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Software Architect Contract Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Software Architect

Washington, DC ยท On-site

$146.80K - $184.55K/yr

Amentum is seeking a Software Architect for a large-scale contract operated in the Washington, DC metro area to consolidate and modernize IT, cybersecurity, and network services across all 50 states ...

Please note that this is a contract to hire opportunity with our client and NOT with NRI. Overview Our client is seeking a Senior Software Architect to lead the design, modernization, and ongoing ...

HPC Software Architect LOCATION Chantilly, VA 20151 CLEARANCE TS/SCI Full Poly (Please note this ... Most contracts allow additional experience (4-5 years) in lieu of a Bachelor's Degree. Some ...

HPC Software Architect LOCATION Reston, VA 20190 CLEARANCE TS/SCI Full Poly (Please note this ... Most contracts allow additional experience (4-5 years) in lieu of a Bachelor's Degree. Some ...

HPC Software Architect LOCATION Tysons, VA 22182 CLEARANCE TS/SCI Full Poly (Please note this ... Most contracts allow additional experience (4-5 years) in lieu of a Bachelor's Degree. Some ...

HPC Software Architect LOCATION Aurora, CO 80014 CLEARANCE TS/SCI Full Poly (Please note this ... Most contracts allow additional experience (4-5 years) in lieu of a Bachelor's Degree. Some ...

HPC Software Architect LOCATION San Antonio, TX 78208 CLEARANCE TS/SCI Full Poly (Please note this ... Most contracts allow additional experience (4-5 years) in lieu of a Bachelor's Degree. Some ...

HPC Software Architect LOCATION Honolulu, HI 96815 CLEARANCE TS/SCI Full Poly (Please note this ... Most contracts allow additional experience (4-5 years) in lieu of a Bachelor's Degree. Some ...

HPC Software Architect LOCATIONHonolulu, HI 96815 CLEARANCETS/SCI Full Poly (Please note this ... Most contracts allow additional experience (4-5 years) in lieu of a Bachelor's Degree. Some ...

HPC Software Architect LOCATIONAurora, CO 80014 CLEARANCETS/SCI Full Poly (Please note this ... Most contracts allow additional experience (4-5 years) in lieu of a Bachelor's Degree. Some ...

HPC Software Architect LOCATIONTysons, VA 22182 CLEARANCETS/SCI Full Poly (Please note this ... Most contracts allow additional experience (4-5 years) in lieu of a Bachelor's Degree. Some ...

HPC Software Architect LOCATIONReston, VA 20190 CLEARANCETS/SCI Full Poly (Please note this ... Most contracts allow additional experience (4-5 years) in lieu of a Bachelor's Degree. Some ...

Enterprise Software Architect

Washington, DC ยท On-site

$150K - $170K/yr

Exempt Salary: $150,000.00 - $170,000.00 Position Overview We are seeking an experienced Software Architect to support enterprise application architecture initiatives on a large-scale contract. This ...

Exempt Salary: $150,000.00 - $170,000.00 Position Overview We are seeking an experienced Software Architect to support enterprise application architecture initiatives on a large-scale contract. This ...

HPC Software Architect LOCATIONChantilly, VA 20151 CLEARANCETS/SCI Full Poly (Please note this ... Most contracts allow additional experience (4-5 years) in lieu of a Bachelor's Degree. Some ...

HPC Software Architect LOCATIONSan Antonio, TX 78208 CLEARANCETS/SCI Full Poly (Please note this ... Most contracts allow additional experience (4-5 years) in lieu of a Bachelor's Degree. Some ...

HPC Software Architect LOCATIONAnnapolis Junction, MD 20701 CLEARANCETS/SCI Full Poly (Please note ... Most contracts allow additional experience (4-5 years) in lieu of a Bachelor's Degree. Some ...

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Software Architect Contract information

See salary details

$79K

$174K

$206K

How much do software architect contract jobs pay per year?

