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Principal Software Engineer Jobs in Rancho Cordova, CA

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 ...

Procom Consultants Group

Software Engineer

Folsom, CA · On-site

Software Engineer Job Details Development and support of a custom test automation system in support of Solid-State Drive (SSD) firmware continuous integration testing. PHP (web) and MySQL are the ...

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 ...

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 Sep 6, 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, depending on experience, location, and company size. They often have advanced skills in software architecture, leadership, and technical expertise in programming languages and tools.
More about Principal Software Engineer jobs

What are popular job titles related to Principal Software Engineer jobs in Rancho Cordova, CA?

For Principal Software Engineer jobs in Rancho Cordova, CA, the most frequently searched job titles 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 85% Full Time, and 15% Contract. Highlights an 86% In-person, and 14% 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

$165.01 - $226.89/hr

Other

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Re-posted 6 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

16th of 72 rated aerospace companies

Job description

Position Overview

Principal Software Engineer – Aerospace Applications. Provide technical leadership, strategic direction, and oversight for the design, architecture, and optimization of advanced software systems in aerospace applications. Lead major projects, mentor engineering teams, and drive innovation to achieve superior software performance.

Responsibilities
  • Lead software engineering activities at the project level, coordinating staff engineers for project execution.
  • Take responsibility for software design and architecture, ensuring alignment with project goals.
  • Perform estimation of software tasks and oversee progress.
  • Communicate effectively with customers and stakeholders.
Essential Functions
  • Work on a computer for extended periods.
  • Maintain hand/finger dexterity for coding and testing.
  • Work in a hybrid environment with occasional travel.
Qualifications – Minimum
  • Bachelor of Science in Computer Science, Computer Engineering, or a related discipline.
  • Approximately 14 years of relevant experience in software engineering.
  • Strong knowledge of software engineering principles and practices.
  • Experience with C/C++, Linux (runtime and development), and embedded systems.
  • Familiarity with multi‑disciplinary teams.
Preferred Qualifications
  • Experience leading teams of software engineers at the project level.
  • Experience with bare‑metal programming, microcontrollers, and embedded buses such as I2C and SPI.
  • Experience with Xilinx/AMD SOCs.
  • Strong customer‑facing communication skills.
  • Familiarity with Agile Software Development.
  • Knowledge of networking basics and socket‐based communications.
  • Experience with containerization, DevSecOps principles, BASH and Python scripting.
  • Experience with Yocto, virtual machines, and AI tools in development.
  • Familiarity with databases such as MongoDB and development for mobile devices and Windows desktops.
  • Knowledge of information assurance and data encryption.
Security Clearance

This position requires the ability to obtain and maintain a Secret U.S. Security Clearance. U.S. citizenship is required.

Compensation and Benefits
  • Estimated starting salary range: $165,010.21 - $226,889.04 (adjustable based on geographic differential, experience, and qualifications).
  • Annual incentive pay based on performance.
  • Medical, dental, and vision plans.
  • 401(k) with 150% match up to 6%.
  • Life insurance.
  • Three weeks paid time off.
  • Tuition reimbursement and additional benefits.
Equal Employment Opportunity

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, veteran status, or any other protected characteristic.

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