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Principal Software Engineer Jobs in Tracy, CA (NOW HIRING)

As a Principal Software Engineer, you will play a crucial role in delivering high quality releases to our customers by defining application architecture, designing, developing, troubleshooting ...

## Senior/Principal Machine Learning EngineerApplyremote type: Flexlocations: USA, CA, Pleasanton: USA ... This role sits at the intersection of ML and platform engineering: partnering closely with software ...

Senior/Principal AI Engineer

Pleasanton, CA · On-site

$139K - $192K/yr

This role sits at the intersection of ML and platform engineering: partnering closely with software ... About You P5, Principal AI Engineer Basic Qualifications * 10+ years experience as a member of a ...

Software Engineer

Livermore, CA · On-site

$121K - $154K/yr

The Software Engineer serves as a member of a multidisciplinary software development team, contributing to the design, implementation, maintenance, and deployment of software solutions while ...

Software Engineer

Pleasanton, CA · On-site

$77K - $87K/yr

Full-Stack Software Engineer Role Overview We are seeking an experienced and driven Full-Stack Software Engineer to design, develop, and maintain robust software solutions that solve complex ...

Software Engineer

Pleasanton, CA · On-site

$77K - $87K/yr

Full-Stack Software Engineer Role Overview We are seeking an experienced and driven Full-Stack Software Engineer to design, develop, and maintain robust software solutions that solve complex ...

Software Engineer

Pleasanton, CA · On-site

$90 - $120/hr

Overview US biotech tools company is building next‑gen lab automation systems, searching for a Software Engineer to develop control and AI‑driven software for complex instruments at their CA HQ.

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Principal Software Engineer information

See Tracy, CA salary details

$65.1K

$173.2K

$248.7K

How much do principal software engineer jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 24, 2026, the average yearly pay for principal software engineer in Tracy, CA is $173,245.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $145,300.00 and $194,800.00 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.

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

For Principal Software Engineer jobs in Tracy, CA, the most frequently searched job titles are:

What job categories do people searching Principal Software Engineer jobs in Tracy, CA look for?

The top searched job categories for Principal Software Engineer jobs in Tracy, CA are:

What cities near Tracy, CA are hiring for Principal Software Engineer jobs?

Cities near Tracy, CA with the most Principal Software Engineer job openings:

Infographic showing various Principal Software Engineer job openings in Tracy, 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 $173,245 per year, or $83.3 per hour.

$257 - $322/hr

Other

Posted 12 days ago


Job description

Make Your Mark: As a Principal Software Engineer, you will play a crucial role in delivering high quality releases to our customers by defining application architecture, designing, developing, troubleshooting, maintaining, optimizing, and scaling BlackLine's cloud-based backend services and driving innovation into our product suite. In this role, you will work with management to identify strategic directions for system architecture. You will research, test, benchmark and evaluate new technologies, propose scaling solutions, collaborate with other teams to define, and build new features, optimize existing features while writing elegant code, coaching, and mentoring less experienced software engineers and communicating with people at all levels. In this position, every bit of your software design skill be drawn upon in order to drive towards and implement best of breed features in a rapid iterative environment. Your attention to detail, tenacity, and creative problem-solving and thinking ahead will directly impact the company's success, as well as the success of your peers across the organization. If you have a passion for delivering products that make a difference, are driven to make things better in all that you do and are eager to work in a collaborative agile environment where Developers are dedicated to solving customer problems and innovating, you will be a great fit for the team.

You’ll Get To: As a Principal Software Engineer, you will play a crucial role in delivering high quality releases to our customers by defining application architecture, designing, developing, troubleshooting, maintaining, optimizing, and scaling BlackLine's cloud-based backend services and driving innovation into our product suite. In this role, you will work with management to identify strategic directions for system architecture. You will research, test, benchmark and evaluate new technologies, propose scaling solutions, collaborate with other teams to define, and build new features, optimize existing features while writing elegant code, coaching, and mentoring less experienced software engineers and communicating with people at all levels. In this position, every bit of your software design skill be drawn upon in order to drive towards and implement best of breed features in a rapid iterative environment. Your attention to detail, tenacity, and creative problem-solving and thinking ahead will directly impact the company's success, as well as the success of your peers across the organization. If you have a passion for delivering products that make a difference, are driven to make things better in all that you do and are eager to work in a collaborative agile environment where Developers are dedicated to solving customer problems and innovating, you will be a great fit for the team.

What You’ll Bring: Thrive at BlackLine Because You Are Joining: A technology-based company with a sense of adventure and a vision for the future. Every door at BlackLine is open. Just bring your brains, your problem-solving skills, and be part of a winning team at the world's most trusted name in Finance Automation! A culture that is kind, open, and accepting. It's a place where people can embrace what makes them unique, and the mix of cultural backgrounds and varying interests cultivates diverse thought and perspectives. A culture where BlackLiner's continued growth and learning is empowered. BlackLine offers a wide variety of professional development seminars and inclusive affinity groups to celebrate and support our diversity. BlackLine is an equal opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to sex, gender identity or expression, race, ethnicity, age, religious creed, national origin, physical or mental disability, ancestry, color, marital status, sexual orientation, military or veteran status, status as a victim of domestic violence, sexual assault or stalking, medical condition, genetic information, or any other protected class or category recognized by applicable equal employment opportunity or other similar laws. BlackLine recognizes that the ways we work and the workplace itself has shifted. We innovate in a workplace that optimizes a combination of virtual and in-person interactions to maximize collaboration and nurture our culture. Candidates who live within a reasonable commute to one of our offices will work in the office at least 3 days a week. Salary Range: $257,000.00-$322,000.00 Pay Transparency Statement: Placement within this range depends upon several factors, including the applicant's prior relevant job experience, skill set, and geographic location. In addition to base pay, BlackLine also offers short-term and long-term incentive programs, based on eligibility, along with a robust offering of benefit and wellness plans. We are committed to pay transparency and ensuring candidates have clear information about compensation expectations. For roles that include variable incentive components such as an Incentive Compensation Plan (ICP) or On-Target Earnings (OTE), the compensation structure may follow a split model – for example, a 50/50, 70/30, or 60/40 ratio between base salary and variable incentive. BlackLine is committed to creating an inclusive and accessible experience for all candidates. If you require a reasonable accommodation that would better enable your success during the application or interview process, please complete this form. Accommodations: BlackLine is committed to creating an inclusive and accessible experience for all candidates. If you require a reasonable accommodation that would better enable your success during the application or interview process, please complete this form. Wondering what it’s like to work at BlackLine? Don’t take our word for it. We’ve been voted Best Place to Work by Inc. Magazine four years in a row. Built in LA ranks us in their top 100 Best Places to Work in LA. Reviewers on Glassdoor say we have “smart and kind people,” “phenomenal culture,” and “good work/life balance.” Sound good? Check out our open positions and see if there’s a fit for you. At BlackLine, we follow a comprehensive recruitment process which is undertaken by our talent acquisition team. We conduct personal interviews of all potential job seekers and do not follow practice of making employment offers based solely on a candidate’s resume. We do not solicit any payment under the name of security deposit and/or visa/work-permit processing fee, etc., either refundable or non-refundable, at any stage of the recruitment process. Openings at BlackLine are listed on our career webpage in addition to being advertised in job portals. Job seekers are requested to be vigilant of any fraudulent or suspicious activities in protection of their interest. BlackLine shall not be held liable for any loss or damage, direct or indirect, incurred as a result of this act.

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