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Software Development Contractor Jobs (NOW HIRING)

KBR, Inc.

Ground Software Systems Engineer

Chantilly, VA · On-site

$160K - $205K/yr

Title: Ground Software Systems Engineer Belong. Connect. Grow. with KBR! KBR's National Security ... Develop productive relationships with development contractor counterparts, functional counterparts ...

KBR, Inc

Ground Software Systems Engineer

Chantilly, VA · On-site

$177K - $209K/yr

Ground Systems Software Engineer***Belong. Connect. Grow. with KBR!***KBR's National Security ... Develop productive relationships with development contractor counterparts, functional counterparts ...

Card Kingdom, Inc.

Software Development Manager

Seattle, WA · On-site

$185K - $210K/yr

Software Development Manager Full Time Management HQ, Seattle, WA, US 3 days ago Requisition ID ... Onboard and direct contractors/vendors who temporarily augment the team, holding them to the same ...

KBR

Ground Software Systems Engineer

Chantilly, VA · On-site

$160K - $205K/yr

Title: Ground Software Systems Engineer Belong. Connect. Grow. with KBR! KBR's National Security ... Develop productive relationships with development contractor counterparts, functional counterparts ...

SAIC

Ground Systems Engineer

Aurora, CO · On-site

$160K - $200K/yr

... at a development contractor facility, supporting the planning, development, procurement, integration, testing, and sustainment of satellite ground software and command-and-control systems. The ...

SAIC

Ground Systems Engineer

Aurora, CO · On-site

$160K - $200K/yr

Support reviews of payload, satellite, ground software, and related technical data artifacts. Facilitate Government leadership visits to the contractor development factory. Manage Government ...

GDIT

Software Development Manager/IC

WV · On-site +1

$111K - $146K/yr

S. federal government contracting environments, including familiarity with the full contract ... cyber and software development. Join our Talent Community to stay up to date on our career ...

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Software Development Contractor information

See salary details

$79.5K

$142.1K

$178.5K

How much do software development contractor jobs pay per year?

As of Sep 10, 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.

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.

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 are popular job titles related to Software Development Contractor jobs?

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

Software Development Contractor jobs near you
Infographic showing various Software Development Contractor job openings in the United States as of September 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% Internship, 1% As Needed, 82% Full Time, 14% Part Time, and 2% Contract. Highlights an 87% Physical, 2% Hybrid, and 11% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $142,102 per year, or $68.3 per hour.

Ground Software Systems Engineer

Chantilly, VA • On-site

KBR, Inc.
IT Services • 10K+ employees
Learn more about KBR, Inc.external

$160K - $205K/yr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Re-posted 15 days ago

KBR rating

8.3

Company rating: 8.3 out of 10

Based on 48 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

Job description

Title:
Ground Software Systems Engineer
Belong. Connect. Grow. with KBR!
KBR's National Security Solutions team provides high-end engineering and advanced technology solutions to our customers in the intelligence and national security communities. In this position, your work will have a profound impact on the country's most critical role - protecting our national security.
KBR is seeking an SME to perform SETA functions in an exciting opportunity within a Systems Program Office within the Customer Signals Intelligence (SIGINT) Office. The candidate will be an integral participant in ground system command and control software requirements development, design analysis, coding, and verification. Key areas of focus include ground system full life cycle software procurement from requirements identification and development through system test, sell-off delivery, and installation at operating location. Requires an understanding of DevSecOps for building software to deploy into the Cloud. Must be familiar with computer architectures from both hardware and software perspectives in order to provide analysis and recommendations for ground command and control operations and maintenance and ground system network long-term supportability. Track ground system software development issues and upcoming events - provide status updates to the customer as needed. Identify and assess emerging risks and develop & evaluate proposed burn-down plans. Review developer's readiness to proceed into factory and site test and evaluation. The candidate will also be an integral part of software requirements definition, development, allocation, design, and verification.
Why Join Us?
  • Innovative Projects: KBR's work is at the forefront of engineering, logistics, operations, science, program management, mission IT and cybersecurity solutions.
  • Collaborative Environment: Be part of a dynamic team that thrives on collaboration and innovation, fostering a supportive and intellectually stimulating workplace.
  • Impactful Work: Your contributions will be pivotal in designing and optimizing defense systems that ensure national security and shape the future of space defense.

