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Principal Software Engineer Jobs in Hopkinton, MA

Principal Software Engineer

Boston, MA · On-site

$146K - $196K/yr

Principal Software EngineerThe Principal Software Engineer will play a key role in designing and developing enterprise SAAS applications. This person should have the ability to thrive on new ...

Principal Software Engineer

Boston, MA · On-site

$146K - $196K/yr

Principal Software EngineerThe Principal Software Engineer will play a key role in designing and developing enterprise SAAS applications. This person should have the ability to thrive on new ...

As a Principal Software Engineer, you will work across application code and infrastructure to collect, transform, and deliver structured threat data: tracking malware infrastructure, phishing ...

Principal Software Engineer - SRE, location is Remote (ET time zone; CT considered if working ET hours), with quarterly onsite travel to the Boston office. The start date is TBD for this permanent ...

Principal Software Engineer

Boston, MA · On-site

$146K - $196K/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

Burlington, MA · On-site

$146K - $197K/yr

They are seeking a Principal Software Engineer to develop efficient software solutions, analyze algorithms, and collaborate on architectural projects. Responsibilities : • Develop Software ...

Principal Software Engineer

Boston, MA · On-site

$146K - $196K/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

Spencer, MA · On-site

$139K - $186K/yr

As a Principal Software Engineer, you will lead the design, development, and delivery of mission-critical software solutions for programs such as the Army, Navy/Transportable Radar Surveillance Model ...

Principal Software Engineer

Woburn, MA

$147K - $198K/yr

As a Principal Software Engineer, you will lead the design, development, and delivery of mission-critical software solutions for programs such as the Army, Navy/Transportable Radar Surveillance Model ...

Principal Software Engineer

Boston, MA · On-site +1

$145K - $175K/yr

Principal Software Engineer Help expand access to high-quality behavioral health care for students and families. Our engineering team builds technology that drives clinical excellence and operational ...

Principal Software Engineer

Boston, MA · On-site

$152K - $228K/yr

As a Principal Software Engineer, you will work across application code and infrastructure to collect, transform, and deliver structured threat data: tracking malware infrastructure, phishing ...

Principal Software Engineer

Boston, MA · On-site

$146K - $196K/yr

Position Summary The Principal Software Engineer is a senior technical leader responsible for setting the technical vision, standards, and strategy for an entire division or for providing deep ...

We are looking for a collaborative, customer-focused, and creative principal software engineer to develop a high-performance mobile application framework that powers on-device machine learning models ...

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Showing results 1-20

Principal Software Engineer information

See Hopkinton, MA salary details

$66.5K

$176.8K

$253.8K

How much do principal software engineer jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 22, 2026, the average yearly pay for principal software engineer in Hopkinton, MA is $176,825.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $148,300.00 and $198,900.00 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 Hopkinton, MA are hiring for Principal Software Engineer jobs?

Cities near Hopkinton, MA with the most Principal Software Engineer job openings:

Infographic showing various Principal Software Engineer job openings in Hopkinton, MA as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 100% Full Time. Highlights an 84% In-person, and 16% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $176,825 per year, or $85 per hour.

Principal Software Engineer

1872 Consulting

Boston, MA • On-site

$146K - $196K/yr

Full-time

This job post has expired today. Applications are no longer accepted.


Job description

Principal Software EngineerThe Principal Software Engineer will play a key role in designing and developing enterprise SAAS applications. This person should have the ability to thrive on new technical challenges and innovate our products, technology stack & development processes. This person should have experience working in a Lean/Agile team and be focused on delivering value and delighting customers.Essential Job Functions:Provide technical leadership in getting new ideas into production efficientlyEnhance tools and processes to improve product design/developmentAnalyze business needs and conceive, design, and develop innovative solutionsWhiteboard designs and mentor less experienced team membersKeep an eye on quality engineering practices, implementation, and be the mentor and champion for your teamWork closely with Software Developers / QA Engineers and the business to build outstanding productsDevelop a deep understanding of product functionality and how it relates to business goals and practicesBe hands on, code and take ownership for features/initiativesMust be able to interface with executives, business leadersKnowledge, skills, and abilities required:Bachelor's degree in Computer Science or equivalent8-10+ years industry experienceGood leadership skillsGood experience with Java, Spring, Hibernate, RESTGood experience with cloud-based development / leveraging cloud servicesGood experience with JavaScript (AngularJS)Good experience with SQL / Relational DatabasesGood experience with Big Data / data pipelines on the cloudGood verbal and written communication skillsProven troubleshooting and problem-solving skillsExperience working in a Lean/Agile environmentNice to have:Experience developing a microservices architectureExperience with Docker, Kubernetes, CI/CD, Jenkins and deploying applications on cloud (GCP preferred)


1872 Consulting logo

About 1872 Consulting

Sourced by ZipRecruiter

1872 Consulting, based in Chicago, IL, USA, operates within the IT consulting industry. Armed with a diverse team of experts, the company offers specialized IT consulting services, focusing on modernizing business technologies and driving innovative business strategies. Established in 1872, the company has a rich history marked by its commitment to bridging the gap between businesses and technology. Its mission is to empower organizations to surpass their business goals by providing state-of-the-art IT solutions and service. The company prides itself on its core values of integrity, excellence, and innovation, instilling these principles in every project they undertake.

Industry

It services

Company size

11 - 50 Employees

Headquarters location

Chicago, IL, US

Year founded

2014