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Principal Software Engineering Manager Jobs in Seattle, WA

WEX

Software Engineering Manager

Seattle, WA · Remote

$150K - $190K/yr

Software Engineering Manager Remote, Full-Time About the Team/Role WEX FSM (formerly Payzerware), is an end-to-end Field Service Management platform that helps contractors run their business, grow ...

Protingent

Principal Software Developer

Bellevue, WA · On-site

$52 - $85/hr

Perform administrative data management operations on the backend based on user and management needs ... Protingent is an Award-Winning provider of top-tier Engineering and IT talent, trusted by companies ...

Microsoft

Principal Software Engineer

Redmond, WA · On-site

$151K - $202K/yr

In this role, you'll lead technical direction, solve complex engineering challenges, and work ... management, on-call readiness, and high-availability practices for mission-critical bidding ...

Meta

Software Engineering Manager

Bellevue, WA

$219K/yr

Meta is seeking a Software Engineering Manager to lead multiple engineering teams delivering large-scale software systems that power Meta's family of products and platforms. In this role, you will ...

Microsoft

Principal Software Engineer Manager

Redmond, WA · On-site

$220K - $331K/yr

Overview Join our Web Data Platform Team as a Principal Software Engineering Manager to envision and build Web scale Platforms and SOTA models for semantic understanding of Multi Modal Documents. In ...

Protingent

Principal Software Engineer

Redmond, WA · On-site

$185K - $255K/yr

Position Title: Principal Software Engineer Position Description: Protingent Staffing has an ... the engineering standard through your own code, design patterns, and technical approach • Own ...

100 Salesforce, Inc.

Principal Software Engineer

Bellevue, WA · On-site

$152K - $204K/yr

Manage the technical backlog so that team goals and long‑term technical debt are both addressed ... Represent the team to VP‑level engineering leadership, Product, and external stakeholders ...

Nordstrom

Principal Software Engineer

Seattle, WA · On-site

$191K - $297K/yr

Set technical direction for a 150+ engineering org on how the org designs, builds, and ships code ... Domain experience with inventory management, warehouse management systems (WMS), or RFID-based ...

Nordstrom, Inc.

Principal Software Engineer

Seattle, WA · On-site

$191K - $297K/yr

Set technical direction for a 150+ engineering org on how the org designs, builds, and ships code ... Domain experience with inventory management, warehouse management systems (WMS), or RFID-based ...

McKinstry

Software Engineering Manager

Seattle, WA · On-site

In this role, you will manage, mentor, and develop a team of software engineers, driving the design, development, and delivery of reliable, high-quality applications and services. You will play a key ...

McKinstry

Software Engineering Manager

Seattle, WA · On-site

In this role, you will manage, mentor, and develop a team of software engineers, driving the design, development, and delivery of reliable, high-quality applications and services. You will play a key ...

UKG, Inc.

Principal Software Engineer- Eng

Seattle, WA · On-site

$153K - $206K/yr

You will champion an AI-first engineering mindset, leveraging modern AI capabilities to accelerate development, enhance platform quality, improve system reliability, and transform how teams build and ...

UKG

Principal Software Engineer- Eng

Seattle, WA · On-site

$153K - $206K/yr

You will champion an AI-first engineering mindset, leveraging modern AI capabilities to accelerate development, enhance platform quality, improve system reliability, and transform how teams build and ...

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Showing results 21-40

All JobsPrincipal Software Engineering JobsPrincipal Software Engineering Manager JobsPrincipal Software Engineering Manager Jobs in Seattle, WA

Principal Software Engineering Manager information

See Seattle, WA salary details

$68.9K

$183.2K

$262.9K

How much do principal software engineering manager jobs pay per year?

As of Sep 12, 2026, the average yearly pay for principal software engineering manager 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 engineering manager?

A Principal Software Engineering Manager is a senior leadership role responsible for overseeing multiple engineering teams, setting technical direction, and ensuring the successful delivery of complex software projects. They combine deep technical expertise with strong leadership skills to mentor engineers, drive architectural decisions, and collaborate with stakeholders across the organization. This role often involves strategic planning, talent development, and fostering a culture of innovation and continuous improvement within the engineering department.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a principal software engineering manager?

To thrive as a Principal Software Engineering Manager, you need deep expertise in software development, strong architectural knowledge, and significant leadership experience, often supported by a relevant degree and years of technical management. Familiarity with cloud platforms (such as Azure or AWS), advanced programming languages, and project management tools (like Jira or Azure DevOps) is typically required. Outstanding communication, team-building, and strategic thinking skills set top performers apart in this role. These skills ensure effective technical direction, successful project delivery, and cohesive, high-performing engineering teams.

How does a principal software engineering manager typically balance technical leadership with people management responsibilities?

A Principal Software Engineering Manager often balances technical leadership and people management by dedicating time to both architectural decision-making and team development. This involves participating in high-level design discussions, guiding technical strategy, and ensuring best practices are followed, while also conducting regular one-on-ones, mentoring engineers, and supporting professional growth. Effective delegation, clear communication, and collaboration with cross-functional teams are key to managing this dual scope. Many find that prioritizing transparency and empowering team leads helps maintain this balance and drive both project and people success.

