ZipRecruiter

Log In

1

Principal Software Engineering Jobs (NOW HIRING)

PTC

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 ... Apply advanced software engineering practices to eliminate manual work, reduce operational load ...

TCS

Principal Software Engineer

Huntsville, AL · On-site

$133K - $178K/yr

The selected Principal Software Engineer responsibilities will include the support of the GMD ... Bachelors Degree in a STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering or Mathematics) discipline preferred ...

Alphatec Spine

Principal Software Engineer

Carlsbad, CA

$140K - $187K/yr

The Principal Software Engineer is a senior individual contributor responsible for defining the ... Establish and promote software engineering best practices, including software architecture, design ...

Alphatec Spine

Principal Software Engineer

Carlsbad, CA · On-site

$140K - $187K/yr

The Principal Software Engineer is a senior individual contributor responsible for defining the ... Establish and promote software engineering best practices, including software architecture, design ...

Internetwork Expert

Principal Software Engineer

Carlsbad, CA · On-site

$140K - $187K/yr

The Principal Software Engineer is a senior individual contributor responsible for defining the ... Establish and promote software engineering best practices, including software architecture, design ...

Alphatec Spine

Principal Software Engineer

Carlsbad, CA · On-site

$140K - $187K/yr

The Principal Software Engineer is a senior individual contributor responsible for defining the ... Establish and promote software engineering best practices, including software architecture, design ...

Microsoft

Principal Software Engineering Manager

Redmond, WA · On-site

$151K - $202K/yr

As a Principal Software Engineering Manager , you will lead the end-to-end software development lifecycle, including requirement gathering, architecture, application and database design, development ...

previous page

Showing results 41-60

All JobsPrincipal Software Engineering Jobs

Principal Software Engineering information

See salary details

$60.5K

$160.9K

$231K

How much do principal software engineering jobs pay per year?

As of Sep 12, 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 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.

How does a principal software engineer 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.

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

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.

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 do principal software engineers do?

Principal software engineers lead technical teams, design complex systems, and set technical standards within an organization. They often mentor junior engineers, review code, and collaborate with stakeholders to ensure project success, requiring strong problem-solving skills and expertise in programming languages and development tools.
More about Principal Software Engineering jobs

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

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

Principal Software Engineering jobs near you
Infographic showing various Principal Software Engineering job openings in the United States as of September 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% Internship, 1% As Needed, 86% Full Time, 9% Part Time, and 3% Contract. Highlights an 85% Physical, 3% Hybrid, and 12% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $160,936 per year, or $77.4 per hour.

Principal Software Engineer- Hybrid

Columbia, MD • Hybrid

Envision Innovative Solutions
Custom Software Development Services • 51 - 200 employees
Learn more about Envision Innovative Solutionsexternal

$134K - $179K/yr

Full-time

Medical, Retirement, PTO

Re-posted 5 days ago

Job description

Envision Innovative Solutions
Current Job Openings >> Principal Software Engineer- Hybrid
Principal Software Engineer- Hybrid
Summary
Title: Principal Software Engineer- Hybrid ID: 1056 Department: Mission Intelligence and Cyber Location: Columbia, Maryland Clearance Requirements: TS/SCI with Full Scope Polygraph
Description

Envision Innovative Solutions, delivers mission-focused technology solutions to the Defense and Intelligence Community. Since 2008, we have supported critical national security programs by building high-performing engineering teams and developing innovative enterprise solutions. Our engineers work in a collaborative, zero-bureaucracy environment where expertise is valued, ideas are heard, and contributions directly drive mission success..

 Envision is seeking a motivated, career, and customer-oriented Principal Software Engineer to join our team at Columbia, Maryland. This is Hybrid position.

Primary Responsibilities:

  • Designs, develops, and maintains a suite of web-based analysis tools.
  • Builds and deploys multiple applications across diverse tech stacks, including containerized React UIs, Java and Go microservices, custom REST security services, and data stores such as MongoDB and an OpenSearch cluster. 
  • Provides users with real-time alerting, historical querying with smart query builders, and document storage and retrieval.
  • Analyze user requirements to derive software design and performance requirements
  •  Design and code new software or modify existing software to add new features
  • Debugs existing software and correct defects

Required Skills:

  • 20 years with a bachelor's in computer science (or related field) or 24 years without the degree
  • Experience using Java, JavaScript, Swagger, Maven, Git, and Nexus
  • Experience with Linux

Security Clearance Requirement:

  • Current/Active TS/SCI with Full Scope Polygraph.
Why Envision Innovative Solutions
    Average Employee Tenure: 7-10 Years - Stability and long-term growth.
    $3,000 Annual Training Budget
    5 Weeks PTO 
    100% Employer-Paid Medical Coverage
    $1,200 Phone & Internet Stipend
    401(k) + ~10% (Vested Day One)
    5% Annual Bonus 

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.

Apply Now

Alternatively, you can apply to this job using your profile from Indeed by clicking the button below:


Copyright 2026 Envision Innovative Solutions. All rights reserved.
Powered by ApplicantStack Applicant Tracking Software
Privacy Policy | Terms of Use

Apply