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

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

Burien, 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 ...

Principal Software Engineer

Redmond, WA · On-site

$188K - $304K/yr

As a Principal Software Engineer Lead , you will design and build AI-native systems that go beyond supporting workflows-they intelligently transform them. You will work across data, systems, and ...

Principal Software Engineer

Redmond, WA · On-site

$151K - $202K/yr

Microsoft is seeking a Principal Software Engineer to join their Garage Team in building Innovation Studio, a product that integrates with Teams to enhance organizational creativity and business ...

Principal Software Engineer

Redmond, WA · On-site

$188K - $304K/yr

As a Principal Software Engineer , you will shape the end-to-end developer experience on Windows-from platform capabilities and frameworks to tools, workflows, and AI-powered experiences. You will ...

Principal Software Engineer

Redmond, WA · On-site

$151K - $202K/yr

We are hiring a Principal Software Engineer with deep experience and expertise in designing and delivering solutions using modern software engineering practices and cloud technologies. You will be ...

Principal Software Engineer

Redmond, WA · On-site

$188K - $304K/yr

We are hiring a Principal Software Engineer with deep experience and expertise in designing and delivering solutions using modern software engineering practices and cloud technologies. You will be ...

Principal Software Engineer

Redmond, WA · On-site

$188K - $304K/yr

As a Principal Software Engineer, you will lead the architecture and delivery of product capabilities across React, Azure Functions, Microsoft Teams, GitHub, Azure AI Foundry, secure identity, data ...

Principal Software Engineer

Redmond, WA · On-site

$151K - $202K/yr

Microsoft AI is seeking a Principal Software Engineer for their Copilot Discover Engineering Team, where the candidate will serve as a senior technical architect. The role focuses on setting ...

Principal Software Engineer

Redmond, WA · On-site

$151K - $202K/yr

Microsoft AI is focused on empowering every person and organization to achieve more, and they are seeking a Principal Software Engineer for their Advertising Mediation Service. The role involves ...

Principal Software Engineer

Redmond, WA · On-site

$142K - $274K/yr

We are looking to hire a Principal Software Engineer . As a Software Engineer, you'll write and maintain high-quality code for the Canvas Designer client, building UI components and features that ...

Principal Software Engineer

Redmond, WA · On-site

$151K - $202K/yr

We are looking for a Principal Software Engineer to set the technical direction for MMS as it scales to the next order of magnitude of traffic, supply types, and auction complexity. This is a deeply ...

Principal Software Engineer

Redmond, WA · On-site

$188K - $304K/yr

Overview As the Principal Software Engineer and technical lead , you will define the long-term technical vision for our location services and geospatial platform, drive architectural decisions across ...

Principal Software Engineer

Redmond, WA · On-site

$151K - $202K/yr

They are seeking a Principal Software Engineer to serve as a senior technical architect, responsible for the architectural vision and strategy of the Copilot Discover platform, ensuring it is robust ...

Principal Software Engineer

Redmond, WA · On-site

$142K - $274K/yr

The Principal Software Engineer within OCTO will build AI-based systems to accelerate the deployment of OpenAI technology across Microsoft. They will collaborate with key technical teams, both at ...

Principal, Software Engineer

Bellevue, WA · On-site

$152K - $204K/yr

As a Principal Software Engineer on the Marketplace Platform team, you will play a pivotal role in driving the architecture, design and maintenance of advanced frameworks that elevate Walmart ...

Principal Software Engineer

Redmond, WA · On-site

$151K - $202K/yr

The Candidate We are looking for a Principal Software Engineer to help build the future of AI infrastructure at Microsoft. This is an opportunity to work on cutting-edge AI technologies at a scale ...

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Showing results 1-20

Principal Software Engineer information

See Bothell, WA salary details

$67.6K

$179.9K

$258.2K

How much do principal software engineer jobs pay per year?

As of Jun 28, 2026, the average yearly pay for principal software engineer in Bothell, WA is $179,909.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $150,900.00 and $202,300.00 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.

What engineers make $500,000?

Principal Software Engineers and senior technical leaders in high-demand industries can earn $500,000 or more annually, especially with extensive experience, advanced skills in areas like cloud computing or AI, and often in large tech companies or executive roles. Compensation packages may include base salary, bonuses, and stock options, reflecting their expertise and leadership responsibilities.

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 varies based on company size, location, and individual expertise.

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.

Is it possible to make 300k as a software engineer?

Principal Software Engineers in high-demand industries or at large tech companies can earn salaries of $300,000 or more, especially with extensive experience, specialized skills, and stock options. Achieving this level often requires advanced expertise in areas like cloud computing, machine learning, or leadership roles, along with a strong track record of project success.

