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Software Development Contractor Jobs in Washington

Saic

GEOINT Software Systems Engineer

Chantilly, VA · On-site

$160K - $200K/yr

You will partner closely with development contractors, mission partners, and senior Government ... Software development oversight -- Interface with Government customers, SETA partners, FFRDCs, and ...

VT Group (VTG)

Software System Engineer

Chantilly, VA · On-site

$178K - $211K/yr

... development contractors • Analyze and assess software requirements, architectures, and design approaches • Review contractor software plans, technical documentation, and deliverables for ...

SAIC

GEOINT Software Systems Engineer

Chantilly, VA · On-site

$160K - $200K/yr

You will partner closely with development contractors, mission partners, and senior Government ... Software development oversight -- Interface with Government customers, SETA partners, FFRDCs, and ...

VTG

Software System Engineer

Chantilly, VA · On-site

$100K - $215K/yr

Support coordination between government stakeholders and development contractors Software Expert II * Analyze and assess software requirements, architectures, and design approaches * Review ...

VTG

Software System Engineer

Chantilly, VA

$100K - $215K/yr

Support coordination between government stakeholders and development contractors Software Expert II * Analyze and assess software requirements, architectures, and design approaches * Review ...

SAIC

GEOINT Software Systems Engineer

Chantilly, VA · On-site

$160K - $200K/yr

You will partner closely with development contractors, mission partners, and senior Government ... Software development oversight - Interface with Government customers, SETA partners, FFRDCs, and ...

SAIC

GEOINT Software Systems Engineer

Chantilly, VA · On-site

$160K - $200K/yr

You will partner closely with development contractors, mission partners, and senior Government ... Software development oversight - Interface with Government customers, SETA partners, FFRDCs, and ...

Prosync

Software Engineer IV

Annapolis Junction, MD · On-site

If you have prior military service or government contracting experience, are proud to serve and ... Utilizes software development and software design methodologies appropriate to the development ...

Prosync

Software Engineer IV

Annapolis Junction, MD

If you have prior military service or government contracting experience, are proud to serve and ... Utilizes software development and software design methodologies appropriate to the development ...

Prosync

Software Engineer IV

Annapolis Junction, MD · On-site

If you have prior military service or government contracting experience, are proud to serve and ... Utilizes software development and software design methodologies appropriate to the development ...

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Showing results 21-40

All JobsSoftware Development Contractor JobsSoftware Development Contractor Jobs in Washington

Software Development Contractor information

See Washington salary details

$90K

$160.9K

$202.2K

How much do software development contractor jobs pay per year?

As of Sep 10, 2026, the average yearly pay for software development contractor in Washington is $160,944.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $139,900.00 and $184,600.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What does a software development contractor do?

A Software Development Contractor is an independent professional hired to design, develop, and implement software solutions for clients on a project or temporary basis. They may work with various programming languages, frameworks, and technologies depending on the client's needs. Contractors are responsible for delivering specific project outcomes, often collaborating with in-house teams, and may also provide ongoing support or maintenance. Their work arrangement typically allows for greater flexibility compared to full-time employees, but they are usually responsible for their own business operations, such as taxes and contracts.

How does the workflow and communication process typically differ for software development contractors compared to full-time employees?

As a software development contractor, you’ll likely experience more autonomy in your workflow but will need to be proactive in communication since you may not be embedded within the core team. Contractors often attend regular check-ins or stand-ups virtually and coordinate with project managers or technical leads to track deliverables. You may work across multiple projects or teams, so adapting quickly to different coding standards and collaboration tools is essential. Clear documentation and timely progress updates are important for ensuring alignment and meeting client expectations.

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

To thrive as a Software Development Contractor, you need strong programming skills, experience with software design and development methodologies, and typically a relevant degree or proven work history. Familiarity with version control systems (like Git), cloud platforms, and frameworks relevant to client needs is crucial, along with knowledge of Agile or Scrum methodologies. Excellent problem-solving, time management, and communication skills help you adapt to diverse client environments and deliver quality solutions independently. These competencies ensure you can efficiently meet client expectations, deliver robust software, and maintain professional relationships in a contract-based role.

