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Contract Developer Jobs in Virginia (NOW HIRING)

## Contract Subject Matter ExpertApplyremote type: Remote Availablelocations: Reston, VA: St ... Our multidisciplinary teams of engineers and scientists work in a collaborative environment that ...

Our multidisciplinary teams of engineers and scientists work in a collaborative environment that ... The Contract Principal solves the hardest Contracting challenges for Draper, provides both internal ...

Lead Contracts Manager

Richmond, VA

$88K - $117K/yr

Lead contract negotiations with general contractors (GCs), subcontractors, engineering firms (A&E firms), and suppliers, ensuring commercial and technical alignment. * Ensure all technical, financial ...

Showing results 21-40

Contract Developer information

See Virginia salary details

$39.7K

$128.2K

$157.1K

How much do contract developer jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 18, 2026, the average yearly pay for contract developer in Virginia is $128,239.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $105,100.00 and $155,700.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is a contract developer?

A Contract Developer is a software developer hired on a temporary or project basis to create, modify, or maintain applications and systems. They typically work for clients or companies under a contract agreement rather than as a full-time employee. Their responsibilities may include coding, debugging, testing, and collaborating with teams to meet project requirements. Contract Developers often specialize in specific programming languages or technologies and may work remotely or on-site. The duration and terms of their work vary based on the contract and project scope.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a contract developer?

To excel as a Contract Developer, strong programming skills, experience with relevant frameworks, and a solid educational background in computer science or related fields are essential. Familiarity with version control systems like Git, project management tools, and possibly certifications such as AWS Certified Developer or Microsoft Certified: Azure Developer Associate are advantageous. Excellent time management, client communication, and adaptability are critical soft skills for success in contract-based work. These skills enable a Contract Developer to efficiently deliver quality results, meet client expectations, and thrive in dynamic, project-oriented environments.

What are some common challenges faced by contract developers and how can they be managed?

Contract Developers often work on multiple projects or with various clients, which can present challenges such as rapidly adapting to different codebases, meeting tight deadlines, and managing shifting priorities. Effective communication with stakeholders and clear agreement on project scope and deliverables can help minimize misunderstandings. Staying organized through productivity tools and maintaining continuous skills development also contribute to handling workload fluctuations. By proactively addressing these challenges, contract developers can deliver high-quality work and build strong professional relationships.

What does a contract developer do?

A contract developer is a software professional hired on a temporary basis to design, develop, and maintain applications or systems according to client specifications. They typically work with programming languages, development tools, and project deadlines, often collaborating with teams or clients to deliver specific project goals within a set timeframe.

What are the most commonly searched types of Developer jobs in Virginia?

The most popular types of Developer jobs in Virginia are:

What are popular job titles related to Contract Developer jobs in Virginia?

For Contract Developer jobs in Virginia, the most frequently searched job titles are:

What job categories do people searching Contract Developer jobs in Virginia look for?

The top searched job categories for Contract Developer jobs in Virginia are:

What cities in Virginia are hiring for Contract Developer jobs?

Cities in Virginia with the most Contract Developer job openings:

Infographic showing various Contract Developer job openings in Virginia as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 75% Full Time, 12% Part Time, and 13% Contract. Highlights an 80% Physical, 6% Hybrid, and 14% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $128,239 per year, or $61.7 per hour.

$100 - $275/hr

Other

Posted 5 days ago


Job description

Overview: Draper is an independent, nonprofit research and development company headquartered in Cambridge, MA. The 2,000+ employees of Draper tackle important national challenges with a promise of delivering successful and usable solutions. From military defense and space exploration to biomedical engineering, lives often depend on the solutions we provide. Our multidisciplinary teams of engineers and scientists work in a collaborative environment that inspires the cross-fertilization of ideas necessary for true innovation. For more information about Draper, visit www.draper.com.

Job Description Summary

The Contract Principal solves the hardest Contracting challenges for Draper, provides both internal and external customers with solution-oriented leadership and guidance and is focused on achieving the strategic objectives of the organization while balancing risk and regulatory compliance. This functional Subject Matter Expert negotiates, manages, and mentors others on highly complex and strategically important cradle-to-grave government contracts / prime subcontracts, ensuring consistency with customer requirements, compliance obligations and Draper policies and procedures. This role also interfaces with potential and current customers, supports capture and proposal opportunities, analyzes terms and conditions, negotiates agreements, monitors performance/compliance, manages changes, and readies contracts for closeout. Collaborates with cross-functional Program teams and senior leadership to meet annual objectives and support customer deliverables. The Contract Principal is routinely delegated authority and empowered to act independently as a functional representative or leader and our champion for special projects. This position would support our Electronic Systems contract actions. Candidate would work with the ES team across multiple Government functions and Industry Partner contracts to support the ES business in both Research and Development, prototyping, and moving into production contracts. Candidate would need to be familiar with multiple contract types to include but not limited to, CPFF, FFP, T&M, OTA, and BOA contracts.

