What does a principal developer do?
In the information technology industry, a principal developer is in charge of spearheading software and application development projects. It is their duty to perform extensive research and analysis, set objectives and guidelines, establish budgets and timelines, lead the planning and implementation stages, and develop strategies to optimize operations. They must also maintain an active communication line with staff to resolve issues should any arise. Moreover, as a principal developer, they must monitor the projects' workflow to ensure that everything runs smoothly and efficiently.
Principal developer responsibilities
Here are examples of responsibilities from real principal developer resumes:
- Manage development of DFMEA for door systems to achieve optimize design base on risk factors.
- Develop a CRM application to manage workflow of customer requests and to provide customer centric view for back office processors.
- Conduct market research, develop partnerships, manage financial administration, and negotiate IP licensing.
- Utilize cloud computing to run batches of simulation scripts in parallel.
- Develop bi-directional JNI bridge for Java components to talk to KEPServerEX v6 configuration C/REST APIs.
- Mentor developers on web development using html, css, javascript, and various backend technologies.
- Conduct DFMEA on the design.
- Formalize concepts, breadboards & prototyping.
- Create servers on AWS EC2 and host services.
- Import and validation are performed using PL/SQL package.
- Used MVC to design and architect the coding modules.
- Oversee adherence to ICH, FDA and company guidelines.
- Create 3D visualization of fire sprinkler system and building structure.
- Provide input and layout drawings for AutoCAD and SolidWorks designs.
- Implement and test people soft deliver EIP in CRM and FSCM.
Principal developer skills and personality traits
We calculated that 10% of Principal Developers are proficient in Java, Apis, and Architecture. They’re also known for soft skills such as Problem-solving skills, Analytical skills, and Communication skills.
We break down the percentage of Principal Developers that have these skills listed on their resume here:
- Java, 10%
Developed a number of Java Swing GUI testing and debugging tools for trade optimization analyses.
- Apis, 7%
Developed an API for initializing and accessing a PMC board with a SERCOS ASIC.
- Architecture, 6%
Developed technical specification documents, technical architecture documents, and performed other technical project manager responsibilities for the Integrated Marketing department.
- Cloud, 5%
Have been in consulting clients for various methods for integration and development in Service-now Implementation and Orchestration of Cloud Provisioning.
- JavaScript, 5%
Implemented ASP.NET MVC 5, HTML5, and JavaScript web interface to rank, compare, and search candidate sequences.
- Web Services, 5%
Web Services Governance Using Enterprise Repository and Registry.
Common skills that a principal developer uses to do their job include "java," "apis," and "architecture." You can find details on the most important principal developer responsibilities below.
Problem-solving skills. To carry out their duties, the most important skill for a principal developer to have is problem-solving skills. Their role and responsibilities require that "because developers are in charge of software from beginning to end, they must be able to solve problems that arise throughout the design process." Principal developers often use problem-solving skills in their day-to-day job, as shown by this real resume: "manage risk through critical chain project management, subcontracting and conflict resolution. "
Analytical skills. Many principal developer duties rely on analytical skills. "developers must analyze users’ needs and then design software to meet those needs.," so a principal developer will need this skill often in their role. This resume example is just one of many ways principal developer responsibilities rely on analytical skills: "worked in java and actionscript on all aspects of centrifuge, a thin-client data visualization tool. "
Communication skills. principal developers are also known for communication skills, which are critical to their duties. You can see how this skill relates to principal developer responsibilities, because "developers must be able to give clear instructions to others working on a project." A principal developer resume example shows how communication skills is used in the workplace: "led efforts to improve human resource's productivity and communication by creating teams whose purpose was to improve various hr practices. "
Interpersonal skills. principal developer responsibilities often require "interpersonal skills." The duties that rely on this skill are shown by the fact that "software developers must be able to work well with others who contribute to designing, developing, and programming successful software." This resume example shows what principal developers do with interpersonal skills on a typical day: "mentor and coach entrepreneurs in areas of interpersonal skills, personal finance, business development & leadership. "
Detail oriented. Another common skill required for principal developer responsibilities is "detail oriented." This skill comes up in the duties of principal developers all the time, as "developers often work on many parts of an application or system at the same time and must therefore be able to concentrate and pay attention to detail." An excerpt from a real principal developer resume shows how this skill is central to what a principal developer does: "provide project management and scheduling for detailed projects and deliverables. "
Creativity. Lastly, "creativity" is an important element of what a principal developer does. Principal developer responsibilities require this skill because "developers are the creative minds behind new computer software." This resume example highlights how principal developer duties rely on this skill: "established product development firm in partnership with several top inventors. "
The three companies that hire the most principal developers are:
- Oracle173 principal developers jobs
- BNY Mellon42 principal developers jobs
- Amazon38 principal developers jobs
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Principal developer vs. Developer/consultant
A developer/consultant is responsible for developing system databases and applications, depending on the business' needs and clients' specifications. Developers/consultants design their services to manage optimal performance and maximize productivity for timely submission of projects, ensuring client satisfaction and loyalty. They also handle clients' inquiries and concerns, informing them about necessary adjustments to improve strategic procedures and processes. A developer/consultant must have excellent communication and analytical skills, as well as extensive experience with the technology industry.
