1

Principal Software Engineer Jobs in Cary, NC (NOW HIRING)

Principal Software Engineer

Durham, NC · On-site

$130K - $174K/yr

The Principal Software Engineer is one of the highest-level individual contributor roles in software engineering, recognized for deep technical expertise across specific domains. This role sets the ...

Principal Software Engineer

Durham, NC · On-site

$130K - $174K/yr

The Principal Software Engineer is one of the highest-level individual contributor roles in software engineering, recognized for deep technical expertise across specific domains. This role sets the ...

Principal Software Engineer

Morrisville, NC · Hybrid

$126K - $169K/yr

... in software development. This position demands extensive knowledge of current technologies and anticipates future trends to keep our engineering practices ahead of the curve. The Principal Engineer ...

Principal Software Engineer

Morrisville, NC · Hybrid

$126K - $169K/yr

... in software development. This position demands extensive knowledge of current technologies and anticipates future trends to keep our engineering practices ahead of the curve. The Principal Engineer ...

next page

Showing results 1-20

Principal Software Engineer information

See Cary, NC salary details

$61.7K

$164K

$235.4K

How much do principal software engineer jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 25, 2026, the average yearly pay for principal software engineer in Cary, NC is $164,022.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $137,600.00 and $184,500.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

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.

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 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.

How much does a principal software engineer get paid?

A principal software engineer typically earns between $120,000 and $180,000 annually, depending on experience, location, and company size. They often have advanced skills in software architecture, leadership, and technical expertise in programming languages and tools.

What cities near Cary, NC are hiring for Principal Software Engineer jobs?

Cities near Cary, NC with the most Principal Software Engineer job openings:

Infographic showing various Principal Software Engineer job openings in Cary, NC as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 85% Full Time, and 15% Contract. Highlights an 81% In-person, and 19% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $164,022 per year, or $78.9 per hour.

Principal Software Engineer/Developer

Durham, NC • On-site

$140 - $190/hr

Other

Posted 6 days ago


Job description

Principal Software Engineer/DeveloperSkip to main content#Principal Software Engineer/Developer page is loaded## Principal Software Engineer/DeveloperApplylocations: Durham, NCtime type: Full timeposted on: Posted Todaytime left to apply: End Date: September 8, 2026 (30+ days left to apply)job requisition id: 2133177## ## Job Description:**Note: Fidelity will not provide immigration sponsorship for this position.****Position Description**:Designs and develops large scale, multiservice software systems by engaging across Java microservices, Oracle/Postgres data platforms, and AWS-based cloud architectures. Designs and delivers end-to-end technical solutions that operate across multiple platforms, data domains, and distributed environments, with an emphasis on resiliency, performance, and scalability. Supports the development of compatibility, migration, and observability patterns that strengthen stability and operational efficiency within complex, interconnected systems. Uses business knowledge to translate the vision for divisional initiatives into business solutions by developing complex or multiple software applications and conducting studies of alternatives. Analyzes and recommends changes in project development policies, procedures, standards, and strategies to development experts and management.**Primary Responsibilities:*** Participates in architecture design teams.* Defines and implements application-level architecture.* Develops applications on complex projects, components, and subsystems for the division.* Recommends development testing tools and methodologies and reviews and validates test plans.* Responsible for QA readiness of software deliverables.* Develops comprehensive documentation for multiple applications or subsystems.* Establishes full project life cycle plans for complex projects across multiple platforms.* Responsible for meeting project goals on-time and on-budget.* Advises on risk assessment and risk management strategies for projects.* Plans and coordinates complex project schedules and assignments for multiple projects.* Acts as a primary liaison for business units to resolve various project/technology issues.* Provides technology solutions to daily issues and technical evaluation estimates on technology initiatives.* Advises senior management on technical strategy.* Mentors junior team members.* Performs independent and complex technical and functional analysis for multiple projects supporting several divisional initiatives.* Develops original and creative technical solutions to on-going development efforts.* Works with business and product partners to translate divisional objectives into technical approaches, participating in the creation of sophisticated or multiapplication software solutions and exploring alternatives as needed.* Participates in evaluating and shaping development practices, tools, standards, and strategies used across project teams.**Education and Experience**:Bachelor’s degree in Computer Information Systems, Computer Science, Engineering, Information Technology, Information Systems, or a closely related field (or foreign education equivalent) and five (5) years of experience as a Principal Software Engineer/Developer (or closely related occupation) building multi-tier distributed software applications for regulatory disclosure reporting within an equity compensation and financial services environment.Or, alternatively, Master’s degree in Computer Information Systems, Computer Science, Engineering, Information Technology, Information Systems, or a closely related field (or foreign education equivalent) and three (3) years of experience as a Principal Software Engineer/Developer (or closely related occupation) building multi-tier distributed software applications for regulatory disclosure reporting within an equity compensation and financial services environment.**Skills and Knowledge**:Candidate must also possess:* Demonstrated Expertise (“DE”) developing APIs using microservices in Java and based on event-driven architecture, using Events to trigger and communicate between decoupled microservices.* DE setting up, maintaining, and evolving cloud infrastructure using core AWS services (Amazon Simple Storage (S3), Glue, and Amazon Elastic Compute Cloud (EC2)) and performing serverless tactics (using AWS Lambda, S3, Simple Notification Service (SNS), Simple Queue Service (SQS), Event Bridge, and Glue) to write Infrastructure as Code (IaC) using CloudFormation.* DE developing business rules using Drools, IBM ODM, InRule, and Decision Rules to implement decisions for a variable compensation domain.* DE modifying existing databases for platform updates using Oracle PL/SQL, Postgres, and Snowflake to implement changes for business needs.#PE1M2#LI-DNIFidelity’s Onsite Working Model Fidelity is transitioning to a full-time onsite working model through a phased rollout across regions and roles. Currently, some roles and locations require 100% onsite presence, while others require less. Onsite expectations are likely to evolve as the rollout continues. This transition does not apply to fully remote roles.## ## Certifications:## ## Category:## Information TechnologyPlease be advised that Fidelity’s business is governed by the provisions of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, the Investment Advisers Act of 1940, the Investment Company Act of 1940, ERISA, numerous state laws governing securities, investment and retirement-related financial activities and the rules and regulations of numerous self-regulatory organizations, including FINRA, among others. Those laws and regulations may restrict Fidelity from hiring and/or associating with individuals with certain Criminal Histories. #J-18808-Ljbffr