As of May 30, 2026, the average yearly pay for software architect contract in the United States is $174,017.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $141,500.00 and $205,000.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a Software Architect (Contract), and why are they important?

To thrive as a Software Architect (Contract), you need deep expertise in software design, architecture patterns, and programming languages, typically supported by a degree in computer science or a related field. Familiarity with tools like UML, cloud platforms (e.g., AWS, Azure), and experience with architectural frameworks such as TOGAF or certification in relevant technologies is important. Strong communication, problem-solving skills, and the ability to lead and collaborate with diverse technical teams make someone stand out in this role. These skills ensure robust, scalable software solutions and effective coordination with stakeholders, which are crucial for project success in fast-paced contract environments.

What are some common challenges faced by software architects working on contract and how can they be addressed?

Contract software architects often face challenges such as quickly understanding existing systems, aligning with diverse client expectations, and integrating with new teams in a short timeframe. To address these, it's important to prioritize effective communication, document findings thoroughly, and actively seek feedback from stakeholders. Building rapport with development teams early on and staying adaptable to shifting project scopes can also help ensure successful project outcomes.

What is a Software Architect Contract?

A Software Architect Contract is an agreement where a company hires a software architect on a temporary or project-based basis rather than as a full-time employee. Software architects in this role are responsible for designing high-level structures for software systems, making key technology choices, and ensuring the final product meets both technical and business requirements. Contractors often bring specialized expertise to specific projects and may work for multiple clients. This arrangement offers flexibility for both the architect and the hiring company, making it ideal for projects with defined durations or unique technical challenges.

Can architects make 150k a year?

For a Software Architect, earning $150,000 or more annually is possible, especially with extensive experience, advanced skills in system design, and working in high-demand industries or companies. Salaries vary based on location, company size, and certifications, but top-tier software architects can reach or exceed this level in many markets.

What is the difference between Software Architect Contract vs Software Developer?

AspectSoftware Architect ContractSoftware Developer
CredentialsTypically requires extensive experience in software architecture, certifications like TOGAF or AWS, and strong technical expertise.Requires programming skills, degrees in computer science or related fields, and possibly certifications like Microsoft Certified or Java certifications.
Work EnvironmentOften works on high-level design, project planning, and system architecture in consulting or contract roles.Focuses on coding, debugging, and implementing software solutions in various development teams.
Employer & Industry UsageCommonly hired by organizations for project-based or temporary architecture needs across industries.Employed by companies or as freelancers to develop software applications across industries.

While both roles require strong technical skills, a Software Architect Contract focuses on designing and planning software systems, whereas a Software Developer primarily implements and codes those systems. Understanding these differences helps in choosing the right career path or job opportunity.

More about Software Architect Contract jobs
What cities are hiring for Software Architect Contract jobs? Cities with the most Software Architect Contract job openings:
What are the most commonly searched types of Software Architect jobs? The most popular types of Software Architect jobs are:
What states have the most Software Architect Contract jobs? States with the most job openings for Software Architect Contract jobs include:
Infographic showing various Software Architect Contract job openings in the United States as of May 2026, with employment types broken down into 89% Full Time, 9% Part Time, 1% Temporary, and 1% Contract. Highlights an 94% Physical, 4% Hybrid, and 2% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $174,017 per year, or $83.7 per hour.

Software Architect

Amentum

Washington, DC โ€ข On-site

$146.80K - $184.55K/yr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Posted 24 days ago


Job description

Software Architect
Amentum is a global leader in advanced engineering and innovative technology solutions, trusted by the United States and its allies to address their most significant and complex challenges in science, security and sustainability. Our people apply undaunted curiosity, relentless ambition and boundless imagination to challenge convention and drive progress. Our commitments are underpinned by the belief that safety, collaboration and well-being are integral to success.Headquartered in Chantilly, Virginia, we have approximately 50,000 employees in more than 70 countries across all 7 continents.
Amentum is seeking a Software Architect for a large-scale contract operated in the Washington, DC metro area to consolidate and modernize IT, cybersecurity, and network services across all 50 states and territories.
We are pipelining candidates for a future contract award.
The candidate will perform the following duties:
  • Design and implement secure, scalable, and robust data analytics and application solution for the ARNG portfolio
  • Develop and maintain business, systems, and information processes to support enterprise mission needs
  • Develop IT rules and requirements that describe baseline and target architectures.

