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Senior Principal Software Engineer Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Senior Principal Software Engineer

Seattle, WA · On-site

$142K - $196K/yr

The Senior Principal Software Engineer will provide deep engineering expertise to enhance and deliver market-leading technology products, while leading strategic development and managing senior ...

Zuora, Inc. seeks Senior Principal Software Engineer to: * Define scalable, maintainable, and high-performance solutions. * Serve as primary architect for various projects executing the design ...

We are seeking a Senior Principal Software Engineer who is excited about creating innovative solutions to make life effortless for our customers! The kind of people we are looking for want to create ...

Sr./Principal Software Engineer

San Francisco, CA · On-site

$147K - $203K/yr

Position Summary We are seeking a Senior/Principal Software Engineer to join the Engineering team and play a critical role in designing and delivering core capabilities for SingleStore's. This is a ...

Senior Principal Software Engineer

$128K - $177K/yr

They are seeking a Senior Principal Software Engineer to lead a team in developing next-generation healthcare software, focusing on building and optimizing consumer-facing applications.

Senior Principal Software Engineer

$128K - $177K/yr

They are seeking a Senior Principal Software Engineer to lead a team in developing next-generation healthcare software, contributing to product development, and mentoring team members.

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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 Jun 6, 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.

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:
Sentinel Principal / Sr Principal Software Engineer - Core - 16837

Sentinel Principal / Sr Principal Software Engineer - Core - 16837

Northrop Grumman Corporation

Colorado Springs, CO • On-site

$129K - $203K/yr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Posted 9 days ago


Northrop Grumman rating

8.1

Company rating: 8.1 out of 10

Based on 337 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

104th of 515 rated manufacturers


Job description

RELOCATION ASSISTANCE: Relocation assistance may be availableCLEARANCE REQUIRED FOR START: YesCLEARANCE 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.

At Northrop Grumman, our employees have incredible opportunities to work on revolutionary systems in air and space that impact people's lives around the world today, and for generations to come. Our work preserves freedom, democracy, and advances human discovery and our understanding of the universe. We look for people who have bold new ideas, courage and a pioneering spirit to join forces to invent the future and have a lot of 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 has an opening for a Principal / Sr. Principal Software Engineer to join our team of qualified, diverse individuals. This position can be located in Colorado Springs, CO or Huntsville, AL.

Position Benefits:

As a full-time employee of Northrop Grumman, you are eligible for our robust benefits package including:

  • Medical, Dental & Vision coverage

  • 401k

  • Educational Assistance

  • Life Insurance

  • Employee Assistance Programs & Work/Life Solutions

  • Paid Time Off

  • Health & Wellness Resources

  • Employee Discounts

This position's standard work schedule is a 9/80. The 9/80 schedule allows employees who work a nine-hour day Monday through Thursday to take every other Friday off.This role may offer a competitive relocation assistance package.

Basic Qualifications:

This role can be filled at Principal Software Engineer(T3) or Sr. Principal Software Engineer(T4)

Principal Software Engineer: 05 Years with Bachelor's in related field of study, 03 Years with Masters, 01 Years with PhD or 04 additional years in lieu of a degree.

  • US Citizenship with Active DoD Secret clearance with a reinvestigation date occurring in the last 6 years.

  • Ability to obtain Special Program Access (SAP).

  • Ability to plan, execute, and manage the technical scope, and support leadership planning.

  • Experience with Agile and working in a cross-function Scrum team.

  • Working knowledge of Object-Oriented Analysis and Design principles

  • Experience developing complex software solutions using C++

  • Experience programming in scripting languages (Python, Bash).

  • Familiarity with Model-Based Systems Engineering languages (SysML/UML) and concepts

  • Experience Interpreting complex algorithms and requirements for implementation

Sr. Principal Software Engineer: 08 Years with Bachelor's in related field of study, 06 Years with Masters, 04 Years with PhD or 04 additional years in lieu of a degree.

  • US Citizenship with Active DoD Secret clearance with a reinvestigation date occurring in the last 6 years.

  • Ability to obtain Special Program Access (SAP).

  • Ability to plan, execute, and manage the technical scope, and support leadership planning.

  • Experience with Agile and working in a cross-function Scrum team.

  • Working knowledge of Object-Oriented Analysis and Design principles

  • Experience developing complex software solutions using C++

  • Experience programming in scripting languages (Python, Bash).

  • Familiarity with Model-Based Systems Engineering languages (SysML/UML) and concepts

  • Experience Interpreting complex algorithms and requirements for implementation

Preferred Qualifications:

  • Bachelor's degree or higher in Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics (STEM)

  • Experience with the Atlassian Tool Suite including Jira and Confluence

  • Proficient with DOORS, Cameo with the ability to write and decompose system requirements

  • Ability to evaluate risks and tradeoffs and present solution options to management

#SentinelSoftware

Primary Level Salary Range: $103,600.00 - $163,600.00Secondary Level Salary Range: $129,300.00 - $203,600.00The 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