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Principal Software Engineer Jobs in Oklahoma (NOW HIRING)

Principal Software Engineer

Tulsa, OK · On-site +1

$190K - $230K/yr

Principal Software Engineer Department: Gitwit Employment Type: Full Time Location: Tulsa, OK Compensation: $190,000 - $230,000 / year Description Great zero-to-one builders are becoming more careful ...

At Gitwit, principal engineers like this do not sit downstream from product decisions. They help ... Most of the ventures we create are software products, typically full-stack web applications with AI ...

Principal Software Engineer

Tulsa, OK · On-site

$123K - $165K/yr

At Gitwit, principal engineers like this do not sit downstream from product decisions. They help ... Most of the ventures we create are software products, typically full-stack web applications with AI ...

Software Engineer Principal - Mainframe

Ponca City, OK · On-site +1

$105K - $141K/yr

As a Software Engineer Principal-Mainframe within PNC's C/IB organization, you will be based in Pittsburgh PA PNC is an in-office company that fosters a supportive culture where employees can thrive ...

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Showing results 1-20

Principal Software Engineer information

See Oklahoma salary details

$55.9K

$148.6K

$213.3K

How much do principal software engineer jobs pay per year?

As of Jul 28, 2026, the average yearly pay for principal software engineer in Oklahoma is $148,598.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $124,600.00 and $167,100.00 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.
What are popular job titles related to Principal Software Engineer jobs in Oklahoma? For Principal Software Engineer jobs in Oklahoma, the most frequently searched job titles are:
What job categories do people searching Principal Software Engineer jobs in Oklahoma look for? The top searched job categories for Principal Software Engineer jobs in Oklahoma are:
Infographic showing various Principal Software Engineer job openings in Oklahoma as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 94% Full Time, and 6% Contract. Highlights an 89% In-person, 2% Hybrid, and 9% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $148,598 per year, or $71.4 per hour.
Principal / Sr. Principal Simulation Software Engineer

Principal / Sr. Principal Simulation Software Engineer

Northrop Grumman Corporation

Oklahoma City, OK • On-site

$116K - $160K/yr

Full-time

Medical, Life, PTO

Posted 23 days ago


Northrop Grumman rating

8.2

Company rating: 8.2 out of 10

Based on 357 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

86th of 535 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 Simulation Software Engineer / Sr. Principal Simulation Software Engineer - to join our team of qualified, diverse individuals within our Software organization in Oklahoma City, Oklahoma.

Accomplish:

In this role you will design, develop, integrate and test software for our end-user customers and businesses. Specifically, you will be responsible for the design, architecture, application development, and flight simulation. You will work with multi-disciplinary teams, such as with Systems Engineering, Cloud & Application, Test Automation, DevSecOps and Systems Test, in an Agile software development environment. Our simulation software is critical to the current and future company projects. You will analyze system capabilities to resolve problems on program intent, output requirements, input data acquisition, programming techniques and controls.

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.
  • Experience with the full Software Development Life Cycle (SDLC) - software design requirements, application development, integration, testing, and deployment
  • Experience with at least one of the following programming or scripting languages: C, C++, and Python
  • Experience with two or more of the following tools: Jira, Crucible, Bitbucket, Subversion, Bamboo, Jenkins, Gitlab, Sonarqube, Fortify, or Coverity
  • Must have an active U.S. Government Secret or higher clearance.
  • Must have the ability to obtain and maintain Special Access Program (SAP) clearance prior to the commencement of employment.

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.
  • Experience with the full Software Development Life Cycle (SDLC) - software design requirements, application development, integration, testing, and deployment
  • Experience with at least one of the following programming or scripting languages: C, C++, and Python
  • Experience with two or more of the following tools: Jira, Crucible, Bitbucket, Subversion, Bamboo, Jenkins, Gitlab, Sonarqube, Fortify, or Coverity
  • Must have an active U.S. Government Secret or higher clearance.
  • Must have the ability to obtain and maintain Special Access Program (SAP) clearance prior to the commencement of employment.

Preferred Qualifications for level 3 and level 4:

  • Strong understanding of C and C++ languages including templates, memory storage, and compiler/linker
  • Experience with or knowledge of Joint Simulation Environment (JSE), Distributed Interactive Simulation (DIS), or High-Level Architecture (HLA)
  • Experience with Full-Motion Flight Training Systems
  • Experience with simulated threat environments such as AFSIM or NGTS
  • Experience with Infrastructure as Code & configuration management
  • Experience with Continuous Integration/Continuous Deployment concepts and tools such as Gitlab, Bamboo, or Jenkins
  • Ability to collaborate with systems engineers, hardware designers and integration/test engineers to develop and maintain complex software systems
  • Excellent communication, interpersonal skills, and the ability to interface with all levels of employees and management
    Primary Level Salary Range: $93,300.00 - $139,900.00Secondary Level Salary Range: $116,300.00 - $174,500.00The 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