1

Contract Programming Jobs in Virginia (NOW HIRING)

Our people are passionate about engineering innovation that improves lives and drives impactful ... Take prime responsibility for the contract management function for the division working with the ...

Contracts Manager

Arlington, VA · Hybrid

$102K - $136K/yr

... and engineering, to streamline contract workflows and mitigate risks. Your expertise will be essential in evaluating contract performance, managing relationships, and ensuring the execution of ...

Contracts Manager

Arlington, VA · On-site

$102K - $136K/yr

... and engineering, to streamline contract workflows and mitigate risks. Your expertise will be essential in evaluating contract performance, managing relationships, and ensuring the execution of ...

Contracts Manager 4

Tysons, VA · On-site

$90K - $120K/yr

Dean, we are committed to building the next generation of technical leaders in electrical, engineering, and cybersecurity industries. Responsibilities In this role as Contract Manager 4 , you will be ...

Contracts Manager

Warrenton, VA · On-site

$89K - $119K/yr

Join our team of experts as we engineer national security! Altamira has an open position for a highly qualified and talented Contracts Manager, with proven record and performance in the U.S.

Senior Systems Engineer

Alexandria, VA · On-site

$101K - $139K/yr

Lead the contract engineering team to develop and execute Systems Engineering processes within TENCAP including: prepare decision justification materials; prepare design studies to identify and ...

Senior Systems Engineer

Alexandria, VA · On-site

$101K - $139K/yr

Lead the contract engineering team to develop and execute Systems Engineering processes within TENCAP including: prepare decision justification materials; prepare design studies to identify and ...

International Contracts Manager

Herndon, VA · On-site

$91K - $122K/yr

You will partner closely with cross-functional teams, including legal, finance, procurement, engineering, operations and business development, to streamline contract workflows and mitigate risks.

Showing results 41-60

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 43% Full Time, and 57% Contract. Highlights an 67% In-person, and 33% Hybrid job distribution.

Contract Specialist

Fredericksburg, VA • On-site

$89K/yr

Full-time

Posted 9 days ago


Job description

Serves as Contract Specialist within one of the Office of Facilities Acquisition, Office of Procurement, Acquisition & Logistics (OALC), Office of the Secretary of Veterans Affairs. The office provides direct support functions for: fiduciary management of Department of Veterans Affairs budgets, contract administration for architectural and engineering services, construction consultants and construction services, contracts for personal services, and a wide array of administrative programs.Qualifications:To qualify for this position, applicants must meet all requirements by the closing date of this announcement, 09/09/2026.
You may qualify based on your experience and/or education as described below:
Contracting Series, 1102, Individual Occupational Requirements (IOR):
This Contract Specialist has an Individual Occupational Requirement (IOR), that must be met prior to or after appointment.
GS-12 Requirements:
1. A four-year course of study leading to a bachelor's degree with a major in any field. [NOTE: A TRANSCRIPT WITH NAME, SCHOOL NAME, AND DATE OF CONFERRAL MUST BE SUBMITTED WITH APPLICATION]
OR
2. At least 24 semester hours in any combination of the following fields: accounting, business, finance, law, contracts, purchasing, economics, industrial management, marketing, quantitative methods, or organization and management.
AND
GS-12 Specialized Experience: Applicants must have one year of full-time specialized experience equivalent to at least the next lower grade (GS-11) in the normal line of progression for the occupation in the organization. Examples of specialized experience would typically include but are not limited to:
  • Applying contracting regulations, policies, procedures and requirements to administer contracts.
  • Applying pre-solicitation and solicitation principles, requirements, and processes to prepare solicitation documents including cost and pricing standards.
  • Experience using negotiation techniques to conduct pre-award and post-award negotiations such as supplemental agreements or settlement actions.
  • Experience in cost and price analysis techniques to prepare proposals against previous history, actual expenditures and established rates to determine negotiation positions.
  • Utilizing oral and written communications to convey technical contract regulations and requirements, and to document contracting methods and techniques employed to obtain negotiation objectives.
Certification Requirements GS-12: Certification Requirements GS-12: A FAC-C (Federal Acquisition Certification in Contracting) Professional (Legacy FAC-C Level II or higher) certification or DAWIA equivalent is required within 24 months of appointment for a GS-12 Contracting Specialist. [NOTE: IF YOU POSSESS THIS CERTIFICATION, A COPY MUST BE SUBMITTED WITH APPLICATION]
GS-13 Basic Requirements:

