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Principal Software Engineer Jobs in Reston, VA (NOW HIRING)

Wells Fargo

Principal Software Engineer

Mclean, VA · On-site

$136K - $183K/yr

Wells Fargo is seeking a Principal Software Engineer join the Infrastructure Automation and DevSecOps team to develop the software and systems to enable developer self-service through Architecture-as ...

Leidos

Principal Software Engineer

Bethesda, MD

$131K - $237K/yr

Leidos has an exciting opportunity for a Principal Software Engineer in our Intel Security Sector's Analysis Solutions Business Area . Our talented team is at the forefront in Security Engineering ...

Xometry

Principal Software Engineer

North Bethesda, MD · Hybrid

$135K - $181K/yr

Xometry is seeking a Principal Software Engineer to join our Xometry Partner Experience Technology Organization. In this role as a senior individual contributor, you will guide software ...

Recorded Future

Principal Software Engineer

Washington, DC · On-site

$152K - $204K/yr

They are seeking a Principal Software Engineer to build and scale data pipelines for the Security Intelligence Graph, ensuring long-term scalability and reliability while collaborating across teams.

Recorded Future

Principal Software Engineer

Washington, DC · On-site

$152K - $204K/yr

Recorded Future is the world's most advanced, and largest, intelligence company, seeking a Principal Software Engineer to join their Engineering team. The role involves building and scaling data ...

Leidos

Principal Software Engineer

Arlington, VA · On-site

$131K - $237K/yr

We are seeking an experienced Principal Software Engineer to join our team in developing the forefront of unmanned and autonomous ship development for the US Government. Based in Arlington, VA, you ...

Xometry

Principal Software Engineer

North Bethesda, MD · On-site

$135K - $181K/yr

Xometry is seeking a Principal Software Engineer to join our Xometry Partner Experience Technology Organization. In this role as a senior individual contributor, you will guide software ...

Leidos

Principal Software Engineer

Arlington, VA · On-site

$131K - $237K/yr

We are seeking an experienced Principal Software Engineer to join our team in developing the forefront of unmanned and autonomous ship development for the US Government. Based in Arlington, VA, you ...

Leidos

Principal Software Engineer

Arlington, VA

$131K - $237K/yr

We are seeking an experienced Principal Software Engineer to join our team in developing the forefront of unmanned and autonomous ship development for the US Government. Based in Arlington, VA, you ...

GCyber

Principal Software Engineer/Tech Lead

Arlington, VA · On-site

$154K - $206K/yr

GCyber is seeking a Principal Software Engineer/Tech Lead, to help support our government customer. In this role, you'll help drive migration to a high-security cloud environment, delivering key ...

GCyber

Principal Software Engineer/Tech Lead

Arlington, VA · On-site

$154K - $206K/yr

GCyber is seeking a Principal Software Engineer/Tech Lead, to help support our government customer. In this role, you'll help drive migration to a high-security cloud environment, delivering key ...

Leidos

Principal Software Engineer

Arlington, VA · On-site

$131K - $237K/yr

Description We are seeking an experienced Principal Software Engineer to join our team in developing the forefront of unmanned and autonomous ship development for the US Government. Based in ...

Xometry

Principal Software Engineer

North Bethesda, MD · Hybrid

$135K - $181K/yr

Xometry is looking for a Principal Software Engineer to join our Partner Ecosystems team. This team builds the high-performance integration layer that embeds Xometry's AI-native marketplace directly ...

Xometry

Principal Software Engineer

North Bethesda, MD · On-site

$135K - $181K/yr

Xometry is looking for a Principal Software Engineer to join our Partner Ecosystems team. This team builds the high-performance integration layer that embeds Xometry's AI-native marketplace directly ...

Blue Star Families

Principal Software Engineer

Ashburn, VA · Hybrid

$143K - $175K/yr

The successful candidate will be the lead developer for embedded software within DTECH, as well as supporting other projects. The role is initially technically focussed, but we are looking for a ...

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Showing results 21-40

All JobsPrincipal Software Engineer JobsPrincipal Software Engineer Jobs in Reston, VA

Principal Software Engineer information

See Reston, VA salary details

$63.1K

$167.7K

$240.8K

How much do principal software engineer jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 6, 2026, the average yearly pay for principal software engineer in Reston, VA is $167,739.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $140,700.00 and $188,600.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

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 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 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.

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.
More about Principal Software Engineer jobs
What are popular job titles related to Principal Software Engineer jobs in Reston, VA? For Principal Software Engineer jobs in Reston, VA, the most frequently searched job titles are:
What job categories do people searching Principal Software Engineer jobs in Reston, VA look for? The top searched job categories for Principal Software Engineer jobs in Reston, VA are:
What cities near Reston, VA are hiring for Principal Software Engineer jobs? Cities near Reston, VA with the most Principal Software Engineer job openings:
Principal Software Engineer jobs near you
Infographic showing various Principal Software Engineer job openings in Reston, VA as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 100% Full Time. Highlights an 100% In-person job distribution, with an average salary of $167,739 per year, or $80.6 per hour.

STE - Principal Software Engineer with Security Clearance

BlueForce Inc.

Washington, DC • On-site

$152K - $204K/yr

Other

Re-posted 28 days ago

Job description

Description BlueForce Inc. is seeking a Principal Software Engineer in support of HQ USAF Sponsored or Supported Wargaming The Principal Software Engineer will conduct activities to plan, execute, manage, and analyze throughout all phases of HQ USAF wargames including concept development, objective analysis, assessment planning, game design, event planning, management and execution, and post-game analysis. Primary locations are Joint Base Andrews, MD, Joint Base Anacostia-Bolling and The Pentagon. ***Position is Subject to Contract Award*** Duties and Responsibilities : * Oversees and manages development of software and database applications to support wargame design, execution, and analysis. * Provides systems engineering expertise to meet wargame-related IT requirements. * Advises and supervises IT engineers, software developers, and associates and coordinates with Data Analysts. * Advises and recommends solutions to AF Wargaming leadership. * Manages design, development, and implementation of IT solutions. * Advises and manages research & development to continuously improve wargame infrastructure (software, hardware). * Manages LAN development, deployment, and maintenance for wargame execution. * Oversees and directs ISSM and ISSO functions. Qualifications Minimum Qualifications: * TS/SCI active security clearance. * Bachelor's degree with a minimum of fifteen (15) years of related software development experience and developing technical tools. * Experience and working knowledge of: Object-oriented programming languages, such as C# or Java Web servers JavaScript, JavaScript-based libraries such as jQuery, and other front-end frameworks for web development Full-stack Web Application frameworks Object-relation mapping frameworks such as Entity Framework of Hibernate Database servers such as Microsoft SQL Server, Oracle, or MySQL Integrated Development Environments such as Microsoft Visual Studio or Eclipse Code versioning systems Error logging modules and handlers Microsoft SharePoint development tools Instant messaging services Multimedia production and editing tools Microsoft IT management tools such as Active Directory, Group Policy, HyperV, backup and restore tools, DNS, and KMS Analysis and geospatial tools such as ESRI Server * Have extensive experience in Information Systems Security (ISS) as an Information Systems Security Manager (ISSM) or Information Systems Security Officer (ISSO). * Excellent communication skills in terms of writing and presenting briefings. Desired Qualifications: * Military wargame experience.

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