1

Contract Software Engineering Manager Jobs in Silver Spring, MD

They are seeking an Engineering Manager or Senior Engineering Manager to lead a team of software engineers in developing innovative software solutions in healthcare analytics. The role involves ...

You will manage a team of 15-20 software engineers taking part in creating some of the most innovative software solutions in the dynamic and fascinating field of healthcare analytics. This is a new ...

Manager, Software Engineering

Baltimore, MD · On-site +1

$150K - $220K/yr

About the Roles Software Engineering Manager leading a NinjaOne product, you will guide and grow our software development team. Responsible for building new and maintaining existing features ...

New

next page

Showing results 1-20

Contract Software Engineering Manager information

See Silver Spring, MD salary details

$102.9K

$175.1K

$207.3K

How much do contract software engineering manager jobs pay per year?

As of Jun 19, 2026, the average yearly pay for contract software engineering manager in Silver Spring, MD is $175,103.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $178,800.00 and $178,800.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is a Contract Software Engineering Manager?

A Contract Software Engineering Manager is a professional who leads and oversees software development teams on a contractual basis, rather than as a permanent employee. They are responsible for managing engineering projects, guiding developers, and ensuring timely delivery of high-quality software solutions. Typically, they work for a specific duration or on particular projects, providing leadership, technical expertise, and process improvements. This role is ideal for organizations seeking temporary management support or specialized leadership for critical projects. Contract Software Engineering Managers often bring diverse experience from various industries and projects.

What engineer makes $500,000 a year?

A senior or principal software engineering manager with extensive experience, leadership responsibilities, and expertise in high-demand areas can earn $500,000 or more annually. Such roles often require advanced technical skills, strategic oversight, and may include bonuses, stock options, or profit sharing in large tech companies or successful startups.

What are some unique challenges faced by contract software engineering managers compared to full-time managers?

Contract software engineering managers often face the challenge of quickly integrating into new teams and company cultures while rapidly understanding ongoing projects. They must establish trust and effective communication in a short period, all while delivering results within limited contract timelines. Additionally, contract managers may need to balance stakeholder expectations and project deliverables without the long-term context or authority that permanent managers might have. Adaptability, strong onboarding skills, and proactive relationship-building are key to thriving in this role.

How much do contract software engineers make?

Contract software engineers typically earn between $50 and $150 per hour, depending on experience, location, and project complexity. Senior engineers with specialized skills or certifications can command higher rates, especially for short-term or high-demand projects.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a Contract Software Engineering Manager, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Contract Software Engineering Manager, you need strong leadership abilities, deep software development knowledge, and experience managing engineering teams, typically supported by a degree in computer science or related field. Familiarity with project management tools (like Jira or Trello), cloud platforms (such as AWS or Azure), and relevant certifications (e.g., PMP, Scrum Master) is often required. Outstanding communication, adaptability, and conflict-resolution skills help build trust and drive team performance in diverse, dynamic environments. These competencies ensure timely project delivery, high code quality, and effective collaboration with stakeholders.

What is the difference between Contract Software Engineering Manager vs Contract Software Developer?

AspectContract Software Engineering ManagerContract Software Developer
Required CredentialsBachelor's/Master's in CS or related field, management experienceBachelor's in CS or related field, coding skills
Work EnvironmentOversees teams, manages projects, collaborates with stakeholdersFocuses on coding, debugging, implementing features
Employer & Industry UsageTech companies, consulting firms, startupsSoftware firms, tech startups, enterprise IT
Common Search & ComparisonManagement responsibilities, leadership rolesTechnical skills, coding focus

The Contract Software Engineering Manager typically oversees development teams, manages projects, and ensures delivery, requiring management experience and leadership skills. In contrast, the Contract Software Developer primarily focuses on coding and implementing software features. Both roles are common in tech industries but differ significantly in responsibilities and required credentials.

How much money does a software engineer manager make?

A Contract Software Engineering Manager typically earns between $120,000 and $180,000 annually, depending on experience, location, and company size. They often oversee teams, manage project timelines, and require strong leadership and technical skills.

What engineers make $300,000 a year?

Senior software engineering managers, principal engineers, and staff engineers in large tech companies often earn $300,000 or more annually, especially with extensive experience, advanced skills in areas like cloud computing or AI, and stock options or bonuses included. These roles typically require strong leadership, technical expertise, and often a master's degree or higher in computer science or related fields.
What are popular job titles related to Contract Software Engineering Manager jobs in Silver Spring, MD? For Contract Software Engineering Manager jobs in Silver Spring, MD, the most frequently searched job titles are:
What job categories do people searching Contract Software Engineering Manager jobs in Silver Spring, MD look for? The top searched job categories for Contract Software Engineering Manager jobs in Silver Spring, MD are:
What cities near Silver Spring, MD are hiring for Contract Software Engineering Manager jobs? Cities near Silver Spring, MD with the most Contract Software Engineering Manager job openings:
Infographic showing various Contract Software Engineering Manager job openings in Silver Spring, MD as of June 2026, with employment types broken down into 100% Full Time. Highlights an 79% In-person, and 21% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $175,103 per year, or $84.2 per hour.

