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Principal Software Engineer Jobs in Highlands Ranch, CO

Principal Software Engineer

Lafayette, CO · On-site

$140K - $188K/yr

As a Principal Software Engineer, you will be responsible for leading engineering activities that support the development, optimization, and sustained performance of products produced across ...

Principal Software Engineer

Lafayette, CO · On-site

$140K - $188K/yr

As a Principal Software Engineer, you will be responsible for leading engineering activities that support the development, optimization, and sustained performance of products produced across ...

Principal Software Engineer

Denver, CO · Remote

$150K - $210K/yr

Principal Java & .Net Software Engineer Remote - US-Based Only No visa sponsorship | No third-party agencies ** Must have Java and .Net experience ** We are seeking a Principal Software Engineer with ...

New

Principal Software Engineer

Lafayette, CO · On-site

$140K - $188K/yr

The Principal Software Engineer acts as a software architect for the AC&M R&D organization and the development lead for patient monitors used in surgical environments. They will collaborate with ...

Principal Software Engineer

Denver, CO · On-site

$139K - $186K/yr

Over 50,000 people depend on our software to perform all their daily activities. We are looking for ... Principal Engineer We're looking for someone to lead all technical aspects of an engineering team ...

Principal Software Engineer

Denver, CO · On-site +1

$139K - $186K/yr

Over 50,000 people depend on our software to perform all their daily activities. We are looking for ... Principal Engineer We're looking for someone to lead all technical aspects of an engineering team ...

Experience: 12+ years of professional software engineering, including 5+ years focused on identity, authentication, or security, with meaningful time at the principal, staff, or architect level.

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Principal Software Engineer information

See Highlands Ranch, CO salary details

$63.5K

$168.9K

$242.5K

How much do principal software engineer jobs pay per year?

As of Jun 26, 2026, the average yearly pay for principal software engineer in Highlands Ranch, CO is $168,921.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $141,700.00 and $190,000.00 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 Highlands Ranch, CO? For Principal Software Engineer jobs in Highlands Ranch, CO, the most frequently searched job titles are:
What cities near Highlands Ranch, CO are hiring for Principal Software Engineer jobs? Cities near Highlands Ranch, CO with the most Principal Software Engineer job openings:
Infographic showing various Principal Software Engineer job openings in Highlands Ranch, CO as of June 2026, with employment types broken down into 85% Full Time, 6% Part Time, 3% Temporary, and 6% Contract. Highlights an 92% Physical, 3% Hybrid, and 5% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $168,921 per year, or $81.2 per hour.
Principal Software Engineer

Principal Software Engineer

Medtronic

Lafayette, CO • On-site

$140K - $188K/yr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Posted 21 days ago


Medtronic rating

7.8

Company rating: 7.8 out of 10

Based on 168 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

166th of 520 rated manufacturers


Job description

We anticipate the application window for this opening will close on - 1 Jul 2026


At Medtronic you can begin a life-long career of exploration and innovation, while helping champion healthcare access and equity for all. You'll lead with purpose, breaking down barriers to innovation in a more connected, compassionate world.

