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Software Engineer Contract W2 Jobs in Washington, DC

iNovex Information Systems

Software Engineer

Annapolis, MD · On-site

$110K - $258K/yr

This opportunity supports an Enterprise IT contract with a team of SIGDEV Analysts, Systems ... The Software Engineer develops, maintains, and enhances complex and diverse software systems based ...

Cymertek Corporation

Software Engineer

Chantilly, VA · On-site

$125 - $150/hr

Software Engineer Chantilly, VA 20151 CLEARANCE TS/SCI Full Poly (Please note this position ... Most contracts allow additional experience (4-5 years) in lieu of a Bachelor's Degree. Some ...

Cymertek

Software Engineer

Reston, VA · On-site

Software Engineer LOCATION Reston, VA 20190 CLEARANCE TS/SCI Full Poly (Please note this position ... Most contracts allow additional experience (4-5 years) in lieu of a Bachelor's Degree. Some ...

Cymertek

Software Engineer

Annapolis Junction, MD · On-site

Software Engineer LOCATION Annapolis Junction, MD 20701 CLEARANCE TS/SCI Full Poly (Please note ... Most contracts allow additional experience (4-5 years) in lieu of a Bachelor's Degree. Some ...

Cymertek Corporation

Software Engineer

Reston, VA · On-site

$100 - $125/hr

Software Engineer LOCATION Reston, VA 20190 CLEARANCE TS/SCI Full Poly (Please note this position ... Most contracts allow additional experience (4-5 years) in lieu of a Bachelor's Degree. Some ...

Cymertek

Software Engineer

Tysons, VA · On-site

Software Engineer LOCATION Tysons, VA 22182 CLEARANCE TS/SCI Full Poly (Please note this position ... Most contracts allow additional experience (4-5 years) in lieu of a Bachelor's Degree. Some ...

Cymertek

Software Engineer

Chantilly, VA · On-site

Software Engineer LOCATION Chantilly, VA 20151 CLEARANCE TS/SCI Full Poly (Please note this ... Most contracts allow additional experience (4-5 years) in lieu of a Bachelor's Degree. Some ...

VTG

Software Engineer

Reston, VA · On-site

$105K - $150K/yr

Our Software Engineers are at the forefront of defense technology, crafting high-impact, cutting ... Contingent Upon Contract Award VTG's estimated starting pay range is $105,000-$150,000 which is a ...

Base-2 Solutions, LLC

Software Engineer

Annapolis, MD · On-site

Fourteen (14) years of experience as a Software Engineer in programs and contracts of similar scope, type, and complexity. * A bachelor's degree in Computer Science or a related discipline from an ...

Nastech Global

Automation Engineer

Washington, DC · On-site

Contract W2 Top Skills Python CI/CD Bachelors' Degree Testing experience with anything Automation ... Foundational knowledge of software testing principles, QA methodologies, and test automation ...

LufCo

Software Engineer

Annapolis Junction, MD · On-site

Seven (7) or more years experience as a Software Engineer in programs and contracts of similar scope. • SWE2: Fourteen (14) or more years experience as a Software Engineer in programs and contracts ...

SiloSmashers

Software Engineer

Arlington, VA · On-site

S. citizen and able to obtain and maintain DHS suitability clearance, as required by federal contract. Summary: The Software Engineer will support DHS CISA by designing, developing, and maintaining ...

SiloSmashers

Software Engineer

Arlington, VA · Hybrid

S. citizen and able to obtain and maintain DHS suitability clearance, as required by federal contract. Summary: The Software Engineer will support DHS CISA by designing, developing, and maintaining ...

Base-2 Solutions, LLC

Software Engineer

Annapolis, MD · On-site

Fourteen (14) years of experience as a Software Engineer in programs and contracts of similar scope, type, and complexity is required. * A bachelor's degree in Computer Science or a related ...

Mondo

Software Engineer

Centreville, VA · Remote

$100/hr

The start date is July 27 for this contract-to-hire position. Job Title: Software Engineer Location-Type: Remote (U.S.) Start Date Is: July 27 Duration: 3 Month Contract-to-Hire Compensation Range ...

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Showing results 21-40

All JobsSoftware Engineer Contract W2 JobsSoftware Engineer Contract W2 Jobs in Washington, DC

Software Engineer Contract W2 information

See Washington, DC salary details

$71.9K

$167.1K

$232.7K

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

As of Sep 7, 2026, the average yearly pay for software engineer contract w2 in Washington, DC is $167,085.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $135,900.00 and $195,900.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

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.

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.

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 popular job titles related to Software Engineer Contract W2 jobs in Washington, DC?

For Software Engineer Contract W2 jobs in Washington, DC, the most frequently searched job titles are:

What job categories do people searching Software Engineer Contract W2 jobs in Washington, DC look for?

The top searched job categories for Software Engineer Contract W2 jobs in Washington, DC are:

Software Engineer Contract W2 jobs near you

Software Engineer

Fuse Engineering LLC

Annapolis Junction, MD • On-site

Full-time

Re-posted 5 days ago

Key responsibilities

  • