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Senior Principal Software Engineer Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Full TimeprincipalHybridVisa SponsorBoston, Massachusetts, USPosted 2 days ago## Role OverviewCyberArk Software, Inc. is hiring a Senior principal software Engineer. This is a full-time hybrid role ...

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Master's degree in Engineering with 3 years of experience; or 1 Year with a PhD. SR. Principal Software Engineer 3: * A Bachelors degree in STEM with a minimum of 8 years of professional experience;

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Senior Principal Software Engineer information

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$82K

$155.4K

$214.5K

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

As of Jul 16, 2026, the average yearly pay for senior principal software engineer in the United States is $155,430.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $125,500.00 and $173,000.00 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.

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.

What engineers make $200,000 a year?

Senior Principal Software Engineers often earn $200,000 or more annually, especially with extensive experience, advanced skills in areas like cloud computing or AI, and working at large tech companies or in high-demand industries. Compensation can include base salary, bonuses, and stock options, reflecting their seniority and expertise.

Can you make $500,000 as a software engineer?

Senior Principal Software Engineers at large tech companies or in specialized fields such as AI or cloud computing can earn $500,000 or more annually, often including bonuses and stock options. Achieving this level typically requires extensive experience, advanced skills, and working in high-paying industries or organizations with competitive compensation packages.

What engineers make $300,000 a year?

Senior Principal Software Engineers, especially those with extensive experience, specialized skills, and leadership responsibilities, can earn $300,000 or more annually. Compensation often includes base salary, bonuses, and stock options, particularly in high-demand industries like technology and finance. Achieving this level typically requires advanced technical expertise, certifications, and a track record of impactful project delivery.

What engineer makes $500,000 a year?

Senior Principal Software Engineers at large technology companies or in specialized fields such as finance or cloud computing can earn $500,000 or more annually, often including bonuses, stock options, and other incentives. Achieving this level typically requires extensive experience, advanced technical skills, leadership responsibilities, and a strong track record of delivering high-impact projects.

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 are hiring for Senior Principal Software Engineer jobs? Cities with the most Senior Principal Software Engineer job openings:
Who are the top companies hiring for Senior Principal Software Engineer jobs? The top employers for Senior Principal Software Engineer jobs are:
What states have the most Senior Principal Software Engineer jobs? States with the most job openings for Senior Principal Software Engineer jobs include:
Principal / Senior Principal Embedded Software Engineer

Principal / Senior Principal Embedded Software Engineer

Northrop Grumman Corporation

Los Angeles, CA • On-site

$135K - $186K/yr

Full-time

Medical, Life, PTO

Re-posted 6 days ago


Northrop Grumman rating

8.1

Company rating: 8.1 out of 10

Based on 352 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

107th of 528 rated manufacturers


Job description

RELOCATION ASSISTANCE: Relocation assistance may be availableCLEARANCE REQUIRED FOR START: NoCLEARANCE TYPE: SecretTRAVEL: Yes, 10% of the TimeDescriptionAt 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.

Northrop Grumman Mission Systems is a trusted provider of mission-enabling solutions for global security. Our Engineering and Sciences (E&S) organization pushes the boundaries of innovation, redefines engineering capabilities, and drives advances in various sciences. Our team is chartered with providing the skills, innovative technologies to develop, design, produce and sustain optimized product lines across the sector while providing a decisive advantage to the warfighter. Come be a part of our mission!

We are looking for you to join our team as a Principal or Senior Principal Embedded Software Engineer based out of Woodland Hills, CA. As an Embedded Software Engineer at Northrop Grumman you will have a challenging and rewarding opportunity to be a part of our Enterprise-wide digital transformation. Through the use of Model-based Engineering, DevSecOps and Agile practices we continue to evolve how we deliver critical national defense products and capabilities for the warfighter. Our success is grounded in our ability to embrace change, move quickly and continuously drive innovation. The successful candidate will be collaborative, open, transparent, and team-oriented with a focus on team empowerment & shared responsibility, flexibility, continuous learning, and a culture of automation.

