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Senior Principal Software Engineer Jobs in Ohio (NOW HIRING)

Software Engineer Principal

Strongsville, OH · On-site

$124K - $167K/yr

As a Principal Software Engineer within PNC's Contact center technology organization, you will be based in Pittsburgh, PA, Strongsville, OH, Dallas, TX, Birmingham, Al or Lakewood, CO. The Contact ...

Principal Software Engineer

Columbus, OH · Hybrid

$130K - $174K/yr

As a principal software engineer at Liberty Mutual, you'll consult on highly complex projects and solve technical problems, while working in an agile environment that has the creative energy of a ...

Principal Software Engineer

Columbus, OH · Hybrid

$130K - $174K/yr

As a principal software engineer at Liberty Mutual, you'll consult on highly complex projects and solve technical problems, while working in an agile environment that has the creative energy of a ...

Principal Software Engineer

Cincinnati, OH

$129K - $173K/yr

Excellent verbal and written communication skills Position not available for immigration sponsorship. #LI-RW1 Principal Software Engineer At Fifth Third, we understand the importance of recognizing ...

Principal Software Engineer

Cincinnati, OH · On-site

$129K - $173K/yr

Excellent verbal and written communication skills Position not available for immigration sponsorship. #LI-RW1 Principal Software Engineer At Fifth Third, we understand the importance of recognizing ...

Principal Software Engineer

Cleveland, OH · On-site +1

$130K - $175K/yr

About the Job As a Principal Software Engineer at Avandra Imaging, you'll serve as a hands-on technical leader, collaborating across Engineering, Product, and other areas of the business to shape and ...

Software Sr. Principal Engineer L3

Raymond, OH · On-site

$121K - $167K/yr

They are seeking a Software Sr. Principal Engineer L3 to lead strategic activities in defining product competitiveness and overseeing the design, development, and testing of user experience focused ...

Develop software meeting code quality standards and metrics * Practice test-driven development * Guide communities of practice by mentoring developers, creating and enforcing standards, reviewing ...

Senior Principal Engineer

Columbus, OH · On-site

$120K - $166K/yr

Senior Principal Engineer / Project Manager Hazen and Sawyer is seeking a qualified and experienced ... Proficient in standard software platforms (e.g., Microsoft Office Suite, Bluebeam, etc.) * Strong ...

$103K - $155K/yr

Northrop Grumman is seeking a Software Engineer/Principal Software Engineer with strong Java experience to design, develop, and maintain mission-critical software systems supporting the National Air ...

Showing results 21-40

Senior Principal Software Engineer information

See Ohio salary details

$78K

$147.8K

$203.9K

How much do senior principal software engineer jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 24, 2026, the average yearly pay for senior principal software engineer in Ohio is $147,767.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $119,300.00 and $164,500.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is a senior principal software engineer?

A Senior Principal Software Engineer is a highly experienced and skilled professional who leads the design, architecture, and development of complex software systems. They often act as technical experts, providing guidance on best practices, code quality, and system scalability. In addition to coding, they mentor other engineers, influence technology strategy, and collaborate with cross-functional teams to deliver business-critical solutions. Their role typically requires extensive industry experience and a deep understanding of both software engineering and business requirements.

How does a senior principal software engineer typically contribute to strategic decision-making within a technology organization?

Senior Principal Software Engineers play a key role in shaping technical direction and architecture at an organizational level. They often collaborate closely with engineering leadership, product managers, and cross-functional teams to evaluate technology choices and align projects with long-term business goals. This role involves mentoring other engineers, driving adoption of best practices, and proactively identifying technical risks and opportunities. By influencing architectural decisions and setting technical standards, Senior Principal Software Engineers help ensure the scalability, reliability, and maintainability of critical systems.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a senior principal software engineer, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Senior Principal Software Engineer, you need deep expertise in software development, architecture design, and advanced problem-solving, typically supported by a bachelor's or master's degree in computer science or a related field. Mastery of programming languages (such as Java, C++, or Python), cloud platforms (like AWS or Azure), and experience with CI/CD tools or architectural frameworks is essential, with certifications like AWS Certified Solutions Architect being advantageous. Exceptional leadership, communication, and mentorship skills set outstanding candidates apart by enabling them to guide teams and influence technical direction. These competencies ensure the delivery of robust, scalable solutions and drive organizational innovation and efficiency.

What is the difference between Senior Principal Software Engineer vs Lead Software Engineer?

AspectSenior Principal Software EngineerLead Software Engineer
CredentialsBachelor's/Master's in CS or related field, extensive experienceBachelor's/Master's in CS or related field, significant experience
Work EnvironmentStrategic, architecture, and high-level technical leadershipProject management, team coordination, technical guidance
Industry UsageResearch, enterprise, large-scale tech companiesProduct teams, startups, mid-sized companies

The Senior Principal Software Engineer typically focuses on strategic technical direction and architecture, often working across teams and influencing company-wide technology decisions. In contrast, the Lead Software Engineer manages project execution and team coordination. Both roles require advanced technical skills, but their focus areas differ, with the Senior Principal emphasizing long-term vision and the Lead emphasizing project delivery.

How much does a senior principal software engineer get paid?

A senior principal software engineer typically earns between $130,000 and $200,000 annually, depending on experience, location, and company size. They often have advanced skills in system architecture, leadership, and may receive bonuses or stock options as part of compensation.

