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Principal Software Engineer Jobs in Indiana (NOW HIRING)

Principal Embedded Software Engineer Salary: $150,000 - $175,000 We're seeking a Lead/Principal Embedded Software Engineer to take technical ownership of embedded software programs in a fast‑moving ...

Software Engineer

Fort Wayne, IN · Remote

$100K - $120K/yr

Software Engineer Salary: $100,000 - $120,000 Why This Opportunity Stands Out: * Our client is a well-established organization in the Greater Fort Wayne Area, and they are adding a Software Engineer ...

They are seeking a Manufacturing Systems Software Engineer to develop and support high-availability software systems used in steel mills and related operations, ensuring reliability and ...

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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 Jul 6, 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 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 can include base salary, bonuses, and stock options, particularly at large tech companies or startups with significant funding.

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 engineer makes $500,000 a year?

Principal Software Engineers at large technology companies or in specialized fields such as machine learning, cloud computing, or cybersecurity can earn $500,000 or more annually, often including bonuses and stock options. Achieving this level typically requires extensive experience, advanced skills, and leadership responsibilities within high-demand environments.

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 do principal software engineers get paid?

Principal software engineers typically earn between $120,000 and $180,000 annually, with total compensation often including bonuses and stock options. Salaries vary based on experience, location, industry, and company size, with some earning over $200,000 in high-demand markets.

Can you make $500,000 as a software engineer?

Principal Software Engineers at senior levels in large companies or with specialized skills such as machine learning or cloud architecture can earn $500,000 or more annually, often including bonuses and stock options. However, such high compensation is typically reserved for experienced professionals in high-cost-of-living areas or executive-level roles, and not common for entry- or mid-level positions.
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Infographic showing various Principal Software Engineer job openings in Indiana as of June 2026, with employment types broken down into 85% Full Time, 6% Part Time, 3% Temporary, and 6% Contract. Highlights an 92% Physical, 3% Hybrid, and 5% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $153,141 per year, or $73.6 per hour.
Sr Principal Software Engineer - Embedded Communications - Active Secret Clearance (Onsite)

Sr Principal Software Engineer - Embedded Communications - Active Secret Clearance (Onsite)

Collins Aerospace

Fort Wayne, IN

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Posted 3 days ago


Collins Aerospace rating

8.4

Company rating: 8.4 out of 10

Based on 246 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

26th of 60 rated aerospace companies


Job description

Date Posted:

2026-07-02

Country:

United States of America

Location:

US-IN-FT WAYNE-150A ~ 1010 Production Rd ~ BLDG 150A

Position Role Type:

Onsite

U.S. Citizen, U.S. Person, or Immigration Status Requirements:

Active and transferable U.S. government issued security clearance is required prior to start date.​ U.S. citizenship is required, as only U.S. citizens are eligible for a security clearance​

Security Clearance Type:

Secret - Current

Security Clearance Status:

Active and existing security clearance required on day 1

At RTX, the world's largest aerospace and defense company, 185,000 great minds are united by purpose and inspired to make a difference solving the world’s most complex problems. With our three market leading businesses, world-class operations and investments in research and development, we offer capabilities and opportunity no one else can. Together, we push the boundaries of known science and find new ways to connect and protect our world.

Collins Aerospace is a leader in technologically advanced, intelligent solutions that help redefine the aerospace and defense industry. With a comprehensive portfolio and deep technical expertise, we help customers meet the demands of the global market. Join us and help shape the future of aerospace and defense.

Are you looking to make a meaningful, positive impact while advancing your career? Would you be interested in working with an industry-leading development team where you can grow your software engineering skills while learning something new!? Collins Aerospace’s Integrated Secure Processing Solutions (SPS) team is looking for an exceptionally motivated engineer who is passionate about collaborating with high-performance teams to create mission-critical solutions that support Mission Systems. 

Our Principal Software Engineers work in an exciting, adaptive, and engaging environment, enabling rapid learning to drive success. Our software engineering teams regularly utilize a variety of skills, including requirements analysis, synthesis of new and existing architectures that meld commercial and military communication functionality, and software engineering development best practices for complex systems where the ability to execute the mission is paramount. 

What YOU will do: 

Drive Embedded Software Engineering Excellence: Demonstrate expert proficiency in embedded C/C++ and Python throughout all phases of software development, ensuring high-quality, reliable solutions that meet both functional and performance requirements 
Lead Technical Proposals and Program Cost Estimations: Take ownership of leading the development of technical proposals, including detailed program-level cost estimates, during the bid and proposal cycle, ensuring competitive and accurate submissions that align with project goals 
Lead and Coordinate Software Execution for Small Teams: Lead and manage the execution of software development for smaller teams, ensuring technical quality, alignment with program cost and schedule, while fostering a collaborative and results-driven environment 
Translate Customer Requirements into Comprehensive Solutions: Leverage your expertise to translate customer requirements into end-to-end system solutions, addressing technical, schedule, and cost constraints while ensuring the solution is practical, scalable, and meets client needs 
Manage Program Cost, Schedule, and Risk: Estimate, track, and communicate program performance metrics, including cost, schedule, and risk, in alignment with earned value management, ensuring programs are delivered on time and within budget 
Proactively Identify and Mitigate Risks: Use your technical expertise and best practices to identify potential risks and issues early in the development process, taking proactive measures to mitigate problems and maintain program success 


What YOU will learn: 

  • You will have the opportunity to learn and grow knowledge within the Cross Domain Solutions & gain niche skills, enabling you to be unique in all you do

  • You will gain valuable experience & an opportunity to lead, including roles such as Subject Matter Expert, Scrum Master, Product Owner, CAM, and Software Lead 

  • You can take flight to becoming a subject matter expert, architect, and leader in CDS

We are growing, so can you!

