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Principal Software Engineer Jobs in Providence, RI

Principal Software Engineer

Johnston, RI · On-site +1

$135K - $182K/yr

Description Citizens Financial Group, Inc. (CFG) seeks a Principal Software Engineer for its Johnston, Rhode Island location. Responsibilities: Researches, analyses, designs, develops, and delivers ...

Principal Software Engineer

Johnston, RI · On-site

$135K - $182K/yr

Citizens Financial Group, Inc. (CFG) seeks a Principal Software Engineer for its Johnston, Rhode Island location. Responsibilities: Researches, analyses, designs, develops, and delivers IT architec ...

Principal Software Engineer

Johnston, RI · On-site +1

$135K - $182K/yr

Description Citizens Financial Group, Inc. (CFG) seeks a Principal Software Engineer for its Johnston, Rhode Island location. Responsibilities: Researches, analyses, designs, develops, and delivers ...

In this role as Principal Software Engineer , you will set software technical direction across REGENT's vehicle programs: the architecture patterns, engineering standards, and certification strategy ...

Principal Software Engineer

North Kingstown, RI · On-site

$130K - $175K/yr

In this role as Principal Software Engineer , you will set software technical direction across REGENT's vehicle programs: the architecture patterns, engineering standards, and certification strategy ...

Principal Software Engineer

Johnston, RI · On-site

$135K - $182K/yr

The Principal Software Engineer serves as a technical authority and innovation leader, shaping architecture, mentoring engineers, and driving engineering excellence. Expertise in cloud-native ...

Principal Software Engineer

Johnston, RI · On-site +1

$135K - $182K/yr

The Principal Software Engineer serves as a technical authority and innovation leader, shaping architecture, mentoring engineers, and driving engineering excellence. Expertise in cloud-native ...

Principal Software Engineer

Mansfield, MA · On-site +1

$142K - $191K/yr

As a Principal Full Stack Software Engineer , you will be a technical leader within the elluminate Product Development team. You'll help design and build the core services and user experiences of a ...

Principal Software Engineer

Mansfield, MA · On-site +1

$142K - $191K/yr

As a Principal Full Stack Software Engineer , you will be a technical leader within the elluminate Product Development team. You'll help design and build the core services and user experiences of a ...

Principal Software Engineer

Mansfield, MA · On-site

$142K - $191K/yr

As a Principal Full Stack Software Engineer , you will be a technical leader within the elluminate Product Development team. You'll help design and build the core services and user experiences of a ...

Principal Software Engineer

Mansfield, MA · On-site +1

$142K - $191K/yr

As a Principal Full Stack Software Engineer , you will be a technical leader within the elluminate Product Development team. You'll help design and build the core services and user experiences of a ...

Principal Software Architect

Johnston, RI · On-site

$150K - $190K/yr

Principal Software Architect Position Summary As a Principal Architect, you will play a key role in ... Required Qualifications • Bachelor's degree in Computer Science, Software Engineering ...

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Showing results 1-20

Principal Software Engineer information

See Providence, RI salary details

$61.1K

$162.6K

$233.4K

How much do principal software engineer jobs pay per year?

As of Sep 6, 2026, the average yearly pay for principal software engineer in Providence, RI is $162,581.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $136,400.00 and $182,800.00 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 Providence, RI?

For Principal Software Engineer jobs in Providence, RI, the most frequently searched job titles are:

What job categories do people searching Principal Software Engineer jobs in Providence, RI look for?

The top searched job categories for Principal Software Engineer jobs in Providence, RI are:

Infographic showing various Principal Software Engineer job openings in Providence, RI as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 84% Full Time, 14% Part Time, and 2% Contract. Highlights an 88% Physical, 3% Hybrid, and 9% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $162,581 per year, or $78.2 per hour.

Principal Software Engineer/Developer

Soteria Reinsurance Ltd.

Smithfield, RI • On-site

$131.68 - $166/hr

Other

Posted 18 days ago


Key responsibilities

  • Designs, develops, and executes automated test scripts for UI, API, and database testing.

  • Analyzes test results, reports defects, and collaborates with development teams.

  • Maintains and enhances test automation frameworks for functional, regression, and E2E testing.


