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Principal Software Engineer Jobs in Rancho Cordova, CA

Intel

Principal Engineer, AI Software Solutions

Folsom, CA

$144K - $193K/yr

As a Software Enabling and Optimization Engineer, you will play a pivotal role in driving Intel's value and differentiation across enterprise, cloud, client,, AI, gaming, graphics and analytics. Your ...

NEC Corporation

Software Engineer

Folsom, CA · On-site

Essential Duties and Responsibilities Principal application and cloud architect contributing to ... Experience: 12 to 15 years of experience for Software development or Software engineering. This ...

Redwood Dental

Software Engineer

Sacramento, CA

Software Engineer responsibilities include gathering user requirements, defining system functionality and writing code in various languages, like Java, Ruby on Rails or .NET programming languages (e ...

Kratos Defense

Software Engineer I

Roseville, CA · On-site

$85K - $95K/yr

Develops product software using software engineering best-practices, while adhering to KUAS policies and procedures. ESSENTIAL JOB FUNCTIONS: Each successive level of Software Engineer builds on the ...

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Kratos Defense

Software Engineer I

Roseville, CA

$85K - $95K/yr

Develops product software using software engineering best-practices, while adhering to KUAS policies and procedures. ESSENTIAL JOB FUNCTIONS: Each successive level of Software Engineer builds on the ...

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All JobsPrincipal Software Engineer JobsPrincipal Software Engineer Jobs in Rancho Cordova, CA

Principal Software Engineer information

See Rancho Cordova, CA salary details

$64.5K

$171.7K

$246.4K

How much do principal software engineer jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 16, 2026, the average yearly pay for principal software engineer in Rancho Cordova, CA is $171,681.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $144,000.00 and $193,100.00 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 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.
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What job categories do people searching Principal Software Engineer jobs in Rancho Cordova, CA look for?

The top searched job categories for Principal Software Engineer jobs in Rancho Cordova, CA are:

What cities near Rancho Cordova, CA are hiring for Principal Software Engineer jobs?

Cities near Rancho Cordova, CA with the most Principal Software Engineer job openings:

Principal Software Engineer jobs near you
Infographic showing various Principal Software Engineer job openings in Rancho Cordova, CA as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% Internship, 82% Full Time, 13% Part Time, and 4% Contract. Highlights an 85% Physical, 4% Hybrid, and 11% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $171,681 per year, or $82.5 per hour.

Principal Software Engineer

Sierra Nevada Corporation

Folsom, CA • On-site

$165K - $226K/yr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Re-posted 14 days ago

Sierra Nevada Corporation rating

8.7

Company rating: 8.7 out of 10

Based on 29 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

18th of 72 rated aerospace companies

Job description

Do you enjoy developing new products and services? Join us! Our Software Engineers work in an agile, collective environment. As a Principal Software Engineer, you will provide technical leadership and strategic direction for the development and optimization of advanced software systems for aerospace applications. You will lead major projects, mentor engineering teams, and drive innovation to achieve superior software performance.
The Mission Solutions and Technologies (MST) business area provides affordable, turn-key command/control, communications, integrated ISR, force protection and security solutions worldwide. The MST team has a long legacy of supporting the Department of Defense, Department of Homeland Security, commercial and international customers with years of experience in platform operations, engineering and full lifecycle management across domains - air, land, sea, space and cyber.
Responsibilities:
  • Lead Software Engineer at the project Level
  • Leadership of staff Software Engineers for project execution
  • Responsible for software design and architecture on project
  • Responsible for estimation of software tasks
  • Strong communication skills for interfacing to customers

Qualifications You Must Have:
  • Bachelor of Science degree in Computer Science, Computer Engineering or other related discipline and typically 14 or more years of relevant experience
  • Knowledge of Software Engineering principles and practices
  • Familiarity working in multi-disciplinary teams
  • Experience with C/C++
  • Experience with Linux in both runtime and as a programming environment
  • Experience with Embedded Systems

Qualifications We Prefer:
  • Experience leading teams of software engineers at a project level
  • Experience in bare metal programming with microcontrollers
  • Experience with embedded oriented busses such as I2C and SPI.
  • Experience with the Xilinx/AMD SOCs
  • Excellent customer-facing communication skills
  • Familiarity with Agile Software Development
  • Knowledge of networking basics including socket-based communications
  • Experience with Containerization
  • DevSecOps principles
  • BASH and Python scripting
  • Experience with Yocto
  • Experience with virtual machines
  • Experience using AI tools as part of development process
  • Familiarity with databases such as Mongo
  • Experience developing apps for mobile devices and Windows desktops
  • Familiar with information assurance and data encryption

Essential Functions:
  • Ability to work on a computer for extended periods.
  • Hand/finger dexterity for coding and testing.
  • Ability to work in a hybrid environment with occasional travel.

This posting will be open for application for a minimum of 5 days and may be extended based on business needs.
Estimated Starting Salary Range: $165,010.21 - $226,889.04. Compensation varies depending on a wide array of factors, such as candidates' key skills, relevant work experience, and education/training/certifications. The disclosed range estimate may be adjusted for any applicable geographic differential associated with the location at which the position may be filled.
SNC offers annual incentive pay based upon performance that is commensurate with the level of the position.
SNC offers a generous benefit package, including medical, dental, and vision plans, 401(k) with 150% match up to 6%, life insurance, 3 weeks paid time off, tuition reimbursement, and more.
IMPORTANT NOTICE:
This position requires the ability to obtain and maintain a Secret U.S. Security Clearance. U.S. Citizenship status is required as this position needs an active U.S. Security Clearance for employment. Non-U.S. citizens may not be eligible to obtain a security clearance. The Department of Defense Consolidated Adjudications Facility (DoD CAF), a federal government agency, handles the adjudicative aspects of the security clearance eligibility process for industry applicants. Adjudicative factors which affect the outcome of the eligibility determination include, but are not limited to, allegiance to the U.S., foreign influence, foreign preference, criminal conduct, security violations and illegal drug use.
Learn more about the background check process for Security Clearances.
SNC is a global leader in aerospace and national security committed to moving the American Dream forward. We're known and respected for our mission and execution focus, agility, and disruptive and rapid innovation. We provide leading edge technologies and transformative solutions that support our nation's most critical security needs. If you are mission-focused, thrive in collaborative environments, and want to make our country stronger with state-of-the-art technologies that safeguard freedom, join our team!
SNC is an Equal Opportunity Employer committed to an environment free of discrimination. Employment decisions are made based on merit without regard to race, color, age, religion, sex, national origin, disability, status as a protected veteran or other characteristics protected by law.

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