Explore Principal Software Engineer jobs for experienced technologists ready to shape architecture, guide engineering teams, and solve complex technical challenges. Ladders features vetted professional opportunities with salaries of $100,000 or more, helping you find senior roles that match your expertise and career goals.
Principal Software Engineers provide technical leadership across products, platforms, or engineering organizations. They design scalable systems, establish engineering standards, evaluate architectural tradeoffs, and partner with product, security, and operations teams. Depending on the organization, the role may involve mentoring engineers and influencing roadmaps without direct people-management responsibilities.
Employers commonly seek deep software development experience, strong system design and architecture skills, and expertise in one or more programming languages or technology domains. Successful candidates communicate clearly, make sound decisions amid ambiguity, and build alignment across teams. Experience with cloud infrastructure, distributed systems, reliability, security, or data platforms may be valuable depending on the role.
Principal-level positions are available across industries, including technology, finance, healthcare, retail, and business services. Compensation varies by employer, location, scope, and specialization. Browse Ladders for vetted opportunities paying $100,000 or more, and review each listing for its stated salary range, responsibilities, and requirements.
Use Ladders to discover senior engineering opportunities aligned with your experience. Compare roles by industry, location, and technical focus, then tailor your application to highlight measurable impact, architectural leadership, and the systems you have helped deliver.
$169K - $304K *
Drive innovative IAM architecture solutions, collaborating globally to enhance cloud asset control and ensure operational excellence through strategic design and cross-functional teamwork...
Today
Senior Software Engineer, Data Services
$130K - $160K *
Lead the development of robust blockchain data systems, enhancing performance and reliability. Collaborate with teams to deliver impactful solutions that improve data quality and user experience while...
1 week ago
Full Stack Software Engineer - Enterprise
$140K - $260K *
Join our Enterprise team as a Full Stack Developer to create and enhance features empowering independent media founders. Collaborate across disciplines to innovate mobile experiences and drive user su...
Reposted 3 weeks ago
Distinguished Software Engineer
$232K - $341K *
Unlock potential by leading the technical strategy for enterprise architecture, focusing on AI integration and cloud migration. Collaborate with engineers to solve complex challenges and drive innovat...
1 week ago
Senior Principal Engineer, Solutions Architecture - Networking
$170K - $243K *
Unlock potential by leading AI infrastructure planning and network architecture. Collaborate with clients to design scalable solutions for high-performance computing and AI workloads, ensuring optimal...
Reposted 3 days ago
Software Engineer, Product Facing
$120K - $145K *
Unlock potential by architecting innovative financial solutions. As a software engineer, collaborate with diverse teams to build reliable applications that transform customer experiences and streamlin...
3 weeks ago
Principal Product Manager, Java Intelligence
$175K - $250K *
Unlock your potential by leading product strategy for innovative Java solutions. Shape the future of enterprise SaaS with a focus on performance, optimization, and customer success. Collaborate with e...
Today
Principal Cloud Infrastructure Engineer (GCP)
$144K - $288K *
Lead the design, implementation, and maintenance of cloud infrastructure, ensuring security and scalability while collaborating with cross-functional teams to support healthcare applications and syste...
Reposted 2 weeks ago
$125K - $150K *
Manage a talented engineering team, driving software development and community collaboration while maintaining high-quality standards and executing on ambitious goals effectively. Engage directly with...
Reposted 3 weeks ago
Sr Site Reliability Engineer, Platform
$148K - $261K *
Transform the infrastructure landscape by architecting and scaling a Kubernetes-based platform that enables rapid deployment of innovative robotics solutions while mentoring engineers across teams to...
Reposted 3 weeks ago
$115K - $194K *
Engage with the developer community as you advocate for our platform, creating compelling content, conducting demos, and gathering feedback to enhance product features, all while building relationship...
4 weeks ago
Senior Technical Program Manager
$200K - $220K *
Empower the future of financial operations by mastering money movement, ensuring seamless transactions and transparency. Collaborate with cross-functional teams to drive product success and enhance cl...
