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Contract Fresh Graduate Software Engineer Jobs in Seattle, WA

Cyber Software Engineer - Incident Response (Contract) Location: Hybrid - 1 day/week onsite, Seattle, WA local to client location Duration: 6-month renewable contract Experience Level: 4+ years GC ...

Software Engineer (Java)

WA · On-site

$45 - $60/hr

Protingent Staffing has an exciting contract Software Engineer (Java) opportunity located in Seattle, WA. Job Responsibilities: * Software Development: Implement cutting-edge applications using ...

SOFTWARE ENGINEER (STARSHIELD) Starshield leverages SpaceX's Starlink technology and launch ... Aerospace experience is not required to be successful here - we want our engineers to bring fresh ...

Protingent Staffing has an exciting contract Senior Software Engineer opportunity. Job Responsibilities: * Design, implement, document, and test software based on formally defined requirements and ...

Backed by eight-figure contracts across the Department of Defense, we are strengthening national ... As an infrastructure software engineer, you'll design, build, the internal platforms, libraries ...

SOFTWARE ENGINEER (STARSHIELD) Starshield leverages SpaceX's Starlink technology and launch ... Aerospace experience is not required to be successful here - we want our engineers to bring fresh ...

SOFTWARE ENGINEER (STARSHIELD) Starshield leverages SpaceX's Starlink technology and launch ... Aerospace experience is not required to be successful here - we want our engineers to bring fresh ...

... contract lifecycle management (CLM). What you'll do Docusign is looking for Software Engineers to ... join our development team in San Francisco. This position will be part of a team working on ...

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Contract Fresh Graduate Software Engineer information

See Seattle, WA salary details

$72.3K

$167.9K

$233.9K

How much do contract fresh graduate software engineer jobs pay per year?

As of Jul 26, 2026, the average yearly pay for contract fresh graduate software engineer in Seattle, WA is $167,886.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $136,600.00 and $196,900.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What does a Contract Fresh Graduate Software Engineer do?

A Contract Fresh Graduate Software Engineer is a recent university graduate who is hired on a temporary or fixed-term basis to work on software development projects. Their responsibilities typically include writing, testing, and debugging code, collaborating with team members, and learning new technologies. This role offers valuable industry experience and exposure to real-world projects, which can help build foundational skills for a long-term software engineering career.

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

To thrive as a Contract Fresh Graduate Software Engineer, you typically need a solid understanding of programming languages (such as Java, Python, or C++), computer science fundamentals, and a relevant degree in software engineering or computer science. Familiarity with version control systems like Git, basic exposure to development frameworks, and understanding of software development methodologies are important technical qualifications. Strong problem-solving abilities, willingness to learn, and effective communication skills help new graduates stand out in collaborative and fast-paced environments. These skills and qualities are crucial for quickly adapting to project requirements, delivering quality code, and contributing effectively to engineering teams.

What can a fresh graduate software engineer expect in terms of mentorship and learning opportunities in a contract position?

As a contract fresh graduate software engineer, you can typically expect structured onboarding and regular check-ins with senior engineers or mentors, though the intensity and duration may vary between companies. Many organizations offer access to online learning resources, code reviews, and team meetings to help you develop your skills quickly. Since contract roles are often project-based, you'll likely collaborate closely with cross-functional teams, gaining exposure to real-world workflows and technologies. Being proactive in seeking feedback and asking questions will maximize your learning and help you build a strong foundation for future full-time opportunities.

What is the difference between Contract Fresh Graduate Software Engineer vs Contract Junior Software Developer?

AspectContract Fresh Graduate Software EngineerContract Junior Software Developer
QualificationsRecent CS or related degree, minimal experienceSimilar, often recent graduates or entry-level
Work EnvironmentTeam projects, learning-focusedDevelopment tasks, code implementation
Industry UsageCommon in tech companies, startupsSimilar, widely used in software firms

Both roles target entry-level candidates with similar educational backgrounds. The main difference lies in terminology; 'Software Engineer' emphasizes a broader role, while 'Junior Developer' focuses more on coding tasks. Employers often use these titles interchangeably for fresh graduates starting their careers in software development.