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 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 Bothell, WA? For Principal Software Engineer jobs in Bothell, WA, the most frequently searched job titles are:
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 June 2026, with employment types broken down into 75% Full Time, 19% Part Time, 2% Temporary, and 4% Contract. Highlights an 90% Physical, 5% Hybrid, and 5% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $179,909 per year, or $86.5 per hour.
Principal, Software Engineer

Principal, Software Engineer

Vizio

Sammamish, WA • On-site

$132K - $264K/yr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Posted 18 days ago


Job description

Position Summary...What you'll do...
  • Immigration sponsorship is not available for this role
  • This is a full-time, onsite role at our Seattle, WA office.
  • This position is not eligible for remote work.
Role Summary: 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 strategic level, driving the design and evolution of distributed platforms while influencing multiple engineering teams. As a Principal Engineer, you will serve as a technical leader, partnering with engineering, product, and business stakeholders to align long-term technical strategy with organizational goals. You will help guide complex system design, ensure engineering excellence, and deliver solutions that impact millions of users globally. About the Team: Our Software and Services team builds robust, scalable platforms that power Walmart/VIZIO’s digital transformation and customer experiences. We focus on delivering high-quality software through strong collaboration, standardized practices, and modern cloud-native technologies. We foster a supportive and open engineering culture where teams work together to solve complex problems, improve developer productivity, and continuously evolve our platform capabilities. Our engineers are empowered to influence not just code, but system design, architecture, and long-term strategy. What You’ll Do:
  • Define and drive technical strategy and architecture across multiple teams and systems.
  • Help design and oversee scalable distributed systems, APIs, and data platforms with a focus on performance, reliability, and security.
  • Lead design reviews and help guide critical technical decisions across the organization.
  • Ensure systems are observable, resilient, and maintainable, leveraging strong CI/CD and automation practices.
  • Identify and resolve scalability challenges, performance bottlenecks, and technical risks.
  • Collaborate with product and business stakeholders to translate strategic goals into technical solutions.
  • Influence and align multiple teams on architecture, dependencies, and execution plans.
  • Champion engineering best practices, including code quality, testing strategies, and DevOps maturity.
  • Mentor junior and senior engineers, fostering technical growth and leadership development.
What You’ll Bring:
  • Bachelor’s or Master’s degree in Computer Science (or equivalent experience).
  • 10+ years of software engineering experience, with significant time operating at a senior or staff level.
  • Expert proficiency in .NET and C#, with deep knowledge of system design and software architecture.
  • Strong experience with:
    • Relational databases (PostgreSQL, MySQL)
    • NoSQL/datastores (MongoDB, DynamoDB, Redis, Elasticsearch)
  • Proven experience building and scaling microservices and distributed systems.
  • Strong expertise in cloud platforms (AWS and/or Azure) and modern DevOps practices (CI/CD, IaC).
  • Exceptional ability to troubleshoot, debug, and optimize performance in complex systems.
  • Demonstrated ability to lead through influence, driving alignment across teams without direct authority.
  • Excellent communication skills, with the ability to convey complex technical concepts to diverse audiences.
  • Strong analytical mindset with a track record of solving ambiguous, large-scale engineering problems.
Equal Opportunity Employer:
Walmart is an Equal Opportunity Employer – by choice. We believe we are best equipped to help our associates, customers and the communities we serve live better when we really know them. That means understanding, respecting, and valuing unique styles, experiences, identities, ideas and opinions while being welcoming of all people.  
The above information has been designed to indicate the general nature and level of work performed in the role. It is not designed to contain or be interpreted as a comprehensive inventory of all responsibilities and qualifications required of employees assigned to this job. The full Job Description can be made available as part of the hiring process.   
#LI-onsite At Walmart, we offer competitive pay as well as performance-based bonus awards and other great benefits for a happier mind, body, and wallet. Health benefits include medical, vision and dental coverage. Financial benefits include 401(k), stock purchase and company-paid life insurance. Paid time off benefits include PTO (including sick leave), parental leave, family care leave, bereavement, jury duty, and voting. Other benefits include short-term and long-term disability, company discounts, Military Leave Pay, adoption and surrogacy expense reimbursement, and more. You will also receive PTO and/or PPTO that can be used for vacation, sick leave, holidays, or other purposes. The amount you receive depends on your job classification and length of employment. It will meet or exceed the requirements of paid sick leave laws, where applicable. For information about PTO, see https://one.walmart.com/notices. Live Better U is a Walmart-paid education benefit program for full-time and part-time associates in Walmart and Sam's Club facilities. Programs range from high school completion to bachelor's degrees, including English Language Learning and short-form certificates. Tuition, books, and fees are completely paid for by Walmart.
Eligibility requirements apply to some benefits and may depend on your job classification and length of employment. Benefits are subject to change and may be subject to a specific plan or program terms.
For information about benefits and eligibility, see One.Walmart.
The annual salary range for this position is $132,000.00 - $264,000.00 Additional compensation includes annual or quarterly performance bonuses. Additional compensation for certain positions may also include :
- Stock

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Minimum Qualifications...

Outlined below are the required minimum qualifications for this position. If none are listed, there are no minimum qualifications.

Option 1: Bachelor's degree in computer science, computer engineering, computer information systems, software engineering, or related area and 5 years’ experience in software engineering or related area.
Option 2: 7 years’ experience in software engineering or related area.Preferred Qualifications...

Outlined below are the optional preferred qualifications for this position. If none are listed, there are no preferred qualifications.

Master’s degree in computer science, computer engineering, computer information systems, software engineering, or related area and 3 years' experience in software engineering or related area., We value candidates with a background in creating inclusive digital experiences, demonstrating knowledge in implementing Web Content Accessibility Guidelines (WCAG) 2.2 AA standards, assistive technologies, and integrating digital accessibility seamlessly. The ideal candidate would have knowledge of accessibility best practices and join us as we continue to create accessible products and services following Walmart’s accessibility standards and guidelines for supporting an inclusive culture.Primary Location...300 Elliott Ave W, Seattle, WA 98119-4136, United States of AmericaWalmart and its subsidiaries are committed to maintaining a drug-free workplace and has a no tolerance policy regarding the use of illegal drugs and alcohol on the job. This policy applies to all employees and aims to create a safe and productive work environment.