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.
(USA) Principal, Technical Program Manager
$143K - $286K *
Take ownership of large-scale AI and technology programs, leading cross-functional teams to drive execution and align strategies. Utilize strong analytical and communication skills to enhance delivery...
1 week ago
$105K - $163K *
Transform database environments by leading architecture and administration efforts across multiple platforms, ensuring compliance and performance for mission-critical applications in a dynamic, remote...
1 week ago
$120K - $145K *
Join a team that's at the forefront of OpenBMC firmware development, driving platform bring-up, feature implementation, and integration to enhance system functionality and reliability. Contribute your...
Reposted 1 week ago
Sr. Engagement Manager, Forward Deployed Engineering - Public Sector
$130K - $179K *
Lead complex engagements and establish strategic relationships while mentoring teams and driving solutions in high-stakes Public Sector environments. Shape account strategy and deliver measurable impa...
3 weeks ago
Principal Consultant - Education Cloud Architect
$125K - $150K *
Drive transformative Salesforce solutions in higher education as a trusted advisor. Lead architecture design, align technology with institutional goals, and ensure successful delivery of Education Clo...
2 weeks ago
$110K - $130K *
Develop innovative healthcare solutions that enhance patient interaction and streamline processes. Collaborate across teams to build an exceptional, responsive platform that scales remote care deliver...
Reposted 1 week ago
$192K - $240K *
Empower innovation as you lead complex AI system design and delivery, influencing architecture and engineering practices. Collaborate across teams to ensure scalable, high-quality solutions with signi...
Reposted 1 week ago
Principal Site Reliability Engineer, Platform Engineering: Dedicated
$223K - $380K *
Drive the evolution of a single-tenant SaaS platform, enhancing reliability, security, and operational efficiency while leading technical transformations, mentoring engineers, and influencing cross-te...
4 weeks ago
Sr SampleManager Implementation Engineer
$93K - $140K *
Deliver impactful SampleManager LIMS solutions by configuring, implementing, and integrating in diverse laboratory settings. Leverage technical expertise to enhance workflows and drive successful proj...
Reposted 4 weeks ago
Senior Sales Solution Engineer
$125K - $138K *
Elevate customer experience by leading technical engagement during pre-sales. Utilize deep knowledge to craft solutions, mentor peers, and ensure seamless transitions, while remaining adaptable in a f...
Reposted 1 week ago
Distinguished, Software Engineer
$169K - $338K *
Elevate the future of AI-driven search and personalization by leading technical strategy and architecture for global platforms, ensuring scalable, high-quality solutions that enhance customer experien...
3 weeks ago
$100K - $120K *
Lead client-centric projects by overseeing delivery, communication, and strategic collaboration with teams to transform customer experiences cross-channel using innovative digital solutions...
4 weeks ago
$95K - $115K *
Join a team that's dedicated to enhancing application performance through expert Dynatrace monitoring. Collaborate with IT professionals to analyze, troubleshoot, and optimize application performance...
2 weeks ago
Principal - Cloud Engagement Lead, Microsoft - Oil & Gas, Energy
$160K - $200K *
Accelerate progress at our Oil & Gas portfolio by leading cloud transformation initiatives. Drive revenue growth, build strategic relationships, and manage complex engagements with Microsoft and clien...
2 weeks ago
$138K - $186K *
Unlock your potential as a principal technical leader for enterprise Unix and Linux platforms, driving architecture, automation, and lifecycle management to deliver resilient infrastructure for critic...
2 weeks ago
$110K - $130K *
Unlock potential by owning the end-to-end product surface, driving discovery, design, and migration while collaborating closely with users to solve real market problems in a dynamic healthcare environ...
2 weeks ago
Infrastructure & Security Engineer
$110K - $130K *
Lead the charge in engineering and securing infrastructure while ensuring compliance with federal cybersecurity standards. Collaborate cross-functionally to develop robust solutions that protect sensi...
4 weeks ago
Senior Manager, Partner Technology Architecture
$150K - $180K *
Champion partner growth by leading a high-performing team focused on pre-sales excellence, solution strategy, and AI adoption. Drive business development and co-innovation while ensuring technical dis...
Today
Software Engineer III - Developer Platform & AI Enablement
$102K - $136K *
Join a team that's transforming healthcare by developing essential tooling and AI capabilities for engineers. This role spans software development, architecture, and collaboration in an Agile environm...
Reposted today
$110K - $130K *
Lead the charge in developing core systems that empower users to engage with diverse news perspectives. Collaborate closely with a small, agile team to design, build, and enhance backend services, ens...
2 weeks ago
Software Engineer (Distributed Web Applications & Cloud)
$125K - $150K *
Empower your career by developing robust, cloud-native web applications. Collaborate with cross-functional teams to architect scalable solutions and engage in impactful engineering projects within the...
Reposted 1 week ago
$122K - $158K *
Empower product development by collaborating with designers and engineers to create intuitive banking solutions. Foster a culture of innovation and ownership within a dynamic, startup-like environment...
Reposted 3 weeks ago
Research Engineer - RL Infrastructure
$150K - $350K *
Drive the development of cutting-edge AI infrastructure to enhance large-scale reinforcement learning and distributed training systems, optimizing performance and efficiency across various layers and...
3 days ago
Senior Manager, Business Applications
$120K - $145K *
Elevate your career by leading the strategy and delivery of a robust Salesforce ecosystem, driving business impact through innovative solutions and team development in a dynamic, global environment...
3 weeks ago
User Experience Operations Lead
$177K - $290K *
Transform UX operations by unifying decision-making and enhancing workflows across disciplines. Drive continuous improvement through automation and strategic partnerships, ensuring a cohesive UX organ...
1 week 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.