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Principal Software Engineer Jobs in Utah (NOW HIRING)

What is a day in the life of a Principal Software Engineer? * Lead software engineers to deliver innovative, high-quality products on a foundation of architectural and engineering excellence.

What is a day in the life of a Principal Software Engineer? * Lead software engineers to deliver innovative, high-quality products on a foundation of architectural and engineering excellence.

What is a day in the life of a Principal Software Engineer? * Lead software engineers to deliver innovative, high-quality products on a foundation of architectural and engineering excellence.

Principal HWIL Software Engineer

Provo, UT

$127K - $171K/yr

May train software developers in the use of configuration management tools and the implementation of software quality standards. Includes control modeling (model based design) Qualifications You Must ...

The Principal Engineer at Outcode Software plays a critical leadership role in shaping and maintaining the technical direction across all engineering teams. This position requires a Deep expertise in ...

Showing results 41-60

Principal Software Engineer information

See Utah salary details

$55.1K

$146.5K

$210.3K

How much do principal software engineer jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 9, 2026, the average yearly pay for principal software engineer in Utah is $146,512.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $122,900.00 and $164,800.00 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 Utah? For Principal Software Engineer jobs in Utah, the most frequently searched job titles are:
What cities in Utah are hiring for Principal Software Engineer jobs? Cities in Utah with the most Principal Software Engineer job openings:
Infographic showing various Principal Software Engineer job openings in Utah as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 88% Full Time, 8% Part Time, and 4% Contract. Highlights an 88% Physical, 3% Hybrid, and 9% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $146,512 per year, or $70.4 per hour.

Sentinel Principal Software Test Engineer 16823

Northrop Grumman Corporation

Roy, UT • On-site

$98K - $147K/yr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Re-posted 13 days ago


Northrop Grumman rating

8.2

Company rating: 8.2 out of 10

Based on 361 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

87th of 537 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 Defense Systems is seeking Principal Software Test Engineer. This position will be located in Roy, Utah, or Huntsville, Alabama and will support the Sentinel Program.

Designs, develops, documents, tests and debugs applications software and systems that contain logical and mathematical solutions. Conducts multidisciplinary research and collaborates with equipment designers and/or hardware engineers in the planning, design, development, and utilization of electronic data processing systems for product and commercial software. Determines computer user needs; analyzes system capabilities to resolve problems on program intent, output requirements, input data acquisition, programming techniques and controls; prepares operating instructions; designs and develops compilers and assemblers, utility programs, and operating systems. Ensures software standards are met.

Position Benefits

As a full-time employee of Northrop Grumman, you are eligible for our robust benefits package including

Medical, Dental & Vision coverage

401k

Educational Assistance

Life Insurance

Employee Assistance Programs & Work/Life Solutions

Paid Time Off

Health & Wellness Resources

Employee Discounts

This positions standard work schedule is a 9/80. The 9/80 schedule allows employees who work a nine-hour day Monday through Thursday to take every other Friday off.

Basic Qualifications

Bachelor's degree with 5 years of experience; or Master's degree with 3 years of experience; or PhD with 1 year of experience. 4 additional years of experience may be substituted in lieu of a degree.

Must be a US Citizen with an active DoD Secret Clearance with an investigation date within the last 6 years at time of application

Must be able to obtain and maintain Special Access Program (SAP) approval within a reasonable period of time, as determined by the company to meet its business needs

2+ year(s) of experience working Software Test, SW Development and/or Systems Engineering

2+ year(s) of experience with Java, C++, Python

Experience writing test scripts

Understanding of the software development lifecycle and agile development methodology

Preferred Qualifications

Bachelor's degree or higher in Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics (STEM)

Experience with IBM Rational tool suite (DOORS and Jazz)

Experience with Atlassian tool suite (JIRA, Git, Confluence)

Experience using software test automation tools/frameworks

#Sentinelsoftware

Primary Level Salary Range: $98,400.00 - $147,600.00The 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.

What Northrop Grumman employees say

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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