Qualifications You Must Have:

  • Experience with Embedded Development using object-oriented design 

  • Experience with development tool sets, for example, Jira, Subversion/Git/Version Management 

  • Active and transferable U.S. government issued security clearance is required prior to start date 

  • U.S. citizenship is required, as only U.S. citizens are eligible for a security clearance

  • Typically requires a degree in Science, Technology, Engineering or Mathematics (STEM) and minimum 10 years prior relevant experience or an Advanced Degree in a related field and minimum 7 years of experience


Qualifications We Prefer:

  • Experience with multi-threaded real-time embedded applications 

  • Prior experience leading proposals and bidding exercises utilizing the SEER parametric estimation tool 

  • Experience with Agile development methodology 

  • Ability to take on the role of Scrum Master or Product Owner 

  • TCP/IP network applications development experience 

  • UML experience 

  • Background and/or knowledge of cross domain solutions 

  • Technical leadership skills to drive design, implementation, and testing for large features

Learn More & Apply Now

What We Offer:

Some of our competitive benefits package includes: 

  • Medical, dental, and vision insurance

  • Three weeks of vacation for newly hired employees

  • Generous 401(k) plan that includes employer matching funds and separate employer retirement contribution, including a Lifetime Income Strategy option

  • Tuition reimbursement program

  • Student Loan Repayment Program

  • Life insurance and disability coverage

  • Optional coverages you can buy pet insurance, home and auto insurance, additional life and accident insurance, critical illness insurance, group legal, ID theft protection

  • Birth, adoption, parental leave benefits

  • Ovia Health, fertility, and family planning

  • Adoption Assistance         

  • Autism Benefit

  • Employee Assistance Plan, including up to 10 free counseling sessions

  • Healthy You Incentives, wellness rewards program

  • Doctor on Demand, virtual doctor visits

  • Bright Horizons, child and elder care services

  • Teladoc Medical Experts, second opinion program

  • Eligible for relocation

  • And more! 

Do you want to be a part of something bigger? A team whose impact stretches across the world, and even beyond? At Collins Aerospace, our Mission Systems team helps civilian, military and government customers complete their most complex missions — whatever and wherever they may be. Our customers depend on us for intelligent and secure communications, missionized systems for specialized aircraft and spacecraft and collaborative space solutions. By joining our team, you’ll have your own critical part to play in ensuring our customer succeeds today while anticipating their needs for tomorrow. Are you up for the challenge? Join our mission today. 

*Please ensure the role type (defined below) is appropriate for your needs before applying to this role.

Onsite: Employees who are working in Onsite roles will work primarily onsite. This includes all production and maintenance employees, as they are essential to the development of our products. 

At Collins, the paths we pave together lead to limitless possibility. And the bonds we form – with our customers and with each other -- propel us all higher, again and again.  

Apply now and be part of the team that’s redefining aerospace, every day.

As part of our commitment to maintaining a secure hiring process, candidates may be asked to attend select steps of the interview process in-person at one of our office locations, regardless of whether the role is designated as on-site, hybrid or remote.

The salary range for this role is 132,400 USD - 251,600 USD. The salary range provided is a good faith estimate representative of all experience levels. RTX considers several factors when extending an offer, including but not limited to, the role, function and associated responsibilities, a candidate’s work experience, location, education/training, and key skills. Hired applicants may be eligible for benefits, including but not limited to, medical, dental, vision, life insurance, short-term disability, long-term disability, 401(k) match, flexible spending accounts, flexible work schedules, employee assistance program, Employee Scholar Program, parental leave, paid time off, and holidays. Specific benefits are dependent upon the specific business unit as well as whether or not the position is covered by a collective-bargaining agreement. Hired applicants may be eligible for annual short-term and/or long-term incentive compensation programs depending on the level of the position and whether or not it is covered by a collective-bargaining agreement. Payments under these annual programs are not guaranteed and are dependent upon a variety of factors including, but not limited to, individual performance, business unit performance, and/or the company’s performance. This role is a U.S.-based role. If the successful candidate resides in a U.S. territory, the appropriate pay structure and benefits will apply. RTX anticipates the application window closing approximately 40 days from the date the notice was posted. However, factors such as candidate flow and business necessity may require RTX to shorten or extend the application window.

RTX is an Equal Opportunity Employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, age, disability or veteran status, or any other applicable state or federal protected class. RTX provides affirmative action in employment for qualified Individuals with a Disability and Protected Veterans in compliance with Section 503 of the Rehabilitation Act and the Vietnam Era Veterans’ Readjustment Assistance Act.

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About Collins Aerospace

Sourced by ZipRecruiter

Collins Aerospace, a Raytheon Technologies company, is a leader in technologically advanced and intelligent solutions for the global aerospace and defense industry. Collins Aerospace has the capabilities, comprehensive portfolio and expertise to solve customers' toughest challenges and to meet the demands of a rapidly evolving global market.

Industry

Aviation

Company size

10,000+ Employees

Headquarters location

Charlotte, NC, US

Year founded

2018