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Principal Software Engineer Jobs in San Ramon, CA

Principal Software Engineer

San Jose, CA · On-site

$143K - $286K/yr

Principal, Software Engineer We are seeking a talented and passionate Principal, Software Engineer to join our International Technology Organization. The ideal candidate will have experience as a ...

Principal Software Engineer

Sunnyvale, CA · On-site

$143K - $286K/yr

Principal, Software Engineer We are seeking a talented and passionate Principal, Software Engineer to join our International Technology Organization. The ideal candidate will have experience as a ...

Principal Software Engineer

San Mateo, CA · On-site

$143K - $286K/yr

Principal, Software Engineer We are seeking a talented and passionate Principal, Software Engineer to join our International Technology Organization. The ideal candidate will have experience as a ...

principal, software engineer

Fremont, CA · On-site

$143K - $286K/yr

Principal, Software Engineer We are seeking a talented and passionate Principal, Software Engineer to join our International Technology Organization. The ideal candidate will have experience as a ...

Additionally, the Principal Software Engineer will bring deep expertise in one or more technologies including React, TypeScript, Go, Ent, gRPC, Twirp, and/or AWS technologies like EventBridge and ...

Principal Software Engineer, Connectors

Milpitas, CA · On-site

$157K - $210K/yr

Principal Software Engineer Saviynt's AI-powered identity platform manages and governs human and non-human access to all of an organization's applications, data, and business processes. Customers ...

Principal Software Engineer, Connectors

Milpitas, CA · On-site

$157K - $210K/yr

Principal Software Engineer Saviynt's AI-powered identity platform manages and governs human and non-human access to all of an organization's applications, data, and business processes. Customers ...

Principal Software Engineer

San Francisco, CA · On-site

$159K - $213K/yr

As a Principal Software Engineer, you will design and build critical components of the platform, mentor other engineers, and ensure high-quality production code while working closely with cross ...

Principal Software Engineer

San Mateo, CA

$153K - $206K/yr

As a Principal Software Engineer of the Game Engine data model team, you will innovate on the core data structures that form the backbone of Roblox's platform. In this role you will have first hand ...

As a Principal, Software Engineer, you will set the tone of engineering-excellence and drive processes and standards within the team. You will lead the design of complex software changes and take on ...

Principal, Software Engineer

San Jose, CA · On-site

$143K - $286K/yr

As a Principal, Software Engineer, you will set the tone of engineering-excellence and drive processes and standards within the team. You will lead the design of complex software changes and take on ...

Principal, Software Engineer

Sunnyvale, CA · On-site

$158K - $212K/yr

As a Principal, Software Engineer, you will set the tone of engineering-excellence and drive processes and standards within the team. You will lead the design of complex software changes and take on ...

As a Principal, Software Engineer, you will set the tone of engineering-excellence and drive processes and standards within the team. You will lead the design of complex software changes and take on ...

Senior Principal Software Engineer

San Francisco, CA · Remote

$128K - $177K/yr

Additionally, the Senior Principal Software Engineer will bring deep expertise in one or more technologies including distributed microservice architecture, Go, Ent, gRPC, Twirp, and/or AWS ...

Principal, Software Engineer

San Jose, CA · On-site

$143K - $286K/yr

As a Principal, Software Engineer, you will set the tone of engineering-excellence and drive processes and standards within the team. You will lead the design of complex software changes and take on ...

Principal, Software Engineer

Fremont, CA · On-site

$143K - $286K/yr

As a Principal, Software Engineer, you will set the tone of engineering-excellence and drive processes and standards within the team. You will lead the design of complex software changes and take on ...

Principal, Software Engineer

Hayward, CA · On-site

$143K - $286K/yr

As a Principal, Software Engineer, you will set the tone of engineering-excellence and drive processes and standards within the team. You will lead the design of complex software changes and take on ...

As a Principal, Software Engineer, you will set the tone of engineering-excellence and drive processes and standards within the team. You will lead the design of complex software changes and take on ...

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Showing results 1-20

Principal Software Engineer information

See San Ramon, CA salary details

$67.6K

$179.8K

$258.1K

How much do principal software engineer jobs pay per year?

