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Principal Software Engineering Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Principal Software Engineering

Plano, TX · On-site

$185K - $261K/yr

Principal Software Engineering JOB LOCATION: 2900 W Plano Pkwy Plano, TX 75075 [Hybrid Position] DUTIES: Participate in implementing the overall delivery process of a software application or service ...

Principal Software Engineering

Plano, TX · On-site

$185K - $261K/yr

Principal Software Engineering JOB LOCATION: 2900 W Plano Pkwy Plano, TX 75075 [Hybrid Position] DUTIES: Participate in implementing the overall delivery process of a software application or service ...

Principal, Software Engineering

Chicago, IL · On-site

$139K - $186K/yr

They are seeking a highly experienced Principal Software Engineer to provide technical leadership and hands-on execution across complex, cloud-native software initiatives, while mentoring and ...

Principal, Software Engineering

Chicago, IL · On-site

$139K - $186K/yr

Role Summary We are seeking a highly experienced Principal Software Engineer to provide technical leadership and hands-on execution across complex, cloud-native software initiatives. This role ...

Principal, Software Engineering

Chicago, IL

$139K - $186K/yr

Role Summary We are seeking a highly experienced Principal Software Engineer to provide technical leadership and handson execution across complex, cloudnative software initiatives. This role combines ...

Principal, Software Engineering

Chicago, IL

$139K - $186K/yr

Role Summary We are seeking a highly experienced Principal Software Engineer to provide technical leadership and hands-on execution across complex, cloud-native software initiatives. This role ...

Principal Software Engineering

Cedar Rapids, IA · On-site

$132K - $177K/yr

Summary The Principal Software Engineer is a senior technical leader responsible for defining and driving enterprise-scale architecture, engineering strategy, and delivery excellence across modern ...

Principal Software Engineering

Denver, CO · On-site

$139K - $186K/yr

Summary The Principal Software Engineer is a senior technical leader responsible for defining and driving enterprise-scale architecture, engineering strategy, and delivery excellence across modern ...

Principal Software Engineering

Philadelphia, PA · On-site

$136K - $182K/yr

Summary The Principal Software Engineer is a senior technical leader responsible for defining and driving enterprise-scale architecture, engineering strategy, and delivery excellence across modern ...

Principal Software Engineering

Denver, CO · On-site

$139K - $186K/yr

Summary The Principal Software Engineer is a senior technical leader responsible for defining and driving enterprise-scale architecture, engineering strategy, and delivery excellence across modern ...

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Principal Software Engineering information

See salary details

$60.5K

$160.9K

$231K

How much do principal software engineering jobs pay per year?

As of Jun 21, 2026, the average yearly pay for principal software engineering 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 engineers make $300,000 a year?

Principal Software Engineers and senior engineering roles in high-demand industries such as technology, finance, and cloud computing can earn $300,000 or more annually, especially with extensive experience, advanced skills, and leadership responsibilities. Compensation often includes base salary, bonuses, and stock options, particularly at large tech companies or startups with significant funding.

What do principal software engineers do?

Principal software engineers lead technical teams, design system architecture, and set development standards. They often mentor engineers, review code, and collaborate with stakeholders to ensure project success, requiring strong technical expertise and leadership skills.

What is a Principal Software Engineer?

A Principal Software Engineer is a senior-level technical expert responsible for leading complex software projects, setting technical direction, and mentoring engineering teams. They often make high-impact architectural decisions, influence engineering best practices, and collaborate with cross-functional teams to deliver scalable and reliable solutions. In addition to hands-on coding, they play a key role in strategic planning and innovation within an organization. This position typically requires extensive experience in software development and strong leadership skills.

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 advanced programming expertise, deep architectural knowledge, and extensive experience in software development, usually evidenced by a degree in computer science or a related field. Mastery of development frameworks, cloud platforms (like AWS or Azure), and familiarity with tools such as CI/CD pipelines and version control systems are essential, along with relevant certifications. Leadership, strategic thinking, and strong communication skills distinguish top performers in this role. These abilities are crucial for designing scalable solutions, mentoring teams, and driving technical vision that aligns with organizational goals.

What does a principal software engineer make?

A principal software engineer typically earns a salary ranging from $120,000 to $180,000 annually, depending on experience, location, and company size. They often receive additional compensation such as bonuses, stock options, and benefits, reflecting their senior leadership and technical expertise in software development and architecture.

What engineers make $500,000?

Senior software engineers, principal engineers, and engineering managers in high-demand industries or at large tech companies can earn $500,000 or more annually, often including bonuses, stock options, and other incentives. Achieving this level typically requires extensive experience, advanced technical skills, and leadership responsibilities.

How does a Principal Software Engineer typically balance hands-on coding with leadership responsibilities?

