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Software Developer Contract Jobs in Columbia, MO

Broadcom Inc.

R&D Software Engineer

California, MO · On-site

$144 - $230/hr

Manage complex technical dependencies, system interfaces, and API contracts across core product ... developer tools. 3+ years in a technical leadership capacity (Staff/Principal Engineer or ...

ProducePay

Senior Software Engineer - Backend

California, MO · On-site

$140 - $193/hr

As a Senior Software Engineer on the Equipment Monitoring team, you will build the backend systems ... Collaborate with Embedded, IoT, and cross-functional teams on device data contracts and end-to-end ...

Jobtailor

Senior Full Stack Engineer

California, MO · On-site

$140 - $170/hr

* MegazoneCloud is looking for Senior Software Engineers to modernize legacy applications, manual ... Design and review REST or GraphQL API contracts. * Drive infrastructure-as-code with Terraform and ...

Varsity Tutors

Software Tutor

Columbia, MO · Remote

$18 - $40/hr

Deep knowledge of software development methodologies, programming languages, version control ... Varsity Tutors does not contract in: Alaska, California, Colorado, Delaware, Hawaii, Maine, New ...

Humana Inc

Senior Software Engineer - NBA

Jefferson City, MO · On-site

$107 - $147/hr

Become a part of our caring community We are searching for a Senior Software Engineer to architect ... Service-level contracts and API backward compatibility * Rules behavior, precedence, and edge cases

New

Jobtailor

Lead Full Stack Engineer

California, MO · On-site

$150 - $230/hr

Set the engineering standards multiple teams deliver against -- patterns, contracts, testing ... Requirements * 8+ years of professional software or platform engineering experience, including ...

Dept

Senior, Software Engineer

California, MO · On-site

$122 - $165/hr

Integrate third-party APIs and systems, and design the contracts that frontend teams and other ... Experience mentoring engineers earlier in their careers. * Exposure to agent development frameworks.

New

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All JobsSoftware Developer Contract JobsSoftware Developer Contract Jobs in Columbia, MO

Software Developer Contract information

See Columbia, MO salary details

$45.7K

$106.4K

$158K

How much do software developer contract jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 29, 2026, the average yearly pay for software developer contract in Columbia, MO is $106,432.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $85,600.00 and $123,700.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is a software developer contract?

A Software Developer Contract job is a temporary or project-based position where a developer is hired for a specific duration, typically through a contract agreement. Contractors may work independently, for an agency, or directly with a company to develop, test, and maintain software applications. These roles often offer flexibility but may not include benefits like health insurance or paid time off. Contract developers are usually paid hourly or per project and may work remotely or on-site depending on the employer's needs.

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

A successful Software Developer Contract requires strong programming abilities, solid knowledge of software development methodologies, and relevant project or domain expertise, often supported by a degree in computer science or a related field. Familiarity with languages like Java, Python, or JavaScript, as well as tools such as Git, Agile frameworks, and certification in areas like AWS or Scrum, is highly valued. Excellent problem-solving skills, adaptability, effective communication, and an ability to quickly integrate into new teams are crucial soft skills. These competencies enable contract developers to deliver high-quality solutions while efficiently navigating diverse projects and rapidly changing work environments.

What are the typical work arrangements and expectations for contract software developers?

Contract Software Developers are usually hired for specific projects or defined timeframes, which can range from several weeks to multiple months, often working remotely or on-site depending on client needs. They are expected to quickly understand project requirements, deliver code efficiently, and collaborate with both in-house teams and other contractors, maintaining flexibility to adapt to different workflows and tools. Because contract roles may not include the same onboarding experience as permanent positions, self-motivation and strong independent work habits are important. This work arrangement provides valuable exposure to various industries and technologies, often expanding a developer’s professional network and enhancing career versatility.

Are software developers still in high demand?

Yes, software developers remain in high demand due to ongoing digital transformation across industries, the need for new applications, and the growth of cloud computing and cybersecurity. Strong programming skills in languages like Java, Python, or JavaScript, along with experience in agile environments, enhance job prospects for contract software developers.

How much do contract software developers make?

Contract software developers typically earn between $50 and $150 per hour, depending on experience, location, and project complexity. Rates can vary based on skills such as proficiency in specific programming languages, frameworks, and the duration of the contract.

What are the most commonly searched types of Software Developer jobs in Columbia, MO?

The most popular types of Software Developer jobs in Columbia, MO are:

What cities near Columbia, MO are hiring for Software Developer Contract jobs?

Cities near Columbia, MO with the most Software Developer Contract job openings:

Software Developer Contract jobs near you
Infographic showing various Software Developer Contract job openings in Columbia, MO as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 63% Full Time, 11% Part Time, and 26% Contract. Highlights an 89% In-person, and 11% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $106,432 per year, or $51.2 per hour.

