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Software Developer Contractor Jobs in Madison, WI

micro1 AI

Bioinformatics Software Engineer

Madison, WI · Remote

$80 - $110/hr

Contractor Location: Remote micro1 is engaging Computational Biology & Cheminformatics Experts to contribute their expertise to a customer's computational drug discovery project. In this role, you'll ...

Wide Effect

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Lead Electrical Engineer

Madison, WI · On-site

$75K - $95K/yr

... firm or design-build electrical contractor environment. * Strong knowledge of the National ... Proficiency with Revit, SKM Power Tools, and lighting analysis software. * Experience supporting ...

OneEnergy Renewables

Field Engineer

Madison, WI · On-site

$92 - $135/hr

Ensure contractor adherence to HSE and QAQC plans through on-site and remote oversight ... Experience in construction management software (Procore, Autodesk Build, MS Project, etc) a benefit.

New

OneEnergy Inc

Field Engineer

Madison, WI · On-site

$92 - $135/hr

Ensure contractor adherence to HSE and QAQC plans through on-site and remote oversight ... Experience in construction management software (Procore, Autodesk Build, MS Project,etc) a benefit.

New

Jobtailor

Outside Plant Engineer

Oregon, WI · On-site

$85 - $125/hr

Coordinate project activities with contractors, developers, municipalities, and consultants ... Experience with CAD, 3GIS, ARCGIS, Google Earth, or other mapping and drafting software preferred

New

Stantec

Civil Engineer - Land Development

Madison, WI · On-site

... sub-contractors, and vendors. * Participates in client project requirement meetings and value ... Performs and oversees the performance of calculations using company standard software and ...

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Showing results 21-40

All JobsSoftware Developer Contractor JobsSoftware Developer Contractor Jobs in Madison, WI

Software Developer Contractor information

See Madison, WI salary details

$48.4K

$112.7K

$167.3K

How much do software developer contractor jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 20, 2026, the average yearly pay for software developer contractor in Madison, WI is $112,715.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $90,700.00 and $131,000.00 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 Madison, WI as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 100% Full Time. Highlights an 83% In-person, and 17% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $112,715 per year, or $54.2 per hour.

DIRECTOR OF ENGINEERING - (ELECTRICAL / HARDWARE)

Texas State Library and Archives Commision

Madison, WI • On-site

Full-time

Re-posted 18 days ago

Job description

Our client develops sophisticated embedded systems for military and aerospace applications, working with prime contractors and maintaining strong customer relationships across the defense sector.
This position offers career growth opportunities with structured advancement based on demonstrated technical leadership and performance.
Key Responsibilities
  • Lead engineering teams through embedded systems development lifecycle
  • Establish performance measurement systems and optimize team productivity
  • Interface with customers on technical requirements, proposals, and program management
  • Oversee hardware design projects including computing platforms and power systems
  • Collaborate across disciplines to deliver complex defense products
  • Build relationships with prime contractors and manage customer programs
  • Ensure compliance with military standards and development processes
  • Provide technical leadership and mentorship to engineering staff

Qualifications
  • Bachelor's degree in Electrical Engineering or Computer Engineering
  • Extensive embedded design experience prior to transitioning to management
  • Strong people management background including performance reviews, hiring/firing, and team building

Hardware design expertise including:
  • High-end computing platforms and FPGA development
  • Standards-based embedded products
  • Power supply design for embedded systems
  • Software familiarity with BIOS, real-time operating systems, and driver development
  • Mechanical understanding of embedded system packaging and thermal design
  • Defense/aerospace project experience with prime contractors
  • Knowledge of military standards and development processes
  • Customer-facing experience with technical program management and proposals
  • U.S. citizenship required
  • Must be available for on-site work

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