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Freelance Graduate Software Engineer Jobs in Albuquerque, NM

... software tools.Identifying traffic operations and safety deficiencies across all modes through ... What We Are Looking ForA Civil Engineering graduate with 7+ years of experience specifically in ...

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Freelance Graduate Software Engineer information

See Albuquerque, NM salary details

$23.3K

$101.6K

$183.2K

How much do freelance graduate software engineer jobs pay per year?

As of Sep 1, 2026, the average yearly pay for freelance graduate software engineer in Albuquerque, NM is $101,646.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $63,000.00 and $116,300.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is a freelance graduate software engineer?

A freelance graduate software engineer is an individual who has recently completed a degree in software engineering, computer science, or a related field and works independently on a contract or project basis. Instead of being employed full-time by a single company, they offer their programming and software development skills to various clients. This role allows for flexibility in choosing projects and clients, but also requires self-management, networking, and business skills. Freelance graduate software engineers may work on web development, app creation, debugging, or contributing to larger software projects. This path is ideal for those seeking diverse experience and the ability to set their own work schedule.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a freelance graduate software engineer?

To thrive as a Freelance Graduate Software Engineer, you need strong programming skills, a relevant degree in computer science or engineering, and a foundational understanding of software development principles. Familiarity with popular programming languages, version control systems like Git, and basic project management or collaboration tools is typically expected. Excellent problem-solving, effective communication, and time management skills help you deliver quality work and manage client expectations. These abilities are crucial for successfully handling diverse projects, building client relationships, and progressing in a competitive freelance environment.

What are some common challenges faced by freelance graduate software engineers when starting out, and how can they overcome them?

Freelance graduate software engineers often face challenges such as building a client base, managing multiple projects, and adapting to varying client expectations. It's common to feel overwhelmed by the need to market oneself while maintaining high coding standards. To overcome these challenges, many new freelancers focus on networking, maintaining an up-to-date portfolio, and improving time-management skills. Joining professional communities and seeking mentorship can also provide support and open doors to project opportunities.

What is the difference between Freelance Graduate Software Engineer vs Junior Software Developer?

AspectFreelance Graduate Software EngineerJunior Software Developer
CredentialsTypically recent graduates or those with basic coding skillsEntry-level professionals with foundational knowledge
Work EnvironmentSelf-employed, project-based, remote or freelanceFull-time or part-time employment in a company or team
Employer & Industry UsageFreelance platforms, startups, tech companiesSoftware firms, tech departments, corporate environments

The main difference is that a Freelance Graduate Software Engineer works independently on various projects, often remotely, and manages their own clients. In contrast, a Junior Software Developer is typically employed by a company, working within a team on ongoing projects. Both roles require basic coding skills, but the freelance role offers more flexibility and self-direction, while the junior role provides structured training and team collaboration.

What are the most commonly searched types of Graduate Software Engineer jobs in Albuquerque, NM?

The most popular types of Graduate Software Engineer jobs in Albuquerque, NM are:

What are popular job titles related to Freelance Graduate Software Engineer jobs in Albuquerque, NM?

For Freelance Graduate Software Engineer jobs in Albuquerque, NM, the most frequently searched job titles are:

What job categories do people searching Freelance Graduate Software Engineer jobs in Albuquerque, NM look for?

The top searched job categories for Freelance Graduate Software Engineer jobs in Albuquerque, NM are:

Infographic showing various Freelance Graduate Software Engineer job openings in Albuquerque, NM as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 86% Full Time, 10% Part Time, and 4% Contract. Highlights an 85% Physical, 4% Hybrid, and 11% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $101,646 per year, or $48.9 per hour.

