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Principal Software Engineer Jobs in Manchester, NH

Principal Software C/C++ Engineer

Lawrence, MA · On-site

$141K - $189K/yr

We are seeking Senior Software Engineers to join our development team in Tewksbury, Massachusetts. All teams develop software in a variety of languages including C++, C, and several others.

Principal Software C/C++ Engineer

Lawrence, MA · On-site

$141K - $189K/yr

We are seeking Senior Software Engineers to join our development team in Tewksbury, Massachusetts. All teams develop software in a variety of languages including C++, C, and several others.

Principal Software C/C++ Engineer

Andover, MA · On-site

$136K - $182K/yr

We are seeking Senior Software Engineers to join our development team in Tewksbury, Massachusetts. All teams develop software in a variety of languages including C++, C, and several others.

Principal Software C/C++ Engineer

Lawrence, MA · On-site

$141K - $189K/yr

We are seeking Senior Software Engineers to join our development team in Tewksbury, Massachusetts. All teams develop software in a variety of languages including C++, C, and several others.

Principal Software C/C++ Engineer

Dracut, MA · On-site

$132K - $177K/yr

We are seeking Senior Software Engineers to join our development team in Tewksbury, Massachusetts. All teams develop software in a variety of languages including C++, C, and several others.

Principal Software C/C++ Engineer

Salem, NH · On-site

$134K - $180K/yr

We are seeking Senior Software Engineers to join our development team in Tewksbury, Massachusetts. All teams develop software in a variety of languages including C++, C, and several others.

Principal Software C/C++ Engineer

Pelham, NH · On-site

$140K - $188K/yr

We are seeking Senior Software Engineers to join our development team in Tewksbury, Massachusetts. All teams develop software in a variety of languages including C++, C, and several others.

Principal Software C/C++ Engineer

Methuen, MA · On-site

$141K - $189K/yr

We are seeking Senior Software Engineers to join our development team in Tewksbury, Massachusetts. All teams develop software in a variety of languages including C++, C, and several others.

Principal Software C/C++ Engineer

Andover, MA · On-site

$136K - $182K/yr

We are seeking Senior Software Engineers to join our development team in Tewksbury, Massachusetts. All teams develop software in a variety of languages including C++, C, and several others.

Principal Software C/C++ Engineer

Tyngsboro, MA · On-site

$133K - $178K/yr

We are seeking Senior Software Engineers to join our development team in Tewksbury, Massachusetts. All teams develop software in a variety of languages including C++, C, and several others.

Principal Software C/C++ Engineer

Lawrence, MA · On-site

$141K - $189K/yr

We are seeking Senior Software Engineers to join our development team in Tewksbury, Massachusetts. All teams develop software in a variety of languages including C++, C, and several others.

Showing results 21-40

Principal Software Engineer information

See Manchester, NH salary details

$59K

$157K

$225.3K

How much do principal software engineer jobs pay per year?

As of Sep 9, 2026, the average yearly pay for principal software engineer in Manchester, NH is $156,967.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $131,700.00 and $176,500.00 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 are popular job titles related to Principal Software Engineer jobs in Manchester, NH?

For Principal Software Engineer jobs in Manchester, NH, the most frequently searched job titles are:

Infographic showing various Principal Software Engineer job openings in Manchester, NH as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 85% Full Time, and 15% Contract. Highlights an 86% In-person, and 14% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $156,967 per year, or $75.5 per hour.

