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Principal Software Engineer Jobs in Maple Grove, MN

Senior Principal Software Engineer

Wayzata, MN · On-site

$132 - $252/hr

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Life

  • Retirement

  • PTO

We are looking for experienced, creative, and highly motivated Sr. Principal Software Engineer who can hit the ground running with development tasks, interact with current customers, contribute to ...

New

Software Engineer II

Saint Paul, MN · On-site

$100K - $125K/yr

Principal Software Engineer * Team: ~7 * Status: Full-time employee * Salary range: $!00,000 - $125,000 * Interview process: (~2.5 weeks): * Head of Talent - video call * Principal Software Engineer ...

Principal Engineer

Eagan, MN · On-site

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Life

  • Retirement

  • PTO

As a Principal Software Engineer focused on Security & Compliance, you will set the technical direction for how CoCounsel earns and maintains the trust of law firms, corporate legal departments, and ...

New

Principal Engineer

Eagan, MN

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Life

  • Retirement

  • PTO

As a Principal Software Engineer focused on Security & Compliance, you will set the technical direction for how CoCounsel earns and maintains the trust of law firms, corporate legal departments, and ...

Principal Engineer

Eagan, MN · On-site

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Life

  • Retirement

  • PTO

As a Principal Software Engineer focused on Security & Compliance, you will set the technical direction for how CoCounsel earns and maintains the trust of law firms, corporate legal departments, and ...

Principal Software Developer

Eagan, MN · On-site

$131K - $237K/yr

Leidos is seeking Principal Software Developers to join the Air Traffic Business Area within the Homeland Sector, supporting the development of next-generation flight service and air traffic systems.

Principal Software Developer

Medina, MN · On-site

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Retirement

  • PTO

A Bachelor's degree in Computer Science, Software Engineering, or a related technical field. * 8-12 years of related experience OR an advanced degree with less experience. * Strong understanding of ...

Showing results 41-60

Principal Software Engineer information

See Maple Grove, MN salary details

$61.9K

$164.8K

$236.5K

How much do principal software engineer jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 16, 2026, the average yearly pay for principal software engineer in Maple Grove, MN is $164,790.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $138,200.00 and $185,300.00 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.

What are popular job titles related to Principal Software Engineer jobs in Maple Grove, MN?

For Principal Software Engineer jobs in Maple Grove, MN, the most frequently searched job titles are:

What cities near Maple Grove, MN are hiring for Principal Software Engineer jobs?

Cities near Maple Grove, MN with the most Principal Software Engineer job openings:

Infographic showing various Principal Software Engineer job openings in Maple Grove, MN as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% Internship, 90% Full Time, 6% Part Time, and 3% Contract. Highlights an 87% Physical, 4% Hybrid, and 9% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $164,790 per year, or $79.2 per hour.

Senior Principal Software Engineer

General Dynamics Mission Systems, Inc

Bloomington, MN • On-site

$202K - $213K/yr

Full-time

Medical, Retirement

Posted 27 days ago


General Dynamics Mission Systems rating

7.9

Company rating: 7.9 out of 10

Based on 30 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

128th of 244 rated software companies


Job description

Basic Qualifications
Education Requirements:
Bachelor's degree in Software Engineering, or related Science, Technology, Engineering or Mathematics field, plus a minimum of 10 years of relevant experience; or Master's degree, plus 8 years relevant experience.
Clearance Requirements:
Ability to obtain a Department of Defense Secret security clearance is required at time of hire. Applicants selected will be subject to a U.S. Government security investigation and must meet eligibility requirements for access to classified information. Due to the nature of work performed within our facilities, U.S. citizenship is required.
Responsibilities for this Position
ROLE AND POSITION OBJECTIVES:
As a Senior Principal Embedded Software Engineer for Airborne Systems, you'll be a member of a cross functional team responsible for airborne computers that process and display mission data in the cockpit, to crypto products for identifying friendly aircraft, and weapon control systems that enable the launch and control of precision guided weapons, we work to ensure the world's most advanced aircraft maintain air superiority and information dominance.
We encourage you to apply if you have any of these preferred skills or experiences:
  • Expert experience with C/C++, particularly in hardware-centric embedded real-time systems.
  • Expert experience with Linux and other Operating Systems
  • Proven ability to perform requirements analysis, document software designs and write highly-reliabie and robust code to fulfill customer requirements.
  • Strong experience with UML/SysML.
  • Strong familiarity with tools such as Jira, Confluence, MagicDraw, DOORS
  • Experience applying Agentic AI for continuous improvement and innovation

What sets you apart:
  • Creative thinker with demonstrated success leading the software development life cycle
  • Collaborative team player eager to provide technical leadership and position others for success
  • Exceptional communication and presentation skills, with notable record of securing buy-in on concepts and ideas
  • Experienced in the art of negotiation with ability to meet challenging customer requirements with win-win solutions
  • Commitment to ongoing professional development for yourself and others

Our Commitment to You:
  • An exciting career path with opportunities for continuous learning and development.
  • Research oriented work, alongside award winning teams developing practical solutions for our nation's security
  • Flexible schedules with every other Friday off work, if desired (9/80 schedule)
  • Competitive benefits, including 401k matching, flex time off, paid parental leave, healthcare benefits, health & wellness programs, employee resource and social groups, and more
  • See more at gdmissionsystems.com/careers/why-work-for-us/benefits

Workplace Options:
This position is fully on-site and Hybrid/Flex.
While on-site, you will be a part of the the Bloomington Office.
Salary Note
This estimate represents the typical salary range for this position based on experience and other factors (geographic location, etc.). Actual pay may vary. This job posting will remain open until the position is filled.
Combined Salary Range
USD $202,197.00 - USD $213,254.00 /Yr.
Company Overview
General Dynamics Mission Systems (GDMS) engineers a diverse portfolio of high technology solutions, products and services that enable customers to successfully execute missions across all domains of operation. With a global team of 12,000+ top professionals, we partner with the best in industry to expand the bounds of innovation in the defense and scientific arenas. Given the nature of our work and who we are, we value trust, honesty, alignment and transparency. We offer highly competitive benefits and pride ourselves in being a great place to work with a shared sense of purpose. You will also enjoy a flexible work environment where contributions are recognized and rewarded. If who we are and what we do resonates with you, we invite you to join our high-performance team!
Equal Opportunity Employer / Individuals with Disabilities / Protected Veterans

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