Key Responsibilities:
  • Provide expert advice/analysis on ground systems software requirements, design, installation, test, and operations support for the ground system's command, control, configuration.
  • Monitor and ensure overall system software adhere to systems requirements, program ground system requirements, assess verification methodologies and coordinate developer's CONOPs with stakeholders.
  • Assess evolving Information Assurance standards in the context of planned product obsolescence.
  • Provide day-to-day support to customer lead. Develop and assess briefing packages for SPO engineering, risk, and program-management reviews.
  • Support relevant ground system software and hardware specification development and test planning activities.
  • Monitor the development, installation, and transition to operations of a cloud-based, satellite command and control system.
  • Monitor developer completion of ground segment specification sell-off, along with other verification and validation activities to include cross-organizational thread-lead support for ground segment requirements sell-off.
  • Provide expert advice concerning software development - review software interface definition for accuracy to ensure requirement allocation documentation is complete and accurate.
  • Coordinate with spacecraft bus development team and ground systems software.
  • Coordinate across the Program Office for any proposed specification changes and facilitate integration of changes into the baseline.
  • Coordinate Discrepancy reports and assist in the prioritization and communication of reports to the Government.
  • Develop productive relationships with development contractor counterparts, functional counterparts, and other spacecraft, payload, and ground subject matter experts.
  • Advise and mentor customer personnel regarding Segment architecture, specification, and verification and validation.

Basic Compensation:
$160,000 - $205,000 USD annually
The offered rate will be based on the selected candidate's knowledge, skills, abilities and/or experience and in consideration of internal parity.
Required:
  • Active/Current TS/SCI with Poly.
  • BS Degree required.
  • 9+ years of experience with a BS degree, 6+ years of experience with an MS degree.
  • Prior ground system experience in a major satellite program office or commercial SATCOM office.
  • Demonstrated knowledgeable of DevSecOps.
  • Must be familiar with agile software development processes and associated metrics.
  • Demonstrated knowledge of acquisition, development and O&M practices for large, complex systems.
  • Experience in DoD/IC acquisition process and program management milestones.
  • Familiarity with Customer software security best practices for software code implementation and design.
  • Excellent interpersonal, leadership, team building and problem solving skills with demonstrated ability to be effective in a USG/Contractor team.
  • Excellent oral and written communication skills.

Ready to Make a Difference?
If you're excited about making a significant impact in the field of space defense and working on projects that matter, we encourage you to apply and join our team at KBR. Let's shape the future together.
KBR Benefits
KBR offers a selection of competitive lifestyle benefits which could include 401K plan with company match, medical, dental, vision, life insurance, AD&D, flexible spending account, disability, paid time off, or flexible work schedule. We support career advancement through professional training and development.
Belong, Connect and Grow at KBR
At KBR, we are passionate about our people and our Zero Harm culture. These inform all that we do and are at the heart of our commitment to, and ongoing journey toward being a People First company. That commitment is central to our team of team's philosophy and fosters an environment where everyone can Belong, Connect and Grow. We Deliver - Together.
KBR is an equal opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, disability, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, age, national origin, veteran status, genetic information, union status and/or beliefs, or any other characteristic protected by federal, state, or local law.

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About KBR

Sourced by ZipRecruiter

At KBR, we partner with government and industry clients to provide purposeful and comprehensive solutions with an emphasis on efficiency and safety. With a full portfolio of services, proprietary technologies and expertise, our employees are ready to handle projects and missions from planning and design to sustainability and maintenance. Whether at the bottom of the ocean or in outer space, our clients trust us to deliver the impossible on a daily basis.

Industry

It services

Company size

10,000+ Employees

Headquarters location

Houston, TX, US

Year founded

1998

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