Sr Principal Software Engineer with Security Clearance

Nashua, NH • On-site

BAE Systems
National Security and International Affairs • 10K+ employees

$132K - $226K/yr

Other

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Re-posted 9 days ago


BAE Systems rating

8.4

Company rating: 8.4 out of 10

Based on 151 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

9th of 50 rated military and defense


Job description

Job Description We are looking for talented Senior Principal Level Software engineers to help us create the world's most advanced solutions in the area such as Signals Intelligence (SIGINT), Aircraft Protection, Radar Warning and Electronic Attack for our defense related customers. Our products provide critical mission capabilities to address the ever-evolving challenges and threats to our nation's security and the war fighter. You will be an integrated team member, with leadership opportunities, collaborating with Systems, Hardware, and Test engineers in one or more of the phases of Project Planning, Requirements Development, Design, Development, Integration and Testing.
You will prepare design and project documentation intended to be used within complex programs or across sets of programs in accordance with established processes. We will provide you opportunities to learn, leverage our current technologies, incorporate new technologies, and be a leader in our engineering organization. We put our customers first - exemplified by our mission: "We Protect Those Who Protect Us®." Job Responsibilities * Opportunities are available as a technical lead on the program where you will mentor your team and present the technical design at technical interchange meetings with the customer. * Duties include analyzing, designing, coding and code modification (typically in C++) of complex software designs for simple systems or subsystems or subsystems of larger systems. * Evaluate complex software designs to identify design flaws. * Establish communication to keep management informed of the function's progress and results. * Use existing processes and evolve processes to utilize the most effective new techniques as they become available, assuring the use of methodologies which minimize both design cost and product cost. * Provide, directly or indirectly, top level technical leadership for the assigned design discipline(s) including selection and exploitation of promising new technologies, long-term goals, etc. * Ensure effective communication between assigned engineers and all other participants in the design process Required Education, Experience, & Skills * Secret Security Clearance (active within the past two years) * High-level language proficiency in C++ * Extensive background in embedded and/or software development * Foundation in Object-Oriented design and implementation principles * Experience with software and systems engineering processes, methodologies, and tools * Experience performing software testing, validation, and verification activities * Familiar with containers and DevSecOps * Demonstrated ability to develop, lead, and motivate technical teams Preferred Education, Experience, & Skills * Software automated test development and execution * Software algorithm development * Experience developing and deploying software in a DevSecOps pipeline * Previous experience in technical/project team leadership * Master's Degree in Computer Science or Computer Engineering #ECSSE Pay Information
Full-Time Salary Range: $132962 - $226035 Please note: This range is based on our market pay structures. However, individual salaries are determined by a variety of factors including, but not limited to: business considerations, local market conditions, and internal equity, as well as candidate qualifications, such as skills, education, and experience. Employee Benefits: At BAE Systems, we support our employees in all aspects of their life, including their health and financial well-being. Regular employees scheduled to work 20+ hours per week are offered: health, dental, and vision insurance; health savings accounts; a 401(k) savings plan; disability coverage; and life and accident insurance. We also have an employee assistance program, a legal plan, and other perks including discounts on things like home, auto, and pet insurance. Our leave programs include paid time off, paid holidays, as well as other types of leave, including paid parental, military, bereavement, and any applicable federal and state sick leave. Employees may participate in the company recognition program to receive monetary or non-monetary recognition awards. Other incentives may be available based on position level and/or job specifics. About BAE Systems Electronic Systems BAE Systems, Inc. is a defense, aerospace, and security company headquartered in Falls Church, Virginia, with more than 40,000 employees worldwide. We serve, supply, and protect those who protect us. As one of the most geographically diverse international defense companies, we deliver a full range of products and services spanning air, land, maritime, space, and cyber, including advanced electronics, intelligence solutions, and dedicated customer support. Our culture is performance-driven and values-led, built on curiosity, creativity, and collaboration. Purpose isn't a tagline here. It's what drives us. We're developing breakthrough technologies that defend national security and make a lasting impact on our communities and our planet. When you join BAE Systems, you're not just building a career. You're contributing to a mission that truly matters. This position will be posted for at least 5 calendar days. The posting will remain active until the position is filled, or a qualified pool of candidates is identified.

What BAE Systems employees say

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About BAE Systems

Sourced by ZipRecruiter

At BAE Systems, we provide some of the world's most advanced, technology-led defence, aerospace and security solutions. We employ a skilled workforce of more than 93,000 in around 40 countries. Working with customers and local partners, we develop, engineer, manufacture, and support products and systems to deliver military capability, protect national security and people, and keep critical information and infrastructure secure.

Industry

National security and international affairs and it services

Company size

10,000+ Employees

Headquarters location

Falls Church, VA, US