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Contract Aviation Software Engineer Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Acron Aviation

Lead, Software Engineering

Phoenix, AZ · On-site

Acron Aviation designs, engineers, and manufactures certified avionics systems that support ... Job Title Lead, Software Engineering Position Summary The Lead, Software Engineer is a dual‑role ...

Genesis10

Software Engineer (contract)

Charlotte, NC

$59.53 - $67.53/hr

Genesis10 is currently seeking a Software Engineer for a contract position with a Global Financial Institution located in Charlotte, NC. This is a 24+ month contract opportunity. In this role, you ...

MRINetwork Jobs

Civil Project Engineer

Charleston, WV

$82K - $110K/yr

Our executive search firm is representing a full-service architecture, civil engineering ... Energy or Aviation. * Software experience with Micro Office, AutoCAD and Civil 3D is a plus.

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All JobsContract Aviation Software Engineer Jobs

Contract Aviation Software Engineer information

See salary details

$63.5K

$147.5K

$205.5K

How much do contract aviation software engineer jobs pay per year?

As of Jun 16, 2026, the average yearly pay for contract aviation software engineer in the United States is $147,524.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $120,000.00 and $173,000.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is a Contract Aviation Software Engineer?

A Contract Aviation Software Engineer is a software developer who works on a temporary or project-based basis to design, develop, and maintain software systems used in the aviation industry. These professionals may be responsible for creating flight control software, avionics systems, simulation tools, or air traffic management solutions. They often work for airlines, aircraft manufacturers, or aerospace companies, and their contracts may vary in length depending on the project's scope. Typically, contract engineers bring specialized skills and flexibility to teams needing to meet specific project deadlines or technical requirements.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a Contract Aviation Software Engineer, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Contract Aviation Software Engineer, you need strong programming skills (such as C, C++, or Ada), a solid understanding of avionics systems, and typically a degree in computer science, engineering, or a related field. Familiarity with industry standards like DO-178C, real-time operating systems, and software development tools such as Git, Jira, and MATLAB is highly valuable. Exceptional problem-solving abilities, adaptability, and effective communication are crucial soft skills for working with multidisciplinary teams and meeting tight deadlines. These skills ensure the delivery of safe, reliable, and compliant software solutions in the highly regulated aviation industry.

What is the difference between Contract Aviation Software Engineer vs Contract Aerospace Software Engineer?

AspectContract Aviation Software EngineerContract Aerospace Software Engineer
Required CredentialsRelevant software development certifications, aerospace industry knowledgeSimilar certifications, specialized aerospace industry experience
Work EnvironmentAircraft manufacturers, airlines, aerospace firmsAerospace research centers, defense contractors
Employer & Industry UsagePrimarily in aviation and commercial aircraft sectorsPrimarily in space, defense, and satellite sectors

Contract Aviation Software Engineers and Contract Aerospace Software Engineers share similar skills and certifications but differ mainly in industry focus. Aviation engineers work on commercial and private aircraft, while aerospace engineers focus on space and defense projects. Both roles require specialized software expertise and industry knowledge, but their work environments and applications vary significantly.

What are the typical challenges faced by contract aviation software engineers when integrating software with existing avionics systems?

Contract aviation software engineers often encounter the challenge of ensuring compatibility between new software and legacy avionics systems, which can involve working with outdated documentation and strict regulatory requirements. Accurate testing and validation are essential, as aviation software must meet rigorous safety and reliability standards. Close collaboration with hardware engineers and compliance specialists is common, and the ability to quickly adapt to varying project scopes and client expectations is crucial for success in contract roles.
More about Contract Aviation Software Engineer jobs
What cities are hiring for Contract Aviation Software Engineer jobs? Cities with the most Contract Aviation Software Engineer job openings:
What are the most commonly searched types of Aviation Software Engineer jobs? The most popular types of Aviation Software Engineer jobs are:
What states have the most Contract Aviation Software Engineer jobs? States with the most job openings for Contract Aviation Software Engineer jobs include:
What job categories do people searching Contract Aviation Software Engineer jobs look for? The top searched job categories for Contract Aviation Software Engineer jobs are:
Contract Aviation Software Engineer jobs near you
Infographic showing various Contract Aviation Software Engineer job openings in the United States as of June 2026, with employment types broken down into 79% Full Time, 6% Part Time, and 15% Contract. Highlights an 80% Physical, 2% Hybrid, and 18% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $147,524 per year, or $70.9 per hour.

