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Software Development Contractor Jobs (NOW HIRING)

ASTRION, INC.

Senior Software Engineer

Arlington, VA

$141K - $186K/yr

Assess the development practices utilized by the software development contractors against known best practices * Provide specific recommendations for improvement to the developers as well as the ...

Astrion

Senior Software Engineer

Arlington, VA

$140K - $185K/yr

Assess the development practices utilized by the software development contractors against known best practices * Provide specific recommendations for improvement to the developers as well as the ...

Steampunk

Software Development Architect

Mclean, VA · Remote

$112K - $225K/yr

As a Software Development Architect, you will work with our growing DevSecOps practice evaluating ... Steampunk is a Change Agent in the Federal contracting industry, bringing new thinking to clients ...

Steampunk

Software Development Architect

Mclean, VA · On-site

$112K - $225K/yr

Overview As a Software Development Architect, you will work with our growing DevSecOps practice ... Steampunk is a Change Agent in the Federal contracting industry, bringing new thinking to clients ...

Steampunk

Software Development Architect

Mclean, VA · Remote

$112K - $225K/yr

Overview As a Software Development Architect, you will work with our growing DevSecOps practice ... Steampunk is a Change Agent in the Federal contracting industry, bringing new thinking to clients ...

Steampunk

Software Development Architect

Mclean, VA · On-site

$112K - $225K/yr

Overview As a Software Development Architect, you will work with our growing DevSecOps practice ... Steampunk is a Change Agent in the Federal contracting industry, bringing new thinking to clients ...

Steampunk

Software Development Architect

Mclean, VA · Remote

$112K - $225K/yr

As a Software Development Architect, you will work with our growing DevSecOps practice evaluating ... Steampunk is a Change Agent in the Federal contracting industry, bringing new thinking to clients ...

Steampunk

Software Development Architect

Mclean, VA · Remote

$112K - $225K/yr

Overview As a Software Development Architect, you will work with our growing DevSecOps practice ... Steampunk is a Change Agent in the Federal contracting industry, bringing new thinking to clients ...

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Software Development Contractor information

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$79.5K

$142.1K

$178.5K

How much do software development contractor jobs pay per year?

As of Jun 9, 2026, the average yearly pay for software development contractor in the United States is $142,102.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $123,500.00 and $163,000.00 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.
More about Software Development Contractor jobs
What cities are hiring for Software Development Contractor jobs? Cities with the most Software Development Contractor job openings:
What states have the most Software Development Contractor jobs? States with the most job openings for Software Development Contractor jobs include:
What job categories do people searching Software Development Contractor jobs look for? The top searched job categories for Software Development Contractor jobs are:
Software Development Contractor jobs near you
Infographic showing various Software Development Contractor job openings in the United States as of May 2026, with employment types broken down into 87% Full Time, 7% Part Time, and 6% Contract. Highlights an 88% Physical, 3% Hybrid, and 9% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $142,102 per year, or $68.3 per hour.

Senior Software Engineer

ASTRION, INC.

Arlington, VA

$141K - $186K/yr

Other

Posted yesterday

Job description

Overview

Senior Software Engineer

LOCATION: Arlington, VA

JOB STATUS: Full-time

CLEARANCE: Top Secret

CERTIFICATION:

TRAVEL: As Needed

Astrion has an exciting opportunity for a Senior Software Engineer located at the NAVSEA PEO IWS 3.0 Program Office in Arlington, VA. Astrion has worked extensively with PEO IWS 3.0 where it has earned a reputation for on-time delivery of high-quality products tailored to the needs of its clients.

REQUIRED QUALIFICATIONS / SKILLS

Must be flexible in adapting to deadlines, changing schedules, competing priorities, and unpredictable events

  • Thorough, detail oriented, and organized, with excellent time management skills and ability to prioritize and handle multiple tasks at once
  • Superb verbal and written communication skills
  • Self-motivated and independent thinker with out-of-the-box ideas
  • Leadership skills

PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS / SKILLS

  • Bachelor's degree required, with at least 10 years of related experience
  • knowledge of all aspects of agile software development in support of DoD missile systems programs
  • Knowledge and experience in software design, development, test, and project management is required
  • Specific knowledge and experience with embedded or real time software in missile systems is required
  • Minimum of 10 years of experience in software design, development, test, and process management
  • Knowledge of systems engineering principles, software best practices, agile development, and project management of missile systems development
  • Specific knowledge of the Standard Missile and Navy weapon systems is highly desirable
  • Knowledge of the responsibilities of the applicable Government and contractor activities and their interfaces is a plus

RESPONSIBILITIES

  • Evaluate the embedded tactical flight software, test equipment software, modeling and simulation software, and firmware for the Standard Missile
  • Identify issues, provide technical assessment of software issues identified and report expected impacts on the program
  • Monitor the software development activities and report anomalies, risk areas, and provide suggestions for corrective action
  • Review software development documentation to assess adherence to program technical requirements
  • Assess development schedules to evaluate reasonableness and approach
  • Evaluate software tools for appropriateness and needed functionality
  • Assess the development practices utilized by the software development contractors against known best practices
  • Provide specific recommendations for improvement to the developers as well as the Government managers
  • Provide assessment of risks to the programs, along with analysis of any proposed mitigation steps
  • Review software development plans software requirement specifications, software build plans, software design documents, interface requirement specifications, software build plans, software test plans, software test descriptions, and software related management documents for technical accuracy and traceability
  • Review proposals for reasonableness
  • 25% travel to contractor site may be required.
  • Ad-hoc support as required.

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