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Principal Software Engineer Jobs in Austin, TX (NOW HIRING)

Computer Futures

Principal Software Engineer

Austin, TX · On-site

$133K - $179K/yr

They are seeking a Principal Software Engineer to gather user requirements, develop software applications, and maintain mission critical software programs. Responsibilities : • Gathers and ...

Cadence

Sr. Principal Software Engineer

Austin, TX · On-site

$124K - $171K/yr

They are seeking a highly motivated Sr. Principal Software Engineer to join the Modus R&D engineering team, where the role will involve designing, developing, debugging, and supporting Design-for ...

Atom Computing

Principal Software Engineer

Austin, TX · On-site

$180K - $220K/yr

We are seeking a Principal Software Engineer to provide technical leadership for the software platform that orchestrates our quantum computers. In this role, you'll set the technical direction for a ...

Atom Computing

Principal Software Engineer

Austin, TX · On-site

$180K - $220K/yr

We are seeking a Principal Software Engineer to provide technical leadership for the software platform that orchestrates our quantum computers. In this role, you'll set the technical direction for a ...

Atom Computing

Principal Software Engineer

Austin, TX · On-site

$180K - $220K/yr

We are seeking a Principal Software Engineer to provide technical leadership for the software platform that orchestrates our quantum computers. In this role, you'll set the technical direction for a ...

Computer Futures

Principal Software Engineer

Austin, TX · On-site

$133K - $179K/yr

They are seeking a Principal Software Engineer to gather user requirements, develop software applications, and manage software development activities for mission-critical systems. Responsibilities ...

drillinginfo

Principal Software Engineer - 26219

Austin, TX · On-site +1

$133K - $179K/yr

Description Principal Software Engineer Why YOU want this position At Enverus, we're committed to empowering the global quality of life by helping our customers make energy affordable and accessible ...

Drilling Info

Principal Software Engineer - 26219

Austin, TX · On-site

$133K - $179K/yr

Description Principal Software Engineer Why YOU want this position At Enverus, we're committed to empowering the global quality of life by helping our customers make energy affordable and accessible ...

Enverus

Principal Software Engineer - 26219

Austin, TX · On-site +1

$133K - $179K/yr

Description Principal Software Engineer Why YOU want this position At Enverus, we're committed to empowering the global quality of life by helping our customers make energy affordable and accessible ...

Cotality

Principal Software Engineer

Austin, TX · On-site

$133K - $179K/yr

A Principal Software Development Engineer leads the design, development, and testing of complex software systems and applications. This senior-level position is responsible for creating scalable ...

Aspira

Principal Software Engineer

Austin, TX · On-site

$133K - $179K/yr

The Ideal Candidate Aspira's Principal Software Engineer is a technical leader who drives the design, development, and optimization of critical software systems. This role involves coding ...

Oracle

Principal Software Engineer

Austin, TX · On-site

$133K - $179K/yr

We are looking for a Principal Software Development Engineer (IC4) who operates as an AI native builder. This is not a traditional software engineering role centered on manual coding. Engineers on ...

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Showing results 1-20

All JobsPrincipal Software Engineer JobsPrincipal Software Engineer Jobs in Austin, TX

Principal Software Engineer information

See Austin, TX salary details

$60K

$159.5K

$229K

How much do principal software engineer jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 13, 2026, the average yearly pay for principal software engineer in Austin, TX is $159,522.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $133,800.00 and $179,400.00 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.
More about Principal Software Engineer jobs
What are popular job titles related to Principal Software Engineer jobs in Austin, TX? For Principal Software Engineer jobs in Austin, TX, the most frequently searched job titles are:
What job categories do people searching Principal Software Engineer jobs in Austin, TX look for? The top searched job categories for Principal Software Engineer jobs in Austin, TX are:
What cities near Austin, TX are hiring for Principal Software Engineer jobs? Cities near Austin, TX with the most Principal Software Engineer job openings:
Principal Software Engineer jobs near you
Infographic showing various Principal Software Engineer job openings in Austin, TX as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% Internship, 86% Full Time, 9% Part Time, and 4% Contract. Highlights an 88% Physical, 4% Hybrid, and 8% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $159,522 per year, or $76.7 per hour.

Senior Principal Software Engineer (ServiceNow Information Architect)

Dell

Round Rock, TX

$116K - $161K/yr

Full-time

Posted 18 days ago

Job description

Senior Principal Software Engineer (ServiceNow Information Architect)Be a part of a team that’s ensuring Dell Technologies' product integrity and customer satisfaction. Our IT Software Engineer team turns business requirements into technology solutions by designing, coding and testing/debugging applications, as well as documenting procedures for use and constantly seeking quality improvements.Join us to do the best work of your career and make a profound social impact as a Senior Principal Software Engineer on our Software Engineer-IT team in Round Rock, Texas.What you’ll achieve:As a Senior Principal Software Engineer, you are responsible for ensuring that ServiceNow serves as the enterprise system of record for technology assets, software assets, SaaS products, business applications, technical services, digital products, and related operational data.The role combines expertise in ServiceNow data architecture, CSDM, CMDB, IT Asset Management, Software Asset Management, Service Portfolio, and enterprise process modeling to establish a trusted enterprise registry that supports operations, architecture, governance, security, and digital product management.We are seeking a hands-on Senior Principal ServiceNow Information Architect to design, govern, and continuously improve the enterprise information model represented within ServiceNow.
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About DELL

Sourced by ZipRecruiter

Dell Technologies helps organizations and individuals build a brighter digital tomorrow. Our company is made up of more than 150,000 people, located in over 180 locations around the world. We're proud to be a diverse and inclusive team and have an endless passion for our mission to drive human progress.

Industry

Computer and computer peripheral equipment and software wholesalers

Company size

10,000+ Employees

Headquarters location

Round Rock, TX, US

Year founded

1984

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