Required Qualifications:
  • Eight or more years of progressive experience in software development, with a minimum of three or more years in a software or data architect role.
  • Hands-on experience with data analytics technologies, including data warehousing, extract, transform, load (ETL) tools, and big data technologies (e.g., Spark, Hadoop).
  • Possess an ITILยฎ 4 certification with the Managing Professional Framework or higher.
  • Possess the appropriate certifications to achieve DoDM 8140.03 qualification requirements for the DCWF work role 651.
  • Active SECRET US Government Clearance. Note: US Citizenship is required to maintain a SECRET Clearance.

Preferred Qualifications:
  • Experience managing service operations as a service manager against SLAs on a DoD TO/contract.
  • Proficiency in scripting languages such as Python, and experience with command-line tools for automation and data manipulation.
  • Experience with COOP/Continuity of Government (COG) planning.
  • Expertise in designing and implementing solutions using cloud platforms such as Amazon Web Services (AWS), Azure, or Google Cloud

Work Environment:
  • This position is performed in a traditional office environment.

Physical Demands:
  • While performing the duties of this job, the employee is occasionally required to stand; walk; sit; use hands and fingers to handle, or feel objects, tools or controls; use fingers and hands to type or write; reach with hands and arms; talk or hear; taste or smell. Specific vision abilities required by the job include close vision, distance vision, color vision, peripheral vision, depth perception, and the ability to adjust focus.

Compensation and Benefits
Hiring salary range is $146,800-$184,550 (Salary to be determined by the education, experience, knowledge, skills, and the abilities of the applicant internal equity, and alignment with market data.)
This position includes a competitive benefits package. For more detailed information on our benefits and what it is like to work for Amentum: Please visit our careers site: www.amentumcareers.com
Compensation Details:
The compensation range or hourly rate listed for this position is provided as a good-faith estimate of what the company intends to offer for this role at the time this posting was issued. Actual compensation may vary based on factors such as job responsibilities, education, experience, skills, internal equity, market data, applicable collective bargaining agreements, and relevant laws.
Benefits Overview:
Our health and welfare benefits are designed to support you and your priorities. Offerings include:
  • Health, dental, and vision insurance
  • Paid time off and holidays
  • Retirement benefits (including 401(k) matching)
  • Educational reimbursement
  • Parental leave
  • Employee stock purchase plan
  • Tax-saving options
  • Disability and life insurance
  • Pet insurance

Note: Benefits may vary based on employment type, location, and applicable agreements. Positions governed by a Collective Bargaining Agreement (CBA), the McNamara-O'Hara Service Contract Act (SCA), or other employment contracts may include different provisions/benefits.
Original Posting:
01/29/2026 - Until Filled
Amentum anticipates this job requisition will remain open for at least three days, with a closing date no earlier than three days after the original posting. This timeline may change based on business needs.
Amentum is proud to be an Equal Opportunity Employer. Our hiring practices provide equal opportunity for employment without regard to race, sex, sexual orientation, pregnancy (including pregnancy, childbirth, breastfeeding, or medical conditions related to pregnancy, childbirth, or breastfeeding), age, ancestry, United States military or veteran status, color, religion, creed, marital or domestic partner status, medical condition, genetic information, national origin, citizenship status, low-income status, or mental or physical disability so long as the essential functions of the job can be performed with or without reasonable accommodation, or any other protected category under federal, state, or local law. Learn more about your rights under Federal laws and supplemental language at Labor Laws Posters.