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Senior Software Engineer Contract Jobs in California

Senior Software Engineer

Irvine, CA ยท On-site

$131K - $173K/yr

Senior Software Engineer Location: Irvine, CA Employment Type: Full-Time/ Hybrid Senior Software Engineer - Microgrid Controller (MGC) We are seeking a Senior Software Engineer to lead the design and ...

Senior Software Engineer

Irvine, CA ยท On-site

$131K - $173K/yr

Senior Software Engineer Location: Irvine, CA Employment Type: Full-Time/ Hybrid Senior Software Engineer - Microgrid Controller (MGC) We are seeking a Senior Software Engineer to lead the design and ...

Python Developer

Concord, CA ยท On-site

$55.25 - $76/hr

ONLY W2(NO C2C/1099) Job title: Sr. Software Engineer Contract: 6 months (contingent, no guaranteed extension) Location: Concord, CA ( Hybrid working model - 3 days onsite/2 days remote) One-round ...

Sr. Software Engineer

Redwood City, CA ยท On-site

$150K - $197K/yr

Were seeking a skilled Senior Software Engineer to join our API Platform team . This team plays a ... Automate key workflows, from CI/CD and contract testing to one-click deployments * Contribute to a ...

Senior Software Engineer - Remote

San Francisco, CA ยท Remote

$144K - $190K/yr

Senior Software Engineer Job Type: Contract Location: Remote Job Summary: In this role, you'll apply your expertise to help train next-generation AI systems. Your work will shape how models learn ...

Sr Software Engineer

Glendale, CA ยท On-site

$129K - $171K/yr

Job Posting Title: Sr Software Engineer Req ID: 10151727 Department/Group Overview: Disney Entertainment & ESPN & Technology On any given day at Disney Entertainment & ESPN Technology, we're ...

Senior Software Engineer - Remote

Los Angeles, CA ยท Remote

$132K - $174K/yr

Senior Software Engineer Job Type: Contract Location: Remote Job Summary: In this role, you'll apply your expertise to help train next-generation AI systems. Your work will shape how models learn ...

Senior Software Engineer

Los Angeles, CA ยท On-site

$132K - $174K/yr

Senior Software Engineer Parallel Systems is seeking a Senior Software Engineer to design, build, and optimize critical system applications. You will work on high-performance backend systems that ...

Senior Software Engineer

San Diego, CA ยท On-site

$130K - $171K/yr

[Position] Senior Software Engineer [About Our Client] Research & Development hub for artificial intelligence and deep learning technologies and is also home to a dedicated medical device software ...

Showing results 41-60

Senior Software Engineer Contract information

See California salary details

$74.5K

$141.4K

$189.5K

How much do senior software engineer contract jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 7, 2026, the average yearly pay for senior software engineer contract in California is $141,415.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $120,900.00 and $159,400.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is a senior software engineer contract?

A Senior Software Engineer Contract refers to a temporary employment agreement where an experienced software engineer is hired for a specific period or project rather than as a permanent employee. These professionals bring advanced technical skills and leadership to design, develop, and maintain complex software systems. Contract roles often focus on delivering specialized expertise, meeting project deadlines, and providing mentorship to junior team members. Compensation and benefits may differ from full-time positions, and contracts can range from a few months to a year or more depending on the project's scope.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a senior software engineer on a contract basis, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Senior Software Engineer on contract, you need advanced programming skills, a strong understanding of software architecture, and several years of experience, often supported by a relevant degree or certifications. Proficiency with development tools like Git, CI/CD systems, cloud platforms (AWS, Azure, or Google Cloud), and familiarity with Agile methodologies are typically expected. Outstanding problem-solving abilities, effective communication, and adaptability are crucial soft skills for collaborating with diverse teams and adjusting to new projects quickly. These skills and qualities enable contract engineers to deliver high-quality solutions efficiently, integrate smoothly into client environments, and meet project goals within tight timelines.

What are senior software engineer contract jobs?

Senior software engineer contract jobs involve working on software engineering projects on a temporary contract basis. Your duties and responsibilities in this career vary depending on the needs of each client. In general, you utilize your coding skills and computer program knowledge to create software, applications, or operating systems. You typically work with a software company or information technology organization. As a contractor, you work with clients to assess their needs and create or update software or systems to meet the needs of each client.

What are the typical challenges faced by senior software engineers working on contract assignments?

Senior Software Engineers on contract often navigate challenges such as quickly acclimating to new codebases and team cultures, managing time effectively across multiple projects, and balancing client expectations with technical feasibility. Since contracts are temporary, there may be less onboarding support and less time to build deep relationships with permanent team members, making communication skills especially important. However, this environment also allows for exposure to diverse technologies and problem-solving scenarios, which can significantly enhance your expertise and professional network.

What is the difference between Senior Software Engineer Contract vs Software Engineer?