A Day in the LifeAt Medtronic, we bring bold ideas forward with speed and decisiveness to put patients first in everything we do. In-person exchanges are invaluable to our work. We're working onsite 4 days a week as part of our commitment to fostering a culture of professional growth and cross-functional collaboration as we work together to engineer the extraordinary. The person in this role will work from one of following Medtronic facilities:
Warsaw, Indiana
Fridley/Mounds View/Rice Creek, Brooklyn Park, Minnesota
Fort Worth, Texas
North Haven, Connecticut
Jackson, Florida
Lafayette, Colorado
Boston, Massachusetts
This role will require 25% of travel to enhance collaboration and ensure successful completion of projects.
As a Principal Software Engineer, you will be responsible for leading engineering activities that support the development, optimization, and sustained performance of products produced across manufacturing operations, including machining, metal finishing, assembly, and related processes. This role develops and maintains systems that ensure product quality, reliability, and manufacturability from early development through full-scale production.
The position drives continuous improvement by designing and implementing automated and standardized processes that improve product quality, strengthen schedule performance, and reduce manufacturing and operating costs. It also contributes to product and process development efforts by collaborating with cross functional teams to transition new designs into manufacturing and to enhance existing processes.
In addition, the Principal Software Engineer mentors team members, promotes standard work, and establishes best practices that elevate engineering capability and operational excellence across the organization.
We believe that when people from different cultures, genders, and points of view come together, innovation is the result -and everyone wins. Medtronic walks the walk, creating an inclusive culture where you can thrive. Our unwavering commitment to inclusion, diversity, and equity (ID&E) means zero barriers to opportunity within Medtronic and a culture where all employees belong, are respected, and feel valued for who they are and the life experiences they contribute. We know equity starts beyond our workplace, and we must play a role in addressing systemic inequities in our communications to achieve long-term sustainable impact. Anchored in our Mission, we continue to drive ID&E forward both to enhance the well-being of Medtronic employees and to accelerate innovation that brings our lifesaving technologies to more people in more places around the world.
Bring your talents to an industry leader in medical technology and healthcare solutions - we're a market leader and growing every day. You can be proud to be a part of technologies that are rooted in our long history of mission-driven innovation. You will be empowered to shape your own career. We encourage and support your growth with the training, mentorship, and guidance you need to own your future success. Together, we can transform healthcare. Join us for a career that changes lives.

CAREERS THAT CHANGE LIVES

  • Designs, develops, tests, debugs and implements operating systems components, software tools and utilities ensuring they are scalable, reliable, and efficient

  • Develops database architecture

  • Capture User Requirements Specification working with the process owner

  • Determines systems software design requirements

  • Ensures that system improvements are successfully implemented and monitored to increase efficiency

  • Collaborated with cross-functional teams to generates systems software engineering policies, standards and procedures

  • Work across a variety of software lifecycle activities as determined by program needs

  • Provide technical guidance, mentoring, and coaching to other software engineers, ensuring projects are completed on time and to the highest standards

  • Identify and solve complex technical issues, finding innovative solutions that align with business objectives

  • Conduct code reviews, providing feedback and guidance to junior engineers

  • Collaborate with product managers, designers, and other stakeholders to define project scope and requirements

  • Stay up to date with the latest technologies and trends, advocating for the adoption of best practices

  • Contribute to the long-term strategic planning for software development, ensuring the organization's technical vision is realized

MUST HAVE (Minimum Qualifications)

  • Bachelor's Degree and 7+ years of Software Engineering OR advanced degree and 5+ years of Software Engineering

NICE TO HAVE (Preferred Qualifications)

  • Equipment connectivity

  • Strong project management skills

  • Ignition and deviseWISE experience

  • Azure, AWS, Docker, Kubernetes, Jenkins, Terraform experience

  • React, Angular, Node.js, ASP.NET, HTML5, CSS3, WebAPI experience

  • Microservices Architecture, Test-Driven Development, Agile & Scrum, CI/CD Pipelines, RESTful API Design

  • Strong understanding of software engineering principles, coding languages, and development tools

  • Ability to lead and motivate teams, communicate effectively with diverse stakeholders, and mentor junior engineers

  • Ability to identify and solve complex problems, think critically, and make informed decisions

  • Experience with agile development methodologies and best practices

  • Experience with relevant programming languages, frameworks, and technologies (e.g., Java, C++, NET, Scala, Lua, Python, SQL, cloud platforms)

For Baccalaureate degrees earned outside of the United States, a degree that satisfies the requirements of 8 C.F.R. 214.2(h)(4)(iii)(A) is required.

Physical Job Requirements

The above statements are intended to describe the general nature and level of work being performed by employees assigned to this position, but they are not an exhaustive list of all the required responsibilities and skills of this position.

