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Open Source Software Developer Jobs in Colorado (NOW HIRING)

Flight Software Engineer III

Louisville, CO · On-site

$60 - $80.75/hr

We leverage our scientific and engineering expertise to develop unique solutions to address complex ... Monitor and report software trends and assess third party and open-source software for use in ...

Showing results 21-40

Open Source Software Developer information

See Colorado salary details

$50.5K

$117.6K

$174.6K

How much do open source software developer jobs pay per year?

As of Sep 10, 2026, the average yearly pay for open source software developer in Colorado is $117,607.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $94,600.00 and $136,700.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is an open source software developer?

Open Source Software Developers are programmers who create, maintain, or contribute to software projects whose source code is made freely available for anyone to use, modify, and distribute. They often collaborate with a global community of developers and may work on a voluntary basis or be employed by organizations that support open source initiatives. Their work involves writing code, fixing bugs, reviewing contributions, and helping manage project documentation. Open source developers play a key role in advancing technology by making software accessible and fostering innovation through community collaboration.

How do open source software developers typically collaborate with contributors from around the world?

Open Source Software Developers often work with a global community of contributors using online collaboration tools such as GitHub, mailing lists, and chat platforms like Slack or Discord. Communication is primarily asynchronous, requiring clear documentation and code review practices to ensure smooth project progress. Developers regularly participate in discussions, review pull requests, and help onboard new contributors, making strong written communication skills essential. This collaborative environment fosters learning and innovation, but also requires flexibility and patience to manage different time zones and cultural perspectives.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as an open source software developer, and why are they important?

To thrive as an Open Source Software Developer, you need strong programming skills, knowledge of version control systems like Git, and familiarity with open source licensing, typically supported by a relevant degree or coding experience. Proficiency with collaborative development platforms such as GitHub or GitLab and understanding of continuous integration tools are commonly required. Excellent communication, self-motivation, and the ability to work effectively in distributed teams set outstanding contributors apart. These skills are crucial for efficiently building, maintaining, and contributing to widely used open source projects in a collaborative, global environment.

What is the difference between Open Source Software Developer vs Software Engineer?

AspectOpen Source Software DeveloperSoftware Engineer
CredentialsTypically requires programming skills, familiarity with open source licenses, and sometimes certifications like Linux Foundation certificationsRequires a degree in computer science or related field; certifications like Microsoft Certified or AWS certifications are common
Work EnvironmentOften collaborates in open source communities, contributes to public repositories, and works remotelyWorks in corporate or enterprise settings, often in teams within organizations
Industry UsageUsed across tech, non-profit, and open source communities; focuses on public projectsEmployed in various industries including tech, finance, healthcare, and more for product development

While both roles involve software development, Open Source Software Developers focus on collaborative, community-driven projects often in open environments, whereas Software Engineers typically work within organizations on proprietary or internal systems. The roles overlap in skills but differ in scope and work setting.

What cities in Colorado are hiring for Open Source Software Developer jobs?

Cities in Colorado with the most Open Source Software Developer job openings:

Java Full Stack Developer- Level III & IV with Security Clearance

Colorado Springs, CO • On-site

22nd Century Technologies, Inc.
IT Services • 5 - 10K employees

$50.75 - $65.75/hr

Contractor

Posted 9 days ago


Key responsibilities

  • Designs, develops, tests, and maintains software throughout the end-to-end lifecycle.

  • Supports software development activities in an Agile environment using DevSecOps methodologies, including integration of software components.

  • Builds, architects, and consumes APIs and backend services as part of the platform ecosystem.


Job description

Job Details for your reference:
Title: Full Stack Developer
Location: Colorado Springs, CO
Position Type: 12 months assignment with possible extension.
Shift Schedule: 1st Shift (7:00am – 3:30pm) Designs, develops, tests, and maintains non-embedded software throughout the end-to-end lifecycle that meets industry, customer, safety, and regulation standards. Reviews, analyzes, and translates customer requirements into initial design of software products. Develops, maintains, enhances and optimizes software products and functionalities for systems integrations. Develops, documents and maintains architectures, requirements, algorithms, interfaces and designs for software products. Debugs and resolves issues identified to ensure the reliability and efficiency of software products. Handles user inquiries, troubleshoots technical issues and user feedback analysis. Implements current and emerging technologies, tools, frameworks and changes in regulations relevant to software development. Develops, establishes, monitors and improves software processes, tools and key performance metrics that align projects with organizational goals and industry benchmarks. Executes and documents software research and development projects. Advises on software domains, system-specific issues, processes and regulations. Performs software project management activities and software supplier management functions. Tracks and evaluates software team and supplier performance to ensure product and process compliance to project plans and industry standards. Position Responsibilities
• Develop and maintain requirements, architecture, algorithms, interfaces, and designs for high-performance APIs between front-end and back-end software services.
• Support software development activities in an Agile environment using DevSecOps methodologies, including integration of completed software components into a fully functional software system.
• Lead the development of critical features and take ownership of the full development lifecycle from design through deployment.
• Build, architect, and consume APIs and backend services as part of the platform ecosystem, with an emphasis on automation, testing, and security.
• Conduct code reviews to maintain code quality, enforce best practices, and ensure compliance with established standards.
• Support the creation and translation of design mockups into functional, visually appealing user interfaces using modern front-end frameworks and technologies.
• Advocate for improvements to product quality, security, and performance that positively impact the team and broader organization.
• Work effectively in ambiguous environments and self-direct work as needed. Basic Qualifications (Required Skills/Experience):
• Bachelor’s, Master’s or Doctorate degree from an accredited course of study, in Computer Engineering, Software Engineering, Computer Science or another related field.
• Active Top Secret or DoD Top Secret clearance
• 3+ years of experience in software development for space systems and ground segments, including command and control, mission planning, and data processing.
• 3+ years of experience with software development using Python, Java, TypeScript, or FastAPI Preferred Qualifications (Desired Skills/Experience):
• Active TS/SCI or DoD Top Secret/SCI clearance.
• Bachelor’s, Master’s or Doctorate degree from an accredited course of study, in Computer Engineering, Software Engineering, Computer Science or another related field.
• 3+ years of experience supporting open-source software development projects.
• 5+ years of progressively responsible software development experience with modern software development approach for government programs.
• 5+ years of experience with designing and developing intuitive user interfaces featuring real-time, 2D/3D geospatial visualization.
• 5+ years of experience with open-source software development experience.
• 5+ years of experience with fine tuning Kubernetes and the underlying host OS for optimal performance.
• Understanding of Command and Control (C2) systems, Mission Planning, Ground Systems, real-time applications, and their specific requirements.
• 5+ years of experience with database technologies (Postgres, SQL/NoSQL)
• Strong experience designing and implementing CI/CD pipelines in GitLab to automate testing, builds, and deployment workflows.
• 3+ years of experience in the software development lifecycle, including requirements analysis, design, coding, integration, and test.
• Experience working in an Agile software development environment and with DevOps methodologies. Travel Comments: Travel up to 10% (Seal Beach, CA) for which a corporate credit card will be issued for this assignment. Education/Experience: Education/experience typically acquired through advanced technical education from an accredited course of study in engineering, computer science, mathematics, physics or chemistry (e.g.
Bachelor) and typically 5 or more years' related work experience or an equivalent combination of technical education and experience (e.g. PhD, Master+3 years' related work experience). In the USA, ABET accreditation is the preferred, although not required, accreditation standard.