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Contract Programmer Jobs in Butler, PA (NOW HIRING)

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Contract Programmer information

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a contract programmer, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Contract Programmer, you need strong programming skills in relevant languages, a solid understanding of software development methodologies, and typically a degree in computer science or related field. Familiarity with version control systems like Git, integrated development environments (IDEs), and knowledge of frameworks or cloud platforms are commonly required. Excellent problem-solving abilities, self-motivation, and clear communication with clients set top contract programmers apart. These skills ensure the delivery of high-quality, maintainable code that meets client needs and project deadlines in a dynamic work environment.

What is the difference between Contract Programmer vs Software Developer?

AspectContract ProgrammerSoftware Developer
CredentialsTypically requires a degree in computer science or related field, with experience in specific programming languagesUsually holds a degree in computer science or software engineering, with similar certifications
Work EnvironmentWorks on short-term projects, often remotely, with flexible schedulesMay work full-time in an office or remotely, involved in ongoing development
Employer & Industry UsageHired by companies for specific projects or freelance work across various industriesEmployed by companies or as freelancers, involved in software creation and maintenance

In summary, Contract Programmers focus on short-term, project-based work, often freelance or temporary, while Software Developers typically work on ongoing development within a company or as full-time employees. Both roles require similar skills and credentials but differ mainly in work scope and employment type.

How do contract programmers typically manage communication and collaboration with client teams while working remotely?

Contract programmers often work off-site, which makes effective communication and collaboration essential for project success. Most clients use project management tools like Jira, Trello, or Asana, and require regular check-ins via video calls, chat platforms, or emails. It’s important for contract programmers to proactively share progress, clarify requirements, and ask questions as needed to stay aligned with the client’s expectations. Building strong communication habits helps ensure timely delivery and fosters a positive working relationship with diverse team members, even when working remotely.

What is contract programming?

Contract programming is a work arrangement where a programmer is hired on a temporary basis to complete specific projects or tasks under a contract. It often involves working independently or remotely, with defined deliverables, deadlines, and payment terms, and may require skills in specific programming languages or tools. This setup allows companies to access specialized expertise without long-term employment commitments.

What is a contract programmer?

A contract programmer is a software developer who is hired on a temporary basis to work on specific projects or tasks for a company. Unlike full-time employees, contract programmers typically work for a set period or until the completion of a particular project. They may work independently or through an agency, and their expertise is often sought for specialized or short-term needs. Contract programmers can work on-site or remotely, and they usually have flexible arrangements regarding hours and workflow.

What are the most commonly searched types of Programmer jobs in Butler, PA?

The most popular types of Programmer jobs in Butler, PA are:

What cities near Butler, PA are hiring for Contract Programmer jobs?

Cities near Butler, PA with the most Contract Programmer job openings:

Infographic showing various Contract Programmer job openings in Butler, PA as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 78% Full Time, 12% Part Time, 9% Contract, and 1% Nights. Highlights an 86% Physical, 2% Hybrid, and 12% Remote job distribution.

Principal Automation Engineer

Cadence Inc

Cranberry Township, PA • On-site

$122K - $169K/yr

Full-time

Re-posted 14 days ago


Job description

Together, Advancing Patient Outcomes

At Cadence, we are a Medical Device Contract Development and Manufacturing Organization (CDMO) dedicated to advancing patient outcomes through innovation, engineering excellence, and manufacturing expertise. We partner with the world's leading MedTech and Pharma companies to bring life-changing products to market, and we're looking for talented professionals who thrive in a collaborative, fast-paced environment.

Position Summary

We are seeking an experienced and innovative Principal Automation Engineer to serve as a technical leader within our organization. This role will be responsible for developing advanced automation solutions that support new business opportunities, customer programs, and operational excellence initiatives across our manufacturing sites.

As a recognized subject matter expert, the Principal Automation Engineer will play a critical role in evaluating customer requirements, developing manufacturing concepts, supporting technical quotations, leading complex automation projects, and advancing Cadence's automation capabilities. This position combines strategic thinking with hands-on technical leadership and offers the opportunity to influence the future direction of manufacturing technologies across the organization.

What You'll Do

Drive Growth Through Innovation

  • Partner with Business Development, Engineering, and Operations teams to develop innovative automation solutions that support new customer opportunities.
  • Evaluate customer requirements and develop manufacturing concepts, automation strategies, and equipment recommendations.
  • Provide technical input for quotations, including capital equipment requirements, engineering development effort, labor assumptions, validation requirements, and implementation timelines.
  • Participate in customer meetings, technical reviews, and capability presentations.
  • Identify emerging technologies and automation strategies that strengthen Cadence's competitive position and support growth objectives.

Lead Complex Automation Projects

  • Lead automation projects to successful completion by managing technical scope, schedules, budgets, resources, risks, and project deliverables while ensuring alignment with customer expectations and business objectives.
  • Serve as a key technical leader on automation projects from concept through implementation.
  • Develop automation architectures, equipment specifications, control strategies, and system integration plans.
  • Support equipment design, procurement, installation, validation, and production readiness activities.
  • Collaborate with cross-functional teams, suppliers, and customers to ensure successful project execution.
  • Provide technical guidance, troubleshooting, and hands-on support as needed throughout project lifecycles.

Advance Manufacturing Excellence

  • Serve as the corporate automation subject matter expert across Cadence operations.
  • Establish and maintain automation standards, best practices, and technology roadmaps.
  • Support manufacturing sites with complex automation challenges, process improvements, and equipment optimization initiatives.
  • Identify opportunities to improve quality, throughput, reliability, and operational efficiency through automation.
  • Mentor engineers and share technical expertise across the organization.
  • Evaluate new technologies and manufacturing solutions that support long-term capability development.

What You'll Bring

  • This is a hybrid or onsite position that can be based from any Cadence location (preferred locations: Cranston, RI, Cranberry Township, PA, or Staunton, VA). Travel up to 50% may be required.
  • Bachelor's degree in Engineering or related technical discipline; Electrical, Mechanical, Mechatronics, or Controls Engineering preferred.
  • 10+ years of experience developing and implementing automation solutions within a manufacturing environment.
  • Demonstrated expertise in automation system design, controls engineering, robotics, machine vision, and system integration.
  • Experience supporting capital equipment projects from concept through validation and production launch.
  • Strong understanding of PLC programming, HMI development, industrial controls, sensors, robotics, and manufacturing automation technologies.
  • Experience developing technical solutions and supporting customer quotations, capital planning, and project execution.
  • Strong project management, problem-solving, and communication skills.
  • Ability to influence cross-functional teams and collaborate effectively with customers, suppliers, and operational leaders.
  • Medical device, pharmaceutical, or other highly regulated manufacturing experience preferred.

Why Join Us?

At Cadence, engineering innovation is central to our success. As a Principal Automation Engineer, you'll have the opportunity to shape manufacturing technologies, support groundbreaking customer programs, and drive automation strategies that directly impact patient outcomes. You'll work alongside talented engineers, manufacturing leaders, and customers to solve complex challenges while helping build the next generation of medical device manufacturing capabilities.

If you're passionate about automation, innovation, and making a meaningful impact, we'd love to hear from you.


Consistent with Cadence's career architecture, this position may be staffed at varying experience levels. The level offered, along with the associated compensation range, will be determined based on the selected candidate's qualifications, experience, skills, and other job-related factors.