Cleared Senior/Principal Software Engineer - Special Programs, NM/CA, Onsite

Albuquerque, NM โ€ข On-site

Sandia
Marketingย โ€ขย 11 - 50 employees

$117K - $235K/yr

Full-time

Medical, Retirement, PTO

Posted 13 days ago


Job description

About Sandia
Sandia National Laboratories is the nation's premier science and engineering lab for national security and technology innovation, with teams of specialists focused on cutting-edge work in a broad array of areas. Some of the main reasons we love our jobs:
  • Challenging work with amazing impact that contributes to security, peace, and freedom worldwide
  • Extraordinary co-workers
  • Some of the best tools, equipment, and research facilities in the world
  • Career advancement and enrichment opportunities
  • Flexible work arrangements for many positions include 9/80 (work 80 hours every two weeks, with every other Friday off) and 4/10 (work 4 ten-hour days each week) compressed workweeks, part-time work, and telecommuting (a mix of onsite work and working from home)
  • Generous vacation, strong medical and other benefits, competitive 401k, learning opportunities, relocation assistance and amenities aimed at creating a solid work/life balance*

World-changing technologies. Life-changing careers. Learn more about Sandia at: http://www.sandia.gov
*These benefits vary by job classification.
What Your Job Will Be Like
Are you passionate about solving complex problems and applying your expertise to develop innovative solutions? Join our dynamic team and help solve critical challenges to enhance our nation's security!
We are seeking an experienced Software Engineer (job title: R&D S&E Computer Science) to design and implement cutting-edge solutions for high-consequence national security challenges. In this role, you will collaborate with U.S. government customers to develop impactful capabilities that directly support warfighters, strengthen national security, and deliver measurable results for critical missions. Your contributions will foster innovation, leverage teamwork, and cultivate creativity while addressing key mission needs.
On any given day, you may be called on to:
  • Lead and collaborate with technical design teams and subject matter experts to create innovative solutions that meet mission requirements and address end-user needs.
  • Utilize your skillset in software system architecture, software system implementation, technical documentation, unit and integration testing, reliability and performance assessment, and/or systematic technology insertion.
  • Collaborate with Software Engineers, System Engineers, Information Technology staff, management, and customers to implement solutions that address requirements. Architect software systems, develop code, write unit tests, and create software tools to support the mission.
  • Provide on-call support for software discrepancy resolution in the production environment.
  • Develop and execute test plans/procedures, create reports, and write software documentation.
  • Perform system integration and testing.
  • Apply system design principles to architect scalable, reliable, and secure solutions for critical missions.
  • Incorporate software design methodologies to proactively address cybersecurity considerations throughout the software development lifecycle.
  • Develop and refine system CONOPS (Concept of Operations) to ensure technical solutions address operational needs.

Due to the nature of the work, the selected applicant must be able to work onsite 100% of the time at either the Albuquerque, NM or Livermore, CA location.
Applicants on this requisition may be interviewed by multiple organizations at Sandia National Laboratories.
Ability and willingness to travel, up to 25%, required.
Salary Range
$117,500 - $235,700
*Salary range is estimated, and actual salary will be determined after consideration of the selected candidate's experience and qualifications, and application of any approved geographic salary differential.
Qualifications We Require
  • A Bachelor's degree in a relevant discipline and five (5) years of directly relevant experience, or an equivalent combination of directly relevant education and engineering or scientific experience that demonstrates the knowledge, skills, and ability to perform independent research and development.
  • Active DOE Q-level clearance (or equivalent) and the ability to obtain a SCI-level security clearance, which may require a polygraph test.

Qualifications We Desire
The ideal R&D S&E Computer Science candidate for Sandia National Laboratories will in addition possess the following:
  • Graduate degree in Computer Science or a highly related field where an independent research project was a graduation requirement (e.g., independent project, thesis, or dissertation).
  • Demonstrated software development skills and familiarity with modern software development practices and tools (e.g., Agile).
  • Strong verbal and written communication skills, ability to work effectively in multidisciplinary teams, and a passion to improve and expand technical skills.

