days ago

SAIC rating

7.9

Company rating: 7.9 out of 10

Based on 79 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

78th of 223 rated it services

Job description

SAIC seeks a highly experienced and energetic Principal Software Engineer to support the US Space Force, Space Systems Command, in performing operational maintenance and sustainment of ground-based radars critical to US and Allied strategic missile surveillance, warning, defense, and space surveillance missions in Colorado Springs, Colorado. In support of the government customer, the SAIC Program Manager, and the Chief Engineer, the Software Engineer is responsible for responsive and coherent planning, development, and delivery of PARCS and UEWR assessment of systems and networks within the environments to identify where those systems and networks deviate from acceptable configurations, enclave policy, or local policy.

Job Duties:

  • Responsible for code development and code deployment for the software version releases which modifies the software baseline of the BMEWS/PAVE PAWS ground-based radar sensors.

  • Designs, develops, documents, tests and debugs application software.

  • Conducts analysis and collaborates with subject matter experts in the planning, design, development, and utilization of electronic data processing systems for information storage, processing, presentation, manipulation, display, or reporting.

  • Ability to support system integration, test, development, and execution of various types of complex systems.

  • Develops technical solutions to complex problems, which require the regular use of ingenuity and creativity.

  • Participate in troubleshooting systems to resolve complex issues, interact, and coordinate with engineers responsible for sustaining operational and test systems.

SAIC is a premier mission integrator focused on advancing the power of technology and innovation to serve and protect our world. Our robust portfolio of offerings across the defense, space, intelligence, and civilian markets includes secure high-end solutions in mission IT, enterprise IT, engineering services, and professional services. We integrate emerging technology, rapidly and securely, into mission critical operations that modernize and enable critical national imperatives.

We are approximately 23,000 strong; driven by mission, united by purpose, and inspired by opportunities. SAIC is an Equal Opportunity Employer. Headquartered in Reston, Virginia, SAIC has annual revenues of approximately $7.3 billion. For more information, visit saic.com. For ongoing news, please visit our newsroom.

  • Bachelors and nine plus (9+) years' relevant experience.

  • Active Secret Clearance.

  • Experience developing software with C/C++, Java, Python and FORTRAN.

  • Experience in Agile development methodologies.

  • Experience with writing technical documentation to capture design.

Desired:

  • Experience with real-time embedded software for ground-based radar.

  • Experience leading agile software development teams.

  • Experience as a Scrum Master and Product Owner.

  • Knowledge of the Integrated Tactical Warning and Attack Assessment mission and associated enterprise.

  • Experience with MBSE design (Cameo).

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