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Principal Software Engineer Jobs in Seattle, WA (NOW HIRING)

Microsoft

Principal Software Engineer

Redmond, WA · On-site

$142K - $274K/yr

The Principal Software Engineer within OCTO will build AI-based systems to accelerate the deployment of OpenAI technology across Microsoft. They will collaborate with key technical teams, both at ...

Walmart

Principal, Software Engineer

Bellevue, WA · On-site

$152K - $204K/yr

As a Principal Software Engineer on the Marketplace Platform team, you will play a pivotal role in driving the architecture, design and maintenance of advanced frameworks that elevate Walmart ...

Microsoft

Principal Software Engineer

Redmond, WA · On-site

$188K - $304K/yr

Responsibilities We are looking to hire a Principal Software Engineer to join our team to develop and operate next generation, world-class product to secure data with AI speed. -AI-driven development ...

Gradial

Principal Software Engineer

Seattle, WA · On-site

$160K - $250K/yr

The Role Gradial is seeking a Principal Software Engineer to drive the architecture and technical vision behind AI-native systems that transform how creative teams build and update websites. As a ...

Microsoft

Principal Software Engineer

Redmond, WA · On-site

$188K - $304K/yr

As a Principal Software Engineer , on the Substrate App Platform team, you will help the next generation platform for internal and external developers and agents to access M365 data and APIs. This ...

Microsoft

Principal Software Engineer

Redmond, WA · On-site

$188K - $304K/yr

We are looking for a passionate Principal Software Engineer with experiences working with all service aspects of high throughput and multi-tenant services, ability to design components carefully ...

Microsoft

Principal Software Engineer

Redmond, WA · On-site

$151K - $202K/yr

We are looking for a Principal Software Engineer to lead automation and deep Windows platform quality in the Customer Experience Review (CER) Lab. You will define a productized validation capability ...

Microsoft

Principal Software Engineer

Redmond, WA · On-site

$188K - $304K/yr

We are seeking an experienced Principal Software Engineer to join our Core Infrastructure Services organization within Intune, to build cloud services that operate at high scale and availability ...

Microsoft

Principal Software Engineer

Redmond, WA · On-site

$188K - $304K/yr

Overview The Ads Data Platform Team, part of Microsoft AI (Artificial Intelligence), is hiring a Principal Software Engineer . This role is available in Redmond, WA. Our team powers the backbone of ...

Microsoft

Principal Software Engineer

Redmond, WA · On-site

$188K - $304K/yr

We are looking for a Principal Software Engineer . The ideal candidate brings deep expertise in developer platforms and large-scale engineering infrastructure, with ability and passion to drive AI ...

Microsoft

Principal Software Engineer

Redmond, WA · On-site

$151K - $202K/yr

The Azure Monitor team within Azure Data is hiring a Principal Software Engineer to help build and evolve the cloud-native infrastructure layer for Azure Monitor and other observability services.

Microsoft

Principal Software Engineer

Redmond, WA · On-site

$142K - $274K/yr

We are looking for a Principal Software Engineer with deep experience and expertise in building and shipping ultra high scale storage and data access solutions. Microsoft's mission is to empower ...

Microsoft

Principal Software Engineer

Redmond, WA · On-site

$142K - $274K/yr

We are looking for a Principal Software Engineer who will shape how this product comes together as a whole. Windows App depends on technologies and teams across Windows, Windows 365, Azure Virtual ...

Walmart

Principal, Software Engineer

Bellevue, WA · On-site

$132K - $264K/yr

As a Principal Software Engineer on the Marketplace Platform team, you will play a pivotal role in driving the architecture, design and maintenance of advanced frameworks that elevate Walmart ...

Microsoft

Principal Software Engineer

Redmond, WA · On-site

$142K - $274K/yr

As a Principal Software Engineer , you will help scale that backbone to the next order of magnitude to keep pace with AI-scale discovery, driving systems engineering at the scale of one of the world ...

Microsoft

Principal Software Engineer

Redmond, WA · On-site

$142K - $274K/yr

As a Principal Software Engineer , you will own the evaluation platform's architecture and technical direction. You will set direction for the team, make key engineering and architectural decisions ...

Microsoft

Principal Software Engineer

Redmond, WA · On-site

$151K - $202K/yr

We are seeking a Principal Software Engineer to provide hands-on technical leadership. This role will define the architecture and lead development of secure, self-service AI and data orchestration ...

NetApp

Principal Software Engineer

Bellevue, WA · On-site

$151K - $203K/yr

We are hiring a Principal Engineer to be the technical anchor for this product. You will own the ... Experience Requirements * 12+ years in software development. * 7+ years hands-on with fault ...

NetApp, Inc.

Principal Software Engineer

Bellevue, WA · On-site

$151K - $203K/yr

We are hiring a Principal Engineer to be the technical anchor for this product. You will own the ... Experience Requirements * 12+ years in software development. * 7+ years hands-on with fault ...

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Showing results 41-60

All JobsPrincipal Software Engineer JobsPrincipal Software Engineer Jobs in Seattle, WA

Principal Software Engineer information

See Seattle, WA salary details

$68.9K

$183.2K

$262.9K

How much do principal software engineer jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 22, 2026, the average yearly pay for principal software engineer in Seattle, WA is $183,150.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $153,600.00 and $206,000.00 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

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For Principal Software Engineer jobs in Seattle, WA, the most frequently searched job titles are:

What job categories do people searching Principal Software Engineer jobs in Seattle, WA look for?

The top searched job categories for Principal Software Engineer jobs in Seattle, WA are:

What cities near Seattle, WA are hiring for Principal Software Engineer jobs?

