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Principal Technical Lead Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Auria

Principal Technical Lead

Albuquerque, NM · On-site

$165K - $205K/yr

The Principal Technical Lead serves as the senior technical authority for the HADES Program and is responsible for the technical planning, execution, and oversight of maintenance, sustainment ...

Caxy Interactive

Principal Technical Lead

Chicago, IL · On-site

$150K - $200K/yr

Principal Technical Lead Department: Product/Development Reports To: COO / CTO Team Size: 911 direct reports (QA, QC, mid-level & senior engineers) Work Model: See posting for details Compensation ...

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Caxy Interactive

Principal Technical Lead

Chicago, IL · On-site

$150K - $200K/yr

Principal Technical Lead Department: Product/Development Reports To: COO / CTO Team Size: 9-11 direct reports (QA, QC, mid-level & senior engineers) Work Model: See posting for details Compensation ...

Caxy Interactive

Principal Technical Lead

Chicago, IL · On-site

$150K - $200K/yr

Principal Technical Lead Department: Product/Development Reports To: COO / CTO Team Size: 9-11 direct reports (QA, QC, mid-level & senior engineers) Work Model: See posting for details Compensation ...

Horizon3.ai

Principal Engineer, Technical Lead

What You'll Do We are hiring a Principal Backend Engineer to serve as the Technical Lead. You'll be responsible for shaping the systems, architecture, and technical direction behind a product that ...

Plat4mation

Principal Technical Consultant

Dallas, TX · On-site

What You Will Do As a Principal Technical Platform Consultant, you will lead high-value ServiceNow engagements for enterprise clients across industries including financial services, energy ...

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VibeIQ

Technical Architect Team Lead

Boston, MA · On-site

POSITION SUMMARY The Principal Technical Architect is a senior, hands-on leadership role that ... Lead data onboarding and migration efforts including mapping, transformation, validation, and ...

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All JobsPrincipal Technical Lead Jobs

Principal Technical Lead information

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$30K

$156.3K

$206K

How much do principal technical lead jobs pay per year?

As of Jul 1, 2026, the average yearly pay for principal technical lead in the United States is $156,348.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $116,000.00 and $205,000.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a Principal Technical Lead, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Principal Technical Lead, you need deep expertise in software architecture, programming, and system design, often backed by a computer science degree and extensive industry experience. Mastery of development frameworks, cloud platforms, and project management tools like Jira or Azure DevOps is typically required, along with relevant certifications such as AWS Certified Solutions Architect or Microsoft Certified: Azure Solutions Architect Expert. Leadership, strategic thinking, and excellent communication are standout soft skills for guiding teams and aligning technology with business goals. These skills are crucial for driving complex technical projects to success, mentoring teams, and ensuring scalable, high-quality solutions.

How does a Principal Technical Lead balance hands-on technical work with leadership responsibilities?

As a Principal Technical Lead, you are expected to combine deep technical expertise with strategic leadership. While you will still engage in architectural decisions, code reviews, and solving high-impact technical challenges, a significant portion of your time is dedicated to mentoring engineers, aligning cross-functional teams, and driving the technical vision. Balancing these aspects requires excellent time management, clear communication, and the ability to delegate effectively while ensuring technical standards and project goals are met.

What is the difference between Principal Technical Lead vs Technical Architect?

AspectPrincipal Technical LeadTechnical Architect
CredentialsTypically requires extensive technical experience, often with certifications in specific technologies or methodologiesOften holds certifications in architecture frameworks or specific technologies, with strong technical background
Work EnvironmentLeads technical teams, oversees project execution, and ensures technical quality across projectsDesigns system architecture, defines technical standards, and aligns technology solutions with business goals
Employer & Industry UsageCommon in large tech companies, consulting firms, and enterprises with complex projectsUsed across industries for designing and planning technical solutions and system architectures

The Principal Technical Lead focuses on leading technical teams and project execution, while the Technical Architect specializes in designing system architectures and technical standards. Both roles require strong technical expertise, but their primary responsibilities differ in leadership versus design focus.

What is a Principal Technical Lead?

A Principal Technical Lead is a senior-level technology professional who oversees the technical direction and architecture of major projects within an organization. They are responsible for making high-level design decisions, mentoring engineering teams, and ensuring that solutions align with business goals and best practices. Principal Technical Leads often collaborate with stakeholders across departments, set technical standards, and provide guidance on complex engineering challenges. Their role is critical in bridging the gap between technical teams and business objectives, ensuring successful project delivery and technological innovation.
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What job categories do people searching Principal Technical Lead jobs look for? The top searched job categories for Principal Technical Lead jobs are:
Principal Technical Lead jobs near you
Infographic showing various Principal Technical Lead job openings in the United States as of June 2026, with employment types broken down into 91% Full Time, and 9% Part Time. Highlights an 93% Physical, 2% Hybrid, and 5% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $156,348 per year, or $75.2 per hour.
Principal Technical Lead