NAVAIR Software Engineer/Developer

American Systems Corporation

California, MO • On-site

$105 - $145/hr

Other

Medical, Retirement, PTO

Posted 10 days ago

Job description

Overview

AMERICAN SYSTEMS is an employee-owned federal government contractor supporting national priority programs through our strategic solutions in Information Technology, Test & Evaluation, Program Mission Support, Engineering & Analysis, and Training.

As our next Software Engineer/ developer forNAVAIR,you'll collaborate with talented professionals to create innovative, mission-critical solutions that empower naval aviation and defense operations. Your expertise will help shape cutting-edge systems, enhance national security, and drive technological advancement for our nation.

Responsibilities

The Software Systems Engineer will provide direct engineering, acquisition, and test & evaluation (T&E) support for the PMA-268 Stingray MQ-25A program. Serving as a key technical interface between NAVAIR, prime contractors, and other government activities, this role focuses on providing technical oversight for software development, system integration, and support Formal Qualification Testing (FQT). The successful candidate will deliver optimized technical solutions within cost, schedule, and technology constraints while ensuring compliance with stringent system requirements and airworthiness standards.

Key Responsibilities Software Development & Acquisition Support
  • Track software execution across Computer Software Configuration Items (CSCIs), analyze development metrics, and actively identify and elevate technical blockers to software development and test program leadership.
  • Assist Senior Leads with technical evaluations of vendor proposals and draft engineering inputs for future Statements of Work (SOWs) and contracts.
  • Provide technical oversight into the Program Increment (PI) priority workloads and evaluate contractor-proposed changes to processes and Software Development Plans (SDPs).
  • The incumbent serves as a representative for NAVAIR, interfacing with headquarters, contractors, and other government activities involved in the program.
Technical Documentation Review
  • Conduct deep-dive engineering reviews of vendor deliverables to ensure compliance with system requirements and Airworthiness standards.
  • Provide meaningful technical comments on complex artifacts, including Software Requirements Specifications (SRS), Software Design Descriptions (SDD), Software Architecture Descriptions (SAD), Software Development Plans (SDP), and Software Test Plans (STP).
Software Test Support
  • Serve as the designated Government witness and Quality Assurance (QA) representation for Formal Qualification Testing (FQT), requiring travel to contractor facilities.
  • Assess vendor readiness to execute FQT by verifying test procedure completion and tracking the resolution of Problem Reports (PRs).
Defect Analysis & Process Improvement
  • Provide technical analysis during multi-party Problem Report Review Boards (PRRBs), System Safety Working Groups, and Risk Boards. Support Software Safety Program Level of Rigor (LOR) assessments.
  • Evaluate engineering workflows to identify and implement technical process improvements within the software development lifecycle, test execution, and defect tracking processes.
General Day-to-Day tasks
  • Providing direct systems engineering/scientific support to and advise on engineering requirements, technical issues, and risks related to software development.
  • Providing technical oversight and support strategic software planning.
  • Serving as a hardware/software technical interface to Computer Scientist/engineering community on related software engineering activities and issues.
  • Providing real-time access to SMEs for problem assessment and resolution.
  • Providing software engineering technical support and representation at working groups.
  • Providing technical oversight into the Program Increment (PI) priority workloads.
  • Providing concurrence, if applicable, on contractor proposed changes to processes and Software (SW) development plans.
Qualifications
  • Must have an active DoD Secret clearance, must be a U.S. citizen.
  • Technical 4-yr degree and 1+ years of experience (see below).
  • Experience in engineering or computer science with an emphasis on software engineering/development of software systems.
  • Experience in software requirements allocation, design, software process management, open architecture principles, software integration and test.
  • Knowledge of processes for software system design, test and interoperability, planning and management.
  • Knowledge of military avionics systems, components and software and related design attributes. (highly desired)
  • Knowledge of systems engineering procedures, processes, practices and tools as related to Avionics and Weapons systems and technology. (highly desired)
  • Proven ability to effectively communicate at all levels within an organization, with effective interpersonal skills and an ability to resolve conflicting views and information.
Pay Transparency Statement

AMERICAN SYSTEMS is committed to pay transparency for our applicants and employee-owners. The salary range for this position is USD $105,000.00/Yr. - USD $145,000/Yr. Actual compensation will be determined based on several factors permitted by law. AMERICAN SYSTEMS provides for the welfare of its employees and their dependents through a comprehensive benefits program by offering healthcare benefits, paid leave, retirement plans, insurance programs, and education and training assistance.

EEO Statement

EEO Race/Sex/Disability Status/Veteran Status

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