ZipRecruiter

Log In

1

Principal Software Engineer Jobs in Indiana (NOW HIRING)

SAIC

Senior Principal Software Engineer

Indianapolis, IN · Hybrid

$120K - $165K/yr

ORA_HYBRID Description SAIC is seeking a Senior Principal Software Engineer for the Naval Air Systems Command (NAVAIR) PMA-275 Software Support Activity (SSA) for the V-22 Osprey. The software ...

SAIC

Senior Principal Software Engineer

Indianapolis, IN · Hybrid

$120K - $165K/yr

ORA_HYBRID Description SAIC is seeking a Senior Principal Software Engineer for the Naval Air Systems Command (NAVAIR) PMA-275 Software Support Activity (SSA) for the V-22 Osprey. The software ...

Raytheon

Principal Software Engineer

Fort Wayne, IN

$133K - $178K/yr

Wayne, IN is looking to add a Software Engineer to their development team. We align to the core Agile and DevSecOps principles of collaborative operation across the entire value stream, delivering ...

Raytheon Technologies

Principal Software Engineer

Wayne, IN · On-site

$119K - $160K/yr

Wayne, IN is looking to add a Software Engineer to their development team. We align to the core Agile and DevSecOps principles of collaborative operation across the entire value stream, delivering ...

next page

Showing results 1-20

All JobsPrincipal Software Engineer JobsPrincipal Software Engineer Jobs in Indiana

Principal Software Engineer information

See Indiana salary details

$57.6K

$153.1K

$219.8K

How much do principal software engineer jobs pay per year?

As of Jun 9, 2026, the average yearly pay for principal software engineer in Indiana is $153,141.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $128,500.00 and $172,200.00 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.

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 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.

More about Principal Software Engineer jobs
What are popular job titles related to Principal Software Engineer jobs in Indiana? For Principal Software Engineer jobs in Indiana, the most frequently searched job titles are:
What job categories do people searching Principal Software Engineer jobs in Indiana look for? The top searched job categories for Principal Software Engineer jobs in Indiana are:
What are popular job titles related to Principal Software Engineer jobs in IN? For Principal Software Engineer jobs in IN, the most frequently searched job titles are:
Principal Software Engineer jobs near you
Infographic showing various Principal Software Engineer job openings in Indiana as of May 2026, with employment types broken down into 100% Full Time. Highlights an 80% In-person, and 20% Hybrid job distribution, with an average salary of $153,141 per year, or $73.6 per hour.
Senior Principal Software Engineer

Senior Principal Software Engineer

SAIC

Indianapolis, IN • Hybrid

$120K - $165K/yr

Full-time

Posted 7 days ago

SAIC rating

7.8

Company rating: 7.8 out of 10

Based on 78 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

70th of 203 rated it services

Job description

Job ID: 2613419

Location: Indianapolis, IN, US

Date Posted: 2026-06-05

Category: Software

Subcategory: SW Engineer

Schedule: Full-Time

Shift: Day Job

Travel: Yes - 10% of the time

Minimum Clearance Required: Secret

Clearance Level Must Be Able to Obtain: None

Potential for Remote Work: ORA_HYBRID


Description

SAIC is seeking a Senior Principal Software Engineer for the Naval Air Systems Command (NAVAIR) PMA-275 Software Support Activity (SSA) for the V-22 Osprey.  The software engineer will work as part of the PMA-275 government Software Integrated Product Team (IPT) responsible for modifying aircraft and ground system software to correct defects, implement new capability, and improve aircraft readiness and maintainability.  As part of the PMA-275 software team, the software engineer will represent software interests as a liaison to the Core Avionics IPT and play a crucial role in planning, execution, and completion of all tasking assigned to the software team.

This is a Hybrid/Remote role in Indianapolis, Indiana. Required to be Local to area. Occasional travel up to 10% may be required.

JOB DUTIES:

  • Conduct software acquisition tasking in support of PMA-275 in the Software IPT.
  • Conduct technical analysis of V-22 avionics systems and software issues affecting fleet operators and maintainers.
  • Coordinate with PMA-275 Core Avionics IPT and other NAVAIR organizations on technical, cost, and schedule impacts of software changes.  Identify risk and mitigation strategies.
  • Aid in development of Engineering Change Proposals (ECPs), including writing statements of work and conducting technical reviews of contractor proposals.
  • Review contractor technical submissions.
  • Provide technical inputs on schedules, integration, and test activities of industry suppliers and other government organizations as it relates to V-22 avionics and ground system software.
  • Participate in SETR design reviews and technical reviews as part of the software development process.
  • Apply knowledge of current avionics development standards including MIL-STD-882E, DO-178C and Design Assurance Levels for mission-critical code.
  • Provide technical briefings and status reporting to Software IPT leadership, senior military officers, and Program leadership at PMA-275.
  • Occasional travel may be required.

Qualifications

REQUIREMENTS:

  • Bachelors in Computer Science, Mathematics, Electrical Engineering, Aerospace Engineering, or similar discipline and fourteen (14) years or more experience; Masters and twelve (12) years or more experience; PhD or JD and nine (9) years or more experience.
  • Must be a U.S. Citizen.
  • Must have an Active Secret Clearance to start.
  • Five or more (5+) years of relevant software development and system integration experience.
  • Relevant experience should include demonstrated software development experience, including all phases of the software development process/lifecycle (e.g., requirements analysis, design, development, component testing, integration, integration testing, deployment/installation, and sustainment).
  • Exceptional verbal and written communication skills.

DESIRED SKILLS:

  • Master’s degree in Computer Science, Mathematics, Electrical Engineering, Systems Engineering, Aerospace Engineering, or similar discipline.
  • Previous experience with avionics, synthetic displays, and NVG systems.

What SAIC employees say

Pay

Benefits

Hours and flexibility

Workplace

Get the full story on Breakroom

Apply