What is a Principal Software Engineer?

Question

What is the job description of a Principal and how is it different from just a Software Engineer?

Answer 1

IMHO a principal SE is an experienced developer with a lot of experience and is able to have a broad overview of any project while also knowing enough details.

He must have management competencies to manage the development team.

So kindof a technical project manager.

Answer 2

I would assume that Principal = Lead.

You'd be THE man heading the team.

Answer 3

To me, it sounds like a leadership role, perhaps the person to whom all software engineers (on a project, perhaps) report to. This one person then reports to the project or program manager. But it varies from company to company.

Answer 4

It is generally a term of higher distinction or rank than just Software Engineer. Some firms have gradations (Soft. Eng level I, level II), some have "Senior" or "Junior", etc.

Your best bet is to ask the firm advertising the position what their ranks are, and what that means. For example, more senior Software Engineers generally have more authority, responsibility and visibility in the organization.

Answer 5

In my old work a principal engineer was simply one with a bit more experience or domain knowledge.

Answer 6

In my current place of work we have Programmer/Analyst, Senior Programmer/Analyst, and Principal Programmer/Analyst. The one with the Principal title usually is either more experienced or is better qualified. The Principal Programmer/Analyst also takes on managerial responsibilities such as managing projects and attends more meetings than the rest of us.

Answer 7

Where I work we have:

• Junior Engineer - intern or non-tech grad
• Engineer - Grads
• Senior Engineer - promoted after 2+ years from Engineer or PhD Grads
• Principle Engineer - promoted when 6+ years experience, generally Team Leader
• Consultant - 10+ years, generally never coding anymore, perhaps Project Manager/Technical Manager
• Senior Consultant
• Principle Consultant