Software Engineering Manager

Northstrat

Sterling, VA • On-site

Full-time

Medical, Retirement, PTO

Posted 20 days ago


Job description

Northstrat is seeking a Software Engineering Manager developing next generation signals intelligence (SIGINT) and electronic warfare systems for the Department of Defense. Join a passionate team of industry-leading individuals on a program that leverages the best practices in Model-Based Systems Engineering and Agile software development to deliver state-of-the-art capability in support of our nation's warfighters.
As a member of the team, you will support the men and women charged with safeguarding the American people and enhancing the Nation's safety, security, and prosperity. Our warfighters are on the front lines, every day, protecting our national security from the increasingly sophisticated and complex threats of our adversaries.
Responsibilities:
  • Lead and mentor a team software/integration/and test engineers, fostering a culture of innovation, collaboration, and continuous improvement.
  • Collaborate with other Product Teams, the Customer and their representatives to take requirements and translate them into end-to-end solutions.
  • Collaborate with DevSecOps team in implementing CI/CD processes to facilitate efficient and effective development cycles.
  • Collaborate with external teams to integrate our software products onto different environments
  • Collaborate with Scrum Masters to plan, task, and execute sprint iterations and be able to get hands-on with the software team during development and testing cycles
  • Conduct performance reviews, set professional development goals, and ensure team members have the resources they need to succeed.
  • Work closely with upper management and the program office to develop and implement strategic initiatives that enhance product capabilities and drive business growth.
  • Identify opportunities for maximizing software reuse and improving profitability across various programs.
  • Plan and execute development and delivery efforts.
  • Overall software focal for the Ship's Signal Exploitation Equipment (SSEE) baseline - leads the direction and maturation of the SSEE software baseline.
  • Manages and supports Software Development and Software I&T
  • Authority to execute formal build and release of the software baseline
  • Generate, review, and approve software CDRLs (SVD, SSDD, etc)
  • Primary software focal for customer-run SSEE Software TRB
  • Manage SSEE Software Problem Reports (SPRs)
  • Drive technical discussion on priority and criticality
  • Schedule and execute SPR resolution.
  • Act as a liaison between the engineering team and other stakeholders, including product management, sales, and customer support.
  • Communicate complex technical concepts to non-technical audiences and vice versa.
  • Interact on a bi-weekly basis with customer software lead to ensure customer needs are being met

Requirements
  • Must be Active Top Security clearance
  • Ability to obtain SCI security clearance
  • A Bachelor's degree in Computer Science, Electrical Engineering, Aerospace Engineering, Computer Engineering, Physics, Math, or equivalent experience
  • Must have at least 5 plus years in a leadership role
  • Proven experience in designing and implementing microservices architectures.
  • Strong knowledge of software architecture principles and practices.
  • Excellent leadership, communication, and interpersonal skills.
  • Must have the ability to collaborate effectively with upper management and cross-functional teams.
  • Demonstrated success in maximizing software reuse and driving profitability.
  • Must have experience with Virtualization Stack, VM, Redhat and RF knowledge
  • Strong communication skills, ability to work independently and within agile team constructs to lead developers in fast paced, collaborative environments
  • Knowledge of modern software engineering, to include DevSecOps practices and continuous integration/continuous deployment (CI/CD) pipelines, version control, automated testing, and Agile software development best practices

Preferred:
  • Proficiency in one or more programming languages (e.g., Java, C++, Python)
  • Proficiency in front-end and back-end technologies (React, Node.js, Django) and frameworks
  • Proficiency in container automation and orchestration tooling employment (Kubernetes, Podman/Docker)
  • RF experience is desired
  • DSP experience
  • Experience with containerization technologies (e.g., Docker, Kubernetes).
  • Desired Active TS/SCI Clearance

Benefits
Work/Life Balance
Northstrat values true work life balance. We offer power of choice benefits designed to best meet the needs of you and your lifestyle. Our benefits programs are designed to support and encourage wellness, healthy living, retirement investment, and lifetime learning.
Pay Range
There are a host of factors that can influence final salary including, but not limited to, geographic location, Federal Government contract labor categories and contract wage rates, relevant prior work experience, specific skills and competencies, education, and certifications. We also offer competitive compensation, benefits, and professional development opportunities. Please refer to our Benefits section for additional details.
Flex Time
Northstrat does not mandate specific working hours. Although project requirements may dictate schedules, a Northstrat employee is only required to work an average of 8 hours per weekday over the course of a month. For example: John worked 12 hours on June 1st to meet a project deadline. On June 15th, John only worked 4 hours because he left early for a long weekend. John's IBA was not debited for time off because flex time allowed him to carry over those 4 hours from June 1st.
Individual Benefits Account (IBA)
To attract and retain the highest quality staff, Northstrat provides a unique and versatile benefits package, the Individual Benefit Account (IBA), which places the power of choice in the hands of our greatest asset - the employee.
The purpose of the IBA is to provide attractive benefits to all full-time employees of Northstrat on a flexible basis that enables each covered employee to select a package that best suits his or her needs. Whether those needs are paid time off, medical expenses, prescription drug expenses, cash disbursement, or a combination of any of these, the IBA provides flexibility to help you meet your specific goals. The IBA can be used for such things as:
IBA Benefits accrue each month in the amount equivalent to 50% of the employee's monthly compensation rate. That is, the effective dollar amount of this accrual is in addition to an employee's salary.
Profit Sharing Plan (PSP)
The PSP is a qualified retirement plan that Northstrat funds quarterly on the employee's behalf through the IBA in the amount equivalent to 25% (up to the IRS contribution limit) of the employee's compensation. That is, of the 50% accrual in the IBA, half of the amount accrued is applied to the PSP.
Lifelong Learning
Our culture promotes and nurtures a growth environment. We hire and scale rapidly to meet the needs of our partner customers. Through periodic company sponsored training events, and the ability to use IBA funds for reimbursement of work-related education expenses you will have the opportunity to continually grow your skills and abilities.
Bring Your True Self
We embrace diversity and encourage inclusion. We support employee led interest groups and challenge our employees to support others and be their best self. We are so true to our beliefs that we offer employee referral incentives. When you like it here, your friends and family will too!
Northstrat is an Equal Opportunity Employer
We are committed to fostering an inclusive, diverse workplace. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, pregnancy, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, age, disability, veteran status or other legally protected status.