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Principal Software Engineer Jobs (NOW HIRING)

SAIC

Principal Software Engineer

San Diego, CA · Hybrid

$160K - $200K/yr

Your Role As a Principal Software Engineer , you will be a key technical contributor supporting the full software development lifecycle (SDLC) for strategic RF and VLF communication systems. You will ...

TCS

Senior Principal Software Engineer

Huntsville, AL

$123K - $170K/yr

Huntsville, Alabama, United States TCS is searching for a Senior Principal Software Engineer to join our strong team of Engineers supporting our Ground-based Midcourse Defense (GMD) customer in ...

TCS

Senior Principal Software Engineer

Huntsville, AL

$123K - $170K/yr

Huntsville, Alabama, United States TCS is searching for a Senior Principal Software Engineer to join our strong team of Engineers supporting our Ground-based Midcourse Defense (GMD) customer in ...

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How much do principal software engineer jobs pay per year?

As of Jun 26, 2026, the average yearly pay for principal software engineer in the United States is $160,936.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $135,000.00 and $181,000.00 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.

What engineers make $500,000?

Principal Software Engineers and senior technical leaders in high-demand industries can earn $500,000 or more annually, especially with extensive experience, advanced skills in areas like cloud computing or AI, and often in large tech companies or executive roles. Compensation packages may include base salary, bonuses, and stock options, reflecting their expertise and leadership responsibilities.

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 varies based on company size, location, and individual expertise.

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.

Is it possible to make 300k as a software engineer?

Principal Software Engineers in high-demand industries or at large tech companies can earn salaries of $300,000 or more, especially with extensive experience, specialized skills, and stock options. Achieving this level often requires advanced expertise in areas like cloud computing, machine learning, or leadership roles, along with a strong track record of project success.

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 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
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Principal Software Engineer jobs near you
Infographic showing various Principal Software Engineer job openings in the United States as of June 2026, with employment types broken down into 84% Full Time, 7% Part Time, 2% Temporary, and 7% Contract. Highlights an 93% Physical, 2% Hybrid, and 5% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $160,936 per year, or $77.4 per hour.
Principal Software Engineer

Principal Software Engineer

SAIC

San Diego, CA • Hybrid

$160K - $200K/yr

Full-time

Posted 27 days ago

SAIC rating

7.8

Company rating: 7.8 out of 10

Based on 78 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

69th of 205 rated it services

Job description

Job ID: 2613119

Location: San Diego, CA, US

Date Posted: 2026-05-29

Category: Software

Subcategory: SW Engineer

Schedule: Full-Time

Shift: Day Job

Travel: Yes - 25% of the time

Minimum Clearance Required: Secret

Clearance Level Must Be Able to Obtain: None

Potential for Remote Work: ORA_ON_SITE


Description

SAIC is seeking a talented and motivated Principal Software Engineer to support advanced Very Low Frequency (VLF) communication systems for the U.S. Navy and Air Force. Join our innovative team in San Diego, CA, and contribute to mission-critical efforts in cutting-edge defense communication technology development, integration, and testing.

This will be an ON-SITE role in San Diego, CA. Must be local to area.

Your Role

As a Principal Software Engineer, you will be a key technical contributor supporting the full software development lifecycle (SDLC) for strategic RF and VLF communication systems. You will collaborate with cross-functional engineering teams to design, develop, test, and integrate software solutions that directly support national defense communication missions.

Key Responsibilities:

  • Design, develop, and maintain software for RF and VLF communication systems supporting U.S. Navy and Air Force operations.
  • Write clean, efficient, and well-documented code in C, C++, and Java.
  • Support the full software development lifecycle (SDLC) including requirements analysis, design, coding, testing, and deployment.
  • Work within Agile/Scrum frameworks to deliver iterative software solutions on schedule.
  • Develop and implement test procedures and scenarios for new and updated communication systems.
  • Collaborate with hardware engineers to support hardware/software integration and system configuration.
  • Participate in troubleshooting and resolving complex technical issues during integration, implementation, and testing phases.
  • Support FPGA development and integration efforts as needed.
  • Contribute to waveform development and DoD communications system enhancements.
  • Provide technical direction, mentorship, and training to junior engineers.
  • Interface regularly with management, customers, and cross-functional teams to ensure alignment and project success.
  • Create and maintain comprehensive technical documentation, including software design documents, test plans, and configuration guides.

Qualifications

REQUIREMENTS:

  • Bachelors in Electrical Engineering, Computer Science, Software Engineering, Computer Engineering, Mathematics, or related field and nine (9) years or more experience; Masters and seven (7) years or more experience ; PhD or JD and four (4) years or more experience.
  • Must be a U.S. Citizen.
  • Must have an Active Secret Clearance.
  • Must be able to obtain a Top Secret Clearance.
  • 5-10 years of hands-on software development and engineering experience.
  • Strong proficiency in C and  C++ programming languages.
  • Skills in establishing equipment configurations to meet operational requirements.
  • Exceptional communication, collaboration, and problem-solving skills.
  • Demonstrated ability to learn and apply new technologies quickly.

DESIRED SKILLS:

  • Master's degree in related Engineering or Science field.
  • Background in RF Engineering, with preferred experience in VLF systems.
  • Experience working in Agile/Scrum development environments.
  • Certified Scrum Master (CSM) certification.
  • Experience with DoD VLF message processing systems.
  • Familiarity with waveform development and DoD communications systems.
  • Understanding of VLF communication concepts and experience working with similar strategic communication systems.
  • Experience supporting DoD defense programs and navigating DoD development processes.
  • Proficiency with Microsoft Office Suite, including Visio, Project, Excel, Outlook, PowerPoint, and Word.

Target salary range: $160,001 - $200,000. The estimate displayed represents the typical salary range for this position based on experience and other factors.

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