As a Principal Software Engineer, you'll often split your time between designing and reviewing complex technical solutions and guiding engineering teams through architectural decisions. While you may still write critical code, a significant portion of your role involves mentoring other engineers, influencing technical direction, and collaborating with cross-functional teams to ensure project alignment. This balance allows you to drive technical excellence while fostering team growth and supporting organizational goals. Effective time management and clear communication are key to succeeding in this multifaceted position.
More about Principal Software Engineering jobs
What cities are hiring for Principal Software Engineering jobs? Cities with the most Principal Software Engineering job openings:
What job categories do people searching Principal Software Engineering jobs look for? The top searched job categories for Principal Software Engineering jobs are:
Infographic showing various Principal Software Engineering job openings in the United States as of June 2026, with employment types broken down into 95% Full Time, and 5% Part Time. Highlights an 94% Physical, 2% Hybrid, and 4% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $160,936 per year, or $77.4 per hour.
Principal Software Engineering

Principal Software Engineering

AT and T

Plano, TX • On-site

$185K - $261K/yr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Posted 3 days ago


AT&T rating

7.3

Company rating: 7.3 out of 10

Based on 703 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

41st of 79 rated telecommunications companies


Job description

JOB TITLE: Principal Software Engineering
JOB LOCATION: 2900 W Plano Pkwy Plano, TX 75075 [Hybrid Position]
DUTIES: Participate in implementing the overall delivery process of a software application or service, including design, development, testing, deployment, production application support and
maintenance with a focus on automation. Collaborate to gather and review software requirements/user stories, provide estimates, create software design specifications and collaborate with engineers/architects to assess and test hardware and software interactions. Execute a specific development methodology through application of various programming languages. Create and execute automated test plans/strategies utilizing business requirements. Collaborate with engineers/architects and clients to design and implement business requirements, validate outcomes against expected results, and produce associated reporting. Support applications and solve configuration and environment issues. Support the software deployment process. Design, code, test, debug and document new and existing components to ensure that software meets business, quality and operational needs. Align development teams to a shared technical direction and partners with those teams in elaborating the Solution and its interfaces. Work with portfolio stakeholders, Solution and Enterprise Architects, to develop, analyze, split, and realize the implementation of enablers. Build high quality code following unit testing and test-driven development. Establish critical NFRs at the solution level, participate in the definition of others. Drive and participate in code and document reviews, mentoring team in best practices. Collaborate with peer organizations, dev ops, and support organizations on technical issues and provide guidance. Interpret and translate business needs to technical requirements and accurate estimates. Evaluate and recommend tools, technologies and processes to ensure the highest quality and performance is achieved. Focus on scalability, security and availability of all applications and processes. Contribute to technical roadmap and technical debt elimination, balancing time, resource, and quality constraints to achieve business and strategic goals and requirements.
REQUIREMENTS: Requires a Bachelor's degree, or foreign equivalent degree, in Computer Science, Information Systems, Electronic Engineering, or Computer Engineering and 8 years of progressive, postbaccalaureate experience in the job offered or 8 years of progressive, post-baccalaureate experience in a related occupation designing, developing, and maintaining enterprise-level applications using Java/J2EE and Spring Framework such as Spring Boot, Spring Security, and Spring Data; implementing micro services architecture for scalable and distributed systems; developing, deploying, and managing event-driven systems using event streaming services for real-time data processing; creating and managing search and indexing solutions using
search engine technologies; leveraging cloud web services for application hosting, monitoring, and scalability; optimizing system performance and scalability while ensuring security compliance; utilizing event streaming services for distributed messaging and stream processing; designing and developing micro services, RESTful APIs, and event-driven architecture; and utilizing relational (SQL) and NoSQL databases.
Our Principal Software Engineerings earn between $185,000 - $261,100 yearly. Not to mention all the other amazing rewards that working at AT&T offers.
Joining our team comes with amazing perks and benefits:
• Medical/Dental/Vision coverage
• 401(k) plan
• Tuition reimbursement program
• Paid Time Off and Holidays (based on date of hire, at least 23 days of vacation each year and 9 company-designated holidays)
• Paid Parental Leave
• Paid Caregiver Leave
• Additional sick leave beyond what state and local law require may be available but is unprotected
• Adoption Reimbursement
• Disability Benefits (short term and long term)
• Life and Accidental Death Insurance
• Supplemental benefit programs: critical illness/accident hospital indemnity/group legal
• Employee Assistance Programs (EAP)
• Extensive employee wellness programs
• Employee discounts up to 50% off on eligible AT&T mobility plans and accessories, AT&T internet (and fiber where available) and AT&T phone
Weekly Hours:
40
Time Type:
Regular
Location:
Plano, Texas
It is the policy of AT&T to provide equal employment opportunity (EEO) to all persons regardless of age, color, national origin, citizenship status, physical or mental disability, race, religion, creed, gender, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity and/or expression, genetic information, marital status, status with regard to public assistance, veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by federal, state or local law. In addition, AT&T will provide reasonable accommodations for qualified individuals with disabilities. AT&T is a fair chance employer and does not initiate a background check until an offer is made.

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