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Principal Software Engineer Jobs in Santa Clara, CA

Join Walmart as a Principal Software Engineer, leading the design and development of web e-Commerce features and solutions. This role demands expertise in systems design, debugging, and innovation to ...

Principal, Software Engineer

Sunnyvale, CA · Remote

$158.40K - $212.40K/yr

Principal Software Engineer Company Description Imagine working in an environment where you can make life easier for hundreds of millions of people and put a smile on their face. That is what we do ...

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 ...

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 ...

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 ...

Principal, Software Engineer

Sunnyvale, CA · On-site

$158.40K - $212.40K/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 ...

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 ...

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 ...

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 ...

Principal, Software Engineer

Sunnyvale, CA · On-site

$158.40K - $212.40K/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 ...

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Showing results 1-20

Principal Software Engineer information

See Santa Clara, CA salary details

$71.4K

$190.1K

$272.8K

How much do principal software engineer jobs pay per year?

As of May 28, 2026, the average yearly pay for principal software engineer in Santa Clara, CA is $190,062.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $159,400.00 and $213,800.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

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.

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 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.

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 are popular job titles related to Principal Software Engineer jobs in Santa Clara, CA? For Principal Software Engineer jobs in Santa Clara, CA, the most frequently searched job titles are:
What job categories do people searching Principal Software Engineer jobs in Santa Clara, CA look for? The top searched job categories for Principal Software Engineer jobs in Santa Clara, CA are:
What cities near Santa Clara, CA are hiring for Principal Software Engineer jobs? Cities near Santa Clara, CA with the most Principal Software Engineer job openings:
Infographic showing various Principal Software Engineer job openings in Santa Clara, CA as of May 2026, with employment types broken down into 100% Full Time. Highlights an 100% In-person job distribution, with an average salary of $190,062 per year, or $91.4 per hour.
Principal, Software Engineer, Web

Principal, Software Engineer, Web

Walmart

Hayward, CA

$143K - $286K/yr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Posted 23 days ago


Walmart rating

6.0

Company rating: 6.0 out of 10

Based on 21,548 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

22nd of 39 rated national retailers


Job description

Position Summary...What you'll do...Role summary:
Join Walmart as a Principal Software Engineer, leading the design and development of web e-Commerce features and solutions. This role demands expertise in systems design, debugging, and innovation to drive scalable platform development. The successful candidate will apply model-driven design principles and mentor engineering teams to deliver high-quality, reliable software products. Collaborating across disciplines, this position supports Walmart’s commitment to leveraging cutting-edge technology and AI agents to enhance operational efficiency and customer experience within a dynamic, fast-paced environment.
  About the team:
The Walmart Content Experiences Group — Extended Reality Team develops innovative retail and shopping solutions by integrating immersive and social technologies. This team pioneers advanced extended reality capabilities that enhance how customers explore and engage with products both online and in physical stores. As a Principal Software Engineer, you will lead engineering efforts, guiding scalable system architecture and fostering technical excellence. Collaborating across disciplines, the team emphasizes innovation, quality, and alignment with business objectives to deliver impactful software solutions that redefine customer experiences in retail environments.
  What you'll do:
  • Lead the design and development of scalable, software platforms and solutions.
  • Apply model-driven design principles to create robust technical architectures and system designs.
  • Oversee design verification testing to ensure quality and reliability of software products.
  • Mentor and guide engineering teams to foster innovation and effective problem solving.
  • Collaborate across functions to define technical requirements and deliver high-impact engineering outcomes.
  • Drive debugging and troubleshooting efforts to resolve complex technical challenges efficiently.
  • Promote best practices in cloud computing architecture and engineering design processes.
  • 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:
  • 12+ years in software development, specializing in frontend websites and shareable widgets.
  • Core Tech: JavaScript/TypeScript, React, Vue, Angular, Next.js, React Router, Redux, Node.js, GraphQL. API integration and development expertise.
  • Architecture: Complex software and distributed system design, design patterns, data structures, and algorithms. Strong debugging and production support skills.
  • Cloud & DevOps: Azure, Google Cloud Platform, CI/CD, code management tools, SDLC, Secure SDL frameworks, telemetry.
  • Practices: Risk/cost analysis, functional/non-functional requirements, user stories, coding standards, quality/safety/security standards. Proven delivery of large-scale software products in fast-paced environments.

  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. Were a team of software engineers, data scientists, cybersecurity experts and service professionals within the worlds leading retailer 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 at scale, impact millions and reimagine the future of retail.
Walmart's culture is a competitive advantage, and its fostered by being together. Working together in person allows us to collaborate, align quickly and innovate with greater speed. We use our campuses to create purposeful connection rooted in deepening understanding and investing in the development of our associates.
Our hubs: Walmart is a global company with offices across the United States and around the world. Our global headquarters is in Bentonville, Arkansas, with primary hubs in the San Francisco Bay area and New York/New Jersey.
Benefits:
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 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.
Your Career Journey at Walmart
At Walmart, we want to make sure your experience connecting with us is seamless and straightforward. Here’s what to expect when interacting with us as recruiters:
We’ll reach out via verified LinkedIn profiles or emails ending in "@walmart.com.” or “@samsclub.com”. All job opportunities and applications are hosted on our official careers site: http://careers.walmart.com. There is no cost or payment required to apply or be considered for a position.
If you have any doubts about a communication, feel free to visit our careers page to verify authenticity. Thank you for exploring opportunities at Walmart!
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.
The annual salary range for this position is $143,000.00 - $286,000.00 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...1375 Crossman Ave, Sunnyvale, CA 94089-1114, United States of AmericaWalmart 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.

What Walmart employees say

Pay

Benefits

Hours and flexibility

Workplace

Get the full story on Breakroom


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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, professional, labor and political organizations, specialized design services, transportation and warehousing and fitness and sports centers

Company size

10,000+ Employees

Headquarters location

Bentonville, AR, US

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