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Software Contractor Jobs in California (NOW HIRING)

You will interface and collaborate with SE&I team members, contractors, government civilians and ... The Software Solutions Architect provides systems engineering and integration leadership to the ...

We ask the right questions to help civil servants and other contractors work effectively on complex ... Our work is building functional, resilient software for production. We don't build flashy ...

We ask the right questions to help civil servants and other contractors work effectively on complex ... Our work is building functional, resilient software for production. We don't build flashy ...

We partner with plumbing, HVAC, and electrical contractors, the hardworking businesses that keep homes and communities running, and replace fragmented software and repetitive manual work with AI that ...

Contractor Worker: US Citizen only Job Location : Irvine, California, 100% onsite Mandatory skills: Regulatory compliance with customer safety and security standards D0-178 ., Embedded Software, C/C ...

Senior Software Engineer

San Francisco, CA ยท On-site

$180K - $300K/yr

We partner with plumbing, HVAC, and electrical contractors, the hardworking businesses that keep homes and communities running, and replace fragmented software and repetitive manual work with AI that ...

Job Summary : Pago is a growth stage software startup that provides workforce and harvest ... Pago is an ag labor platform for farm labor contractors and growers. Founded in 2018, the company ...

The contractor shall provide services including (but not limited to) the following: ยท Application ... The management of the entire software development process, from conception to deployment.Updating ...

Staff Software Engineer

San Francisco, CA ยท On-site

$200K - $350K/yr

We partner with plumbing, HVAC, and electrical contractors, the hardworking businesses that keep homes and communities running, and replace fragmented software and repetitive manual work with AI that ...

Showing results 41-60

Software Contractor information

See California salary details

$47.4K

$110.4K

$163.8K

How much do software contractor jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 14, 2026, the average yearly pay for software contractor in California is $110,380.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $88,800.00 and $128,300.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is a software contractor?

A Software Contractor is a self-employed or agency-hired professional who develops, maintains, or tests software for clients on a temporary or project basis. Unlike full-time employees, contractors typically work on short-term contracts and may serve multiple clients. They are responsible for delivering specific software solutions, often specializing in particular technologies or industries. Contractors must manage their own taxes, benefits, and job stability, but they have greater flexibility and earning potential.

What are the typical challenges faced by software contractors, and how can they be managed?

Software contractors often face challenges such as rapidly learning new codebases, adapting to diverse client expectations, and managing multiple projects or contracts concurrently. Success in this role requires effective communication to clarify requirements, strong organizational skills to prioritize tasks, and adaptability to integrate into different team cultures or workflows. Building a reliable professional network can also help overcome periods of inconsistent work. By proactively managing time, staying updated with industry trends, and clearly setting expectations with clients, software contractors can navigate these challenges and maintain a steady, rewarding career.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a software contractor?

To thrive as a Software Contractor, you need strong programming skills, proficiency in software development methodologies, and the ability to independently manage projects, typically supported by a relevant degree or extensive experience. Familiarity with tools such as version control systems (e.g., Git), project management platforms, and possibly certifications like AWS Certified Developer or PMP is often expected. Excellent communication, problem-solving, and time management skills set top contractors apart, as these enable effective client interaction and project delivery. These abilities are crucial because software contractors must efficiently deliver high-quality solutions on deadline while adapting to varying client requirements and work environments.

What are the most commonly searched types of Software Contractor jobs in California?

The most popular types of Software Contractor jobs in California are:

What cities in California are hiring for Software Contractor jobs?

Cities in California with the most Software Contractor job openings:

Infographic showing various Software Contractor job openings in California as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 100% Full Time. Highlights an 100% In-person job distribution, with an average salary of $110,380 per year, or $53.1 per hour.

Software Development Engineer in Test (Firmware and Driver SDET Contractor)

Sony Interactive Entertainment (SIE)

San Mateo, CA

$52 - $78/hr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision

Posted 24 days ago


Job description

Why Sony Interactive Entertainment?