As of Jul 15, 2026, the average yearly pay for principal software engineer in San Ramon, CA is $179,849.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $150,900.00 and $202,300.00 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.
What are popular job titles related to Principal Software Engineer jobs in San Ramon, CA? For Principal Software Engineer jobs in San Ramon, CA, the most frequently searched job titles are:
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What cities near San Ramon, CA are hiring for Principal Software Engineer jobs? Cities near San Ramon, CA with the most Principal Software Engineer job openings:
Principal Software Engineer

Principal Software Engineer

Walmart

San Jose, CA • On-site

$143K - $286K/yr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Re-posted 29 days ago


Walmart rating

6.0

Company rating: 6.0 out of 10

Based on 22,085 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

24th of 39 rated national retailers


Job description

Position Summary... What you'll do...Principal, Software Engineer 
We are seeking a talented and passionate Principal, Software Engineer to join our International Technology Organization. The ideal candidate will have experience as a tech lead and strong development background in Micro Service Architectures using backend technologies like Java, Spring Boot, Kafka technologies and a proven track record of delivering high-quality scalable software applications. You will collaborate with our product team, in-house developers, and architects to design, develop, and enhance a reliable and easy-to-maintain backend infrastructure.   
About Team:  
Focusing on customer, associate and business needs, this team works with Walmart International, which includes more than 5,200 retail units, operating in 23 countries such as Canada, Central America, Chile, China, India, Mexico and South Africa to name a few.  What you’ll do: 
  • Guide and mentor, a team of engineers, conducting code reviews and leading design discussions to ensure engineering best practices.   
  • Act as a technical authority, providing direction and expertise to the team.   
  • Drive the adoption of coding standards, design patterns, and development best practices.  
  • Lead the creation and maintenance of our technical architecture, aligning it with business goals and scalability requirements.   
  • Architect complex software systems, ensuring performance, security, and scalability needs are met.   
  • Consistently produce high-quality software with a focus on unit testing, regular code reviews, and continuous integration.   
  • Uphold high standards in quality and operational excellence.   
  • Develop comprehensive technical documentation and presentations to clearly communicate architectural decisions and design options.   
  • Ensure documentation aligns with project scopes, milestones, and deliverables.   
  • Promote and enforce technical standards across the organization to achieve concrete outcomes and drive engineering excellence.   
  • Foster a culture of learning and innovation through hands-on technical guidance and mentorship.   
  • Lead the discovery phase of major projects, ensuring the design aligns with business goals and technical requirements.  
  • Collaborate with cross-functional teams to define project scopes and milestones.   
  • Collaborate closely with Product Management, UX/UI, Quality Assurance, and DevOps teams.   
  • Communicate complex technical concepts effectively to both technical and non-technical stakeholders.   
  • Stay at the forefront of technological advancements, conducting research to identify emerging tools and methodologies.   
 What you'll bring: 
  • Ideally 12+ experience in software development, focusing on building large scale distributed systems.   
  • Experience in multiple stack technologies – Java, React Native  
  • Proficiency in API development, Node.js, GQL,   
  • Advanced knowledge of complex software design, distributed system design, design patterns, data structures, and algorithms.   
  • Proficiency in Kafka, No SQL databases. 
  • Excellent technical debugging and production support skills.   
  • Familiarity with public cloud technologies such as Azure or Google Cloud Platform.   
  • Extensive experience in the design, development, and delivery of software products with a large user base.   
  • Track record in an architect role with large-scale software development data-backed services and applications.   
  • Excellent decision-making skills with the ability to balance conflicting interests in a complex and fast-paced environment.   
  • Hands-on experience with building micro-services and event driven architecture and distributed systems using appropriate design patterns. 
  • Risk analysis methodologies - Cost Analysis; Business objectives; Classification of requirements; Domain Knowledge; User stories concepts; Functional / Non-Functional Requirements. 
  • Coding standards and guidelines; Coding languages (E.g. Java, JavaScript etc.), frameworks (E.g. Spring framework etc.), Platforms (E.g. Microsoft Azure etc.); Quality, Safety and Security (PCI etc.) standards; Emerging tools and technologies; Telemetry; CI / CD; Code Management Tools; SDLC; Secure SDL frameworks and tools. 
About Walmart Global Tech 
Imagine working in an environment where one line of code can make life easier for hundreds of millions of people. That’s what we do at Walmart Global Tech. We’re a team of software engineers, data scientists, cybersecurity experts and service professionals within the world’s leading retailers who make an epic impact and are at the forefront of the next retail disruption. People are why we innovate, and people power our innovations. We are people-led and tech-empowered. We train our team in the skillsets of the future and bring in experts like you to help us grow. We have roles for those chasing their first opportunity as well as those looking for the opportunity that will define their career. Here, you can kickstart a great career in tech, gain new skills and experience for virtually every industry, or leverage your expertise to innovate on a scale that impacts millions and reimagine the future of retail.  Flexible, hybrid work: 
We use a hybrid way of working that is primarily in office coupled with virtual when not onsite. Our campuses serve as a hub to enhance collaboration, bring us together for purpose and deliver on business needs. This approach helps us make quicker decisions, remove the location barriers across our global team and be more flexible in our personal lives.   
Benefits: 
Beyond our great compensation package, you can receive incentive awards for your performance. Other great perks include 401(k) match, stock purchase plan, paid maternity and parental leave, PTO, multiple health plans, and much more. 
 
