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Freelance Scientific Software Developer Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Navarro Inc.

Software Developer (3793)

Niskayuna, NY · On-site

Work will be largely focused on problem solving; software systems architecture, scientific programming; and requirements gathering across application developers, engineering users, and system ...

IBM

Software Developer

Austin, TX · On-site

Required : • Bachelor's degree in Computer Science, Software Engineering, or a related field (or equivalent practical experience), with 10+ years of professional software development experience ...

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How much do freelance scientific software developer jobs pay per year?

As of May 31, 2026, the average yearly pay for freelance scientific software developer in the United States is $102,500.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $90,000.00 and $115,000.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a Freelance Scientific Software Developer, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Freelance Scientific Software Developer, you need strong programming skills (commonly in Python, C++, or R), a background in scientific domains, and a solid grasp of algorithms and data analysis. Familiarity with tools like Git, Jupyter, scientific libraries (e.g., NumPy, SciPy), and cloud platforms is often required, along with relevant certifications or advanced degrees. Excellent problem-solving abilities, clear communication, and self-motivation set top freelancers apart. These skills and qualities are critical for delivering high-quality, reliable software solutions that meet the complex needs of scientific clients and projects.

What are some common challenges faced by freelance scientific software developers when working with research teams?

Freelance scientific software developers often encounter challenges such as aligning with rapidly changing research goals, managing communication across multidisciplinary teams, and ensuring reproducibility and documentation of code for future use. Since research environments can be dynamic, developers must be adaptable and proactive in clarifying requirements. Additionally, collaborating remotely requires strong project management and regular check-ins to keep everyone informed and maintain progress.

What is a Freelance Scientific Software Developer?

A Freelance Scientific Software Developer is a professional who creates and maintains software tools, simulations, and applications used in scientific research and analysis, working independently or on a contract basis. They collaborate with scientists, researchers, and academic institutions to develop custom software solutions that handle data analysis, modeling, and visualization. Their work often involves programming in languages such as Python, R, MATLAB, or C++, and requires a strong understanding of both software engineering and the scientific domain they support. Freelancers in this field typically manage multiple clients or projects and are responsible for the full software development lifecycle, from requirements gathering to deployment and maintenance.

What is the difference between Freelance Scientific Software Developer vs Scientific Software Engineer?

AspectFreelance Scientific Software DeveloperScientific Software Engineer
CredentialsTypically requires a degree in science or computer science; certifications are optionalUsually holds a degree in computer science, software engineering, or related field; certifications may enhance prospects
Work EnvironmentIndependent, remote, project-based work for various clientsOften employed by organizations, but can also work in research labs or as part of a team
Employer & Industry UsageFreelance roles across research, biotech, pharma, and academiaFull-time or contract roles within scientific research, tech companies, or academia

While both roles involve developing scientific software, Freelance Scientific Software Developers work independently on diverse projects, whereas Scientific Software Engineers are typically employed within organizations to develop and maintain scientific applications as part of a team.

More about Freelance Scientific Software Developer jobs
What cities are hiring for Freelance Scientific Software Developer jobs? Cities with the most Freelance Scientific Software Developer job openings:
What are the most commonly searched types of Scientific Software Developer jobs? The most popular types of Scientific Software Developer jobs are:
What states have the most Freelance Scientific Software Developer jobs? States with the most job openings for Freelance Scientific Software Developer jobs include:
What job categories do people searching Freelance Scientific Software Developer jobs look for? The top searched job categories for Freelance Scientific Software Developer jobs are:
Freelance Scientific Software Developer jobs near you
Infographic showing various Freelance Scientific Software Developer job openings in the United States as of May 2026, with employment types broken down into 3% As Needed, 67% Full Time, 15% Part Time, and 15% Contract. Highlights an 81% Physical, 4% Hybrid, and 15% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $102,500 per year, or $49.3 per hour.

Principal Software Developer

Naval Nuclear Laboratory (FMP)

West Mifflin, PA • On-site

Full-time

Posted 11 days ago

Job description

Job Summary:
Naval Nuclear Laboratory is an organization that values Trust, Empowerment, and Collaboration, dedicated to the safety and reliability of naval nuclear reactors. They are seeking a Principal Software Developer to lead the development of complex software solutions for reactor engineering, mentoring engineers and overseeing projects to enhance reactor performance and data science applications.
Responsibilities:
• lead the reactor engineering community in developing and implementing complex software solutions for scientific and engineering problems
• provide common software engineering solutions for the reactor design community
• mentor and oversee multiple software engineers and nuclear engineers in designing, developing, testing, verifying, and maintaining engineering applications and programs
• work closely with management and leads to define the future of the scientific and engineering work efforts across the reactor engineering, data science and high performance computing technologies
• focus on near term execution
• evaluate thermal hydraulic and reactor performance design conditions
• develop robust, user friendly, automated tools
• function within an agile development methodology
• work effectively across multiple projects simultaneously
• develop scientific software independently, as well as within interdisciplinary teams with minimal supervision
Qualifications:
Required:
• Bachelors degree from an accredited college or university in a related technical, engineering or science field and a minimum of 9 years of relevant experience; or Masters degree from an accredited college or university in a related technical, engineering or science field and a minimum of 7 years of relevant experience; or Doctorate degree from an accredited college or university in a related technical, engineering, science field and a minimum of 3 years of relevant experience; or Currently a Principal Reactor Training Engineer, Refueling Engineer, or Field (RPCO) Engineer at the Company.
• All candidates must be U.S. citizens.
• Applicants selected will be subject to a Federal background investigation and must meet eligibility requirements for access to classified matter.
• FMP is a government contractor and maintains a drug free workplace and workforce.
• All candidates must be able to pass a drug test in compliance with FMP company policy and 10 CFR 707.
Preferred:
• Strong programming skills with compiled (e.g., Java, C, C++ or Fortran) and/or interpreted (e.g., Python) scientific computing languages
• Demonstrated experience with all aspects of software architecture (design, implementation, testing, maintenance, configuration management)
• Experience with client-server software systems used across multiple operating environments (e.g. Windows, Linux)
• Experience with Graphical User Interface
• Parallel programming and running parallel jobs on supercomputing systems
• Experience functioning within an agile development methodology
• Ability to work effectively across multiple projects simultaneously
• Demonstrated ability and passion for developing scientific software
• Capacity to work independently, as well as within interdisciplinary teams with minimal supervision
Company:
The Naval Nuclear Laboratory is operated by Fluor Marine Propulsion, LLC. The Naval Nuclear Laboratory comprises the U.S. Founded in 1946, the company is headquartered in New York, USA, with a team of 5001-10000 employees. The company is currently Late Stage.

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