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Principal Software Engineer Jobs in Colorado (NOW HIRING)

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 ...

ServiceTitan

Principal Software Engineer

Denver, CO

$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 ...

Sovrn

Principal Software Engineer

Boulder, CO · On-site

$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 ...

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 ...

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 Aug 9, 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.
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:
What are popular job titles related to Principal Software Engineer jobs in CO? For Principal Software Engineer jobs in CO, the most frequently searched job titles are:
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.

TS/SCI - Principal Software Engineer with Security Clearance

Associates Systems LLC

Aurora, CO • On-site

$180K/yr

Other

Medical, Dental, Vision, Retirement, PTO

Re-posted 10 days ago

Job description

Active TS/SCI w/ CI Poly is a must
Employment type: Full Time W-2 or Contract
Rate: open to Negotiation
Benefits: including Health, Dental Vision, PTO, Holidays, 401K,etc.. Principal Software Engineer Salary range: $180k+/yr
Location: Aurora, CO
Clearance: Active TS/SCI with CI Polygraph required
Certification: IAT Level II / Security+ required Role Summary Seeking a Principal Software Engineer to support the enhancement, modification, troubleshooting, and sustainment of existing software systems. This role supports software architecture, development, testing, deployment, and system maintenance in a Linux-based environment. The engineer will work across the full software development lifecycle, troubleshoot system anomalies, coordinate software upgrades, and develop technical solutions for complex software, configuration, network, and operating system issues. Key Responsibilities * Develop enhancements and modifications for existing software systems. * Troubleshoot anomalies related to software, system configuration, network interfaces, and operating system issues. * Coordinate software installs and upgrades in accordance with Configuration Management procedures. * Support software architecture design, development, integration, and testing. * Perform full lifecycle software development, including requirements definition, design, implementation, testing, deployment, and sustainment. * Develop and maintain system tools, technical documentation, and support materials. * Provide technical solutions for complex software and system-level issues. * Support containerized software deployments and integration activities. * Collaborate with developers, engineers, customers, and technical stakeholders in a team environment. Required Qualifications * 8+ years of object-oriented software development experience. * Active TS/SCI with CI Polygraph required at start. * Current IAT Level II / Security+ certification required. * Java development experience in a Linux environment. * Experience with Jenkins. * Experience with Java Messaging Service. * Experience deploying software within Docker containers. * Experience with NetBeans. * Experience with JavaScript. * Experience troubleshooting software, configuration, network interface, and operating system issues. * Experience coordinating software installs, upgrades, and releases under Configuration Management processes. * Ability to support requirements definition and full SDLC execution. * Ability to develop technical solutions for complex software problems. Preferred Qualifications * Experience with web-based development. * Experience with web services. * Strong communication skills with the ability to work directly with customers and technical teams. * Experience supporting classified, mission-critical, or operational software environments. * Experience with system sustainment, software modernization, or enhancement of existing software baselines.

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