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Principal Software Engineer Jobs in Highlands Ranch, CO

Medtronic

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 ...

Motion Recruitment

Principal Software Engineer

Arvada, CO · On-site

$137K - $184K/yr

A growing aerospace and satellite communications organization is hiring a Principal Software Engineer for a hybrid role in the Denver area. This position focuses on building and integrating mission ...

Medtronic

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 ...

DSC Resources

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 ...

PDW

Principal Software Engineer

Denver, CO · On-site

$138K - $186K/yr

The Principal Software Engineer will provide technical leadership, architect complex software systems, and mentor engineers while driving high-impact initiatives across multiple platforms.

PDW

Principal Software Engineer

Denver, CO · On-site

$138K - $186K/yr

They are seeking a Principal Software Engineer to provide technical leadership, architect complex software systems, and mentor engineers while collaborating with cross-functional teams.

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All JobsPrincipal Software Engineer JobsPrincipal Software Engineer Jobs in Highlands Ranch, CO

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 Aug 8, 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.

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 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.

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.

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 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:
Principal Software Engineer jobs near you
Infographic showing various Principal Software Engineer job openings in Highlands Ranch, CO as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 88% Full Time, 8% Part Time, and 4% Contract. Highlights an 88% Physical, 3% Hybrid, and 9% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $168,921 per year, or $81.2 per hour.

Principal Software Engineer

Avenue Technologies and Commodities, Inc.

Aurora, CO • On-site

$137K - $184K/yr

Full-time

Re-posted 3 days ago

Job description

About the Opportunity
Avenue Technologies is seeking a Principal Software Engineer to support technical, engineering, and program teams in a hands-on environment.
What You Will Do
  • Design, develop, integrate, and maintain software applications that support engineering, production, or test environments.
  • Develop object-oriented applications, libraries, and drivers using the required tools and programming languages.
  • Troubleshoot software issues, integrate with hardware or instrumentation, and support system-level applications.
  • Work with cross-functional engineering teams to derive requirements and deliver reliable software solutions.

Helpful Skills
  • software development
  • requirements

Qualifications
  • Bachelor's degree in a STEM or related field is preferred or required based on the role.
  • Relevant experience in the applicable technical discipline.
  • Strong communication, ownership, and problem-solving skills.
  • Secret clearance or ability to meet the role's clearance requirements.

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