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.
Vice President, Engineering, EPM
$212K - $265K *
Drive transformative software engineering across EPM products, lead modernization, build innovative SaaS capabilities, and enhance operational excellence in a high-impact role overseeing global teams...
3 weeks ago
Senior Principal Statistical Programmer
$135K - $160K *
Lead the charge in statistical programming for clinical trials, ensuring compliance with CDISC and regulatory standards while collaborating cross-functionally to bridge clinical data and AI infrastruc...
3 weeks ago
Program Chief Engineer, Cyclops (Remote considered)
$190K - $275K *
Elevate technical excellence as the Chief Engineer, guiding multidisciplinary teams to ensure mission success through robust architecture, requirements management, and strategic decision-making in com...
2 weeks ago
Senior Design Engineer, Broadcast, XTG
$100K - $125K *
Lead innovative design solutions as a Senior Design Engineer, transforming client needs into actionable broadcast system designs. Collaborate with global teams, mentor junior engineers, and ensure pro...
Today
Staff Software Engineer, Watch SW Remote Compose
$207K - $300K *
Elevate the technical landscape by defining the roadmap for the RemoteCompose rendering stack, collaborating across teams to enhance Android platform integration and performance while mentoring engine...
1 week ago
$80K - $95K *
Partner with us to deliver tailored solutions and in-depth demos, supporting a dynamic sales pipeline. Leverage your technical expertise to drive customer success and collaborate with teams to enhance...
Today
$142K - $196K *
Unlock potential by leading innovative software solutions that enhance healthcare efficiency and resilience. Collaborate with diverse teams to design and deliver optimal cloud-native applications whil...
4 weeks ago
Principal Clinical Database Systems Programmer
$172K - $188K *
Lead the charge in clinical data programming by designing, building, and maintaining data collection systems. Collaborate with teams to ensure data integrity and support clinical development through a...
2 days ago
Staff Systems Software Engineer
$162K - $219K *
Champion the development of system integrity and speed across engineering teams, ensuring gameplay features are tested thoroughly and efficiently. Build the testing infrastructure that enhances qualit...
Reposted 3 weeks ago
$110K - $130K *
Transform numerical capabilities by developing innovative algorithms and solutions, engaging in model building, and collaborating with software teams to enhance product performance and deliver impactf...
3 weeks ago
$99K - $149K *
Shape the future of digital recruitment by leading the implementation of innovative solutions. Collaborate with clients to optimize career sites, ensuring seamless integration and enhanced user experi...
Today
Vice President of Product and Technology PMO
$247K - $321K *
Accelerate progress at a high-growth SaaS organization by leading the Product & Technology PMO, driving execution excellence across R&D initiatives and fostering strategic alignment to scale operation...
Reposted 2 weeks ago
Product Success Technical Director
$199K - $348K *
Transform complex agentic AI escalations into stable outcomes by diagnosing root causes, creating robust architectures, and enhancing team technical excellence while ensuring customer confidence and s...
3 weeks ago
Lead Platform Engineer (Data & AI)
$155K - $175K *
Unlock potential by leading the architecture and deployment of AI and workflow platforms, driving innovation across client engagements while collaborating with cross-functional teams to enhance operat...
1 week ago
$129K - $152K *
Shape the future of market strategy by identifying and prioritizing expansion opportunities, analyzing demand, and guiding investment decisions across the Infrastructure Products portfolio to drive gr...
3 days ago
Sr. Software Engineer II - Byte POS
$131K - $164K *
Join a team that's redefining restaurant technology by building robust mobile applications. As a Senior Software Engineer II, you'll lead feature delivery, optimize performance, and collaborate across...
2 weeks ago
$129K - $217K *
Join a team that shapes innovative web and mobile applications while mentoring peers and advocating for best practices in a collaborative environment. Lead projects from design to delivery and impact...
Reposted 3 weeks ago
$200K - $235K *
Lead and innovate in our modeling group, managing a team of engineers to develop next-gen technology while ensuring seamless integration with AI and existing systems; collaborate closely with stakehol...
Reposted 3 weeks ago
$150K - $180K *
Lead and architect innovative AI-driven financial solutions, collaborating with elite engineers to design, implement, and optimize cutting-edge tools for global clients in a dynamic, startup environme...
1 week ago
$150K - $180K *
Innovate cutting-edge AI financial solutions by architecting and deploying advanced chat interfaces and reporting systems. Collaborate with elite engineers to enhance investment workflows for global c...
1 week ago
$150K - $180K *
Elevate software solutions by architecting AI-driven financial tools, collaborating with elite engineers to enhance investment workflows, and ensuring high standards in quality and security within a d...
1 week ago
$150K - $180K *
Shape the future of AI solutions by leading design and implementation of robust enterprise systems, driving innovation, and establishing engineering excellence while mentoring developers and collabora...
3 weeks ago
$150K - $180K *
Accelerate progress at Army formations by leading the autonomy integration campaign. Drive customer relationships, oversee pipeline management, and convert prototypes into funded positions while shapi...
3 weeks ago
$190K - $220K *
Partner with us to tackle complex engineering challenges, leveraging deep expertise in TypeScript, Postgres, and AWS. Collaborate closely with our VP of Engineering to innovate and deliver impactful p...
Reposted 2 weeks ago
Senior Engineer, Back-End (Security Controls)
$199K - $270K *
Tackle the complexities of backend engineering by developing robust API integrations, building ETL pipelines, and collaborating with cross-functional teams to enhance system reliability and performanc...
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.