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Principal Software Engineer Jobs in Menlo Park, CA

Top Engineer

Principal Software Engineer

Santa Clara, CA · On-site

$157.30K - $210.90K/yr

Principal Software Engineer Step into a high-impact Principal Software Engineer opportunity with a confidential client, where you will help drive meaningful results across Banking / Lending ...

TENDO

Principal Software Engineer

San Francisco, CA · On-site

$144.50K - $195.50K/yr

Principal Software Engineer We are looking for a software engineering leader who is passionate about creating next-generation healthcare software that will dramatically improve the lives of patients ...

OneTrust

Principal Software Engineer

San Francisco, CA

$159.10K - $213.20K/yr

Principal Software Engineers are responsible for developing, contributing to decisions related to design and architecture of new frontend and/or backend features while supporting existing development ...

GitHub

Principal Software Engineer

San Francisco, CA · On-site +1

$159.10K - $213.20K/yr

As a Principal Software Engineer, you'll work alongside a globally distributed team of talented engineers and managers to enhance and scale our most critical infrastructure, delivering an exceptional ...

OneTrust

Principal Software Engineer

San Francisco, CA · On-site

$163.50K - $218K/yr

Principal Software Engineers are responsible for developing, contributing to decisions related to design and architecture of new frontend and/or backend features while supporting existing development ...

Walmart

Principal Software Engineer

Milpitas, CA

$143K - $286K/yr

Principal, Software Engineer We are seeking a talented and passionate Principal, Software Engineer to join our International Technology Organization. The ideal candidate will have experience as a ...

Walmart

Principal Software Engineer

Mountain View, CA · On-site

$143K - $286K/yr

Principal, Software Engineer We are seeking a talented and passionate Principal, Software Engineer to join our International Technology Organization. The ideal candidate will have experience as a ...

eGain Corporation

Principal Software Engineer

Sunnyvale, CA · On-site

$157.60K - $211.30K/yr

The Principal Software Engineer role involves architecting and building AI-powered services, leading the adoption of AI-assisted development workflows, and providing technical leadership in software ...

New

Walmart

Principal Software Engineer

San Mateo, CA · On-site

$143K - $286K/yr

Principal, Software Engineer We are seeking a talented and passionate Principal, Software Engineer to join our International Technology Organization. The ideal candidate will have experience as a ...

Walmart

Principal Software Engineer

Cupertino, CA

$143K - $286K/yr

Principal, Software Engineer We are seeking a talented and passionate Principal, Software Engineer to join our International Technology Organization. The ideal candidate will have experience as a ...

Walmart

Principal Software Engineer

Fremont, CA

$143K - $286K/yr

Principal, Software Engineer We are seeking a talented and passionate Principal, Software Engineer to join our International Technology Organization. The ideal candidate will have experience as a ...

Tendo

Principal Software Engineer

San Francisco, CA · Remote

$157.25K - $212.75K/yr

Additionally, the Principal Software Engineer will bring deep expertise in one or more technologies including React, TypeScript, Go, Ent, gRPC, Twirp, and/or AWS technologies like EventBridge and ...

Tendo

Principal Software Engineer

San Francisco, CA · On-site +1

$157.25K - $212.75K/yr

Additionally, the Principal Software Engineer will bring deep expertise in one or more technologies including React, TypeScript, Go, Ent, gRPC, Twirp, and/or AWS technologies like EventBridge and ...

Walmart

Principal Software Engineer

San Jose, CA

$143K - $286K/yr

Principal, Software Engineer We are seeking a talented and passionate Principal, Software Engineer to join our International Technology Organization. The ideal candidate will have experience as a ...

Walmart

Principal Software Engineer

Hayward, CA · On-site

$143K - $286K/yr

Principal, Software Engineer We are seeking a talented and passionate Principal, Software Engineer to join our International Technology Organization. The ideal candidate will have experience as a ...

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Principal Software Engineer information

See Menlo Park, CA salary details

$71.3K

$189.7K

$272.2K

How much do principal software engineer jobs pay per year?

As of May 28, 2026, the average yearly pay for principal software engineer in Menlo Park, CA is $189,657.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $159,100.00 and $213,300.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What Is 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 are Principal Software Engineers?

Principal Software Engineers are highly experienced technical leaders responsible for designing, developing, and overseeing complex software systems. They set technical direction, mentor engineering teams, and often collaborate with stakeholders to align technology solutions with business goals. In addition to coding, they play a key role in establishing best practices, reviewing architectural decisions, and ensuring high-quality software delivery. Their expertise and leadership are critical in driving innovation and maintaining technical excellence within an organization.

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.

More about Principal Software Engineer jobs
What cities near Menlo Park, CA are hiring for Principal Software Engineer jobs? Cities near Menlo Park, CA with the most Principal Software Engineer job openings:
Principal Software Engineer jobs near you

Principal Software Engineer

Top Engineer

Santa Clara, CA • On-site

$157.30K - $210.90K/yr

Other

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

Job description

Principal Software Engineer
Step into a high-impact Principal Software Engineer opportunity with a confidential client, where you will help drive meaningful results across Banking / Lending/ Financial Services,Information Technology. This role offers the chance to make a visible contribution in Santa Clara, California, USA while supporting ambitious technical and operational goals.
Your Key Responsibilities
• Collaborate with product engineering teams to develop and deploy applications using Gitlab, Terraform, AWS services and methodologies
• Analyze existing on-prem application architecture and develop cloud compatible solutions to migrate applications
• Ability to develop applications and deploy in AWS cloud in multi-region, multi-AZ distributed systems
• Envision, Design and Build end-to-end Observability for Applications running on AWS Platform
• Ability to leverage Terraform and contribute new Terraform templates for reuse across organization
• Ensure security is integrated into all cloud architecture solutions
• Develop and migrate mission critical services and build automation to proactively detect and prevent re-occurrences
What You Bring to the Role
Relevant technical degree, diploma, or equivalent hands-on industry experience.
Demonstrated experience aligned to the role, ideally in the 6-8 year range.
Practical capability in Banking/ Insurance/ Financial & Investment Services, Information Technology / Software and related tools or methods.
Strong communication, ownership, and problem-solving ability in a production or engineering setting.
Experience working in Banking / Lending/ Financial Services,Information Technology or a closely related technical environment is preferred.
Comfort working cross-functionally with operations, quality, vendors, and stakeholders.
A steady, detail-oriented approach with sound judgment and follow-through.
What's In It For You
top tier compensation and benefits, with source-aligned pay details of 170000-210000 US Dollars per annual salary.
A clear on-site opportunity with defined business impact and the chance to step into meaningful ownership quickly.
A strong platform for career growth, technical ownership, and long-term professional development.
ADVANCE YOUR ENGINEERING CAREER TODAY
RECRUITING TOP ENGINEERS SINCE 1997
Our company is called Top Engineer. It does not say Average Engineer. It means we work with the Top 1% of engineering talent.
Do you believe you have what it takes?
If so, why do you believe that?
What does that even mean to you?
Be prepared to answer these questions and more when you reach out to me.
Serious inquiries only, please. https://www.topengineer.us
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