Duties/Responsibilities

Comprehensive cradle-to-grave proactive, compliant contract management for complex contracts across the acquisition phases for DoD, National Security and/or other prime contractors within an assigned Business Area or in a unique role customized for the skillset of this highly capable functional SME Manage strategic aspects of internal and/or external customer relationships as an advocate for our function and corporation Independently develop compliant solutions to problems of unusual complexity that require a high degree of ingenuity, creativity, and innovation to collaboratively work across stakeholder and cross-functional program teams Be the focal point for contract performance while working within a matrixed program team environment, including: Capture and Proposal related support, review of terms and conditions and other contract requirements, analysis of subcontractor flow-downs, conduct robust proactive change management, monitor contract performance, resolve disputes in a timely and thorough manner, and ready for closeout prior to physical completion.Bring junior level and mid-career Contracts professionals into real-life scenarios to learn shoulder-to-shoulder to teach best practices and adherence to processes and contract requirements. Ability to develop sound business cases and analyze large volumes of data, while supporting complex long-term projects with strategic importance Comprehensive understanding of Draper Business Systems Best-in-industry written and verbal communication skills and presentation skills with comfort around higher level leaders and junior level Contract Representatives Mentor junior to mid-career Contracts professionals, as well as supervisors/managers to assist with knowledge transfer and improving functional bench strength Ability to perform any role within the organization, routinely delegated authority to act in a leadership capacity while providing bench-strength as needed across the Business Areas for additional functional support.

Skills/Abilities

A leader within the Contracts function with expert level knowledge of FAR/DFARS, regulatory compliance, government acquisition framework, industry best practices for Contracts processes, and a lifelong student of understanding industry trends and anticipating regulatory changes/impacts Highly effective in improving standard work processes and understanding the complexity of the contracts role in a cross-functional program team environment Expert level business acumen, gained from working in a variety of roles with increasing responsibilities for a vast range of Contracts and customers within the Government Contracting industry, while being accountable for achieving annual operating plans and other corporate objectives Demonstrated ability to successfully manage competing priorities, deadlines, and resolve contractual conflicts in a fast-paced environment Experience bidding, negotiating and managing a variety of contract types for Research and Development and Production Contracts consistent with sound business and financial principles Strong ability to effectively negotiate customer disputes and perform in a leadership capacity Experience implementing compliance plans based on Prime Contract terms and conditions including agency unique terms and conditions Significant expertise negotiating within an established negotiation strategy / parameters for approval and with Truthful Cost or Pricing Data Act requirements and certifications Demonstrated experience with license agreements and Intellectual Property terms for furthering the goals of a Business Area IP Strategy Proficient in Microsoft Office applications and ability to learn and continuously improve our use of systems, tools, policies and procedures.

Education

Bachelor’s degree in relevant field of study required; advanced degree preferred and can be considered in lieu of 2 years of experience.

Professional Certifications

Professional Certifications (e.g. CFCM, CPCM, etc.) preferred Experience 15+ years related experience in Contracts as a prime contractor and a subcontractor on a variety of contract types, contract vehicles and with different customers for programs across the acquisition lifecycle of all sizes, complexities and priorities; additional years of relevant cross-functional experience within the national security or aerospace and defense industry preferred.

Additional Job Description

Due to the nature of the work Draper does encourage applicants with fewer years’ experience to apply, as we may be able to adjust hiring title for anyone interested that does not meet all required and preferred skills and work history. Applicants selected for this position will be required to obtain and maintain a government security clearance.

Job Location

Job Location - City: Reston Job Location - State: Virginia Job Location - Postal Code: 20190

Salary

The US base salary range for this full-time position is $100,000.00 - $275,000.00 Our salary ranges are determined by role, level, and location. The range displayed on each job posting reflects the minimum and maximum target salaries for the position across all US locations. Within the range, individual pay is determined by work location and additional factors, including job-related skills, experience, and relevant education or training. Union ranges will be in compliance with the collective bargaining agreement's approved rates by location and role. Your recruiter can share more about the specific salary range for your preferred location during the hiring process. Please note that the compensation details listed in US role postings reflect the base salary only, and does not include bonuses or benefits.

Benefits

Our work is very important to us, but so is our life outside of work. Draper supports many programs to improve work-life balance including workplace flexibility, employee clubs ranging from photography to yoga, health and finance workshops, off site social events and discounts to local museums and cultural activities.

Equal Opportunity

Draper is committed to creating an inclusive environment. We understand the value of inclusivity and its impact on a high-performance culture. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, disability, age, sexual orientation, national origin, veteran status, or genetic information. Draper is committed to providing access, equal opportunity, and reasonable accommodation for individuals with disabilities in employment, its services, programs, and activities. To request reasonable accommodation, please contact hr@draper.com.

Corporate Culture

We are in the business of redefining what is possible. Join our inclusive, multidisciplinary team to engineer the groundbreaking solutions of tomorrow. Explore life at Draper with our unique culture and benefits at draper.com.

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