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Software Engineer Contract W2 Jobs in Iowa (NOW HIRING)

Software Engineer

Ames, IA

$45 - $60/hr

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Life

  • Retirement

  • PTO

Software Engineer This role leads the design, implementation, and testing of innovative software ... This is a 2-4 months contract based in Cedar Rapids Job Type & Location This is a Contract to Hire ...

Embedded Software Engineer

Cedar Rapids, IA

$128K - $169K/yr

Cedar Rapids, IA EMPLOYMENT TYPE: Full time/Contract Roles & Responsibilities : Development and Verification for Platform Software as per DO 178B/C 3+ years of experience in the field of embedded ...

COBOL Developer

Des Moines, IA ยท On-site

$49 - $66.25/hr

Contract (W2/C2C) Job Overview: We are seeking a seasoned COBOL Developer with 6+ years of ... Participate in the full software development life cycle including requirements gathering, design ...

Lead Software Engineer

Cedar Rapids, IA ยท On-site

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Life

  • Retirement

  • PTO

Work collaboratively with other development staff, including contract and offshore Software Engineers, and business product owners in an agile environment. * Code, test, identify, implement, and ...

Lead Software Engineer

Cedar Rapids, IA

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Life

  • Retirement

  • PTO

Work collaboratively with other development staff, including contract and offshore Software Engineers, and business product owners in an agile environment. * Code, test, identify, implement, and ...

Software Engineer I (Onsite)

Cedar Rapids, IA ยท On-site

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Life

  • Retirement

  • PTO

S. citizens are authorized to access information under this program/contract. Security Clearance ... We are looking for an entry level Engineer, disciplined in Software Engineering to join our TCMA ...

Specialist Software Engineer

Cedar Rapids, IA

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Life

  • Retirement

  • PTO

Work collaboratively with other development staff, including contract and offshore Software Engineers, and business product owners in an agile environment. * Code, test, identify, implement, and ...

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Showing results 1-20

Software Engineer Contract W2 information

See Iowa salary details

$59.6K

$138.6K

$193K

How much do software engineer contract w2 jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 15, 2026, the average yearly pay for software engineer contract w2 in Iowa is $138,564.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $112,700.00 and $162,500.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

How does working as a software engineer on a W2 contract differ from permanent or 1099 contract positions in terms of team integration and project involvement?

As a Software Engineer on a W2 contract, you are typically treated as a temporary employee of the staffing agency, which means you often receive benefits (like health insurance) and have taxes withheld, similar to permanent staff. However, your project involvement may be more focused and time-bound, aligning with the terms of your contract. While you are integrated into the development team and collaborate closely with full-time engineers, you may not be included in long-term strategic planning or receive company equity. It's common to face the challenge of quickly adapting to new codebases and team cultures, but strong performance can sometimes open doors for contract extensions or permanent roles.

What is the difference between Software Engineer Contract W2 vs Software Engineer Contract 1099?

AspectSoftware Engineer Contract W2Software Engineer Contract 1099
Tax & PayrollEmployer handles taxes, withholdings, and benefitsIndependent contractor manages own taxes and benefits
Work EnvironmentTypically employed through staffing agencies or directly by companiesWorks independently, often with multiple clients
Credentials & CertificationsUsually requires relevant technical skills; no specific certification neededSame as W2; certifications may enhance opportunities
Legal & ContractualStandard employment contract with employee rightsIndependent contractor agreement with more flexibility

In summary, Software Engineer Contract W2 roles involve employer-managed taxes and benefits, offering more stability and legal protections. Contract 1099 positions provide greater independence but require managing taxes and benefits independently. The choice depends on your preference for stability versus flexibility.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a software engineer contract W2?

To thrive as a Software Engineer Contract W2, you need strong programming skills, problem-solving abilities, and a relevant degree in computer science or a related field. Familiarity with industry-standard development tools, source control systems like Git, and possibly certifications in specific technologies (such as AWS or Microsoft Azure) are typically expected. Excellent communication, adaptability, and time management skills help you collaborate effectively and deliver results on time in dynamic project environments. These capabilities ensure high-quality code delivery, smooth integration with client teams, and successful completion of contract objectives.

What is a software engineer contract W2?

A Software Engineer Contract W2 is a software engineer who is hired on a contract basis but is paid through a W2 arrangement, meaning they are technically an employee of a staffing agency or third-party employer rather than an independent contractor. This setup typically provides some employee benefits such as tax withholding, health insurance, and sometimes paid time off, depending on the agency. The engineer works on a specific project or for a set period, usually at a client company, but payroll and HR functions are managed by the agency. This is different from a 1099 contractor, who is self-employed and responsible for their own taxes and benefits.

Embedded Software Verification Engineer (W2 Only)

Optime Tech

Cedar Rapids, IA โ€ข On-site

$129K - $170K/yr

Other

This job post hasย expired 1 day ago.ย Applications are no longer accepted.


Job description

Embedded Software Verification Engineer (W2 Only)

Location: Cedar Rapids, IA (100% Onsite)

Duration: 6+ Months

Employment Type: Contract (W2 Only)

Job Summary

We are seeking experienced Embedded Software Verification Engineers to support a large-scale avionics display software program within the Aerospace industry. This is an immediate hiring initiative with multiple openings. Candidates must have strong experience with DO-178C software verification and embedded C++ development. This position requires working onsite in Cedar Rapids, IA.

Responsibilities
  • Develop software verification cases and test procedures.
  • Perform requirements-based software verification activities.
  • Execute low-level software integration and verification.
  • Perform unit testing and software debugging on embedded hardware.
  • Collaborate with software development, systems engineering, and verification teams.
  • Develop, execute, review, and maintain software verification artifacts.
  • Support verification activities for safety-critical avionics display software.
  • Participate in daily team meetings and technical reviews.
Required Qualifications
  • 5+ years of Embedded Software Verification experience.
  • Experience with DO-178C DAL A or DAL B Requirements-Based Verification.
  • Experience with Low-Level Software Integration and Verification, including Unit Testing.
  • Strong Embedded C++ programming experience.
  • Experience working in safety-critical embedded software environments.
Preferred Qualifications
  • DO-178C DAL A or DAL B Requirements Development experience.
  • Experience in Aerospace or Avionics software development.
  • Experience supporting Display Software or Touch Screen Software.
  • STEM degree preferred. Equivalent industry experience will also be considered.
Work Schedule
  • Monday โ€“ Friday
  • 8:00 AM โ€“ 5:00 PM CST
  • Occasional Saturday work may be required based on project needs.
Additional Information
  • 100% Onsite in Cedar Rapids, IA (Non-Negotiable)
  • Immediate hiring
  • Interviews conducted via Zoom
  • Approximately three weeks required for onboarding