Freelance R&D Software Developer Jobs in Chandler, AZ

RESPONSIBILITIES:
Kforce's client in Phoenix, AZ that is seeking a Senior Software Engineer to design and develop prototypes, proofs of concept (PoCs), and pilot-ready solutions that validate technical feasibility and accelerate decision-making. This Egineer will partner closely with cross-functional teams to evaluate emerging technologies and build solutions that may evolve into future production systems. The environment is highly collaborative and R&D-focused, emphasizing rapid iteration, innovation, and practical problem-solving.
Key Responsibilities:
* Design and build prototype applications using C#, modern .NET, SQL Server, and Azure
* Develop APIs, integrations, and telemetry systems connecting software with hardware and external platforms
* Create cloud-native solutions leveraging Azure, Docker, containers, and Kubernetes
* Incorporate AI-assisted capabilities for automation, diagnostics, analytics, and decision support
* Integrate software with edge devices, sensors, and connected systems
* Support lab testing and real-world field validation efforts
* Build diagnostics, logging, and monitoring tools for testing and troubleshooting
* Troubleshoot issues across hardware, firmware, networking, and cloud environments
* Assist with deployment preparation and post-test analysis
* Define success criteria, testing frameworks, and evaluation metrics for prototypes
* Document architecture decisions, trade-offs, and technical recommendations
* Evaluate emerging technologies, including IoT, edge computing, AR, and advanced visualization tools
* Participate in design reviews, code reviews, and Agile ceremonies
* Mentor engineers and contribute to overall team capability
* Promote engineering best practices while balancing speed and experimentation
* Leverage AI tools to improve development velocity and documentation quality
REQUIREMENTS:
* Bachelor's degree in Computer Science, Software Engineering, or related field
* 10+ years of software engineering experience delivering production or pilot-ready solutions
* Strong hands-on experience with C# and modern .NET technologies
* Experience building applications and integrations in Microsoft Azure
* Strong experience with SQL Server or other relational databases
* Experience developing prototypes, PoCs, or experimental systems
* Background integrating software with hardware, telemetry systems, or external platforms
* Strong troubleshooting skills across distributed environments
* Experience with CI/CD pipelines, DevOps practices, Git, and automated testing
* Excellent communication and technical documentation skills
* Should be comfortable working alongside hardware systems and solving cross-domain challenges
Preferred Qualifications:
* Experience with IoT, edge computing, or connected device ecosystems
* Background in robotics, industrial automation, transportation, aerospace, or similar environments
* Familiarity with device communication protocols and diagnostics
* Experience with Docker, Kubernetes, and cloud-native architectures
* Exposure to event-driven systems, observability, and distributed architectures
* Experience supporting lab or field testing environments
What Success Looks Like:
* Builds prototypes and PoCs that clearly validate technical feasibility
* Creates repeatable testing frameworks and diagnostics tooling
* Produces clear architecture documentation and technical recommendations
* Strengthens engineering capability within a fast-paced R&D environment
Backgrounds candidates often come from:
* IoT or edge computing
* Robotics or autonomous systems
* Industrial automation
* Transportation or connected vehicle platforms
* Aerospace or defense
* Applied R&D or prototype engineering teams
The pay range is the lowest to highest compensation we reasonably in good faith believe we would pay at posting for this role. We may ultimately pay more or less than this range. Employee pay is based on factors like relevant education, qualifications, certifications, experience, skills, seniority, location, performance, union contract and business needs. This range may be modified in the future.
We offer comprehensive benefits including medical/dental/vision insurance, HSA, FSA, 401(k), and life, disability & ADD insurance to eligible employees. Salaried personnel receive paid time off. Hourly employees are not eligible for paid time off unless required by law. Hourly employees on a Service Contract Act project are eligible for paid sick leave.
Note: Pay is not considered compensation until it is earned, vested and determinable. The amount and availability of any compensation remains in Kforce's sole discretion unless and until paid and may be modified in its discretion consistent with the law.
This job is not eligible for bonuses, incentives or commissions.
Kforce is an Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action Employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, pregnancy, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, age, protected veteran status, or disability status.
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