1. Completion of all mandatory training prescribed by the head of the agency for progression to GS-13 or higher-level contracting positions, including at least 4 years' experience in contracting or related positions. At least 1 year of that experience must have been specialized experience at or equivalent to work at the next lower GS-12 grade level of the position, and must have provided the knowledge, skills, and abilities to perform successfully the work of the position.
AND
2. A 4-year course of study leading to a bachelor's degree, that included or was supplemented by at least 24 semester hours in any combination of the following fields: accounting, business, finance, law, contracts, purchasing, economics, industrial management, marketing, quantitative methods, or organization and management. [NOTE: A TRANSCRIPT WITH NAME, SCHOOL NAME, AND DATE OF CONFERRAL MUST BE SUBMITTED WITH APPLICATION]
3. Exceptions: Employees in GS-1102 positions will be considered to have met the standard for positions they occupy on January 1, 2000. This also applies to positions in the same grade in the same agency or other agencies if the specialized experience requirements are met. However, they will have to meet the basic requirements and specialized experience requirements to qualify for promotion to a higher grade, unless granted a waiver.
AND
Specialized Experience for the GS-13 level of this position: Applicants must have one year of full-time specialized experience equivalent to at least the next lower grade (GS-12) in the normal line of progression for the occupation in the organization. Examples of specialized experience would typically include but are not limited to:
  • Serving as a senior-level expert, for complex, high-value, or urgent requirements.
  • Overseeing preparation of procurement instruments; negotiates the terms and conditions of a contract.
  • Reviewing work completed by contractors to ensure it meets contractual standards.
  • Analyzing price or cost data to recommend specific contracting actions.
  • Participating (formally or informally) in an acquisition team and/or integrated program/project team.
Certification Requirements GS-13: To meet the agency's' mandatory training requirements as prescribed by the head of the agency for progression to GS-13 or higher level, applicants must have obtained a Federal Acquisition Certification in Contracting FAC-C Professional or Defense Acquisition Workforce Improvement Act (DAWIA] Contracting Professional) certification. [NOTE: A COPY OF CERTIFICATION MUST BE SUBMITTED WITH APPLICATION].
NOTE: Current/former VA or government employees must have successfully completed a FAC-C Professional (or Legacy Contracting Level II or higher) or DAWIA Contracting Professional (or Legacy Contracting Level II or higher) certification.
For more information on these qualification standards, please visit the United States Office of Personnel Management's website at https://www.opm.gov/policy-data-oversight/classification-qualifications/general-schedule-qualification-standards/.
The Interagency Career Transition Assistance Plan (ICTAP) and Career Transition Assistance Plan (CTAP) provide eligible displaced VA competitive service employees with selection priority over other candidates for competitive service vacancies. To be qualified you must submit appropriate documentation (a copy of the agency notice, your most recent performance rating, and your most recent SF-50 noting current position, grade level, and duty location) and be found well-qualified for this vacancy. To be found well qualified, applicants must meet the following qualifications: .
  • Demonstrated knowledge of Federal Acquisition Regulations (FAR), and other Federal acquisition regulations, such as VA Acquisition Regulation (VAAR), VA Acquisition Manual (VAAM), etc.
  • Knowledge of acquisition principles, policies and processes pertaining to a major construction and/or Architect-Engineer acquisition program, a major supply chain, logistics or health care organization.
  • Experience with a variety of contract types and purchasing types. Has experience mentoring and training contract officers and reviewing other contracting officers' work.
  • Demonstrated ability to identify issues, recommend improvements, implements and deliver high-quality customer service.
  • Experience in dealing with/resolving complex issues requiring courtesy and effective communication skills (both oral and written) as a participant/leader (formally or informally) in an acquisition team and/or integrated program/project team
Information about ICTAP and CTAP eligibility is on OPM's Career Transition Resources website at http://www.opm.gov/policy-data-oversight/workforce-restructuring/employee-guide-to-career-transition/.Education:There is no educational substitution at this grade level.
A transcript must be submitted with your application if you are basing all or part of your qualifications on education.
Note: Only education or degrees recognized by the U.S. Department of Education from accredited colleges, universities, schools, or institutions may be used to qualify for Federal employment. You can verify your education here: http://ope.ed.gov/accreditation/. If you are using foreign education to meet qualification requirements, you must send a Certificate of Foreign Equivalency with your transcript in order to receive credit for that education. For further information, visit: https://sites.ed.gov/international/recognition-of-foreign-qualifications/.Employment Type: OTHER