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Principal Software Engineer Jobs in Kentucky (NOW HIRING)

Senior Software Engineer

Bowling Green, KY · On-site

$120K - $158K/yr

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Life

  • Retirement

  • PTO

At Holley, we're transforming our eCommerce experience, and we're looking for a seasoned Software Engineer to help architect and accelerate that evolution. This role calls for someone who can go full ...

Principal Electrical Engineer

Lexington, KY · On-site

$190K - $205K/yr

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Life

  • Retirement

  • PTO

Experience with SKM, ETAP, EasyPower, or similar analysis software, including arc flash, short ... The Principal Electrical Engineer will lead the design and execution of electrical infrastructure ...

Senior Software Engineer

Louisville, KY · On-site

$117K - $155K/yr

Senior Software Engineer Duration: 6-12 months Location: Remote Work Type: Rate: Pay range offered to a successful candidate will be based on several factors, including the candidate's education ...

Sr. Software Engineer II

Louisville, KY · On-site

$117K - $155K/yr

  • Medical

  • Retirement

  • PTO

Contribute to the continuous improvement of Waystar's software development processes, tools, and infrastructure. * Mentor junior engineers and share knowledge within the team, fostering a culture of ...

Sr. Software Engineer II

Louisville, KY · On-site

$117K - $155K/yr

  • Medical

  • Retirement

  • PTO

Contribute to the continuous improvement of Waystar's software development processes, tools, and infrastructure. * Mentor junior engineers and share knowledge within the team, fostering a culture of ...

Sr. Software Engineer II

Louisville, KY · On-site

$117K - $155K/yr

  • Medical

  • Retirement

  • PTO

Bachelor's or Master's degree in Computer Science, Software Engineering, or a related technical field. * 7+ years of professional software development experience with a proven track record of ...

Showing results 21-40

Principal Software Engineer information

See Kentucky salary details

$52.5K

$139.8K

$200.6K

How much do principal software engineer jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 13, 2026, the average yearly pay for principal software engineer in Kentucky is $139,778.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $117,300.00 and $157,200.00 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 are popular job titles related to Principal Software Engineer jobs in Kentucky? For Principal Software Engineer jobs in Kentucky, the most frequently searched job titles are:
What cities in Kentucky are hiring for Principal Software Engineer jobs? Cities in Kentucky with the most Principal Software Engineer job openings:
Infographic showing various Principal Software Engineer job openings in Kentucky as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% Internship, 84% Full Time, 11% Part Time, and 4% Contract. Highlights an 86% Physical, 4% Hybrid, and 10% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $139,778 per year, or $67.2 per hour.

Senior Software Engineer

Holley Performance

Bowling Green, KY • On-site

$120K - $158K/yr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Posted 8 days ago


Job description


Overview:

You're an engineer with a sharp eye, clean code, and a knack for shipping solutions that scale. At Holley, we’re transforming our eCommerce experience, and we’re looking for a seasoned Software Engineer to help architect and accelerate that evolution. This role calls for someone who can go full-stack deep, mentor others, collaborate cross-functionally, and keep a finger on the pulse of what’s next in digital commerce.


This is an in-office role that can be based in the Bowling Green, KY office or the Nashville, TN office.


Key Responsibilities:


Technical Leadership & Mentorship

  • Serve as a technical authority across projects, offering strategic input on software architecture, frameworks, and technologies.
  • Mentor junior engineers and actively contribute to a culture of continuous learning, code quality, and engineering excellence.
  • Champion change management and process optimization in alignment with organizational goals.

Full-Stack Engineering & Website Development

  • Design, build, and enhance scalable, high-performing web applications that meet business needs and exceed quality standards.
  • Drive code review processes, ensuring best practices and high code integrity across the team.
  • Architect and maintain systems that are secure, modular, and optimized for both performance and future growth.

Content Systems Integration

  • Lead integration efforts with CMS, DAM, PIM, and related systems, creating intuitive tools for content creators and marketers.
  • Collaborate closely with stakeholders to ensure dynamic, relevant content is delivered efficiently and consistently.

User Experience & Interface Design

  • Partner with UX/UI designers to develop rich, user-centric interfaces that elevate engagement and usability.
  • Apply feedback loops, usability testing, and analytics to iterate and enhance user experience.

Backend & Systems Engineering

  • Design and implement robust server-side logic, manage data pipelines, and ensure API efficiency and security.
  • Embed security-first principles to safeguard user data and ensure compliance with privacy standards.

SEO & Web Analytics

  • Collaborate with analytics teams to drive SEO strategy and ensure visibility across digital channels.
  • Implement tracking and analytics solutions (e.g., GA4, Tag Manager) to translate performance data into actionable insights.

Cross-Functional Collaboration

  • Act as a bridge between IT, marketing, product, and operations, ensuring technology is tightly aligned with strategic business outcomes.
  • Provide technical consultation and support to internal teams, empowering data-driven decisions.

Platform Stability & Continuous Improvement

  • Lead maintenance, upgrades, and troubleshooting to maintain system integrity and responsiveness.
  • Identify technical debt and drive continuous improvements across the stack.

Scaled Agile & Delivery Excellence

  • Actively participate in SAFe Agile ceremonies — sprint planning, daily standups, retrospectives — and lead by example in Agile best practices.
  • Influence and improve team velocity, DevOps practices, and CI/CD pipelines to ensure rapid, reliable delivery.


What You Bring:
  • Bachelor’s Degree in Computer Science (or similar discipline)
  • 7+ years of building and scaling digital platforms.
  • Mastery in front-end and back-end tech — you speak PHP, JavaScript, CSS like a native.
  • Deep experience working with CMS platforms (WordPress, Drupal, headless systems), plus a solid handle on DAM and PIM integrations.
  • Strong opinions, loosely held — you have architectural insight and the flexibility to pivot when needed.
  • You’ve coached, mentored, and elevated other engineers. You build up, not just out.
  • You know how to break down a complex spec, communicate tradeoffs, and drive execution with precision.
  • You care about the customer experience as much as the engineering behind it.
  • You're fluent in Agile, and not just the ceremonies — you help teams deliver value fast and often.


Why Holley Is a Great Place to Work


At Holley, we’re more than a performance parts company—we’re a community of enthusiasts, innovators, and problem-solvers. We offer a competitive benefits package and a culture that values both performance and people.


Benefits:

  • Competitive medical, dental, and vision coverage starting day one.
  • 401(k) with company match
  • Paid time off and 9 paid holidays
  • Employee Assistance Program (EAP)
  • Company-paid life and short-term disability insurance
  • Employee discounts on Holley Performance Brands products, events, and partnerships
  • Education Assistance program


Holley is an Equal Opportunity Employer committed to building a diverse and inclusive workforce. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, age, marital status, veteran status, disability, or any other legally protected status.


If you require assistance or accommodation due to a disability during the application process, please contact human resources.