Sony Interactive Entertainment isn't just the Best Place to Play - it's also the Best Place to Work. Sony Interactive Entertainment (SIE) is the company behind the PlayStation brand. As a subsidiary of Sony Group Corporation, we're part of a proud legacy of innovation and excellence. SIE is a dynamic technology company, delivering cutting-edge hardware and network services to more than 100 million people and an entertainment leader, home to some of the most beloved and recognizable intellectual properties (IP) in the world. Our role at SIE is to create and nurture the experiences under the PlayStation brand, a name synonymous with entertainment excellence and creativity.

Software Development Engineer in Test Contractor (Firmware and Driver SDET Contractor)Summary

Would you like to help ensure the quality of PlayStation peripherals and firmware? Join the team delivering innovative test solutions for PlayStation Link devices, where your work will directly impact performance, stability, and the player experience.

Sony Interactive Entertainment has a great opportunity in the Quality Engineering department! We are seeking a self-motivated engineer who focuses on quality, consistency, and thoughtful testing practices to develop and maintain automated tests that support the performance and reliability of our products.

As a Software Development Engineer in Test Contractor, you'll work hands-on with our peripherals, independently own and drive automated test coverage for specific features, and collaborate with senior engineers and development teams to ensure system quality across multiple platforms.

We value collaboration, thoughtful testing, and continuous learning as a team.

Responsibilities

In this role, you'll contribute to both the strategic and practical aspects of test automation across platforms.

  • Develop and maintain automated tests in C for embedded firmware and Python for platform integration

  • Own automation suites for assigned features, ensuring test reliability and comprehensive coverage

  • Support and enhance automation frameworks used across hardware and platform-level testing

  • Perform firmware integration testing on PlayStation 5, PlayStation Portal, and Windows

  • Monitor test infrastructure, troubleshoot automation failures, and improve performance and stability

  • Analyze test execution data to identify flaky or slow tests and contribute to runtime optimization

  • Evaluate and integrate new tools and methodologies to improve testing efficiency and scalability

  • Collaborate with QA, Development, and Product teams to align on test coverage and integration

Qualifications

We're looking for someone who enjoys solving tough problems and collaborating with others to build high-quality systems.

  • Strong Python scripting skills and hands-on experience with automation tools like pytest and Appium

  • Experience programming in C or C++ (modern C++ preferred, e.g., C++17)

  • Solid experience using Git for version control and working with CI/CD pipelines in Jenkins, including configuring jobs and troubleshooting failures

  • Experience using test case management tools like qTest or TestRail

  • Understanding of embedded firmware testing and hardware/software integration

  • Ability to design and troubleshoot automated tests with minimal supervision

  • Effective communication and collaboration skills in a cross-functional team

  • Bachelor's degree or equivalent
Nice to Have

If you bring any of these, we'd love to hear about them!

  • Experience with GitHub Actions

  • Experience testing or interacting with Windows-based drivers

  • Familiarity with PlayStation SDK development

  • Familiarity with basic electrical concepts such as current draw, voltage levels, battery diagnostics, and microcontroller-based measurements

  • Curiosity about PlayStation products and games

At SIE, working with our partners, we consider several factors when setting each role's base pay range, including the competitive benchmarking data for the market and geographic location.
Please note that the individual base pay range may vary based on job-related factors which may include knowledge, skills, experience, and location.
In addition, this role is eligible for benefit offerings that include medical, dental, and vision. Click hereto learn more.

The estimated base pay range for this role is listed below, this is an hourly rate.
$52-$78 USD

Please note, Sony Interactive Entertainment conducts background checks at the offer stage for all new employees (which may include criminal background checks for some roles) and will need to process personal information to support these checks.

Please refer to ourCandidate Privacy Noticefor more information about what personal information we collect, how we use it, who we share it with, and your data protection rights.

Equal Opportunity Statement:

Sony is an Equal Opportunity Employer. All persons will receive consideration for employment without regard to gender (including gender identity, gender expression and gender reassignment), race (including colour, nationality, ethnic or national origin), religion or belief, marital or civil partnership status, disability, age, sexual orientation, pregnancy, maternity or parental status, trade union membership or membership in any other legally protected category.

We strive to create an inclusive environment, empower employees and embrace diversity. We encourage everyone to respond.

Sony Interactive Entertainment is a Fair Chance employer and qualified applicants with arrest and conviction records will be considered for employment.