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Software Developer Contractor Jobs in Massachusetts

YO AI Labs

AI/ML Software Engineer - Remote

Boston, MA · Remote

$80 - $120/hr

Contractor (~15 hours/week) Location: Remote Job Summary We are seeking experienced Senior Software Engineers to support an AI training project by creating reinforcement learning environments that ...

Spectrum Control

Embedded Software Engineer

Marlborough, MA · On-site

$135K - $165K/yr

Embedded Software Engineer: The Embedded software engineer designs and implements infrastructure ... Equal Opportunity Employer/Protected Veterans/Individuals with Disabilities The contractor will not ...

Spectrum Control

Embedded Software Engineer

Marlborough, MA · On-site

$135K - $165K/yr

Embedded Software Engineer : The Embedded software engineer designs and implements infrastructure ... Equal Opportunity Employer/Protected Veterans/Individuals with Disabilities The contractor will not ...

Spectrum Control

Embedded Software Engineer

Marlborough, MA · On-site

$135K - $165K/yr

Embedded Software Engineer : The Embedded software engineer designs and implements infrastructure ... Equal Opportunity Employer/Protected Veterans/Individuals with Disabilities The contractor will not ...

Appliedres

Senior Software Engineer

Bedford, MA · On-site

$160K - $180K/yr

Plan and or implement DevOps processes and techniques for Cloud and non-cloud applications. * Other ... This contractor and subcontractor shall abide by the requirements of 41 CFR 60-741.5(a). This ...

Saab

Senior Software Engineer

Raynham, MA · On-site

$138K - $180K/yr

Working with a team of engineers to design, implement, unit test, document, and maintain software ... Saab is a federal government contractor and adheres to policies and programs necessary for ...

Saab

Senior Software Engineer

Boston, MA · On-site

$138K - $180K/yr

Working with a team of engineers to design, implement, unit test, document, and maintain software ... Saab is a federal government contractor and adheres to policies and programs necessary for ...

Saab

Senior Software Engineer

Norwell, MA · On-site

$138K - $180K/yr

Working with a team of engineers to design, implement, unit test, document, and maintain software ... Saab is a federal government contractor and adheres to policies and programs necessary for ...

Saab

Senior Software Engineer

Waverley, MA · On-site

$138K - $180K/yr

Working with a team of engineers to design, implement, unit test, document, and maintain software ... Saab is a federal government contractor and adheres to policies and programs necessary for ...

Saab

Senior Software Engineer

South Walpole, MA · On-site

$138K - $180K/yr

Working with a team of engineers to design, implement, unit test, document, and maintain software ... Saab is a federal government contractor and adheres to policies and programs necessary for ...

Saab

Senior Software Engineer

Weston, MA · On-site

$138K - $180K/yr

Working with a team of engineers to design, implement, unit test, document, and maintain software ... Saab is a federal government contractor and adheres to policies and programs necessary for ...

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Showing results 41-60

All JobsSoftware Developer Contractor JobsSoftware Developer Contractor Jobs in Massachusetts

Software Developer Contractor information

See Massachusetts salary details

$52.4K

$122.1K

$181.3K

How much do software developer contractor jobs pay per year?

As of Sep 15, 2026, the average yearly pay for software developer contractor in Massachusetts is $122,149.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $98,300.00 and $142,000.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is a software developer contractor?

Software Developer Contractors are professionals hired on a temporary or project basis to design, develop, and maintain software applications for clients or companies. Unlike full-time employees, contractors typically work under a contract for a specific period or for the duration of a project. They may work independently, through agencies, or as part of a consulting firm, and often have specialized skills to meet specific project needs. This arrangement offers flexibility for both the developer and the employer, allowing organizations to scale their technical resources as needed.

What are some common challenges software developer contractors face when integrating with existing teams?

