Independent Contractor Software Developer Jobs in Santa Clara, CA

Join us and make YOUR mark on the World!

Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory (LLNL) has turned bold ideas into world-changing impact advancing science and technology to strengthen U.S. security and promote global stability. 

Our mission spans four critical national security areas nuclear deterrence, threat preparedness, energy security, and multi-domain defense empowering teams to take on the toughest challenges of today and tomorrow. With a culture built on innovation and operational excellence, LLNL is a place where your expertise can make a real impact.

We have an opening for a Software Developer in the Computing Directorate, matrixed to the National Atmospheric Release Advisory Center (NARAC) Program. You will create software applications in support of mission critical emergency planning and response efforts related to atmospheric releases of hazardous materials. You will work with a collaborative multi-disciplinary team of talented software developers, health physicists, and meteorologists. Your primary responsibilities will be to own and contribute to the design, development, deployment and maintenance of software applications. This position is in the Global Security Computing Applications Division (GS-CAD) within the Computing Directorate, matrixed to Global Security's N Program.

This position oers a hybrid schedule, blending in-person and virtual presence. You will have the exibility to work from home up to 2 days per week.

This position will be filled at either the SES.3 or SES.4 level based on knowledge and related experience, as assessed by the responsibilities outlined below.

You will

• Collaborate in the development and implementation of robust, modern desktop and web applications using industry-standard software engineering practices and high-level programming languages.
• Guide the completion of projects and contribute in all phases of the software development lifecycle (SDLC), from initial requirement gathering and system design to deployment, testing, and continuous optimization.
• Conduct thorough peer code reviews and author high-quality technical documentation for both internal team members and end-users.
• Collaborate closely with multi-disciplinary teams (including scientists and domain experts) to align software deliverables with key organizational and project objectives.
• Interact with fellow developers, management, and sponsors to share insights, evaluate emerging technologies, and recommend architectural improvements.
• Provide swift, creative technical solutions to complex user requests and critical operational requirements.
• Perform other duties, as assigned.

Additional job responsibilities, at the SES.4 level 

• Manage multiple highly complex, parallel tasks and balance stakeholder priorities while effectively leveraging and mentoring team members to meet tight deadlines.
• Develop the design and implementation of large-scale software systems using advanced object-oriented analysis and modern design patterns.
• Author technical proposals, progress reports, and monthly briefs for project sponsors and stakeholders.
• Diagnose and resolve highly complex, ambiguous technical challenges by analyzing both tangible and intangible operational factors.

• Ability to secure and maintain a U.S. DOE Q-level security clearance which requires U.S. citizenship. 
• Bachelor's degree in Computer Science, Computer Engineering, or a technical related discipline, or an equivalent combination of education and professional experience.
• Advanced experience in object-oriented programming using high-level languages such as, C++ or Java. 
• Advanced experience applying solid development standards to write clean, maintainable, scalable, and secure code.
• Advanced experience with Git or equivalent modern version control systems.
• Advanced analytical skills and an enthusiastic, creative approach to solving complex technical challenges.
• Strong interpersonal skills, with a proven ability to translate complex technical concepts for various audiences, users, and management.
• Advanced verbal and written communication skills necessary to effectively collaborate in a team environment and present and explain technical information and provide advice to management.

Additional qualifications at the SES.4 level

• Expert-level experience architecting, deploying, and maintaining enterprise-level software systems from the ground up.
• Expert-level experience in object-oriented programming using high-level languages such as, C++ or Java.
• Proven ability to work highly independently under consultative direction translating high-level, broadly defined requirements into concrete execution plans.
• Advanced presentation and communication skills necessary to advise senior management and influence technical direction.

Qualifications We Desire

• Experience with modern web frameworks such as Angular, React, or Vue.
• Experience building scalable APIs with frameworks like Java Quarkus, Spring Boot, or Node.js/Express.
• Practical knowledge of CI/CD pipelines and deployment containerization using Jenkins, Docker, or Kubernetes.

Pay Range

$175,530 - $267,060 Annually

$175,530 - $222,564 Annually at the SES.3 level

$210,630 - $267,060 Annually at the SES.4 level

This is the lowest to highest salary we in good faith believe we would pay for this role at the time of this posting; pay will not be below any applicable local minimum wage.  An employee's position within the salary range will be based on several factors including, but not limited to, specific competencies, relevant education, qualifications, certifications, experience, skills, seniority, geographic location, performance, and business or organizational needs.

#LI-Hybrid

Position Information

This is a Flexible Term appointment, which is for a definite period not to exceed six years.  If final candidate is a Career Indefinite employee, Career Indefinite status may be maintained (should funding allow).

Why Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory?

• Included in 2026 Best Places to Work by Glassdoor!
• Flexible Benefits Package
• 401(k)
• Relocation Assistance
• Education Reimbursement Program
• Flexible schedules (*depending on project needs)
• Our values - visit https://www.llnl.gov/inclusion/our-values

Security Clearance

This position requires a Department of Energy (DOE) Q-level clearance.  If you are selected, we will initiate a Federal background investigation to determine if you meet eligibility requirements for access to classified information or matter. Also, all L or Q cleared employees are subject to random drug testing.  Q-level clearance requires U.S. citizenship. 

Pre-Employment Drug Test

External applicant(s) selected for this position must pass a post-offer, pre-employment drug test. This includes testing for use of marijuana as Federal Law applies to us as a Federal Contractor.

Wireless and Medical Devices

Per the Department of Energy (DOE), Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory must meet certain restrictions with the use and/or possession of mobile devices in Limited Areas. Depending on your job duties, you may be required to work in a Limited Area where you are not permitted to have a personal and/or laboratory mobile device in your possession.  This includes, but not limited to cell phones, tablets, fitness devices, wireless headphones, and other Bluetooth/wireless enabled devices.  

If you use a medical device, which pairs with a mobile device, you must still follow the rules concerning the mobile device in individual sections within Limited Areas.  Sensitive Compartmented Information Facilities require separate approval. Hearing aids without wireless capabilities or wireless that has been disabled are allowed in Limited Areas, Secure Space and Transit/Buffer Space within buildings.

How to identify fake job advertisements

Please be aware of recruitment scams where people or entities are misusing the name of Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory (LLNL) to post fake job advertisements. LLNL never extends an offer without a personal interview and will never charge a fee for joining our company. All current job openings are displayed on the Career Page under "Find Your Job" of our website. If you have encountered a job posting or have been approached with a job offer that you suspect may be fraudulent, we strongly recommend you do not respond.

To learn more about recruitment scams: https://www.llnl.gov/sites/www/files/2023-05/LLNL-Job-Fraud-Statement-Updated-4.26.23.pdf

Equal Employment Opportunity

We are an equal opportunity employer that is committed to providing all with a work environment free of discrimination and harassment. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, marital status, national origin, ancestry, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, disability, medical condition, pregnancy, protected veteran status, age, citizenship, or any other characteristic protected by applicable laws.

Reasonable Accommodation

Our goal is to create an accessible and inclusive experience for all candidates applying and interviewing at the Laboratory.  If you need a reasonable accommodation during the application or the recruiting process, please use our online form to submit a request. 

California Privacy Notice

The California Consumer Privacy Act (CCPA) grants privacy rights to all California residents. The law also entitles job applicants, employees, and non-employee workers to be notified of what personal information LLNL collects and for what purpose. The Employee Privacy Notice can be accessed here.