1

Contract Programming Jobs in Virginia (NOW HIRING)

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 ...

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

Lead Contracts Manager

Richmond, VA · On-site

$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 Programming information

What is contract programming?

Contract programming refers to the practice of hiring software developers or programmers on a contract basis, rather than as permanent employees. These professionals are typically brought in to work on specific projects or for a set period of time, often to address resource gaps or provide specialized expertise. Contract programmers are responsible for designing, writing, testing, and maintaining code according to the requirements set by the client. This arrangement offers flexibility for both the employer and the programmer, as it allows businesses to scale their workforce as needed and gives programmers the opportunity to work on diverse projects.

What are some common challenges faced by contract programmers when working with multiple clients simultaneously?

Contract programmers often juggle projects for several clients at once, which can present challenges in time management, prioritizing tasks, and ensuring clear communication. Balancing different workflows, adapting to various coding standards, and aligning with each client’s expectations require strong organizational and interpersonal skills. It's important to establish transparent timelines, utilize project management tools, and maintain regular check-ins with clients to keep projects on track and avoid misunderstandings.

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 advanced programming skills, knowledge of multiple programming languages, and a proven track record demonstrated by a relevant degree or portfolio of completed projects. Familiarity with version control systems (like Git), project management tools, and sometimes certifications in specific technologies (such as AWS or Microsoft Azure) are commonly expected. Strong communication, time management, and problem-solving abilities help you adapt to diverse client needs and collaborate remotely. These skills enable you to deliver high-quality, on-time solutions while maintaining client satisfaction in a competitive contract environment.

What is the difference between Contract Programming vs Software Developer?

AspectContract ProgrammingSoftware Developer
CredentialsTypically no specific certifications required, but technical skills are essentialOften holds degrees or certifications in computer science or related fields
Work EnvironmentProject-based, freelance or temporary roles, often remoteFull-time employment, in-house or remote
Employer & Industry UsageUsed across various industries for short-term projectsEmployed by companies for ongoing development roles
Search & Comparison IntentOften compared for flexibility and project scopeCompared for career stability and growth opportunities

Contract Programming involves short-term, project-based work often as a freelancer, while Software Developers typically work full-time within a company. Both roles require strong technical skills, but their work environments and employment terms differ significantly.

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

The most popular types of Programming jobs in Virginia are:

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

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

What cities in Virginia are hiring for Contract Programming jobs?

Cities in Virginia with the most Contract Programming job openings:

Infographic showing various Contract Programming job openings in Virginia as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 40% Full Time, and 60% Contract. Highlights an 74% In-person, and 26% Hybrid job distribution.

$100 - $275/hr

Other

Posted 7 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.

#J-18808-Ljbffr