Software developer contractors often join projects mid-stream and must quickly adapt to unfamiliar codebases, workflows, and team dynamics. A common challenge is building rapport with full-time staff and understanding company-specific coding standards or tools. Contractors are expected to be proactive in communicating, asking questions, and clarifying requirements to ensure smooth collaboration. Being flexible and open to feedback helps contractors deliver quality work while navigating these initial hurdles.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a software developer contractor, and why are they important?

To excel as a Software Developer Contractor, you need strong programming abilities, problem-solving skills, and a solid understanding of software development methodologies, often backed by a relevant degree or equivalent experience. Familiarity with version control systems (like Git), cloud platforms, and proficiency in languages such as Python, Java, or JavaScript are commonly required, along with certifications like AWS Certified Developer or Microsoft Certified: Azure Developer. Excellent communication, time management, and adaptability set top contractors apart, enabling them to quickly integrate with diverse teams and projects. These skills are essential for delivering high-quality, timely solutions in dynamic and varied client environments.

What is the difference between Software Developer Contractor vs Software Developer Employee?

AspectSoftware Developer ContractorSoftware Developer Employee
CredentialsTypically requires a relevant degree and technical skills; certifications optionalSame as contractor, often with additional company-specific training
Work EnvironmentContract-based, often remote or on-site for short-term projectsFull-time, usually on-site or hybrid
Employer & Industry UsageCommon in tech firms, startups, consulting agenciesStandard in large corporations, tech companies, and organizations

Software Developer Contractors work on short-term projects, often remotely, with flexible arrangements, while Software Developer Employees are full-time staff with ongoing responsibilities and benefits. Both roles require similar skills and credentials but differ mainly in employment status and work setup.

Software Developer Contractor jobs near you
Infographic showing various Software Developer Contractor job openings in Massachusetts as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 82% Full Time, 12% Part Time, 1% Temporary, 4% Contract, and 1% Nights. Highlights an 85% Physical, 4% Hybrid, and 11% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $122,149 per year, or $58.7 per hour.

AI/ML Software Engineer - Remote

Boston, MA • Remote

YO AI Labs
See more jobs at YO AI Labsexternal

$80 - $120/hr

Full-time

Posted 18 days ago

Job description

Senior Software Engineer

Job Type: Contractor (~15 hours/week)
Location: Remote

Job Summary

We are seeking experienced Senior Software Engineers to support an AI training project by creating reinforcement learning environments that evaluate AI models on complex software engineering tasks using Model Context Protocol (MCP) tools.

You will design reproducible environments, deterministic verification, and reference solutions for tasks such as bug fixing, feature implementation, codebase refactoring, and performance optimization. No prior AI experience is required.

Key Responsibilities
  • Create reinforcement learning environments for software engineering tasks.
  • Design tasks involving bug fixing, feature development, refactoring, and performance optimization.
  • Build deterministic verification systems and golden reference solutions.
  • Evaluate AI agents' ability to reason through complex codebases and use MCP tools effectively.
  • Develop realistic, reproducible software engineering scenarios.
  • Ensure tasks accurately measure coding ability, problem-solving, and tool usage.
  • Document solutions and provide clear technical feedback.
Required Skills
  • Strong proficiency in Python 3, Java, Rust, C++, or TypeScript.
  • Strong understanding of algorithms and data structures.
  • Experience with bug fixing and debugging complex software issues.
  • Proven experience in feature implementation and codebase refactoring.
  • Strong knowledge of performance optimization and tuning.
  • Excellent written and verbal communication.
  • Strong attention to detail.
Preferred Qualifications
  • Experience working with large-scale or distributed codebases.
  • Familiarity with AI/ML systems is a plus but not required.
  • Experience with rigorous code reviews and software engineering best practices.
  • Experience working effectively in remote or cross-functional teams.
Hiring Process
  1. Submit an application and screening questions.
  2. Complete an AI interview (~30 minutes).
  3. Complete a technical assessment, if required.
  4. Hiring Manager review.
Compensation

Compensation is output-based, with payment provided per task that meets project specifications. Minimum weekly submission requirements may apply.

Availability

Selected experts should be prepared to begin their first tasks within 24–48 hours of completing onboarding.