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Software Development Contractor Jobs in Washington

VTG

Software System Engineer

Chantilly, VA · On-site

$178K - $211K/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 · On-site

$178K - $211K/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

$177K - $209K/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

$177K - $209K/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

$177K - $209K/yr

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

OASYS, INC.

Ground Segment Integration Engineer

Chantilly, VA · On-site

$107K - $144K/yr

Act as Program Integrator Liaison to the Ground Segment development contractor * Monitor key interface development, testing, and software deployment and advise the T3PI team and Government Systems ...

OASYS, INC.

Ground Segment Integration Engineer

Chantilly, VA · On-site

$107K - $144K/yr

Act as Program Integrator Liaison to the Ground Segment development contractor * Monitor key interface development, testing, and software deployment and advise the T3PI team and Government Systems ...

OASYS

Ground Segment Integration Engineer

Chantilly, VA · On-site

$107K - $144K/yr

Act as Program Integrator Liaison to the Ground Segment development contractor * Monitor key interface development, testing, and software deployment and advise the T3PI team and Government Systems ...

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 · 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 1-20

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 Jun 8, 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.

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 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.

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 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 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 May 2026, with employment types broken down into 91% Full Time, 5% Part Time, and 4% Contract. Highlights an 88% Physical, 3% Hybrid, and 9% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $160,944 per year, or $77.4 per hour.
Software System Engineer

Software System Engineer

VTG

Chantilly, VA • On-site

$178K - $211K/yr

Full-time

Posted 19 hours ago

Job description

Overview

VTG is looking for a Software Expert in Chantilly, VA.  (Note: Contingent upon program award).

Software Expert I provides advisory and analytical support to government program and technical staff, assisting with software requirements analysis, documentation, and oversight activities within a SETA environment. 

Software Expert II provides independent technical advisory support, evaluating software solutions, requirements, and contractor performance to ensure alignment with mission and program objectives.

Software Expert III serves as a trusted technical advisor to government leadership, providing strategic guidance and oversight across complex softwareintensive programs in a SETA capacity.


What will you do?

Software Expert I

  • Support analysis of software requirements, architectures, and design documentation
  • Assist with review of contractor software deliverables for compliance with requirements and standards
  • Support development and maintenance of technical documentation (requirements matrices, technical assessments, briefings)
  • Participate in technical reviews, working groups, and stakeholder meetings as an observer/support role
  • Track software risks, issues, and action items under senior guidance
  • Support coordination between government stakeholders and development contractors

Software Expert II

  • Analyze and assess software requirements, architectures, and design approaches
  • Review contractor software plans, technical documentation, and deliverables for compliance and quality
  • Support development of government technical guidance, standards, and evaluation criteria
  • Advise program managers and technical leads on software risks, tradeoffs, and impacts
  • Support Agile ceremonies and technical reviews as a government advisor (noncoding role)
  • Track and assess softwarerelated risks, dependencies, and integration considerations
  • Prepare technical briefings and recommendations for government leadership

Software Expert III

  • Provide seniorlevel advisory support on software architecture, design, and lifecycle strategy

  • Lead government reviews of contractor software approaches, roadmaps, and deliverables

  • Advise program leadership on software risks, technical debt, scalability, and sustainability

  • Support development of software governance frameworks, standards, and evaluation criteria

  • Participate in senior technical reviews, milestone events, and executive briefings

  • Assess alignment of software solutions with mission objectives and enterprise architecture

  • Mentor junior and midlevel software experts

  • Support acquisition and source selection activities with technical expertise, as required


Do you have what it takes?
  • TS/SCI with Poly Required

Software Expert I

  • 1-4 years of experience supporting softwareintensive systems or technical programs
    Basic understanding of software development lifecycles (Agile, DevSecOps, or waterfall)
    Strong analytical, documentation, and communication skills
  • Bachelor’s Degree in Computer Science, Software Engineering, Systems Engineering, or related field
  • Preferred Qualifications: Experience supporting federal, DoD, or IC programs, Exposure to requirements management or technical review processes, Familiarity with Agile or DevSecOps concepts from an oversight perspective

Software Expert II

  • 5-9 years of experience supporting softwareintensive systems or programs
    Strong understanding of software lifecycles, architectures, and integration principles
    Experience performing technical reviews or oversight of contractor software development
    Strong written and verbal communication skills
  • Bachelor’s Degree in Computer Science, Software Engineering, Systems Engineering, or related field
  • Preferred Qualifications: Experience supporting IC, DoD, or DOJ mission programs, Experience in Agile, SAFe, or DevSecOps environments in an advisory capacity, Familiarity with cloud, data, or mission system software architectures

Software Expert III

  • Bachelor’s degree required; Master’s preferred
  • 10+ years of experience supporting softwareintensive systems or enterprise platforms
  • Deep understanding of modern software architectures and development lifecycles
  • Proven experience providing technical oversight and advisory support (nondeveloper role)
  • Strong leadership, stakeholder engagement, and briefing skills
  • Preferred Qualifications: Experience supporting IC, DoD, or DOJ missioncritical programs, Experience advising on largescale or multivendor software programs, Familiarity with Agile at scale (SAFe), DevSecOps, and cloudbased architectures
Qualifications:
  • TS/SCI with Poly Required

Software Expert I

  • 1-4 years of experience supporting softwareintensive systems or technical programs
    Basic understanding of software development lifecycles (Agile, DevSecOps, or waterfall)
    Strong analytical, documentation, and communication skills
  • Bachelor’s Degree in Computer Science, Software Engineering, Systems Engineering, or related field
  • Preferred Qualifications: Experience supporting federal, DoD, or IC programs, Exposure to requirements management or technical review processes, Familiarity with Agile or DevSecOps concepts from an oversight perspective

Software Expert II

  • 5-9 years of experience supporting softwareintensive systems or programs
    Strong understanding of software lifecycles, architectures, and integration principles
    Experience performing technical reviews or oversight of contractor software development
    Strong written and verbal communication skills
  • Bachelor’s Degree in Computer Science, Software Engineering, Systems Engineering, or related field
  • Preferred Qualifications: Experience supporting IC, DoD, or DOJ mission programs, Experience in Agile, SAFe, or DevSecOps environments in an advisory capacity, Familiarity with cloud, data, or mission system software architectures

Software Expert III

  • Bachelor’s degree required; Master’s preferred
  • 10+ years of experience supporting softwareintensive systems or enterprise platforms
  • Deep understanding of modern software architectures and development lifecycles
  • Proven experience providing technical oversight and advisory support (nondeveloper role)
  • Strong leadership, stakeholder engagement, and briefing skills
  • Preferred Qualifications: Experience supporting IC, DoD, or DOJ missioncritical programs, Experience advising on largescale or multivendor software programs, Familiarity with Agile at scale (SAFe), DevSecOps, and cloudbased architectures
Education:UNAVAILABLEEmployment Type: FULL_TIME

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