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Principal Software Engineering Manager Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Principal Software Engineer-SRE

Boston, MA · On-site

$146K - $196K/yr

Principal Software Engineer (SRE)-Onshape Hybrid-Boston, MA About the Role Onshape's Site ... Expert understanding of incident management, service reliability, and performance engineering

$99K - $133K/yr

Principal Software Engineer (SRE)-Onshape Hybrid-Boston, MA About the Role Onshape's Site ... Expert understanding of incident management, service reliability, and performance engineering

Principal Software Engineer-SRE

Boston, MA · On-site

$146K - $196K/yr

Principal Software Engineer (SRE) - Onshape Hybrid-Boston, MA About the Role Onshape' s Site ... Expert understanding of incident management, service reliability, and performance engineering

$99K - $133K/yr

Principal Software Engineer (SRE)-Onshape Hybrid-Boston, MA About the Role Onshape's Site ... Expert understanding of incident management, service reliability, and performance engineering

Principal Software Engineer

Carlsbad, CA · On-site

$140K - $187K/yr

The Principal Software Engineer is a senior individual contributor responsible for defining the ... Test Engineering, Clinical, Quality, Regulatory, and Product Management. * Translate clinical ...

Principal Software Engineer

Carlsbad, CA

$140K - $187K/yr

The Principal Software Engineer is a senior individual contributor responsible for defining the ... Test Engineering, Clinical, Quality, Regulatory, and Product Management. * Translate clinical ...

Principal Software Engineer

Carlsbad, CA · On-site

$140K - $187K/yr

The Principal Software Engineer is a senior individual contributor responsible for defining the ... Test Engineering, Clinical, Quality, Regulatory, and Product Management. * Translate clinical ...

New

Principal Software Engineer

Carlsbad, CA · On-site

$140K - $187K/yr

The Principal Software Engineer is a senior individual contributor responsible for defining the ... Test Engineering, Clinical, Quality, Regulatory, and Product Management. * Translate clinical ...

Showing results 41-60

Principal Software Engineering Manager information

See salary details

$60.5K

$160.9K

$231K

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

As of Sep 9, 2026, the average yearly pay for principal software engineering manager 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 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 are hiring for Principal Software Engineering Manager jobs?

Cities with the most Principal Software Engineering Manager job openings:

What states have the most Principal Software Engineering Manager jobs?

States with the most job openings for Principal Software Engineering Manager jobs include:

What are popular job titles related to Principal Software Engineering Manager jobs?

For Principal Software Engineering Manager jobs, the most frequently searched job titles are:

Infographic showing various Principal Software Engineering Manager job openings in the United States as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 88% Full Time, 11% Part Time, and 1% Contract. Highlights an 80% Physical, 2% Hybrid, and 18% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $160,936 per year, or $77.4 per hour.

Principal Software Engineer

Annapolis Junction, MD • On-site

Envision Innovative Solutions
Custom Software Development Services • 51 - 200 employees

$215K - $250K/yr

Full-time

Re-posted 12 days ago


Job description

Envision Innovative Solutions
Current Job Openings >> Principal Software Engineer
Principal Software Engineer
Summary
Title: Principal Software Engineer ID: 1036 Department: Mission Intelligence and Cyber Location: Annapolis Junction, Maryland Clearance Requirements: TS/SCI with Full Scope Polygraph
Description

At Envision Innovative Solutions, we're more than a technology company-we're a team of innovators, problem-solvers, and mission-focused professionals dedicated to making a meaningful impact. Since 2006, we have delivered innovative technology, engineering, cybersecurity, and mission support solutions to government and commercial clients. Our people are our greatest strength. We foster a collaborative, and people-first culture where creativity is encouraged, professional growth is supported, and every team member has the opportunity to make a difference.
Envision is seeking a motivated, career, and customer-oriented Principal Software Engineer to join our team at Annapolis Junction, Maryland. This is an onsite position.

Primary Responsibilities:

  • The Software Engineer develops, maintains, and enhances complex and diverse software systems (e.g., processing-intensive analytics, novel algorithm development, manipulation of extremely large data sets, real-time systems, and business management information systems) based upon documented requirements.
  • Works individually or as part of a team. Reviews and tests software components for adherence to the design requirements and documents test results.
  • Resolves software problem reports.
  • Utilizes software development and software design methodologies appropriate to the development environment.
  • Provides specific input to the software components of system design to include hardware/software trade-offs, software reuse, use of Commercial Off-the-shelf (COTS)/Government Off-the-shelf (GOTS) in place of new development, and requirements analysis and synthesis from system level to individual software components.

Required Skills:

  • Twelve (12) years' experience as a SWE in programs and contracts of similar scope, type, and complexity is required.
  •  Bachelors degree in Computer Science or related discipline from an accredited college or university is required. Four (4) years of additional SWE experience on projects with similar software processes may be substituted for a bachelors degree
  • Back-end development experience creating big data applications using python and/or Java.
  • Experience working with tiered architectural systems with an emphasis on front-end development.
  • Comfortable working in a linux/ubuntu environment.
  • Experience working in AWS a definitely plus especially around big data architecture.
  • Front-end development experience specifically experience with JavaScript libraries such as Vue.js, PrimeVue, or any equivalent.

Security Clearance Requirement:

  • Current/Active TS/SCI with Full Scope Polygraph.
The projected compensation range for this position is $215,000.00-$250,000.00. There are differentiating factors that can impact a final salary/hourly rate, including, but not limited to, Contract Wage Determination, relevant work experience, skills and competencies that align to the specified role, geographic location, education and certifications as well as Federal Government Contract Labor categories.
Envision Innovative Solutions is an equal-opportunity employer. All Qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, religion, color, national origin, citizenship, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, veteran's status, age, disability or any other basis prohibited by law.
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