1 week ago
Senior Software Engineer, Containers
$157K - $184K *
Engineer and elevate our core product by developing innovative features, tools, and infrastructure while collaborating closely with a dedicated team to maintain high-quality standards and drive techni...
Reposted 1 week ago
Principal Forward Deployed Engineer - AI & Developer Platform
$115K - $185K *
Lead the charge in transforming developer workflows and API architecture for enterprise AI applications. Collaborate with engineering teams to eliminate friction and enhance the developer experience a...
Yesterday
Principal TA Systems Architect
$128K - $205K *
Elevate your career by owning the TA tech stack, driving integrations, and enhancing system efficiency. Collaborate with cross-functional teams to optimize processes and lead vendor relationships, all...
2 weeks ago
Senior Manager, Software Development Engineering
$196K - $330K *
Join a dynamic team to define technical strategy, drive software design, and build high-performing engineering cultures that deliver scalable solutions while ensuring operational excellence and contin...
1 month ago
$110K - $130K *
Elevate your career by leading a technical team to enhance collaboration tools in a dynamic, cloud-based environment. Engage with federal clients, drive Agile practices, and ensure toolset efficiency...
3 weeks ago
$88K - $154K *
Lead the charge in high-quality process design for complex industrial projects, collaborating across disciplines to ensure effective delivery from concept to detail, while driving execution in a dynam...
3 weeks ago
Senior Software Engineer, Web Platform
$190K - $267K *
Join a team that's redefining web performance and developer experience. You'll tackle complex platform challenges, optimize Shreddit’s architecture, and enhance tooling for a high-traffic site, empowe...
2 days ago
Principal Engineer Team Lead, Simulation Infrastructure
$200K - $275K *
Lead and optimize cloud infrastructure for simulation frameworks, driving team performance and technical strategy. Collaborate cross-functionally to enhance validation processes and ensure robust soft...
Reposted yesterday
$150K - $180K *
Join a team that's redefining automation in PCB component placement. Lead the charge in developing and maintaining cutting-edge AI solutions, leveraging machine learning and optimization technologies...
Reposted 3 weeks ago
$89K - $100K *
Deliver innovative solutions by supporting the implementation and configuration of digital banking products. Collaborate with clients and teams to troubleshoot issues, ensure quality, and achieve succ...
4 weeks ago
$145K - $170K *
Join a team that's shaping healthcare innovation through AI-driven voice solutions. Lead a distributed engineering team to deliver high-quality software and collaborate with cross-functional stakehold...
Reposted 1 week ago
$100K - $120K *
Transform the recruitment landscape by owning full-cycle hiring for GTM and R&D teams. Engage with stakeholders, shape strategies, and drive hiring velocity while ensuring a positive candidate experie...
3 days ago
Senior Software Engineer - Investments
$200K - $250K *
Champion innovative and scalable Trading & Custody systems by leading cross-functional projects and collaborating closely with product and compliance teams, while inspiring the engineering team with a...
Reposted 3 weeks ago
What does a Principal Software Engineer do?
A Principal Software Engineer leads technical direction across significant systems or teams, making architecture decisions, solving complex engineering problems, and helping establish standards. The role is often an individual-contributor position, though responsibilities differ by company.
What qualifications are needed for Principal Software Engineer jobs?
Employers typically look for extensive software engineering experience, advanced system design skills, proficiency in relevant technologies, and a record of delivering reliable, scalable systems. Communication, mentoring, and cross-functional influence are also commonly important.
How much do Principal Software Engineers earn?
Pay varies based on location, industry, employer, specialization, and role scope. Ladders focuses on vetted professional jobs paying $100,000 or more; check individual listings for compensation details.
Are Principal Software Engineer roles management positions?
Not necessarily. Many Principal Software Engineers are senior individual contributors who influence technical strategy and mentor colleagues without managing direct reports. Some companies combine technical leadership with management duties.
Where can I find Principal Software Engineer jobs paying $100,000 or more?
Browse Principal Software Engineer listings on Ladders to explore vetted opportunities with salaries of $100,000 or more and compare roles by their requirements, responsibilities, and location.