Also, for this posting we are seeking individuals with the following experience:
  • Demonstrated experience with object-oriented programming using Java.
  • Hands-on experience with web application development using JavaScript, JQuery, or Spring Boot.
  • Proven experience with Tomcat, Linux, Typescript, HTML5/CSS, Angular, Dust, or Oracle Database.
  • Proven experience with Test-driven development and testing methodologies.
  • Knowledge of secure software engineering practices, including vulnerability assessment and software supply chain management methodologies such as Nexus scanning.
  • Experience with Web Services, including WSDL, SOAP, and REST.
  • Experience with any of the following: Apache Karaf, Apache Camel, Mina/Netty, OSGI, JMX, JDBC, Apache Aries, Log4J2, Apache CXF, Docker, Hazelcast, or Apache Ignite.
  • Hands-on experience with Relational Databases (e.g., Oracle PL/SQL, SQLite) and Non-Relational Databases (e.g. NoSQL, Cassandra).
  • Experience designing software systems with a minimum cyber-attack surface while avoiding and mitigating Common Vulnerabilities and Exposures (CVE) risks.
  • Proven ability in partnering with security stakeholders to create patching and mitigation strategies.
  • Ability to analyze technology stacks to identify opportunities for optimization, security enhancements, and risk reduction.
  • Demonstrated expertise in cyber risk management, including identifying, mitigating, and documenting risks associated with software systems and architectures.
  • Familiarity with using defensive security principles to take proactive approaches in mitigating cybersecurity threats.
  • Ability to navigate ambiguous situations, and collaborate effectively with stakeholders and internal/external mission partners.
  • Active DOE SCI security clearance or equivalent DOD SCI security clearance.

About Our Team
The Special Programs group (8480) is responsible for developing high-impact and high-consequence national security projects that support a broad range of US government sponsors. Our projects span numerous technical disciplines, including software engineering, systems engineering, network and infrastructure design, and information assurance. These projects encompass all phases of the system development lifecycle from inception to operations, and range in duration from days to years. Special Programs' success stems from the team's ability to create innovative, end-to-end capabilities that support the most demanding missions. We partner closely with our customers to understand their mission needs and quickly develop and deploy robust solutions. Special Programs' unique infrastructure, domain expertise, and innovative approaches deliver exceptional capabilities to our sponsors, while fostering a dynamic and engaging work environment for our team.
Posting Duration
This posting will be open for application submissions for a minimum of three (3) calendar days, including the 'posting date'. Sandia reserves the right to extend the posting date at any time.
Security Clearance
Position requires a Department of Energy (DOE) Q security clearance to start, or equivalent active security clearance with another U.S. government agency (e.g., DOD). Sandia is required by DOE directive to conduct a pre-employment drug test and background review that includes checks of personal references, credit, law enforcement records, and employment/education verifications. Applicants for employment need to be able to maintain a DOE Q-level security clearance, which requires U.S. citizenship. If you hold more than one citizenship (i.e., of the U.S. and another country), your ability to obtain a security clearance may be impacted.
Applicants offered employment with Sandia are subject to a federal background investigation to meet the requirements for access to classified information or matter if the duties of the position require a DOE security clearance. Substance abuse or illegal drug use, falsification of information, criminal activity, serious misconduct or other indicators of untrustworthiness can cause a clearance to be denied or terminated by DOE, resulting in the inability to perform the duties assigned and subsequent termination of employment.
EEO
All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, age, disability, or veteran status and any other protected class under state or federal law.
NNSA Requirements for MedPEDs
If you have a Medical Portable Electronic Device (MedPED), such as a pacemaker, defibrillator, drug-releasing pump, hearing aids, or diagnostic equipment and other equipment for measuring, monitoring, and recording body functions such as heartbeat and brain waves, if employed by Sandia National Laboratories you may be required to comply with NNSA security requirements for MedPEDs.
If you have a MedPED and you are selected for an on-site interview at Sandia National Laboratories, there may be additional steps necessary to ensure compliance with NNSA security requirements prior to the interview date.