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Contract Programmer Jobs in Washington, DC (NOW HIRING)

SiloSmashers

Programmer

Arlington, VA · On-site

Must be a U.S. citizen and able to obtain and maintain DHS suitability clearance, as required by federal contract.Summary:The Programmer will support DHS CISA by developing secure, scalable ...

SiloSmashers

Programmer

Arlington, VA · On-site

Must be a U.S. citizen and able to obtain and maintain DHS suitability clearance, as required by federal contract. Summary: The Programmer will support DHS CISA by developing secure, scalable ...

Structural Technologies

Contracts Manager

Columbia, MD · On-site

$88K - $118K/yr

Structural Group, Inc., develops and integrates products, engineering support, repair and ... Supporting all aspects of contract dispute resolution, including assisting with litigation ...

Structural Group Inc.

Contracts Manager

Columbia, MD · On-site

$90 - $105/hr

JR-6543Structural Group, Inc., develops and integrates products, engineering support, repair and ... Supporting all aspects of contract dispute resolution, including assisting with litigation ...

QinetiQ US

Contract Manager

Lorton, VA · On-site

$90K - $120K/yr

Partner with Program Management, Engineering, Operations, Supply Chain, and Quality to support hardware development and production efforts. * Provide early contract risk assessments and support ...

Draper

Contract Subject Matter Expert

Reston, VA · On-site +1

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 ...

Draper

Contract Subject Matter Expert

Reston, VA · On-site

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 ...

Inuplands

Contract Subject Matter Expert

Reston, VA · On-site

$100 - $275/hr

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 ...

New

Draper

Contract Subject Matter Expert

Reston, VA · On-site

$100 - $275/hr

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

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Showing results 21-40

All JobsContract Programmer JobsContract Programmer Jobs in Washington, DC

Contract Programmer information

See Washington, DC salary details

$13

$37

$67

How much do contract programmer jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 23, 2026, the average hourly pay for contract programmer in Washington, DC is $37.12, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $24.26 and $46.97 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

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 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.

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 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.

What are the most commonly searched types of Programmer jobs in Washington, DC?

The most popular types of Programmer jobs in Washington, DC are:

Contract Programmer jobs near you

Programmer

SiloSmashers

Arlington, VA • On-site

Full-time

Re-posted 2 days ago

Job description

Programmer Location: Arlington, VAClearance: Must be a U.S. citizen and able to obtain and maintain DHS suitability clearance, as required by federal contract.Summary:The Programmer will support DHS CISA by developing secure, scalable applications that enable modernization and mission success.Responsibilities:Develop and maintain software using Java, Python, C++, or C#.Support CI/CD pipelines and Infrastructure-as-Code practices.Apply secure coding principles and implement automated testing in compliance with DHS/NIST standards.Troubleshoot, debug, and optimize applications supporting mission-critical systems.Collaborate with cross-functional teams to integrate solutions within enterprise environments.Qualifications:Bachelor's degree in Computer Science, Engineering, or a related field.2–4 years of professional software development experience.Familiarity with DevSecOps environments and Agile practices.Knowledge of the secure software development lifecycle (SSDLC).Strong problem-solving and communication skills.
Job Posted by ApplicantPro