Equal Opportunity Employer: 
Walmart, Inc. is an Equal Opportunity Employer – By Choice. We believe we are best equipped to help our associates, customers and the communities we serve live better when we really know them. That means understanding, respecting and valuing diversity- unique styles, experiences, identities, ideas and opinions – while being inclusive of all people. 
 
The above information has been designed to indicate the general nature and level of work performed in the role. It is not designed to contain or be interpreted as a comprehensive inventory of all responsibilities and qualifications required of employees assigned to this job. The full Job Description can be made available as part of the hiring process.    At Walmart, we offer competitive pay as well as performance-based bonus awards and other great benefits for a happier mind, body, and wallet. Health benefits include medical, vision and dental coverage. Financial benefits include 401(k), stock purchase and company-paid life insurance. Paid time off benefits include PTO (including sick leave), parental leave, family care leave, bereavement, jury duty, and voting. Other benefits include short-term and long-term disability, company discounts, Military Leave Pay, adoption and surrogacy expense reimbursement, and more. You will also receive PTO and/or PPTO that can be used for vacation, sick leave, holidays, or other purposes. The amount you receive depends on your job classification and length of employment. It will meet or exceed the requirements of paid sick leave laws, where applicable. For information about PTO, see https://one.walmart.com/notices. Live Better U is a Walmart-paid education benefit program for full-time and part-time associates in Walmart and Sam's Club facilities. Programs range from high school completion to bachelor's degrees, including English Language Learning and short-form certificates. Tuition, books, and fees are completely paid for by Walmart.
Eligibility requirements apply to some benefits and may depend on your job classification and length of employment. Benefits are subject to change and may be subject to a specific plan or program terms.
For information about benefits and eligibility, see One.Walmart.
Sunnyvale, California US-11657: The annual salary range for this position is $143,000.00 - $286,000.00
Bentonville, Arkansas US-10735: The annual salary range for this position is $110,000.00 - $220,000.00 Additional compensation includes annual or quarterly performance bonuses. Additional compensation for certain positions may also include :
- Stock

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Minimum Qualifications...

Outlined below are the required minimum qualifications for this position. If none are listed, there are no minimum qualifications.

Option 1: Bachelor's degree in computer science, computer engineering, computer information systems, software engineering, or related area and 5 years’ experience in software engineering or related area.
Option 2: 7 years’ experience in software engineering or related area. Preferred Qualifications...

Outlined below are the optional preferred qualifications for this position. If none are listed, there are no preferred qualifications.

Master’s degree in computer science, computer engineering, computer information systems, software engineering, or related area and 3 years' experience in software engineering or related area., We value candidates with a background in creating inclusive digital experiences, demonstrating knowledge in implementing Web Content Accessibility Guidelines (WCAG) 2.2 AA standards, assistive technologies, and integrating digital accessibility seamlessly. The ideal candidate would have knowledge of accessibility best practices and join us as we continue to create accessible products and services following Walmart’s accessibility standards and guidelines for supporting an inclusive culture. Primary Location... 1345 Crossman Ave, Sunnyvale, CA 94089-1114, United States of America Walmart and its subsidiaries are committed to maintaining a drug-free workplace and has a no tolerance policy regarding the use of illegal drugs and alcohol on the job. This policy applies to all employees and aims to create a safe and productive work environment.

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About Walmart

Sourced by ZipRecruiter

From our humble beginnings as a small discount retailer in Rogers, Ark., Walmart has opened thousands of stores in the U.S. and expanded internationally. Through innovation, we're creating a seamless experience to let customers shop anytime and anywhere online and in stores. We are creating opportunities and bringing value to customers and communities around the globe. Walmart operates approximately 10,500 stores and clubs in 19 countries and eCommerce websites. We employ 2.1 million associates around the world — nearly 1.6 million in the U.S. alone.

Industry

Retail and transportation and warehousing

Company size

10,000+ Employees

Headquarters location

Bentonville, AR, US

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