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Senior Principal Software Engineer Jobs in Virginia

Curtiss-Wright

Principal Software Engineer

Ashburn, VA · On-site

$138K - $185K/yr

Principal Software Engineer - Onsite Ashburn, VA or Massachusetts We are looking for creative software developers who have a passion to invent, design and implement embedded software along with a ...

Curtisswright

Principal Software Engineer

Ashburn, VA

$138K - $185K/yr

Principal Software Engineer - Onsite Ashburn, VA or Massachusetts We are looking for creative software developers who have a passion to invent, design and implement embedded software along with a ...

Arcfield

$127K - $251K/yr

Responsibilities We are seeking a highly skilled Senior Full‑Stack Software Engineer to join our team to build and scale our next‑gen Intelligent Model‑Based Systems Engineering (iMBSE ...

Nwis

Senior Software Engineer, hyperscale

Sterling, VA · On-site

$122K - $253K/yr

Senior Principal Software Engineer, Hyperscale We are seeking a senior software engineer to design and implement innovative solutions for large-scale software environments requiring excellent ...

Leidos

Principal Software Engineer

Arlington, VA · On-site

$131K - $237K/yr

We are seeking an experienced Principal Software Engineer to join our team in developing the forefront of unmanned and autonomous ship development for the US Government. Based in Arlington, VA, you ...

Leidos

Principal Software Engineer

Arlington, VA · On-site

$131K - $237K/yr

We are seeking an experienced Principal Software Engineer to join our team in developing the forefront of unmanned and autonomous ship development for the US Government. Based in Arlington, VA, you ...

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Showing results 21-40

All JobsPrincipal Software Engineer JobsSenior Principal Software Engineer JobsSenior Principal Software Engineer Jobs in Virginia

Senior Principal Software Engineer information

See Virginia salary details

$81.3K

$154.1K

$212.7K

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

As of Aug 7, 2026, the average yearly pay for senior principal software engineer in Virginia is $154,097.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $124,400.00 and $171,500.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What does a senior principal software engineer do?

A senior principal software engineer leads complex software development projects, designs system architecture, and mentors engineering teams. They focus on technical strategy, ensure code quality, and often collaborate with product managers to align technical solutions with business goals. Strong expertise in programming, system design, and problem-solving is essential for this role.

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.

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 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 cities in Virginia are hiring for Senior Principal Software Engineer jobs? Cities in Virginia with the most Senior Principal Software Engineer job openings:
Infographic showing various Senior Principal Software Engineer job openings in Virginia as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 91% Full Time, 5% Part Time, 2% Temporary, and 2% Contract. Highlights an 87% Physical, 5% Hybrid, and 8% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $154,097 per year, or $74.1 per hour.

Principal Software Engineer

Curtiss-Wright

Ashburn, VA • On-site

$138K - $185K/yr

Full-time

Medical, Retirement, PTO

Posted 21 days ago

Curtiss-Wright rating

8.4

Company rating: 8.4 out of 10

Based on 35 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

98th of 487 rated machine equipment manufacturers

Job description

Principal Software Engineer - Onsite Ashburn, VA or Massachusetts
We are looking for creative software developers who have a passion to invent, design and implement embedded software along with a curiosity and desire to learn. Your job will be to create or modify Board Support Packages (BSPs), device drivers, power-on firmware (BIOS/U-Boot), built-in test and design verification test software for Digital Signal Processing computer boards (DSPs).This is your opportunity to be innovative, flexible, self-directed and to bring your software engineering skills to our dynamically growing organization.
Location: Ashburn, VA or Massachusetts
We Take Care of Our People
Paid Time Off I 401K with Employer Match and Profit Sharing I Health and Wellness Benefits I Learning and Development Opportunities I Referral Program I Competitive Pay I Recognition I Employee Stock Purchase Plan I Inclusive & Supportive Culture *
Your Challenge
  • Design, develop and test new embedded software.
  • Apply established development processes and assist in process improvement.
  • Analyze requirements and develop design alternatives.
  • Develop test software and procedures.
  • Generate complete and accurate user and design documentation.
  • Provide input to architecture, design and code reviews.
  • Provide input and evaluation of new technologies and products.
  • Keep current with embedded software trends and share knowledge.
  • Provide task breakdowns and accurate estimates for project planning.
  • Review and validation of software releases.
  • Co-ordinate software releases.