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

AspectSoftware Development ContractorSoftware Developer
CredentialsTypically no formal certification required; focus on experience and skillsOften holds a degree in computer science or related field; certifications like Scrum or Agile may be common
Work EnvironmentContract-based, often freelance or temporary projectsFull-time or part-time employment within a company or organization
Employer & Industry UsageUsed by companies hiring for specific projects or short-term needsEmployed by organizations as ongoing team members
Search & Comparison IntentPeople compare to understand contract work vs permanent rolesPeople look to distinguish between employment types

In summary, a Software Development Contractor typically works on short-term, project-based assignments without formal employment benefits, while a Software Developer is usually a full-time employee with ongoing responsibilities within a company. Both roles require technical skills, but their work arrangements and employment status differ significantly.

What are popular job titles related to Software Development Contractor jobs in Washington?

For Software Development Contractor jobs in Washington, the most frequently searched job titles are:

What job categories do people searching Software Development Contractor jobs in Washington look for?

The top searched job categories for Software Development Contractor jobs in Washington are:

Software Development Contractor jobs near you
Infographic showing various Software Development Contractor job openings in Washington as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 80% Full Time, 11% Part Time, 2% Temporary, and 6% Contract. Highlights an 86% Physical, 2% Hybrid, and 12% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $160,944 per year, or $77.4 per hour.

Software Development Engineer in Test (SDET)

Reston, VA • On-site

Metron
See more jobs at Metronexternal

$52 - $67/hr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Retirement, PTO

Posted 15 days ago

Job description

About Metron
Metron is an employee-owned company dedicated to delivering innovative solutions for the most challenging national security problems. For over 40 years, our principled approach to problem-solving has yielded creative solutions at the intersection of advanced mathematics, computer science, physics, and engineering. Our people are leaders in their technical fields and are passionate about solving challenging problems. We look for individuals who share this same passion and can apply their experience in real-world settings.
Our Reston team is seeking a mid-level Software Development Engineer in Test (SDET) to help build and mature the testing infrastructure supporting production software for simulation, optimization, and decision support in mission-focused environments. This role is for someone who can develop robust test harnesses, mocking infrastructure, and automated and manual testing strategies. A successful candidate will also help integrate testing into CI/CD pipelines and improve software quality and reliability across Java, Rust, and TypeScript-based applications. The strongest candidates will bring solid software development fundamentals, hands-on experience with software testing and test infrastructure, and the technical judgment to build scalable, maintainable testing practices across a growing production codebase.
Required Qualifications
  • Bachelor's degree in computer science, mathematics, physics, applied math, or related field
  • At least 3 years of industry experience
  • Experience building test infrastructure including mocking and CI/CD pipelines
  • Experience in software testing and test harness development
  • Experience designing automated and manual testing
  • Software Development experience in Java, Rust or Typescript/React
  • Ability to work effectively with researchers, engineers, and end users to translate technical concepts into usable software
  • Familiarity with full-stack web application development in any frameworks/languages
  • U.S. CITIZENSHIP REQUIRED; successful candidates will be subject to a security investigation and must meet eligibility requirements for access to classified information

Desired Qualifications
  • Active DoD Security Clearance
  • Experience using ADO, Gitlab or similar CI/CD tools

Position Location: Reston, VA
*The selected individual(s) will be required to work from the Reston, VA office
Perks and Benefits
  • Medical, Dental and Vision Insurance
  • Accompanying FSA and HSA options
  • Additional Voluntary Benefits
  • Paid Time Off
  • 9 Observed Holidays and 2 Floating Holidays
  • Paid Parental Leave
  • Tuition Reimbursement
  • Relocation Assistance
  • Professional Development Reimbursement
  • Annual Salary Reviews
  • Profit Sharing
  • 401(k) Traditional and Roth Options
  • Gym and Fitness Reimbursement
  • Employee Assistance Program
  • Employee Referral Program

Metron is an Equal Employment Opportunity (EEO) employer. It is the policy of the company to provide equal employment opportunities to all qualified applicants without regard to race, color, religious, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, age, protected veteran or disabled status, or genetic information.
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