Java Software Engineer Contract Jobs in Montana (NOW HIRING)

The Montana Department of Transportation (MDT) is recruiting for a Software Developer. This position will perform both systems analysis and design, and programming tasks in support of the Department of Transportation's day-to-day operations. During the systems analysis phase of a project, this position will use or adapt the most current systems analysis and design methodologies from computer science including methods of business process analysis to effectively determine the requirements for a new system or the changes to be made to an existing system. Once the requirements have been documented, this position will translate the requirements into computer code, and will write and test the necessary programs. Responsible for training users and assessing user satisfaction with the completed project. This position is part of a career ladder with career advancement opportunities. This position will report to a Software Developer Section Supervisor.

For a full job description, please contact Alycia Gereg at agereg@mt.gov.

Benefits of working for MDT and the State of Montana include:

         Culture of public service and a commitment to work/life balance

         Potential hybrid remote work arrangement available

         Health, Dental, and Vision Insurance

         Access to Montana Health Centers, low-cost clinics for state employees and their families

         State Retirement plan and additional savings opportunities (deferred compensation)

         Employees in this position receive overtime compensation or compensatory time for all time in a pay status over 40 hours in a workweek

         Paid vacation, sick leave, and holidays

         Eligibility for Public Service Student Loan Forgiveness

         Benefits apply on first day of employment

         Relocation assistance may be offered to the successful candidate at the time of offer

For information on the Montana Department of Transportation's mission, vision, and values, please visit our website: https://www.mdt.mt.gov/about.aspx#values

Required Application Materials:

         A resume detailing your qualifications and work history.

         A cover letter of no more than two pages addressing your qualifications for the position.

Your online application and all required materials must be submitted before midnight on the closing date. Ensure all materials submitted are selected as "Relevant."

If you need an accommodation with the application process, please contact the HR representative listed below.

Required Education and Experience:

         Bachelor's degree in Computer Science, Web Design and Development, or a related field. *An additional 4 years of related experience may be considered in place of a related degree.

         Level 2.1 - $39.27/hr: 2 years of experience in Standard Query Language (SQL), Oracle forms and databases, Java, .NET, JavaScript, HTML, XML, or a related field.

         Level 2.2 - $40.88/hr: 3 years of experience in Standard Query Language (SQL), Oracle forms and databases, Java, .NET, JavaScript, HTML, XML, or a related field.

         Level 2.3 - $42.60/hr: 4 years of experience in Standard Query Language (SQL), Oracle forms and databases, Java, .NET, JavaScript, HTML, XML, or a related field.

         Level 3.1 - $46.11/hr: 6 years of experience in Standard Query Language (SQL), Oracle forms and databases, Java, .NET, JavaScript, HTML, XML, or a related field. The experience must include 2 years of project leadership and 2 years of system architecture.

         Level 3.2 - $48.30/hr: 7 years of experience in Standard Query Language (SQL), Oracle forms and databases, Java, .NET, JavaScript, HTML, XML, or a related field. The experience must include 3 years of project leadership and 3 years of system architecture.

Alternative combinations of related experience and education may be considered.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities:

         Knowledge of Java programming language, including it's syntax, libraries and best practices.

         Knowledge of front-end technologies, like HTML, CSS or JavaScript.

         Understanding of software development methodologies like Agile or Scaled Agile Framework (SAFe).

         Skill in or ability to learn writing unit tests, integration tests, automated testing, and debugging code to ensure quality software delivery.

Other Information

The successful candidate must pass a fingerprint background investigation as a condition of employment (depending on section placed in).

This position is being posted in accordance with the bargaining unit agreement. Non-bargaining unit employees or employees of another bargaining unit may apply. If the position is not filled with a bargaining unit applicant, the non-bargaining unit applicants may be considered. However, bargaining unit applicants will have preference.

The advertised salary includes the pay increase passed by the 2025 MT State Legislature regarding the state pay plan effective July 1, 2026.

The Montana Department of Transportation is an equal opportunity employer. Women, racial and ethnic minorities, people with disabilities, and veterans and disabled veterans are encouraged to apply. People with disabilities needing assistance in the application process, or those needing this job announcement in an alternative format may call the Human Resources and Occupational Safety Division, at 406.444.6054.

The Montana Department of Transportation (MDT) is committed to continuous improvement of our employee safety program and our safety and health processes, and to achieving an injury-free workplace.

Proof of eligibility to work in the United States must be provided if selected for hire. Generally, sponsorship for work authorization is not available through the State of Montana.

Effective 5/26/2026, MDT is participating in E-Verify to confirm employment eligibility. After accepting a job offer and completing Form I-9, your information will be submitted to the Department of Homeland Security and Social Security Administration for verification. For more information about E-Verify, please visit the E-Verify website found here, https://www.e-verify.gov.