The physical demands described within the Responsibilities section of this job description are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions. For Office Roles: While performing the duties of this job, the employee is regularly required to be independently mobile. The employee is also required to interact with a computer, and communicate with peers and co-workers. Contact your manager or local HR to understand the Work Conditions and Physical requirements that may be specific to each role.

U.S. Work Authorization & Sponsorship

At Medtronic, we are committed to fostering an environment where employees can thrive and make a meaningful impact. In alignment with our enterprise-wide workforce planning approach, U.S. work authorization sponsorship (H-1B, TN, J, etc.) is offered exclusively for Principal-level roles and above, where specialized expertise aligns with long-term business needs. Roles below the Principal level require candidates to possess unrestricted U.S. work authorization at the time of hire and for the duration of employment.

Join us in our mission to alleviate pain, restore health, and extend life-where your unique background and perspective are valued.

Benefits & Compensation

Medtronic offers a competitive Salary and flexible Benefits Package
A commitment to our employees lives at the core of our values. We recognize their contributions. They share in the success they help to create. We offer a wide range of benefits, resources, and competitive compensation plans designed to support you at every career and life stage.

Salary ranges for U.S (excl. PR) locations (USD):$152,800.00 - $229,200.00This position is eligible for a short-term incentive called the Medtronic Incentive Plan (MIP).The base salary range is applicable across the United States, excluding Puerto Rico and specific locations in California. The offered rate complies with federal and local regulations and may vary based on factors such as experience, certification/education, market conditions, and location. Compensation and benefits information pertains solely to candidates hired within the United States (local market compensation and benefits will apply for others).

The following benefits and additional compensation are available to those regular employees who work 20+ hours per week: Health, Dental and vision insurance,Health Savings Account,Healthcare Flexible Spending Account,Life insurance, Long-term disability leave,Dependent daycare spending account,Tuition assistance/reimbursement, andSimple Steps (global well-being program).

The following benefits and additional compensation are available to all regular employees:Incentive plans, 401(k) plan plus employer contribution and match,Short-term disability,Paid time off,Paid holidays,Employee Stock Purchase Plan,Employee Assistance Program,Non-qualified Retirement Plan Supplement (subject to IRS earning minimums), andCapital Accumulation Plan (available to Vice Presidents and above, or subject to IRS earning minimums).

Regular employees are those who are not temporary, such as interns. Temporary employees are eligible for paid sick time, as required under applicable state law, and the Employee Stock Purchase Plan. Please note some of the above benefits may not apply to workers in Puerto Rico.

Further details are available at the link below:

Medtronic benefits and compensation plans

About Medtronic

We lead global healthcare technology and boldly attack the most challenging health problems facing humanity by searching out and finding solutions.
Our Mission - to alleviate pain, restore health, and extend life - unites a global team of 95,000+ passionate people.
We are engineers at heart- putting ambitious ideas to work to generate real solutions for real people. From the R&D lab, to the factory floor, to the conference room, every one of us experiments, creates, builds, improves and solves. We have the talent, diverse perspectives, and guts to engineer the extraordinary.

Learn more about our business, mission, and our commitment to diversity here.

It is the policy of Medtronic to provide equal employment opportunity (EEO) to all persons regardless of age, color, national origin, citizenship status, physical or mental disability, race, religion, creed, gender, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity and/or expression, genetic information, marital status, status with regard to public assistance, veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by federal, state or local law. In addition, Medtronic will provide reasonable accommodations for qualified individuals with disabilities.

If you are applying to perform work for Medtronic, Inc. ("Medtronic") in any position which will involve performing at least two (2) hours of work on average each week within the unincorporated areas of Los Angeles County, you can findhere a list of all material job duties of the specific job position which Medtronic reasonably believes that criminal history may have a direct, adverse and negative relationship potentially resulting in the withdrawal of a conditional offer of employment. Medtronic will consider for employment qualified job applicants with arrest or conviction records in accordance with the Los Angeles County Fair Chance Ordinance for Employers and the California Fair Chance Act.


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