Cities near Seattle, WA with the most Principal Software Engineer job openings:

Principal Software Engineer jobs near you
Infographic showing various Principal Software Engineer job openings in Seattle, WA as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 100% Full Time. Highlights an 79% In-person, and 21% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $183,150 per year, or $88.1 per hour.

Principal Software Engineer

Microsoft

Redmond, WA • On-site

$142K - $274K/yr

Full-time

Re-posted 12 days ago

Microsoft rating

8.5

Company rating: 8.5 out of 10

Based on 132 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

80th of 246 rated software companies

Job description

Overview
Microsoft and OpenAI have formed one of the most successful tech partnerships in the industry to advance artificial intelligence (AI) responsibly and make its benefits broadly accessible. As part of this partnership, the Office of the CTO (OCTO) within Microsoft is responsible for the technical strategy for the use of OpenAI technology across Microsoft. More broadly, OCTO leads investments in emerging technical bets, provides technical insights, and drives high-priority company-wide AI initiatives, while partnering closely with engineering, research, and product teams.
The Principal Software Engineer within OCTO will build AI-based systems to accelerate the deployment of OpenAI technology across Microsoft. They will collaborate with key technical teams, both at Microsoft and OpenAI, to create the technical foundation underpinning the successful partnership.
By applying to this position, you acknowledge that the role is in-office at least 3 days per week in either the Redmond, WA or Mountain View, CA offices.
At Microsoft, our mission-to empower every person and every organization on the planet to achieve more-guides how we partner with customers to deliver trusted, impactful solutions. With a growth mindset culture, we innovate responsibly and measure success by shared progress-people, teams, and customers. Join us to do meaningful work that changes the world and helps shape what's next for everyone.
Responsibilities
  • Building and shipping robust and reliable AI products.
  • Leading system design, including collaborating with technical partners to facilitate integration with other software systems.
  • Understanding and navigating various business requirements and technical constraints to deliver exceptional software systems.
  • Partnering closely with various technical teams to execute on building various components of a complex system on a fast cadence.
  • Ensuring system reliability, observability, and security in production environment.
  • Writing technical briefs to inform stakeholders and leadership of technical design and decisions.
  • Delivering software on schedule and escalating or surfacing risks and blockers when needed.

Qualifications
Required Qualifications
  • Bachelor's Degree in Computer Science or related technical field AND 6+ years technical engineering experience with coding in languages including, but not limited to, C, C++, C#, Java, JavaScript, or Python OR equivalent experience.

Other Requirements
  • Ability to meet Microsoft, customer and/or government security screening requirements are required for this role. These requirements include but are not limited to the following specialized security screenings:
    • Microsoft Cloud Background Check: This position will be required to pass the Microsoft Cloud background check upon hire/transfer and every two years thereafter.
    • Citizenship & Citizenship Verification: This role will require access to information that is controlled for export under export control regulations, potentially under the U.S. International Traffic in Arms Regulations or Export Administration Regulations, the EU Dual Use Regulation, and/or other export control regulations. As a condition of employment, the successful candidate will be required to provide either proof of their country of citizenship or proof of their U.S. permanent residency or other protected status (e.g., under 8 U.S.C. 1324b(a)(3)) for assessment of eligibility to access the export controlled information. To meet this legal requirement, and as a condition of employment, the successful candidate's citizenship will be verified with a valid passport. Lawful permanent residents, refugees, and asylees may verify status using other documents, where applicable.

Preferred Qualifications
  • Bachelor's Degree in Computer Science or related technical field AND 12+ years technical engineering experience with coding in languages including, but not limited to, C, C++, C#, Java, JavaScript, or Python
    • Master's Degree in Computer Science or related technical field AND 8+ years technical engineering experience with coding in languages including, but not limited to, C, C++, C#, Java, JavaScript, or Python
    • OR equivalent experience.
  • Experience building and shipping AI products and services.
  • Experience building and launching net new software services.
  • Ability to handle high ambiguity, ability to drive clarity through oral and written communication, and identify/prioritize issues and opportunities.
  • Experience working through complex business requirements and technical constraints to deliver exceptional software systems.
  • Ability to earn trust with stakeholders and influence across organizations.

Software Engineering IC5 - The typical base pay range for this role across the U.S. is USD $142,800 - $274,800 per year. There is a different range applicable to specific work locations, within the San Francisco Bay area and New York City metropolitan area, and the base pay range for this role in those locations is USD $188,000 - $304,200 per year.
Certain roles may be eligible for benefits and other compensation. Find additional benefits and pay information here:
https://careers.microsoft.com/us/en/us-corporate-pay
This position will be open for a minimum of 5 days, with applications accepted on an ongoing basis until the position is filled.
Microsoft is an equal opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to age, ancestry, citizenship, color, family or medical care leave, gender identity or expression, genetic information, immigration status, marital status, medical condition, national origin, physical or mental disability, political affiliation, protected veteran or military status, race, ethnicity, religion, sex (including pregnancy), sexual orientation, or any other characteristic protected by applicable local laws, regulations and ordinances. If you need assistance with religious accommodations and/or a reasonable accommodation due to a disability during the application process, read more about requesting accommodations.

What Microsoft employees say

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About Microsoft

Sourced by ZipRecruiter

Our infrastructure is comprised of a large global portfolio of more than 100 datacenters and 1 million servers. Our foundation is built upon and managed by a team of subject matter experts working to support services for more than 1 billion customers and 20 million businesses in over 90 countries worldwide. With environmental sustainability and optimization at the forefront of our datacenter design and operations, we continue to grow and evolve as we meet the ever-changing business demands that hold Microsoft as a world-class cloud provider.

Industry

Computer and computer peripheral equipment and software wholesalers

Company size

10,000+ Employees

Headquarters location

Redmond, WA, US

Year founded

1975

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