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.
Senior Implementation Engineer
$110K - $130K *
Drive enterprise solution implementations by leading requirements analysis, designing scalable architectures, and delivering innovative solutions. Collaborate with teams to ensure quality and manage c...
Yesterday
Staff Software Engineer - Data Platform
$166K - $232K *
Lead the evolution of our data platform to enhance analytics and machine learning capabilities. Collaborate cross-functionally to architect robust data solutions that empower teams to leverage insight...
Reposted 2 weeks ago
Senior Engineer, Distributed Control Systems
$110K - $130K *
Shape the future of industrial control systems by leading the development and implementation of sophisticated electrical and control solutions. Collaborate with cross-functional teams to drive project...
3 weeks ago
Director of Product Management, Agentic Software Delivery
$203K - $345K *
Champion the vision for Agentic Software Delivery, spearheading strategic innovation across CI, CD, and observability to enhance software delivery automation and customer experience while driving reve...
Reposted 2 weeks ago
$150K - $180K *
Transform the future of machine learning by designing scalable architectures for production systems. Collaborate across teams to optimize data processing and model deployment, ensuring high performanc...
2 weeks ago
Senior Software Engineer, Interoperability
$169K - $220K *
Join a team that's dedicated to transforming healthcare through innovative software solutions. Collaborate with engineers and healthcare professionals to build systems that enhance patient care and st...
2 weeks ago
$160K - $200K *
Transform large-scale data center projects by leading innovative structural engineering efforts. Collaborate with cross-functional teams to ensure quality and sustainability in design, while managing...
3 weeks ago
Senior Software Engineer, C++ | NMS
$150K - $220K *
Deliver high-performance C++ solutions for network management, focusing on device discovery and monitoring across Windows and Linux. Collaborate with cross-functional teams to enhance system reliabili...
2 weeks ago
Senior Director, Client Operations
$192K - $266K *
Drive best-in-class travel support through strategic leadership and operational excellence. Oversee lodging, flights, and customer advocacy, fostering a culture of continuous improvement and exception...
Reposted 4 days ago
Lead Software Engineer, Applied AI (Frontend Leading)
$135K - $160K *
Engineer innovative GenAI applications with a focus on creating responsive, accessible frontend solutions. Collaborate with cross-functional teams to enhance user experiences through performant UI des...
1 month ago
Lead Software Engineer, Applied AI (Frontend Leading)
$135K - $160K *
Join us to design and implement innovative GenAI applications, focusing on creating intuitive, high-performance frontend interfaces. Collaborate cross-functionally to redefine AI user experiences whil...
1 month ago
Lead Software Engineer, Applied AI (Frontend Leading)
$135K - $160K *
Lead innovative applications by designing user-friendly web interfaces and integrating cutting-edge GenAI features. Collaborate with stakeholders to deliver secure, accessible, and performance-optimiz...
1 month ago
$110K - $130K *
Shape the future of innovative SaaS solutions by driving full stack development, integrating cutting-edge technologies, and delivering exceptional applications with a focus on scalability and performa...
Reposted 1 week ago
$135K - $160K *
Architect scalable systems and infrastructure to meet evolving regulations while collaborating across teams to create exceptional customer experiences in a dynamic environment...
Reposted 3 weeks ago
$108K - $130K *
Design and develop scalable backend applications in a collaborative, remote environment. Engage with cross-functional teams to enhance software quality and mentor peers while ensuring high performance...
3 days ago
Senior Engineer, Mission Planning
$120K - $145K *
Innovate in mission planning by developing autonomous operations for satellite constellations. Collaborate with cross-functional teams to define requirements, prototype code, and optimize algorithms...
2 weeks ago
$155K - $190K *
Transform the future of software development by building scalable, AI-augmented solutions. Collaborate with a dynamic team to enhance stability, engage in code reviews, and stay ahead of emerging tech...
1 week ago
Senior Software Engineer, Fullstack
$144K - $209K *
Drive product innovation by collaborating with design and engineering teams, mentoring peers, and enhancing front-end strategies to create inclusive experiences that engage and delight users...
Reposted 2 weeks ago
Staff Software Engineer (Customer Platform)
$135K - $160K *
Innovate your career by leading the development of backend systems and APIs that empower customer interactions. Collaborate across teams to drive technical solutions and mentor engineers, ensuring sea...
1 week ago
Staff Software Engineer (Customer Platform)
$205K - $231K *
Join a team that's redefining software supply chain security. As a Staff Software Engineer, you'll lead backend system design, API development, and cross-team collaboration, driving impactful solution...
1 week ago
Senior Software Engineer: Back-end
$125K - $165K *
Lead the charge in designing and scaling foundational APIs and backend services, optimizing cloud data stores, and ensuring high-availability for a robust platform. Elevate technical standards while s...
1 week ago
Senior Infrastructure Engineer
$166K - $230K *
Empower your career as a Senior Infrastructure Engineer focusing on enhancing Lakehouse infrastructure, security, and cost efficiency while collaborating with cross-functional teams to optimize data p...
3 weeks ago
$135K - $160K *
Lead the charge in developing a cutting-edge AI product, managing a high-performing team of engineers while ensuring quality, reliability, and speed in delivery. Collaborate closely with Product and D...
3 days ago
$140K - $160K *
Join a team that's redefining data engineering by leading the analytics data platform. Drive technical strategy, enhance data quality, and mentor peers while ensuring reliable access to trusted data f...
1 week ago
Senior Frontend Software Engineer
$120K - $145K *
Join a team that's shaping customer experiences through innovative frontend solutions. Take ownership of technical execution, collaborate across disciplines, and elevate engineering standards while en...
2 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.