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.
Director, Product Management - Enterprise Data Platform
$107K - $150K *
Shape the future of our enterprise data platform by leading product strategy, defining capabilities, and ensuring alignment across business and technology teams to deliver scalable, secure, and truste...
1 week ago
$120K - $145K *
Shape the future of digital transformation by leading a dynamic team to deliver innovative solutions that enhance business efficiency and customer experience across multi-functional AWS programs...
Today
$100K - $120K *
Lead the charge in technical excellence by independently managing complex DDC implementations, mentoring junior engineers, and driving continuous improvement initiatives in mission-critical data cente...
Reposted 3 weeks ago
$125K - $135K *
Join a team that's dedicated to overseeing personnel and operational execution across critical Navy training programs. Lead multidisciplinary teams, manage contracts, and ensure successful program del...
2 days ago
$130K - $160K *
Engineer robust security solutions to protect users and partners. Collaborate with a dynamic team to enhance security across infrastructure, applications, and compliance, while writing production code...
3 weeks ago
$128K - $139K *
Drive the identity lifecycle for enterprise access management, ensuring secure, reliable identity services. Collaborate with teams to enhance user experience while implementing Zero Trust principles a...
2 weeks ago
$111K - $163K *
Join a team dedicated to driving successful IT project outcomes through effective management methodologies, ensuring on-time and on-budget completion while aligning with business goals and fostering c...
Reposted 1 week ago
$157K - $238K *
Join a team that's redefining security by leveraging AI to enhance application safety. You'll assess vulnerabilities, develop innovative security solutions, and shape the AI security strategy across t...
3 weeks ago
$157K - $238K *
Lead the charge in enhancing application security by integrating AI-driven solutions, conducting assessments, and shaping the AI security strategy across the organization. Collaborate with cross-funct...
3 weeks ago
Workday Healthcare Financial Implementation Consultant
$140K - $210K *
Partner with us to drive innovative financial solutions in the healthcare sector. Leverage your Workday expertise for impactful implementations, collaborating closely with teams to transform operation...
Reposted yesterday
$125K - $155K *
Join our dynamic team as a Senior Solutions Engineer, where you'll leverage your technical expertise to drive pre-sales activities, engage with clients, and deliver tailored solutions that enhance bus...
2 weeks ago
Sr. Manager, Software Engineering-Android & Device Platforms
$154K - $212K *
Lead the charge in engineering excellence across device product areas, managing teams and driving innovation in patient engagement technology. Collaborate closely with cross-functional teams while mai...
1 week ago
$114K - $179K *
Drive innovative technical solutions by partnering with sales teams to address complex client needs and elevate engineering workflows, ensuring successful integration of products throughout the sales...
Reposted today
$138K - $189K *
Champion audio innovation by developing and optimizing DSP software for embedded platforms, ensuring high-quality signal processing across diverse audio products while collaborating with cross-functio...
2 days ago
$150K - $180K *
Join a team that's dedicated to building robust and innovative data capabilities. You will design and maintain pipelines, improve data integrity, and collaborate across teams to enhance insights and s...
Reposted 2 days ago
Senior Software Engineer (Partial Telework)
$170K - $260K *
Transform critical government software systems by leveraging your expertise in software engineering, collaborating with a team of talented professionals committed to delivering exceptional results in...
3 weeks ago
Senior Supplier Development Engineer
$110K - $130K *
Lead the charge in optimizing supplier performance and innovation. Drive a team to enhance supplier capabilities, ensuring high-quality product delivery while fostering strategic relationships and con...
Today
$188K - $230K *
Transform strategic visions into reality by owning product lifecycle from ideation to impact. Collaborate across teams to deliver innovative solutions, drive customer satisfaction, and ensure business...
Reposted 2 weeks ago
Tech Lead, Performance Evaluation
$200K - $295K *
Lead innovative data analysis initiatives to develop contextual insights from autonomous vehicle data, driving meaningful improvements in safety and performance across mobility services...
Reposted 2 weeks ago
Software Engineer, Autonomous Vehicles
$130K - $160K *
Lead the design and implementation of robust software for next-gen autonomous vehicle systems, enhancing safety and efficiency. Collaborate across teams to innovate and propel advancements in AI-drive...
Reposted 3 weeks ago
Sr. Agile Transformation Coach
$141K - $160K *
Advance your career by leading Agile transformations in a large financial services enterprise. Coach and mentor teams at all levels, fostering an Agile mindset and ensuring effective application of Ag...
2 weeks ago
Staff Software Engineer - Provider (Remote)
$125K - $150K *
Lead the development of innovative Provider Onboarding solutions, architecting robust systems and mentoring engineers to enhance mental healthcare access. Drive product implementations and build scala...
1 week ago
$126K - $160K *
Drive impactful software solutions by collaborating with sales teams, leading demos, and managing technical inquiries. Leverage your expertise to enhance customer experiences and support enterprise tr...
Today
Director - Product Management (File Systems)
$160K - $200K *
Lead the strategic vision and execution of an enterprise file system portfolio, ensuring market leadership through effective product strategy, customer engagement, and a high-performing product manage...
4 weeks ago
Senior Staff Forward Deployed Engineer
$152K - $205K *
Lead the charge in architecting AI-driven solutions for enterprise clients, transforming complex data governance challenges into actionable insights. Collaborate with stakeholders to shape product evo...
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.