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Principal Software Engineer Jobs in Houston, TX (NOW HIRING)

Principal Engineer, Software

Houston, TX · Hybrid

$128K - $172K/yr

WM Logistics, LLC has an opening for a full-time Principal Engineer, Software in Houston, TX. Job duties: Deliver technical expertise in design, development, coding, testing, and debugging new ...

Principal Engineer, Software

Houston, TX · Hybrid

$128K - $172K/yr

WM Logistics, LLC has an opening for a full-time Principal Engineer, Software in Houston, TX. Job duties: Deliver technical expertise in design, development, coding, testing, and debugging new ...

Principal Software Systems QA Architect Description - This role is responsible for providing ... The role collaborates with cross-functional teams, including software developers, system ...

Principal Real-time Software Engineer

Houston, TX · On-site

$128K - $172K/yr

Our Principal Embedded Real-Time Software Developer/Integrator is a technical position that works in an Integrated Product Team (IPT) environment to architect, design, implement, test, debug, and ...

Principal Real-time Software Engineer

Houston, TX · On-site

$128K - $172K/yr

Our Principal Embedded Real-Time Software Developer/Integrator is a technical position that works in an Integrated Product Team (IPT) environment to architect, design, implement, test, debug, and ...

Showing results 21-40

Principal Software Engineer information

See Houston, TX salary details

$57.8K

$153.7K

$220.6K

How much do principal software engineer jobs pay per year?

As of Sep 4, 2026, the average yearly pay for principal software engineer in Houston, TX is $153,690.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $128,900.00 and $172,800.00 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 are popular job titles related to Principal Software Engineer jobs in Houston, TX?

For Principal Software Engineer jobs in Houston, TX, the most frequently searched job titles are:

What cities near Houston, TX are hiring for Principal Software Engineer jobs?

Cities near Houston, TX with the most Principal Software Engineer job openings:

Infographic showing various Principal Software Engineer job openings in Houston, TX as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 88% Full Time, 9% Part Time, and 3% Contract. Highlights an 89% Physical, 3% Hybrid, and 8% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $153,690 per year, or $73.9 per hour.

Principal Engineer, Software

Waste Management

Houston, TX • Hybrid

$128K - $172K/yr

Full-time

Posted 20 days ago


Waste Management rating

7.5

Company rating: 7.5 out of 10

Based on 655 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

26th of 92 rated recycling and waste


Job description

WM Logistics, LLC has an opening for a full-time Principal Engineer, Software in Houston, TX.  Job duties: Deliver technical expertise in design, development, coding, testing, and debugging new software or significant enhancements to existing software.  Conduct highly complex business process analysis, needs assessments, and lead/participate in design sessions with Architects in order to align information technology solutions with business initiatives.  Undertake highly complex projects requiring additional specialized technical expertise in software design and testing.  Contribute strategic vision and integrate a broad range of ideas regarding applications and software development. Present, communicate, and articulate technical processes effectively to all levels of the organization (including technical and nontechnical audiences, Senior Leadership, VPs and the C-level executives).  Undertake the highly complex applications development projects involving multiple disciplines and may impact multiple facets of the business. Develop enterprise-level information technology solutions by analyzing, coding, testing. and implementing new and by modifying existing software applications with full competency. Lead design/coding sessions, develop solutions, and implement solutions. Articulate design and resolve technical/design conflicts as they occur. Coordinate with business analysts and users to determine requirements. Perform highly complex analyses of system requirements and of existing business processes and information systems.  Hybrid position.  Must report to office at 800 Capitol St., Suite 3000, Houston, TX 77002 4 days a week.

Min. Req.: Bachelor's degree, or foreign equivalent, in Computer Science, MIS, Engineering, or a related field, plus 10 years of experience as a Principal Engineer, Software; Software Engineer; Software Developer; or a related position.
10 years of technical experience in one or more of the following:

  • Project management/change management in regard to acquisition/development life cycles.
  • Systems development, implementation, upgrades and analyses.
  • QA testing, catalyst or unified business modeling, system design and analysis.
  • Enterprise coding standards.
  • Writing highly complex code.
  • Performing code reviews.
  • Iterative Software methodologies.
  • Business knowledge and concepts in Route Logistics.

5 years of technical experience in one or more of the following: 

  • Cloud Technologies: AWS Services such as Lambda, IAM, S3, EFS, SQS, SNS, API Gateway, CLI, Kinesis, Glue, Elasticache, CloudWatch, and/or CloudFormation.

  • Databases (Oracle, SQL, Server, and/or PostgreSQL).

  • NoSQL databases (Cassandra and/or Dynamo DB).

  • Python and Java.

  • Service Oriented, Microservices, and Event-driven design patterns.

  • Working on complex cloud-based software projects, web application development, security and open-source technologies.

  • Agile development methodologies.

Apply at our Career Website at https://emcm.fa.us2.oraclecloud.com/hcmUl/CandidateExperience/en/sites/WMCareers. 
Reference Job Identification No. 2352292
 


 

ABOUT WM

WM (WM.com) is North America's leading provider of comprehensive environmental solutions. Previously known as Waste Management and based in Houston, Texas, WM is driven by commitments to put people first and achieve success with integrity. The company, through its subsidiaries, provides collection, recycling and disposal services to millions of residential, commercial, industrial, medical and municipal customers throughout the U.S. and Canada. With innovative infrastructure and capabilities in recycling, organics and renewable energy, WM provides environmental solutions to and collaborates with its customers in helping them pursue their sustainability goals. WM has the largest disposal network and collection fleet in North America, is the largest recycler of postconsumer materials and is a leader in beneficial use of landfill gas, with a growing network of renewable natural gas plants and the most landfill gastoelectricity plants in North America. WM's fleet includes more than 12,000 natural gas trucks - the largest heavyduty natural gas truck fleet in the industry in North America. Healthcare Solutions provides collection and disposal services of regulated medical waste, as well as secure information destruction services, in the U.S., Canada and Western Europe. To learn more about WM and the company's sustainability progress and solutions, visit Sustainability.WM.com.

Equal Employment Opportunity

For United States:  WM is an equal opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, creed, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, age, disability, status as a protected veteran or any other characteristic protected under applicable federal, state, or local law.

For Canada:  WM is committed to the principle of equal employment for all applicants and employees, without discrimination on the basis of all grounds protected by applicable human rights legislation. Accommodations are available on request for candidates taking part in all aspects of the selection process. Please notify us if you require accommodation.

Real ID

In order to travel by air or access federal property, federal law requires individuals have a REAL ID or an acceptable alternative. This position may require the successful candidate to travel by air for business reasons or service federal property. Accordingly, successful candidates must have, or be willing to obtain, a REAL ID or TSAapproved alternative.

What is the value of a WM job? At WM we know that the value of a WM job is more than a paycheck. It's a way to create opportunities for you and your family. This is why we are constantly working to make WM a great place to work and grow a career. We Are WM is what defines the perks of being in the WM family - from benefits, to resources and engagement activities. 

We are People First. We are Committed to Your Growth. We Are Investing in You. We are a Family. We are Stable. We are Always Working for a Sustainable Tomorrow. 

What Waste Management employees say

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Benefits

Hours and flexibility

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About WM

Sourced by ZipRecruiter

Industry

Environmental consulting services and water, sewage, waste, steam, air heating and cooling systems

Company size

10,000+ Employees

Headquarters location

Houston, TX, US