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Software Development Contractor Jobs in Washington

SAIC

Space Protection Operations Engineer

Chantilly, VA

$160K - $200K/yr

... software solutions. The Space Protection Operations Engineer will serve as the subject matter expert (SME) and System Program Office (SPO) representative coordinating with the development contractor ...

Cornerstone Defense

Software Developer

Mclean, VA · On-site

Job #3387 Software Developer (Systems Software) NARRATIVE WORK REQUIREMENTS ... The Contractor Team shall perform activities related to Full Stack Development in Sponsor's cloud ...

SAIC

Ground Systems Engineer

Chantilly, VA · On-site

$160K - $200K/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 ...

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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 Jul 4, 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
Ground Segment Integration Engineer

Ground Segment Integration Engineer

Trusted Space, LLC

Chantilly, VA • On-site

$170K - $235K/yr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Posted 9 days ago

Job description

Summary
Position Title: Ground Segment Integration Engineer
Position ID: TA230
Location(s): Chantilly, VA
Application Deadline: We are accepting applications on an ongoing basis
Security Clearance Requirement: Secret Security Clearance
Job Description
Trusted Space is seeking a Ground Segment Integration Engineer to join our team and support the Space Development Agency (SDA) Tranche 3 Program Integration (T3PI) effort. The selected candidate will:
  • 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 Engineering Team on progress
  • Collaborate with key stakeholders on ICDs, interface maturation, and inclusion of new interfaces in support of mission closure
  • Identify and assess emerging technical and programmatic risks related to the ground systems and collaborate with system contractor team(s) to develop and evaluate mitigation strategies
  • Support verification, validation, and deployment of ground solutions to operations.
  • Support readiness reviews and major program reviews to evaluate ground system readiness
Qualifications
  • Active Secret Security Clearance
  • Bachelor's degree in engineering or information technology and 14 years of relevant experience, or a Master's degree and 12 years of relevant experience in development and operation of classified satellite ground systems specifically related to mission planning, management, command and control, data processing and data dissemination.
  • Excellent communication, interpersonal and collaborative skills with a demonstrated ability to be effective in a government/contractor team environment.
  • Ability to work in a dynamic environment and effectively interact with numerous DOW military/civilian personnel and with industry partners.
  • Ability to facilitate technical discussions with Subject Matter Experts.
  • Experienced with fast-paced, space or ground system programs.
  • Experience with Cloud-based ground systems deployed in Amazon Commercial Cloud Services (C2S) such as the Secret Commercial Cloud Services (SC2S).
  • Broad technical experience related to cloud operations, DevSecOps, CI/CD, PKI, networks, and interfaces.
  • Experience in Agile methods for program management or software development
Desired Skills and Experience
  • Active TS/SCI Security Clearance preferred
  • Experience developing and testing software with heavy utilization of REST and ESB, including testing tools such as SoapUI, Fortify, SSH, LoadRunner, Swagger, Parasoft, Fiddler, etc.
  • Experience with space-sector technologies and protocols used for COMSEC, time sync, and communicating with antenna services.
Compensation
The salary range for this role is $170,000 - $235,000. Please note that this range is a general guideline and can vary. Trusted Space, LLC considers several factors when extending an offer including, but not limited to: scope, location, position responsibilities, education/training, key skills and business considerations.
Benefits
Trusted Space seeks to create an environment where Employees are empowered and supported to achieve their full potential. We encourage life-long learning within our agile and innovative work environment. We offer competitive compensation and benefits including medical, dental, and vision plans; life and accidental death & dismemberment insurance; 401(k) plan; paid holidays and generous paid time off; short-term and long-term disability insurance; and other benefits to promote health, wellness, and a positive work-life balance.
About Trusted Space
Trusted Space is the premier provider of trusted autonomy and battlespace management software solutions enabling machine speed sensing, sense making, decision making, and acting for critical space and intelligence missions. Our portfolio includes trusted autonomy software products, real-time image processing capabilities, advanced space mission engineering services, and space operations & training solutions. We empower government and commercial customers to achieve mission superiority in space reconnaissance & surveillance, dynamic space operations, space-based ISR, and ground/command & control (C2) systems.
Rooted in our adherence to the Golden Rule – to treat others as we want to be treated – Trusted Space fosters a culture of innovation, mission-focus, agility, and technical excellence. We offer a collaborative and supportive work environment, world-class benefits, and work-life balance. We encourage life-long learning and continuous improvement in all we do. We consider it a privilege to work with our customers to provide solutions to their most difficult national security and intelligence challenges.
Trusted Space, LLC is an Equal Opportunity Employer. We do not discriminate based on race, religion, color, sex, gender, gender identity, sexual orientation, age, marital status, national origin, veteran status, disability status or any other status protected under federal, state, or local law. All aspects of employment are decided based on qualifications, merit, competence, performance, and business need.
DISCLAIMER: Trusted Space, LLC only uses the respective domains of trustedspace.com and trustedspace.us for official contact and any other domains are likely a scam and do not originate from our company. Trusted Space will never ask a candidate for access or pass codes to personal accounts including e-mails, bank accounts, CashApp, Paypal, Venmo, etc.
 

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