Software Engineer - Fleet Aviation Team

SteerBridge

Vienna, VA • On-site

$140K - $160K/yr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Posted 6 days ago

Job description

SteerBridge Strategies is a modern technology company delivering innovative, mission-focused solutions to the U.S. Government and private sector. Leveraging deep expertise in federal acquisition, digital transformation, and emerging technologies, we deliver agile, commercial-grade capabilities that accelerate operational effectiveness and drive measurable mission success.
At the core of SteerBridge is our people-especially the veterans whose leadership, problem-solving mindset, and commitment to excellence elevate every project we support. We don't simply hire exceptional talent; we cultivate it, creating meaningful career pathways for veterans, military spouses, and professionals who share our passion for advancing technology and strengthening the missions we serve.
Position Overview
SteerBridge Strategies is seeking a Software Engineer to support a fleet aviation modernization program in Vienna, VA. This role will contribute to the development of next-generation aviation analytics and operational software solutions supporting mission-critical initiatives.
The ideal candidate will have experience developing modern full-stack applications and working within collaborative engineering environments that leverage cloud technologies, AI/ML capabilities, and modern software development practices.
Responsibilities
  • Design, develop, test, and maintain full-stack TypeScript applications
  • Support the productionization of AI/ML-driven capabilities and analytics solutions
  • Collaborate with engineering, data science, and mission stakeholders
  • Participate in peer code reviews and software quality assurance activities
  • Contribute to CI/CD pipeline development and automation efforts
  • Troubleshoot, debug, and resolve software defects
  • Deliver scalable, reliable, and maintainable software solutions
  • Work within Agile development environments to support mission objectives

Benefits
  • Health insurance
  • Dental insurance
  • Vision insurance
  • Life Insurance
  • 401(k) Retirement Plan with matching
  • Paid Time Off
  • Paid Federal Holidays

Required Qualifications
  • U.S. Citizen
  • Bachelor's Degree in Computer Science, Software Engineering, or related field (or equivalent experience)
  • Active Secret Clearance or ability to obtain one
  • 4-6 years of full-stack software engineering experience
  • Strong experience with:
    • React.js
    • TypeScript
    • Node.js
    • JavaScript (ES6+)
  • Experience with MERN or PERN stack technologies:
    • MongoDB
    • Express.js
    • React.js
    • Node.js
    • PostgreSQL
  • Experience with CI/CD pipelines and modern software development practices
  • Familiarity with Docker and Infrastructure as Code (Terraform or CloudFormation)
  • Strong communication and problem-solving skills

Preferred Qualifications
  • Experience supporting aviation, aerospace, defense, or federal programs
  • Experience working with AI/ML-enabled applications
  • Cloud platform experience (AWS or Azure)
  • Experience working in Agile/DevSecOps environments

$140,000 - $160,000 a year
A salary is commensurate with experience and qualifications.
SteerBridge Strategies is proud to be an Equal Opportunity Employer. We are committed to creating a diverse and inclusive workplace where all qualified applicants and employees are treated with respect and dignity-regardless of race, color, gender, age, religion, national origin, ancestry, disability, veteran status, genetic information, sexual orientation, or any other characteristic protected by law.
We also provide reasonable accommodations for individuals with disabilities in accordance with applicable laws. If you require assistance during the application process, we encourage you to reach out so we can support your needs.
If you would like information about how your application is processed, please contact us.

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