What cities in Ohio are hiring for Senior Principal Software Engineer jobs?

Cities in Ohio with the most Senior Principal Software Engineer job openings:

Infographic showing various Senior Principal Software Engineer job openings in Ohio as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 90% Full Time, 6% Part Time, and 3% Contract. Highlights an 87% Physical, 4% Hybrid, and 9% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $147,767 per year, or $71 per hour.

Sr Principal Cyber Software Engineer Lead

Northrop Grumman Corporation

Cincinnati, OH • On-site

$142K - $213K/yr

Full-time

Medical, Life, PTO

Posted 25 days ago


Northrop Grumman rating

8.2

Company rating: 8.2 out of 10

Based on 364 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

85th of 544 rated manufacturers


Job description

RELOCATION ASSISTANCE: No relocation assistance available
CLEARANCE REQUIRED FOR START: Yes
CLEARANCE TYPE: Top Secret
TRAVEL: Yes, 10% of the TimeDescription
At Northrop Grumman, our employees have incredible opportunities to work on revolutionary systems that impact people's lives around the world today, and for generations to come. Our pioneering and inventive spirit has enabled us to be at the forefront of many technological advancements in our nation's history - from the first flight across the Atlantic Ocean, to stealth bombers, to landing on the moon. We look for people who have bold new ideas, courage and a pioneering spirit to join forces to invent the future, and have fun along the way. Our culture thrives on intellectual curiosity, cognitive diversity and bringing your whole self to work - and we have an insatiable drive to do what others think is impossible. Our employees are not only part of history, they're making history.
We are seeking cleared or clearable mid-level Software Engineers who are self-motivated and energetic with a background in Computer Engineering, Computer Science, or a related technical discipline.
Responsibilities:
This position involves building and maintaining close relationships with Program Portfolio Program Managers, Engineering Program Managers, technical leads, customers, and subcontractors. The individual selected must be able to help formulate, manage, and execute long-term Program Portfolio strategy. They will ensure a consistent technical approach across task orders and take responsibility for process improvement initiatives. They must take ownership of competitive proposals as the lead of the technical activities, which include driving discussion on bid decisions and reviewing technical solutions, schedules, BOEs, and coordination with subcontractors, as appropriate. In addition to their duties as the Program Portfolio System Engineer, this individual will also serve as a deputy technical lead on an existing task order.
Basic Qualifications for Senior Principal Software Engineer Level:
  • B.S. degree in Computer Science, Computer Engineering or related field and 7 years of programming experience OR M.S. degree in Computer Science, Computer Engineering or related field and 5 years of programming experience OR Ph.D and 2 years of relevant work experience.
  • Active Top Secret security clearance and ability to acquire the IDIQ SCI clearance
  • Proficient in engineering best practices
  • Proficient C programming skills
  • Extensive knowledge of networking device, topology, and communication concepts
  • Strong breadth and depth of knowledge of Offensive Cyber techniques and technologies
  • Experience as Technical Lead leading teams of 2-8 engineers

Preferred Qualifications:
  • Strong written and verbal communication skills
  • Strong organizational skills
  • Experience spearheading process improvement initiatives
  • Experience participating in competitive proposal efforts
  • Reverse Engineering
  • Advanced degree in Computer Science, Computer Engineering, or related field
  • Familiarity with Assembly Languages (x86, x64, MIPS, PPC, or ARM)
  • Understanding of return-oriented programming (ROP) concepts and execution
  • Development of lower level networking protocols such as TCP/IP and UDP
  • OS Internals experience

Primary Level Salary Range: $142,200.00 - $213,200.00
The above salary range represents a general guideline; however, Northrop Grumman considers a number of factors when determining base salary offers such as the scope and responsibilities of the position and the candidate's experience, education, skills and current market conditions.
Depending on the position, employees may be eligible for overtime, shift differential, and a discretionary bonus in addition to base pay. Annual bonuses are designed to reward individual contributions as well as allow employees to share in company results. Employees in Vice President or Director positions may be eligible for Long Term Incentives. In addition, Northrop Grumman provides a variety of benefits including health insurance coverage, life and disability insurance, savings plan, Company paid holidays and paid time off (PTO) for vacation and/or personal business.
The application period for the job is estimated to be 20 days from the job posting date. However, this timeline may be shortened or extended depending on business needs and the availability of qualified candidates.
Northrop Grumman is an Equal Opportunity Employer, making decisions without regard to race, color, religion, creed, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, marital status, national origin, age, veteran status, disability, or any other protected class. For our complete EEO and pay transparency statement, please visit http://www.northropgrumman.com/EEO. U.S. Citizenship is required for all positions with a government clearance and certain other restricted positions.

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About Northrop Grumman

Sourced by ZipRecruiter

At Northrop Grumman, our employees have incredible opportunities to work on revolutionary systems that impact people's lives around the world today, and for generations to come. Our pioneering and inventive spirit has enabled us to be at the forefront of many technological advancements in our nation's history - from the first flight across the Atlantic Ocean, to stealth bombers, to landing on the moon. We look for people who have bold new ideas, courage and a pioneering spirit to join forces to invent the future, and have fun along the way. Our culture thrives on intellectual curiosity, cognitive diversity and bringing your whole self to work - and we have an insatiable drive to do what others think is impossible.

Industry

Space research administration

Company size

10,000+ Employees

Headquarters location

Falls Church, VA, US

Year founded

1939