What is the difference between Principal Software Engineering Manager vs Software Development Manager?

AspectPrincipal Software Engineering ManagerSoftware Development Manager
ResponsibilitiesOversees multiple teams, sets technical strategy, influences product architectureManages a single development team, focuses on project delivery and team performance
Required CredentialsTypically requires extensive software engineering experience, leadership skills, often a bachelor's or master's degree in CS or related fieldUsually requires experience in software development and team management, with similar educational background
Work EnvironmentStrategic, cross-team collaboration, high-level decision makingOperational, project-focused, team management
Industry UsageCommon in large tech companies and organizations with multiple product linesWidely used across various companies for team-level management

The main difference between a Principal Software Engineering Manager and a Software Development Manager lies in scope and strategic influence. The Principal role involves overseeing multiple teams and shaping technical direction, while the Software Development Manager focuses on managing a single team and project execution.

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

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

Infographic showing various Principal Software Engineering Manager job openings in Seattle, WA as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 83% Full Time, 15% Part Time, and 2% Contract. Highlights an 84% Physical, 3% Hybrid, and 13% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $183,150 per year, or $88.1 per hour.

Software Engineering Manager

Seattle, WA • Remote

WEX
Software Development • 1 - 5K employees
Learn more about WEXexternal

$150K - $190K/yr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Posted 8 days ago

WEX Inc. rating

7.3

Company rating: 7.3 out of 10

Based on 21 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

Job description

Software Engineering Manager

Remote, Full-Time

About the Team/Role

WEX FSM (formerly Payzerware), is an end-to-end Field Service Management platform that helps contractors run their business, grow sales, and simplify back-office operations. WEX FSM provides comprehensive business management including schedule / dispatch, invoicing, sales proposals / invoices, and maintenance agreements. We also enable a full range of payment and financing solutions, which further help contractors decrease outstandings, generate more revenue per job, and save time.

As a Software Engineering Manager, you will lead and develop multiple teams of software engineers, defining best practices, implementing technical strategies, maximizing productivity, and shaping the engineering culture at WEX FSM.

How You'll Make an Impact

  • Provide leadership, mentorship, and management for software engineers

    • Serve as the primary coach and manager for your teams

    • Conduct regular 1-on-1's, providing immediate and constructive feedback loops

    • Develop future technical leaders and senior individual contributors

  • Drive innovation by ensuring teams stay current with emerging technologies and industry trends

    • Champion the adoption of modern tools, frameworks, and design patterns

    • Maintain our technology stacks, ensuring timely updates or strategic replacements to mitigate technical debt

  • Collaborate closely with Product and provide technical guidance

    • Partner with Product Managers to translate business requirements into technical specifications and technical specifications into project estimates

    • Ensure engineering strategies remain aligned with product roadmaps

  • Guide best practices, coding standards, and design patterns

    • Define and enforce high-quality standards for code reviews, automated testing, and system design

    • Strive for robust, scalable, and maintainable software design, utilizing established patterns, minimizing complexity

  • Conduct performance reviews, set goals, and support engineers in career development

    • Implement a structured performance management process, including frequent check-ins and quarterly reviews, based on measurable goals and objectives

    • Actively work to mentor and grow the careers of your software engineers

  • Foster a culture of innovation, collaboration, and continuous learning

    • Promote innovation and collaboration across all engineering teams

    • Encourage continuous learning by establishing learning plans for team members

  • Contribute to the technical roadmap, identifying areas to maximize development productivity

    • Champion technical direction, prioritizing initiatives that enhance development velocity and quality

    • Take ownership of initiatives focused on improving the developer experience (DevEx)

    • Proactively audit the entire development process, proposing changes that eliminate bottlenecks and boost overall engineering output

Experience You'll Bring

  • 5+ years of software engineering experience or 1+ years in software engineering management

  • Expertise in Software Development Lifecycle (SDLC) fundamentals and processes, including design, documentation, testing, and tooling

  • Practical experience utilizing automated testing tools, particularly for unit testing

  • Exceptional leadership, team-building, and dynamic decision-making capabilities

  • Strong verbal and written communication skills

  • Highly analytical and detail-oriented mindset

  • Proven ability to manage multiple projects effectively and succeed in a fast-paced environment

What We Offer

  • A collaborative, fast-paced environment where your contributions will have a direct impact.

  • Opportunities to work on cutting-edge projects and shape the future of our product offerings.

  • A commitment to continuous learning and professional growth.

Pay Range: $150,000.00 - $190,000.00

The base pay range represents the anticipated low and high end of the pay range for this position. Actual pay rates will vary and will be based on various factors, such as your qualifications, skills, competencies, and proficiency for the role. Base pay is one component of WEX's total compensation package. Most sales positions are eligible for commission under the terms of an applicable plan. Non-sales roles are typically eligible for a quarterly or annual bonus based on their role and applicable plan. WEX's comprehensive and market competitive benefits are designed to support your personal and professional well-being. Benefits include health, dental and vision insurances, retirement savings plan, paid time off, health savings account, flexible spending accounts, life insurance, disability insurance, tuition reimbursement, and more. For more information, check out the "About Us" section.Pay Range: $150,600.00 - $180,100.00

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