New Graduate Engineer, Software (Starlink)

New Graduate Engineer, Software (Starlink)

SpaceX

Redmond, WA

$122K - $145K/yr

Other

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Posted 26 days ago


SpaceX rating

8.8

Company rating: 8.8 out of 10

Based on 147 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

14th of 71 rated aerospace companies


Job description

NEW GRADUATE ENGINEER, SOFTWARE (STARLINK)

At SpaceX we're leveraging our experience in building rockets and spacecraft to deploy Starlink, the world's most advanced broadband internet system. Starlink is the world's largest satellite constellation and is providing fast, reliable internet to millions of users worldwide. We design, build, test, and operate all parts of the system - thousands of satellites, consumer receivers that allow users to connect within minutes of unboxing, and the software that brings it all together. We've only begun to scratch the surface of Starlink's potential global impact and are looking for best-in-class engineers to help maximize Starlink's utility for communities and businesses around the globe.

As arguably SpaceX's most complex software engineering challenge, Starlink offers a variety of areas within software engineering that you can focus. As a Software Engineer on the Starlink program, you will be solving challenges underpinning every aspect of the program's growth. The teams and areas you could have an impact on could include, but are not limited to:

  • Next generation networking technologies to direct data through an ever-changing network of satellites, ground stations, planes and users.
  • Firmware, embedded and controls software running on custom hardware that flies the world's largest fleet of spacecraft.
  • Infrastructure and tools to enable rapid development and reliable deployment of our code to dynamic production environments.
  • Measurement system software and hardware, supporting our in-house RF Silicon designs.
  • Full life cycle development of Starlink.com and our Mobile/Enterprise platforms.
  • Physic based software engineering to design and simulate the orbital life cycle of the Starlink constellation. 

Our software engineers are responsible for the complete lifecycle of the software they create, including development, testing, and support. We expect our engineers to close the feedback loop between software design and real-world performance. In this role, your software will have a meaningful and measurable impact on the world.

RESPONSIBILITIES:

  • Develop highly reliable, real-time software.
  • Participate in and lead architecture, design, and code reviews.
  • Develop prototypes and manage experiments to prove out key design concepts.
  • Collaborate with other engineers, from other engineering disciplines, to plan and organize the development of our products.

BASIC QUALIFICATIONS:

  • Bachelor's degree in computer science, engineering, math, or other STEM discipline.
  • Professional development experience in C, C++, Python, C# or another object oriented language (internship experience is applicable).
  • Graduating in the spring, summer, or fall of 2026

PREFERRED SKILLS AND EXPERIENCE:

  • Strong professional/project experience writing software in a production environment.
  • Developed, debugged and deployed software that has been used in real world applications/projects.
  • Creative approach to problem solving, exceptional analytical skills and engineering fundamentals.
  • Excellent communication skills both written and verbal.
  • Ability to work effectively in a dynamic environment with changing needs and requirements.
  • Experience with networking protocols (UDP, TCP/IP, etc) and distributed systems.
  • Experience in security issues associated with distributed systems and internet services.

ADDITIONAL REQUIREMENTS:

  • Must be willing to work extended hours and weekends as needed.

COMPENSATION AND BENEFITS:    
Pay range:    
Software Engineer/Level I: $122,500.00 - $145,000.00/per year    
Your actual level and base salary will be determined on a case-by-case basis and may vary based on the following considerations: job-related knowledge and skills, education, and experience.

Base salary is just one part of your total rewards package at SpaceX. You may also be eligible for long-term incentives, in the form of company stock, stock options, or long-term cash awards, as well as potential discretionary bonuses and the ability to purchase additional stock at a discount through an Employee Stock Purchase Plan. You will also receive access to comprehensive medical, vision, and dental coverage, access to a 401(k)-retirement plan, short and long-term disability insurance, life insurance, paid parental leave, and various other discounts and perks. You may also accrue 3 weeks of paid vacation and will be eligible for 10 or more paid holidays per year. Exempt employees are eligible for 5 days of sick leave per year. Company shuttles are offered to employees for round trip travel from select Seattle locations to the SpaceX Redmond office Monday to Friday. 


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