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Principal Software Engineer Jobs in Florida (NOW HIRING)

Principal Software Engineer

Jacksonville, FL · On-site

$125K - $167K/yr

As a Principal Software Engineer, you will be responsible for leading engineering activities that support the development, optimization, and sustained performance of products produced across ...

Principal Software Engineer

Jacksonville, FL

$125K - $167K/yr

As a Principal Software Engineer, you will be responsible for leading engineering activities that support the development, optimization, and sustained performance of products produced across ...

Principal Software Engineer

Weston, FL · On-site

$100 - $115/hr

Principal Software Engineer Location: Remote (within the US) Employment Type: Contract (6 Months) - with potential contract extensions Pay Rate: $100 to $115 per hour (W2) Industry: Global Medical ...

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Showing results 1-20

Principal Software Engineer information

See Florida salary details

$45.2K

$120.3K

$172.6K

How much do principal software engineer jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 4, 2026, the average yearly pay for principal software engineer in Florida is $120,267.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $100,900.00 and $135,300.00 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.
What cities in Florida are hiring for Principal Software Engineer jobs? Cities in Florida with the most Principal Software Engineer job openings:
Infographic showing various Principal Software Engineer job openings in Florida as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 100% Full Time. Highlights an 60% In-person, and 40% Hybrid job distribution, with an average salary of $120,267 per year, or $57.8 per hour.

Principal Software Engineer / Sr. Principal Software Engineer

Northrop Grumman Corporation

Melbourne, FL

$125K - $167K/yr

Full-time

Medical, Life, PTO

Re-posted 12 days ago


Northrop Grumman rating

8.2

Company rating: 8.2 out of 10

Based on 360 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

87th of 536 rated manufacturers


Job description

RELOCATION ASSISTANCE: Relocation assistance may be availableCLEARANCE REQUIRED FOR START: YesCLEARANCE TYPE: SecretTRAVEL: 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 Aeronautics Systems has an opening for a Principal Software Engineer / Sr. Principal Software Engineer to join our team of qualified, diverse individuals. This position will be located onsite in Melbourne, Florida.

Essential Functions:

  • Work in an innovative environment, on significantly diverse assignments, and in collaborative team settings across all levels
  • Participate in the full software development life cycle including requirements, design, implementation, qualification, and delivery of software products to our customers
  • Architect and develop embedded mission systems software applications on a real time operating system
  • Be a part of Agile Scrum teams to develop software products for multiple software baselines

This requisition may be filled at either a Principal Software Engineer level 3 or a Sr. Principal Software Engineer level 4

Basic Qualifications for a Principal Software Engineer (level 3):

  • Bachelor's Degree in a STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering or Mathematics) discipline and 5 years of related engineering experience; OR a Master's degree in a STEM discipline and 3 years of related engineering experience; OR a PhD in a STEM discipline and 1 years of related engineering experience.
  • Demonstrated Professional Experience with Agile Framework within the last 3 years.
  • Demonstrated Professional Experience developing software and scripts in C, Object Oriented C++ AND/OR Python for Safety/Mission-Critical applications/Systems within the last 3 years.
  • Demonstrated Professional Experience with Software Change Control, Change Management, and CI/CD tools such as: Atlassian (Jira, Confluence, Bitbucket, Bamboo), AND/OR GitHub, GitLab, Jenkins, Docker, Kubernetes within the last 3 years.
  • Demonstrated Professional Experience architecting, Designing, Modeling (Rhapsody OR Cameo), Implementing, Maintaining, Integrating, Debugging, Verifying and Qualifying Safety/Mission-Critical Embedded Real Time Software written in OO C++ running on Real-Time Operating Systems such as: VxWorks, Integrity, AND/OR Real Time Embedded Linux within the last 3 years.
  • Demonstrated Professional Experience with Static & Dynamic Code Analysis Tools and Fuzzing Tools such as: Coverity, SonarQube, AND/OR Fortify within the last 3 years.
  • Active DoD Secret level clearance OR Top Secret (in-scope)
  • Ability to obtain and maintain initial Special Program Access (SAP/PAR). This SAP/PAR must be obtained prior to commencement of employment and must be obtained within a reasonable amount of time as determined by the company to meet its business needs

Basic Qualifications for a Sr. Principal Software Engineer (level 4):

  • Bachelor's Degree in a STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering or Mathematics) discipline and 8 years of related engineering experience; OR a Master's degree in a STEM discipline and 6 years of related engineering experience; OR a PhD in a STEM discipline and 4 years of related engineering experience.
  • Demonstrated Professional Experience with Agile Framework within the last 3 years.
  • Demonstrated Professional Experience developing software and scripts in C, Object Oriented C++ AND/OR Python for Safety/Mission-Critical applications/Systems within the last 3 years.
  • Demonstrated Professional Experience with Software Change Control, Change Management, and CI/CD tools such as: Atlassian (Jira, Confluence, Bitbucket, Bamboo), AND/OR GitHub, GitLab, Jenkins, Docker, Kubernetes within the last 3 years.
  • Demonstrated Professional Experience architecting, Designing, Modeling (Rhapsody OR Cameo), Implementing, Maintaining, Integrating, Debugging, Verifying and Qualifying Safety/Mission-Critical Embedded Real Time Software written in OO C++ running on Real-Time Operating Systems such as: VxWorks, Integrity, AND/OR Real Time Embedded Linux within the last 3 years.
  • Demonstrated Professional Experience with Static & Dynamic Code Analysis Tools and Fuzzing Tools such as: Coverity, SonarQube, AND/OR Fortify within the last 3 years.
  • Active DoD Secret level clearance OR Top Secret (in-scope)
  • Ability to obtain and maintain initial Special Program Access (SAP/PAR). This SAP/PAR must be obtained prior to commencement of employment and must be obtained within a reasonable amount of time as determined by the company to meet its business needs

Preferred Qualifications for both a Principal Software Engineer and Sr. Principal Software Engineer:

  • Differentiating characteristics include demonstrated leadership, teamwork capabilities, strong time management, organizational, and interpersonal communication skills.
  • Ability to collaborate with systems engineers, hardware designers and integration/test engineers to develop and maintain complex software systems
  • Recent Demonstrated Professional Experience with DOORs AND/OR Software Requirement Specification Testing using Simulators, automated scripting languages such as Python, MATLAB, JavaScript, AND/OR Bash.
  • Recent Demonstrated Experience with software network interfaces and troubleshooting networks (TCP/IP, UDP, LAN, VLAN, SNMP or others).
  • Current Special Access Program (SAP) access.
Primary Level Salary Range: $98,400.00 - $147,600.00Secondary Level Salary Range: $122,800.00 - $184,200.00The 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