Principal Technical Lead

Auria

Kirtland Air Force Base, NM • Hybrid

$165K - $205K/yr

Full-time

Medical, Life, Retirement, PTO

Posted 6 days ago

Job description

Auria is looking to hire a Principal Technical Lead to support HADES. This opening requires full-time presence in Kirtland AFB, NM
The Hybrid Architecture and Development for Experimental Systems (HADES) Program provides maintenance, sustainment, development, integration, test support for ground systems supporting experimental mission capabilities at the Research, Development, Test, and Evaluation (RDT amp;E) Support Complex at Kirtland AFB, NM. The program supports existing capabilities and the development, integration, testing, and deployment of capabilities supporting new mission partners and emerging mission requirements within TS/SCI and Special Access Program (SAP) environments.
WHAT YOU CAN EXPECT TO DO:
The Principal Technical Lead serves as the senior technical authority for the HADES Program and is responsible for the technical planning, execution, and oversight of maintenance, sustainment, development, integration, and test activities supporting experimental mission capabilities. The Chief Engineer provides technical leadership for day-to-day engineering operations, establishes technical priorities, advises program and Government leadership, manages technical risk, and ensures the successful delivery of mission requirements. The Chief Engineer also leads technical assessments, solution development, and integration planning for emerging mission requirements, new mission partners, and future task orders.
WHAT THE TEAM REQUIRES:
  • U.S. Citizen with Active Top Secret security clearance with the ability to obtain and maintain SCI and SAP access.
  • Bachelor’s degree from an accredited university in Engineering, Computer Science, Physics, Mathematics, Systems Engineering, or a related technical discipline.
  • Minimum of 15 years of experience leading systems engineering, architecture, integration, software development, infrastructure, or technical execution activities for complex DoD or Federal programs.
  • Minimum of 10 years of experience supporting space, satellite ground systems, telemetry processing, mission management, command and control, or related space enterprise programs.
  • Demonstrated experience serving as the technical authority for large, complex programs with responsibility for technical performance, architecture, systems engineering, integration, and technical risk management.
  • Demonstrated experience serving as the primary technical advisor to program leadership and Government stakeholders on engineering, integration, and emerging mission requirements.
  • Demonstrated experience leading concept development, technical assessments, trade studies, and solution development supporting emerging requirements, mission onboarding, and evolving operational needs.
  • Demonstrated experience developing and managing technical baselines, requirements traceability, interface management, configuration management processes, and technical governance activities.
  • Demonstrated experience leading multidisciplinary engineering teams supporting software, infrastructure, cybersecurity, integration, and mission operations activities.
  • Experience leading systems integration efforts involving multiple mission partners, systems, interfaces, and security domains.
  • Demonstrated experience conducting technical investigations, root cause analysis, and problem resolution activities supporting complex engineering and operational environments.
  • Experience supporting maintenance, sustainment, development, integration, and test activities across complex software, infrastructure, and ground system environments.
  • Demonstrated experience designing, integrating, modernizing, or sustaining hybrid and cloud-based architectures supporting mission-critical systems.
  • Experience in applying systems engineering methodologies, including Model-Based Systems Engineering (MBSE), requirements management, architecture development, and technical baseline management
  • Experience supporting TS/SCI and SAP programs operating across multiple security domains.
  • Experience designing, integrating, or sustaining satellite ground systems, mission management systems, telemetry processing systems, or command and control systems.
  • Experience planning and executing migrations from on-premises or hybrid architectures to cloud-based environments.
  • INCOSE ASEP, CSEP, ESEP, or equivalent systems engineering certification.
  • Excellent verbal, written, communication, and leadership skills.
  • Mission-Driven Professional: Collaborative contributor motivated by the opportunity to develop cutting-edge solutions that protect and serve both the nation and the world.
WHAT THE TEAM PREFERS:
  • Experience supporting U.S. Space Force, Space Systems Command, Combat Forces Command, Space Development Agency, National Reconnaissance Office, Missile Defense Agency, or other space-focused DoD organizations.
  • Experience supporting cloud-native architectures, Kubernetes platforms, containerized applications, Infrastructure as Code (IaC), DevSecOps practices, and CI/CD pipelines.
  • Experience supporting AWS, Azure, GovCloud, or classified cloud environments.
  • Experience supporting Agile development, digital engineering, and model-based acquisition approaches.
  • Master’s degree in Engineering, Computer Science, Systems Engineering, or a related technical discipline.
PAY TRANSPARENCY: The salary offered will be based on the selected candidate’s qualifications - skills, education amp; experience - and the position level. $165,500 - $205,500
APPLICATION DEADLINE: September 30, 2026
THE AURIA TEAM:
Auria is a provider of solutions and software in support of complex Space, National Security, and Cyber missions of federal, international, and commercial customers. Headquartered in Colorado Springs, CO our success is built on the excellence of diverse teams advancing innovative systems and operational software to strengthen our customers’ missions. With a distinguished track record and a spirit of relentless pursuit, and R amp;D, we set the pace for progress and execute every mission with the utmost precision.

Why You’ll Love Working at Auria

We believe our team does their best work when they are well-supported, financially secure, and have the freedom to balance life outside of the office.

Time for What Matters

  • Generous amp; Growing PTO: Start with a substantial paid time off package that increases every year you’re with us.
  • True Flexibility: Contract permitting, use Flex Time to work in a way that fits your life, not just your 8-to-5.
  • 11 Paid Days Off: Enjoy 6 fixed company holidays plus 5 Floating Holidays to use whenever you choose.

Invested in Your Future

  • 401(k) Match—Yours to Keep Instantly: We match up to 4% of your contributions. Both your contributions and the company match are yours from day one with no vesting wait-period.
  • Industry-Leading Education Support: Level up with up to $12,000 annually for tuition and certifications. We don't just hire talent; we grow it.

Health amp; Peace of Mind

  • Premium Healthcare, Lower Costs: High-quality medical plans paired with a Company-Sponsored HSA to help you save for the future.
  • Fully Covered Life Insurance: Breathe easy with life insurance up to $50K provided at zero cost to you.
  • Holistic Support: Access our Employee Assistance Program (EAP) for mental health, financial coaching, and more.

...and that’s just the beginning!

Auria is committed to hiring and retaining a diverse workforce. We are proud to be an Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action-Employer, making decisions without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, genetic information, marital status, national origin, age, veteran status, disability, or any other protected class. 

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