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Principal Software Engineer Jobs in Raleigh, NC (NOW HIRING)

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Principal Software Engineer information

See Raleigh, NC salary details

$58.8K

$156.4K

$224.5K

How much do principal software engineer jobs pay per year?

As of Jul 16, 2026, the average yearly pay for principal software engineer in Raleigh, NC is $156,434.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $131,200.00 and $175,900.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

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.

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 engineers make $300,000 a year?

Principal Software Engineers and senior technical leaders in high-demand industries such as technology, finance, and cloud computing often earn $300,000 or more annually, especially with extensive experience, advanced skills in areas like distributed systems or machine learning, and relevant certifications. Compensation can include base salary, bonuses, and stock options, particularly at large tech companies or startups with significant funding.

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 engineer makes $500,000 a year?

Principal Software Engineers at large technology companies or in specialized fields such as machine learning, cloud computing, or cybersecurity can earn $500,000 or more annually, often including bonuses and stock options. Achieving this level typically requires extensive experience, advanced skills, and leadership responsibilities within high-demand environments.

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.

How much do principal software engineers get paid?

Principal software engineers typically earn between $120,000 and $180,000 annually, with total compensation often including bonuses and stock options. Salaries vary based on experience, location, industry, and company size, with some earning over $200,000 in high-demand markets.

Can you make $500,000 as a software engineer?

Principal Software Engineers at senior levels in large companies or with specialized skills such as machine learning or cloud architecture can earn $500,000 or more annually, often including bonuses and stock options. However, such high compensation is typically reserved for experienced professionals in high-cost-of-living areas or executive-level roles, and not common for entry- or mid-level positions.
More about Principal Software Engineer jobs
What are popular job titles related to Principal Software Engineer jobs in Raleigh, NC? For Principal Software Engineer jobs in Raleigh, NC, the most frequently searched job titles are:
What job categories do people searching Principal Software Engineer jobs in Raleigh, NC look for? The top searched job categories for Principal Software Engineer jobs in Raleigh, NC are:
What cities near Raleigh, NC are hiring for Principal Software Engineer jobs? Cities near Raleigh, NC with the most Principal Software Engineer job openings:
Principal Software Engineer jobs near you
Infographic showing various Principal Software Engineer job openings in Raleigh, NC as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 96% Full Time, and 4% Contract. Highlights an 84% In-person, 7% Hybrid, and 9% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $156,434 per year, or $75.2 per hour.
Principal Software Engineer/Developer

Principal Software Engineer/Developer

Fidelity Investments

Durham, NC • On-site

Full-time

Re-posted 18 days ago

Fidelity Investments rating

8.7

Company rating: 8.7 out of 10

Based on 266 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

17th of 148 rated financial services

Job description

Job Description:

Position Description:

Develops modern and responsive single-page web applications using Typescript stack such as Angular and Angular 17+. Deep knowledge and experience with using Java EE, Spring or Springboot. Integrates with REST APIs to access and retrieve data using NodeJS based frameworks. Builds and maintains automated DevOps using tools such as GIT, Jenkins, Maven, Docker, Artifactory, Sonar, Veracode, Concourse, and AWS Cloud. Builds and supports critical customer-facing software platforms and applications by leveraging tools such as Java, JavaScript, Spring, Spring Boot or similar framework. Develops and documents standards and guidelines. Upgrades and maintains strategies. 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. Builds, supports, and articulates a plan for and implements changes on a production system while adding new features toward team initiatives. 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 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.

Education and Experience:

Bachelor's degree in Computer Science, Engineering, Information Technology, Information Systems, Electronics Engineering, 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) implementing and supporting applications using Angular (JavaScript), HTML, CSS, Java and Node.js.

Or, alternatively, Master's degree in Computer Science, Engineering, Information Technology, Information Systems, Electronics Engineering, 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) implementing and supporting applications using Angular (JavaScript), HTML, CSS, Java and Node.js.

Skills and Knowledge:

Candidate must also possess:

  • Demonstrated Expertise ("DE") performing full stack IT product development -- developing front-end (using Angular, HTML, and CSS), developing middleware (using Node.js), and developing back-end (using Java and Spring Boot); and developing and updating the content management system using content management tools including SDL-Tridion.
  • DE building and maintaining automated DevOps using Docker, Jenkins, JUnit, and Concourse; adding Google tag Manager tags and triggers, and publishing new pages in Google search console for Search Engine Optimization using JavaScript and DOM (Document Object Model) APIs in Tag management system (TMS); integrating and customizing Ensighten script for Adobe analytics to capture user interactions using Adobe Experience Platform (AEP).
  • DE performing functional development and integration of Java, JEE, and Node.js applications according to Test Driven and Behavioral Driven Development (TDD and BDD) methodologies using Selenium and JUnit; and performing unit and integration testing using Jest, Mocha, and JUnit.
  • DE performing database sequel queries using MySQL; collaborating on GitHub repositories using version control via GitHub and Bitbucket; and managing and building feature flagging for enabling and hiding new features using Launch-darkly (LD) flags.

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Certifications:Category:Information Technology

Please 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.

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