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

Gradial

Principal Software Engineer

Seattle, WA · On-site

$160K - $250K/yr

The Role Gradial is seeking a Principal Software Engineer to drive the architecture and technical vision behind AI-native systems that transform how creative teams build and update websites. As a ...

Oracle

Principal Software Engineer

Seattle, WA · On-site

$153K - $206K/yr

Responsibilities As a Principal Software Engineer, you will lead the software design and development for major components of Oracle's Cloud Infrastructure. You should be both a rock-solid coder and a ...

Walmart

Principal, Software Engineer

Bellevue, WA · On-site

$132K - $264K/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 ...

Microsoft

Principal Software Engineer

Redmond, WA · On-site

$188K - $304K/yr

We are looking for a Principal Software Engineer to join our team! This is an exciting time to join our group and work on something highly strategic to Microsoft. Microsoft Dataverse is the platform ...

Microsoft

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 ...

Microsoft

Principal Software Engineer

Redmond, WA · On-site

$151K - $202K/yr

We're looking for a Principal Software Engineer who wants to help build the foundational capabilities to defend it. In this role, you'll work on detecting and stopping threats at the source-whether ...

Microsoft

Principal Software Engineer

Redmond, WA · On-site

$151K - $202K/yr

As a Principal Software Engineer , you will own the multi-year technical strategy and architecture for AEGIS's security platforms and AI agentic systems, raise the engineering and security bar across ...

Microsoft

Principal Software Engineer

Redmond, WA · On-site

$188K - $304K/yr

We are looking for a Principal Software Engineer to help shape the future of browser performance across real-world scenarios-navigating websites, interacting with content, scrolling pages, and ...

Microsoft

Principal Software Engineer

Redmond, WA · On-site

$188K - $304K/yr

In this role, Principal Software Engineer, you will build capabilities that: * Enable builders to be more agile, running more evaluations and faster. * Provide a continuous set of tools and ...

JPMorganChase

Senior Principal Software Engineer

Seattle, WA · On-site

$142K - $196K/yr

The Senior Principal Software Engineer will provide deep engineering expertise to enhance and deliver market-leading technology products, while leading strategic development and managing senior ...

DocuSign

Principal Software Engineer

Seattle, WA · On-site +1

$153K - $206K/yr

What you'll do The Orchestration team is looking for a Principal Software Engineer to help define, architect, and deliver the next generation of contract negotiation and collaboration. Our ...

Docusign

Principal Software Engineer

Seattle, WA · On-site

$153K - $206K/yr

What you'll do The Orchestration team is looking for a Principal Software Engineer to help define, architect, and deliver the next generation of contract negotiation and collaboration. Our ...

Microsoft

Principal Software Engineer

Redmond, WA · On-site

$151K - $202K/yr

Overview The Ads Data Platform Team, part of Microsoft AI (Artificial Intelligence), is hiring a Principal Software Engineer . This role is available in Redmond, WA. Our team powers the backbone of ...

Oracle Corporation

Principal Software Engineer

Seattle, WA

$153K - $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 ...

Oracle Corporation

Principal Software Engineer

Seattle, WA

$153K - $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 ...

Oracle

Principal Software Engineer

Seattle, WA

$153K - $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 ...

Oracle

Principal Software Engineer

Seattle, WA

$153K - $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 ...

Oracle

Principal Software Engineer

Seattle, WA

$153K - $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 ...

Oracle

Principal Software Engineer

Seattle, WA

$153K - $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 ...

Microsoft

Principal Software Engineer

Redmond, WA · On-site

$139K - $274K/yr

We are looking for a Principal Software Engineer to lead the design and development of distributed data infrastructure, APIs and personalization pipelines that drive Copilot's intelligence. You will ...

