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Principal Software Engineer Jobs in Bothell, WA (NOW HIRING)

Principal, Software Engineer

Bellevue, WA · On-site

$152.40K - $204.30K/yr

Principal Software Engineer - Code Puppy AI & Data | Walmart Global Tech Join Walmart as a Principal Software Engineer within our AI & Data organization and help make it trivially easy for associates ...

Principal Software Engineer

Redmond, WA · On-site

$155K - $215K/yr

Principal Software Engineer Position Description: Protingent Staffing has an exciting direct-hire opportunity for a Principal Software Engineer. Job Responsibilities: • Elevate the technical ...

Principal Software Engineer

Redmond, WA · Remote

$155K - $215K/yr

Principal Software Engineer Position Description: Protingent Staffing has an exciting direct-hire opportunity for a Principal Software Engineer. Job Responsibilities: • Elevate the technical ...

Principal Software Engineer

Seattle, WA · On-site

$153.60K - $206K/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 ...

Principal Software Engineer

Seattle, WA · On-site

$153.60K - $206K/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 ...

Principal Software Engineer

Seattle, WA · On-site

$153.60K - $206K/yr

Principal Software Engineer Req ID: 10142056 Technology is at the heart of Disney's past, present, and future. Disney Entertainment and ESPN Product & Technology is a global organization of engineers ...

Principal Software Engineer

Seattle, WA · On-site

$153.70K - $206.10K/yr

Principal Software Engineer If you are looking for a game-changing career, working for one of the world's leading financial institutions, you've come to the right place. As a Principal Software ...

Principal, Software Engineer

Seattle, WA · On-site

$153.60K - $206K/yr

VIZIO is seeking a Principal Software Engineer to help lead the architecture and technical direction of scalable, secure, and high-performance software systems. This role involves driving the design ...

Principal Software Engineer

Redmond, WA · On-site

$151.20K - $202.70K/yr

They are seeking a Principal Software Engineer to design and operationalize firmware and software architecture for next-generation Edge products while collaborating with hardware design teams.

Principal Software Engineer

Redmond, WA · On-site

$151.20K - $202.70K/yr

NVIDIA AI is a leader in computer graphics and AI technology, seeking a Principal Software Engineer to drive the design and operationalization of firmware and software architecture for Edge AI ...

Principal Software Engineer

Redmond, WA · On-site

$151.20K - $202.70K/yr

Job Summary : Microsoft is seeking a Principal Software Engineer to define the long-term technical vision for their location services and geospatial platform. In this role, you will drive ...

Principal Software Engineer

Redmond, WA · On-site

$151.20K - $202.70K/yr

As a Principal Software Engineer, you will define the technical vision for location services and geospatial platforms, ensuring reliability and performance while mentoring junior engineers and ...

Walmart/VIZIO is seeking a Principal Software Engineer to help lead the architecture and technical direction of scalable, secure, and high-performance software systems. This role operates at a ...

Walmart/VIZIO is seeking a Principal Software Engineer to help lead the architecture and technical direction of scalable, secure, and high-performance software systems. This role operates at a ...

Principal, Software Engineer

Everett, WA · On-site

$132K - $264K/yr

Walmart/VIZIO is seeking a Principal Software Engineer to help lead the architecture and technical direction of scalable, secure, and high-performance software systems. This role operates at a ...

Walmart/VIZIO is seeking a Principal Software Engineer to help lead the architecture and technical direction of scalable, secure, and high-performance software systems. This role operates at a ...

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Showing results 1-20

Principal Software Engineer information

See Bothell, WA salary details

$68.8K

$182.9K

$262.6K

How much do principal software engineer jobs pay per year?

As of May 28, 2026, the average yearly pay for principal software engineer in Bothell, WA is $182,943.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $153,500.00 and $205,800.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

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.

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.

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 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.

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 job categories do people searching Principal Software Engineer jobs in Bothell, WA look for? The top searched job categories for Principal Software Engineer jobs in Bothell, WA are:
What cities near Bothell, WA are hiring for Principal Software Engineer jobs? Cities near Bothell, WA with the most Principal Software Engineer job openings:
Infographic showing various Principal Software Engineer job openings in Bothell, WA as of May 2026, with employment types broken down into 93% Full Time, 6% Part Time, and 1% Contract. Highlights an 88% Physical, 9% Hybrid, and 3% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $182,943 per year, or $88 per hour.
Principal Software Engineer - Copilot Identity

Principal Software Engineer - Copilot Identity

Microsoft Corporation

Redmond, WA • On-site

$151.20K - $202.70K/yr

Full-time

This job post has expired today. Applications are no longer accepted.


Microsoft rating

8.6

Company rating: 8.6 out of 10

Based on 125 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

46th of 184 rated software companies


Job description

Principal Software Engineer, Software Engineer, Pilot, Principal, Technology, Administrative, Software, Engineer


What Microsoft employees say

Pay

Benefits

Hours and flexibility

Workplace

Get the full story on Breakroom


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About Microsoft

Sourced by ZipRecruiter

Our infrastructure is comprised of a large global portfolio of more than 100 datacenters and 1 million servers. Our foundation is built upon and managed by a team of subject matter experts working to support services for more than 1 billion customers and 20 million businesses in over 90 countries worldwide. With environmental sustainability and optimization at the forefront of our datacenter design and operations, we continue to grow and evolve as we meet the ever-changing business demands that hold Microsoft as a world-class cloud provider.

Industry

Computer and computer peripheral equipment and software wholesalers

Company size

10,000+ Employees

Headquarters location

Redmond, WA, US

Year founded

1975

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