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Principal Software Engineer Job Description

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Overview

principal software engineer
115
The number of occurrences in our database.
Use your resume to evaluate your fit with this role

Principal software engineer is a professional who leads the development team and applies the principles of software engineering to the design, development, maintenance, testing, and evaluation of computer software. Responsibilities of a principal software engineer include gathering requirements, defining system functionality, supervising team, propose project architecture and technologies, designing systems software website and applications, and writing code in various computer programming languages.

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Steps to take to start your career as a Principal Software Engineer and other jobs like it

  • Other degrees can work but the most probable path is with a computer science or software engineering bachelor’s degree. Depending on the specific job you are looking for information technology or computer and information systems can be good matches too.
  • Writing code is one aspect. Another equally key element is the ability to translate product requirements into a usable system. You need to be able to communicate with others to understand the end goal for the software.
  • There is a diverse set of environments to develop software. Small start-up, big team at a large company, developing internal use software, software as a service, the list is almost endless. Research what aligns with your interest and matches your strengths.
  • One of the best ways to learn the profession is from those already in it. There is an art to the job that you will develop quicker by interacting with others with more or different experience. It’s also an opportunity to network which can turn into your next job.
Hear from someone who’s had the job or one like it
"Learn about being a Software Engineer from someone with 25 years of experience. He shares that not everyone needs a degree in Computer Science, but it is the most common path. If you enjoy technology and breaking down problems, this might be the path for you."
Career Video Transcript
Examples of Current Open Principal Software Engineer Positions
Click to search for more
Use comma to separate
indeedImg
Avg Pay: $141K
Jobs: 2,804
glassdoor
Avg Pay: $203K
Jobs: 1,404

Education you need to become a Principal Software Engineer

These are the most common degrees or certificates earned by Jobtrees users prior to becoming a Principal Software Engineer

There may be other required degrees or certifications needed for this job. The below info shows you the most commonly desired education level from employers when hiring for this job.

  • Master of Science (m.sc.) in Computer Science
    The number of occurrences matches with Principal Software Engineer in our database.
    Avg. Duration:16 monthsAvg. Fees:$25,770Type:Mostly full timeView more on Studyportals
  • Bachelor of Science (b.sc.) in Computer Science
    The number of occurrences matches with Principal Software Engineer in our database.
    Avg. Duration:48 monthsAvg. Fees:$32,594Type:Mostly full timeView more on Studyportals
  • Bachelor of Engineering (b.eng.) in Computer Engineering
    The number of occurrences matches with Principal Software Engineer in our database.
    Avg. Duration:49 monthsAvg. Fees:$31,174Type:Mostly full timeView more on Studyportals
  • Doctor of Philosophy (PH.D.) in Computer Science
    The number of occurrences matches with Principal Software Engineer in our database.
    Avg. Duration:29 monthsAvg. Fees:$36,089Type:Mostly full timeView more on Studyportals
  • Bachelor Degree in Computer Science
    The number of occurrences matches with Principal Software Engineer in our database.
    Avg. Duration:48 monthsAvg. Fees:$32,594Type:Mostly full timeView more on Studyportals
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Annual Pay Estimate for Principal Software Engineer and Other Important Info

See how many years Principal Software Engineer's are in their job, how much they make, how long it took to get there and how available this job is in terms of open positions.

5.4 years
$172K
The average years of experience in the workforce prior to having this role
4.79 years
Experienced
The average number of roles it took our users to get to this one
4
2413 out of 4016

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Career Paths for Principal Software Engineer

Find data driven insights on the path to get to this role and where it can lead

Jobs to start your career in becoming a Principal Software Engineer

These are the most common roles Jobtrees users had to start their career that eventually lead them to Principal Software Engineer. If you’re looking to get into this career these are jobs to consider to get your start. We’ve included below some current open job postings that match those roles. Click to search for more.