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Showing results 1-20

All JobsPrincipal Software Engineer JobsPrincipal Software Engineer Jobs in Bothell, WA

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.
More about Principal Software Engineer jobs
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:
Principal Software Engineer jobs near you
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

Gradial

Seattle, WA • On-site

$160K - $250K/yr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Retirement, PTO

Posted 15 days ago

Job description

Gradial helps marketers and creatives move from idea to execution faster. Our platform turns intent into action, automating website updates, design system migrations, and ongoing content optimization while preserving brand integrity across every touchpoint.
Backed by leading investors, we're building software that adapts to the user, not the other way around. We move with urgency, operate with ownership, and solve hard problems from first principles. If you want to do ambitious work, take real responsibility, and help define the future of AI-native content operations, you'll do your best work here.
The Role
Gradial is seeking a Principal Software Engineer to drive the architecture and technical vision behind AI-native systems that transform how creative teams build and update websites. As a foundational technical leader, you'll push the boundaries of how LLMs can power real-world workflows and reimagine the intersection of language, software, and creativity.
You'll work closely with engineering, product, and design leaders to shape not just features, but the technical backbone and strategic direction of the company. This is a rare opportunity to set the blueprint for a fast-evolving product in a high-agency, low-ego environment committed to solving hard problems from first principles.
What You'll Own
  • Define and drive the technical architecture for systems that convert natural language into intelligent, multi-step workflows using generative AI.
  • Lead the design, implementation, and scaling of LLM agents for real-time inference, dynamic prompting, memory management, and tool orchestration.
  • Set engineering standards and influence system design across the stack, with a focus on performance, reliability, and long-term extensibility.
  • Design learning systems that integrate customer feedback, usage data, and brand preferences to evolve autonomously over time.
  • Mentor senior engineers, fostering a culture of technical excellence, rapid iteration, and ownership.
  • Collaborate deeply with product and design leaders to rethink how interfaces and features dynamically adapt to user intent.
  • Champion best practices in testing, observability, deployment, and operational excellence to ensure system health at scale.
  • Own critical, ambiguous problem spaces from end to end, advocating for technical and product innovation.

What We're Looking For
  • 8+ years of professional software engineering experience, including significant leadership of complex technical initiatives.
  • Deep expertise in distributed systems, algorithms, and scalable software design.
  • Proven track record architecting and shipping systems in fast-moving, high-ambiguity environments.
  • Hands-on experience with LLM integration, generative AI frameworks, or building AI-native applications.
  • Strong communication and cross-functional leadership skills, with the ability to influence technical and non-technical audiences.
  • High-agency, ownership-driven mindset with a passion for solving real-world problems at scale.
  • Background in technical fields such as computer science, mathematics, physics, or systems engineering.

Nice to Have
  • Experience building or scaling AI agent architectures for production environments.
  • Prior experience in early-stage startups where you owned both strategy and execution.
  • Passion for designing systems that blend technical sophistication with elegant, intuitive user experiences.

Compensation
The salary range for this position is $160,000 - $250,000 annually. Final compensation will be determined based on factors such as experience, skills, and qualifications. In addition to base salary, this role may be eligible for performance-based bonuses and equity awards. Gradial offers a comprehensive benefits package, including medical, dental & vision insurance, 401K retirement plan, paid time off, paid sick leave and other employee wellness programs.
You'll thrive here if you...
  • Embrace AI as a core tool for problem-solving, creativity and scale.
  • Show a strong work ethic, high ownership and bias toward action.
  • Communicate with clarity and curiosity.
  • Thrive in fast-paced, hyper-growth environments; where building is always better than maintaining the status quo.

What we offer
  • Meaningful equity and competitive salary
  • Comprehensive health, dental and vision coverage
  • Fast-paced environment with autonomy and ownership
  • Real impact, zero bureaucracy
  • A front-row seat to building category-defining AI infrastructure

AI Literacy & Interviewing Tools
As an AI-first company, we prioritize AI literacy as a core competency in our hiring decisions. We're excited by candidates who thoughtfully apply AI tools in their work, but during interviews we're focused on you. This is your opportunity to show how you think, communicate, and solve problems. Over-reliance on AI-generated responses during the interview process (especially when it obscures your own voice) will result in disqualification. We want to understand your unique perspective and how you approach challenges, both with and without AI.
Privacy Policy
By submitting your application to Gradial, you acknowledge that any personal data you provide will be processed in accordance with our Privacy Policy. This includes the collection, use, and storage of your information for the purposes of evaluating your qualifications and communicating with you about your candidacy. We handle applicant data with care and in compliance with applicable data protection laws.
If you have any questions about how your information is used, please refer to our Privacy Policy or contact us directly.
Applicants who require reasonable accommodation to participate in the application or interview process should contact us at careers@gradial.com to request assistance.

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