Job description

## Principal Software Engineer/DeveloperApplylocations: Smithfield, RItime type: Full timeposted on: Posted Todaytime left to apply: End Date: September 8, 2026 (30+ days left to apply)job requisition id: 2133090## ## Job Description:**Note: Fidelity will not provide immigration sponsorship for this position.****Position Description**:Designs, develops, and executes automated test scripts for User Interface (UI), Application Programming Interface (API), and database testing. Performs UI testing using Selenium and TestNG-Java JavaScript Junit. Conducts API testing using Cucumber BDD, Rest Assured, and Karate. Validates data integrity and performs DB testing on MongoDB and PostgreSQL, integrating automated tests into Continuous Integration and Continuous Delivery/Deployment (CI/CD) pipelines with Git and Jenkins. Analyzes results, reports defects, and collaborates with development teams. Maintains and enhances test automation frameworks for functional, regression and E2E flow. Uses business knowledge to translate the vision for divisional initiatives into business solutions by developing complex or multiple software applications and conducting studies of alternatives. Analyzes and recommends changes in project development policies, procedures, standards, and strategies to development experts and management.**Primary Responsibilities:*** Participates in architecture design teams.* Defines and implements application-level architecture.* Develops applications on complex projects, components, and subsystems for the division.* Recommends development testing tools and methodologies and reviews and validates test plans.* Responsible for QA readiness of software deliverables.* Develops comprehensive documentation for multiple applications or subsystems.* Establishes full project life cycle plans for complex projects across multiple platforms.* Responsible for meeting project goals on-time and on-budget.* Advises on risk assessment and risk management strategies for projects.* Plans and coordinates complex project schedules and assignments for multiple projects.* Acts as a primary liaison for business units to resolve various project/technology issues.* Provides technology solutions to daily issues and technical evaluation estimates on technology initiatives.* Advises senior management on technical strategy.* Mentors junior team members.* Performs independent and complex technical and functional analysis for multiple projects supporting several divisional initiatives.* Develops original and creative technical solutions to on-going development efforts.**Education and Experience**:Bachelor’s degree in Computer Science, Engineering, Information Technology, Information Systems, or a closely related field (or foreign education equivalent) and five (5) years of experience as a Principal Software Engineer/Developer (or closely related occupation) performing Application Programming Interface (API) testing and developing automation scripts within a financial services environment.Or, alternatively, Master’s degree in Computer Science, Engineering, Information Technology, Information Systems, or a closely related field (or foreign education equivalent) and three (3) years of experience as a Principal Software Engineer/Developer (or closely related occupation) performing Application Programming Interface (API) testing and developing automation scripts within a financial services environment.**Skills and Knowledge**:Candidate must also possess:* Demonstrated Expertise (“DE”) designing and executing automation test scripts for Web User Interface (UI), using Selenium WebDriver and Selenium Grid; and performing microservices automation for SOAP/RESTful services using Cucumber BDD, Karate, RestAssured, Java, and Playwright.* DE applying DevOps principles throughout the Software Development Life Cycle (SDLC), using Jira and Qtest; and performing Continuous Integration using Jenkins, Data Dog, Git, and Maven.* DE implementing and executing automation test scripts for performance testing tools (JMeter) – Thread Groups, Sampler, Controller and Appium for Mobile Testing.* DE validating data integrity and performing database testing on MongoDB, PostgreSQL, Redis, and Kafka messages using Eclipse and IntelliJ IDEA.Salary: $131,675.00 to $166,000.00/year.#PE1M2#LI-DNIFidelity’s Onsite Working Model Fidelity is transitioning to a full-time onsite working model through a phased rollout across regions and roles. Currently, some roles and locations require 100% onsite presence, while others require less. Onsite expectations are likely to evolve as the rollout continues. This transition does not apply to fully remote roles.## ## Certifications:## ## Category:## Information TechnologyPlease be advised that Fidelity’s business is governed by the provisions of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, the Investment Advisers Act of 1940, the Investment Company Act of 1940, ERISA, numerous state laws governing securities, investment and retirement-related financial activities and the rules and regulations of numerous self-regulatory organizations, including FINRA, among others. Those laws and regulations may restrict Fidelity from hiring and/or associating with individuals with certain Criminal Histories. #J-18808-Ljbffr