What You'll get to Do:

In this position you will be developing embedded softwarefor our cutting edge Navigation systems. As a member of our world class software development team, you will have opportunities to improve and expand your capabilities in software design and code development. You will also have opportunities to perform software and system integration on state of the art hardware, implement software development techniques such as Model Based Engineering (MBE), and work in an agile and collaborative development environment.

As a successful candidate, you will collaborate with peers across our organization and will have clearly demonstrated the strong leadership skills needed to join our top performing team. You will have a track record as an effective communicator and problem solver who is able to develop and maintain good working relationships with our internal and external customers. You will also have demonstrated a commitment to ethics and integrity, and the capability to innovate while challenging our traditional ways of doing business. You will make us even better!

This requisition may be filled as a Principal Software Engineer or Senior Principal Software Engineer

Basic Qualifications for Principal Software Engineer:

  • Bachelors degree in STEM with 5 years of hands on Software Development experience; Masters in STEM with 3 years of hands on Software Development experience; PhD in STEM with 1 year of hands on Software Development experience

  • Demonstrated capability to translate formal software requirements into software designs

  • Demonstrated use of high-level programming languages such as C, C++, or Java, or scripting languages such as Python

  • Experience using software management and workflow automation tools such as ClearCase, Git, ClearQuest, or Jira

  • Demonstrated capability to develop UML software designs using design tools such as Rhapsody and/or Model Based Engineering designs using tools such as Simulink or SCADE

  • Demonstrated ability to work in a collaborative development environment

  • Experience in the development and performance of software tests

  • U.S. Citizenship is required

  • Ability to obtain and maintain a U.S. Government Secret clearance is required

  • Ability to work on site at our Woodland Hills, CA facility

Basic Qualifications for Senior Principal Software Engineer:

  • Bachelors degree in STEM with 8 years of hands on Software Development experience; Masters in STEM with 6 years of hands on Software Development experience; PhD in STEM with 4 year of hands on Software Development experience

  • Demonstrated capability to translate formal software requirements into software designs

  • Demonstrated use of high-level programming languages such as C, C++, or Java, or scripting languages such as Python

  • Experience using software management and workflow automation tools such as ClearCase, Git, ClearQuest, or Jira

  • Demonstrated capability to develop UML software designs using design tools such as Rhapsody and/or Model Based Engineering designs using tools such as Simulink or SCADE

  • Demonstrated ability to work in a collaborative development environment

  • Experience in the development and performance of software tests

  • U.S. Citizenship is required

  • Ability to obtain and maintain a U.S. Government Secret clearance is required

  • Ability to work on site at our Woodland Hills, CA facility

Preferred Qualifications:

  • Current/Active U.S. Government Secret clearance

  • Experience using DOORS for software requirements management

  • MATLAB/Simulink model-based software development

  • Demonstrated capability to define software requirements for an INS/GPS system

  • Familiarity with/Experience in INS/GPS Kalman filter design and requirements definition

  • Experience developing, verifying, certifying and releasing mission and safety-critical software systems that comply with RTCA DO-178B/ C or similar guidelines.

  • Demonstrated use of MATLAB for simulation and INS/GPS system performance evaluation

  • Experience in the development and performance of system tests

  • Hands-on experience with one or more communication protocols such as MIL-STD-1553, ARINC-429 or RS-422

  • Real-time safety-critical embedded software systems development experience (including APIs, interfaces and device drivers)

  • Navigation and/or Integrated Avionics System development experience

  • Experience with the full software lifecycle: specification, design, implementation and unit test, integration, and maintenance

  • Experience developing, verifying, certifying and releasing mission and safety-critical software systems that comply with RTCA DO-178B/ C or similar guidelines

  • Experience with software test tools such as LDRA and Vector Cast and code analysis tools such as Polyspace

Primary Level Salary Range: $114,000.00 - $171,000.00Secondary Level Salary Range: $142,200.00 - $213,400.00The 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