What You Bring
  • Bachelor's in Electrical Engineering or Computer Engineering (or equivalent) with minimum 5 years' experience
  • Strong C programming skills
  • Linux and/or VxWorks device driver development
  • Hardware design verification test development
  • Firmware and/or BIOS development
  • Proven communication/interpersonal skills.
  • Strong sense of responsibility, commitment to quality and achieving deadlines.
  • Knowledge of embedded software engineering processes and standards.
  • Experience reading/understanding IC datasheets, board schematics.
  • Active secret clearance or ability to obtain secret clearance desirable
  • Experience in the following is an asset:
  • Yocto Linux/Xilinx PetaLinux, Xilinx MPSoC
  • Device driver development (Interrupts, DMA)
  • Software configuration management tools (git/svn), software defect tracking tools (JIRA), software debugging tools, test methodologies
  • Diagnostic tools like Digital Analyzers, Oscilloscopes, DVMs, etc.
  • PCIe, PCI, FPGAs, I2C, Flash, Ethernet
  • Project management

Our Values
Environmental, Social and Governance
Curtiss-Wright's Defense Solution division is a trusted, proven leader, delivering superior products and services that meet the defense and aerospace industries' toughest challenges with best-in-class value. Our solutions address air, ground, and naval defense applications, and are focused on growth segments with a high demand for advanced technology, enhanced safety, security, and performance. As a leading Modular Open Systems Approach (MOSA) solutions supplier for battlefield platforms and communication systems, we are uniquely positioned to benefit from the DoD's commitment to maintaining technological superiority on the battlefield.
To learn more visit: Home | Curtiss-Wright Defense Solutions (curtisswrightds.com)
#LI-RF1
No unsolicited agency submittals please. Agency partners must be invited to participate in a search by our Talent Acquisition Team and have signed terms in place prior to any submittal. Resumes submitted directly to any Curtiss-Wright employee or affiliate will not qualify for fee payment, and therefore become the property of Curtiss-Wright.
Compliance Statement
This position may require exposure to export-controlled information and subject to additional security screening. In the event information provided during the security screening reveals ineligibility to access export-controlled information, any offer of employment may be reconsidered or withdrawn.
Curtiss-Wright is an equal opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, ethnicity, color, sexual orientation, gender identity, physical or mental disability, age, ancestry, legally protected medical condition, family care status, marital status, religion, veteran status, national origin, or any other legally protected status. If you require accommodation during the recruitment process, please contact Talent Acquisition.
For US Applicants: EEO is The Law - click here for more information.
If you require accommodation due to a disability at any time during the recruitment and/or assessment process, please contact Talent Acquisition and we will make all reasonable efforts to accommodate your request.

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About Curtiss-Wright

Sourced by ZipRecruiter

Curtiss-Wright Actuation Division designs, manufactures and supports electro-mechanical actuation products and systems for use in demanding applications in Aerospace, Defense and Industrial Automation markets. Our market leading solutions help improve the reliability, efficiency and performance of our customers' operations and platforms, as well as reducing their environmental impact with energy efficient electro-mechanical designs and technology. For the Aerospace market, we supply actuation systems for flight control, landing gear, utility and other applications on both commercial and military aircraft. In Ground & Naval Defense markets, we support a wide array of applications ranging from door assist, ramp and hatch actuation, weapons handling systems, radar and launch platform actuation, and robotic (AUV/ROV) actuation. In Industrial Automation, our Exlar® actuators are globally recognized as a leading brand offering high power density, precision and reliability for machine/process applications in automotive, food & beverage, oil & gas, robotics, entertainment and many other industries.

Industry

Computer and electronic product manufacturing

Company size

5,001 - 10,000 Employees

Headquarters location

Davidson, NC, US

Year founded

1929

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