AspectSenior Software Engineer ContractSoftware Engineer
CredentialsBachelor's degree in CS or related field, experience, possibly certificationsBachelor's degree in CS or related field, entry to mid-level experience
Work EnvironmentProject-based, temporary contracts, often freelance or consultingFull-time employment, ongoing projects within companies
Employer & Industry UsageTech firms, startups, consulting agenciesTech companies, software development firms, startups
Search & Comparison IntentLooking for contract roles, freelance opportunities, project-based workSeeking permanent positions, career growth, or full-time roles

The main difference between a Senior Software Engineer Contract and a Software Engineer lies in employment type and work setup. Contract roles are temporary, project-focused, and often freelance, while Software Engineers typically work full-time within a company. Both roles require similar technical skills and credentials, but their work arrangements and career paths differ.

What are the most commonly searched types of Senior Software Engineer jobs in California? The most popular types of Senior Software Engineer jobs in California are:
What job categories do people searching Senior Software Engineer Contract jobs in California look for? The top searched job categories for Senior Software Engineer Contract jobs in California are:
What cities in California are hiring for Senior Software Engineer Contract jobs? Cities in California with the most Senior Software Engineer Contract job openings:
Infographic showing various Senior Software Engineer Contract job openings in California as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 78% Full Time, 17% Part Time, 2% Temporary, and 3% Contract. Highlights an 88% Physical, 3% Hybrid, and 9% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $141,415 per year, or $68 per hour.

Senior Software Engineer - OMS

Lynx Software Technologies, Inc.

Palmdale, CA โ€ข On-site

$120 - $160/hr

Other

Medical, Dental, Vision, Retirement, PTO

Posted yesterday

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Job description

Senior Software Engineer - OMS

Lynx Software Technologies, Inc. Palmdale, California, United States

About this position

Job Title: Senior SW Engineer - OMS

Location : Fort Worth, TX or Palmdale, CA.

Salary Range: $120,000 - $160,000 + Bonus Eligible

Active Secret Clearance Required to Start

Company Overview

Founded in 2004 with locations in Atlanta, GA, Fort Worth, TX, Denver, CO, & Huntsville, AL, Thompson Software Solutions (TSS) is a mission-driven aerospace and defense software and systems engineering company supporting the U.S. military, defense primes, and commercial space partners. We specialize in the development, integration, test, and deployment of safety & mission-critical software systems that power next-generation aircraft, defense platforms, and space technologies. Our team understands what it takes to modernize complex embedded systems while maintaining the rigor, compliance, and reliability required for mission and safety-critical environments.

As a defense-focused company of highly skilled and dedicated engineers, we take pride in solving complex technical challenges that directly impact national security and operational readiness. We partner closely with customers across the military aviation and space domains to deliver resilient, future-ready solutions with portability, sustainability, and long-term mission success in mind.

Description

Thompson Software Solutions is seeking a Senior Software Engineer โ€“ Open Mission Systems (OMS) to support the development and integration of advanced software capabilities for a military aircraft platform. This role offers the opportunity to contribute directly to next-generation avionics architectures that enhance interoperability, rapid capability integration, and mission effectiveness for U.S. military aviation programs.

This position requires a software engineer to use a wide application of technical principles, theories, and concepts in the software field to develop, integrate, and test software products. The successful candidate will be a member of a high-performing multi-site team and must be self-motivated with a strong work ethic, time-management, and interpersonal skills. In this role, you will work independently at times on projects, at other times will be in a collaborative team environment with other software engineers, as well as other program development and deployment teams.

Selected applicants will be subject to a government security investigation and must meet eligibility requirements for access to classified information. Continued eligibility for access to classified information is required throughout employment, as dictated by program needs.

Basic Requirements

  • Bachelor's degree in STEM discipline
  • 5+ years of C++ development experience
  • Open Mission Systems (OMS) software architecture and development
  • Middleware and data distribution (DDS, pub/sub architectures)
  • Service-oriented and event-driven software design
  • Interface definition, ICD development, and data modeling
  • Mission-level simulation and integration testing
  • Ability to work onsite 100%
  • Ability to travel 10%

Preferred / Additional Skills

  • Proficient with Atlassian Tools (Confluence, JIRA, Bitbucket, etc.)
  • Experience communicating and documenting complex technical designs
  • Software development experience in Java
  • Modular Open Systems Approach (MOSA) and FACE technical standards
  • Integration of third-party mission applications
  • Secure and sustainable mission software lifecycle
  • CI/CD and configuration management for mission software
  • Ability to work in a collaborative and team-based environment
  • Excellent written and verbal communication and presentation skills

Sound Exciting? Get in touch today! We have very robust benefits including:

  • Low-cost Medical / Dental / Vision coverage options
  • 401K with generous employer match
  • Responsible Paid Time Off + 11 Paid Holidays
  • Remote work opportunities based on role
  • Employee Assistance Program (EAP)
  • Career growth and professional development opportunities

All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, or veteran status.

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