There are some key differences in the responsibilities of each position. For example, principal developer responsibilities require skills like "apis," "architecture," "c #," and "cloud." Meanwhile a typical developer/consultant has skills in areas such as "jquery," "ajax," "data analysis," and "python." This difference in skills reveals the differences in what each career does.
Developer/consultants earn the highest salaries when working in the technology industry, with an average yearly salary of $101,340. On the other hand, principal developers are paid more in the finance industry with an average salary of $138,947.developer/consultants tend to reach similar levels of education than principal developers. In fact, developer/consultants are 1.3% less likely to graduate with a Master's Degree and 0.3% more likely to have a Doctoral Degree.Principal developer vs. Developer analyst
A developer analyst is an individual who is responsible for building application requirements and develops database solutions that allow operational efficiency and user-friendly tools. Developer analysts are required to develop a detailed definition of business solutions that can include database design, data flow, and transaction processing requirements. They work with other teams to design and implement a web application that manages internal processes and can result in increased productivity. Developer analysts are also required to perform integration tests for various vendors for services that are according to business requirements and testing processes.
Each career also uses different skills, according to real principal developer resumes. While principal developer responsibilities can utilize skills like "apis," "c #," "cloud," and "javascript," developer analysts use skills like "data analysis," "sharepoint," "api," and "dashboards."
On average, developer analysts earn a lower salary than principal developers. Some industries support higher salaries in each profession. Interestingly enough, developer analysts earn the most pay in the finance industry with an average salary of $99,277. Whereas principal developers have higher pay in the finance industry, with an average salary of $138,947.In general, developer analysts achieve lower levels of education than principal developers. They're 5.5% less likely to obtain a Master's Degree while being 0.3% less likely to earn a Doctoral Degree.What technology do you think will become more important and prevalent for principal developers in the next 3-5 years?
Principal developer vs. Senior developer analyst
A senior developer analyst specializes in software development and analysis. It is their duty to design and develop systems and applications according to the company's needs, perform research and analysis to identify the strengths and weaknesses of current systems, come up with solutions in problem areas, and perform risk assessments. They may also perform installations and modifications, review data, and conduct regular maintenance checks, execute repairs as needed. Furthermore, as a senior developer analyst, it is essential to lead and encourage teams to reach goals, all while enforcing the company's security protocols and regulations.
Some important key differences between the two careers include a few of the skills necessary to fulfill the responsibilities of each. Some examples from principal developer resumes include skills like "apis," "architecture," "cloud," and "cloud computing," whereas a senior developer analyst is more likely to list skills in "power bi," "data analysis," "data warehouse," and "dashboards. "
Senior developer analysts earn the best pay in the finance industry, where they command an average salary of $117,026. Principal developers earn the highest pay from the finance industry, with an average salary of $138,947.Most senior developer analysts achieve a similar degree level compared to principal developers. For example, they're 3.6% less likely to graduate with a Master's Degree, and 2.3% less likely to earn a Doctoral Degree.Principal developer vs. Lead software developer
A lead software developer is responsible for creating and designing software applications and systems to support business functions and client requirements. Lead software developers analyze specifications to build efficient applications, conduct multiple quality testing, and enhance the user's interface. They also coordinate with the design engineers to modify and improve the features of existing software applications for optimal performance. A lead software developer must have excellent communication and technical skills, especially in considering the current technology trends to meet demands.
Even though a few skill sets overlap between principal developers and lead software developers, there are some differences that are important to note. For one, a principal developer might have more use for skills like "apis," "c #," "cloud," and "product development." Meanwhile, some responsibilities of lead software developers require skills like "api," "python," "scrum," and "spring boot. "
Lead software developers enjoy the best pay in the manufacturing industry, with an average salary of $115,917. For comparison, principal developers earn the highest salary in the finance industry.The average resume of lead software developers showed that they earn similar levels of education compared to principal developers. So much so that theyacirc;euro;trade;re 1.7% less likely to earn a Master's Degree and less likely to earn a Doctoral Degree by 1.2%.Types of principal developer
Updated January 8, 2025











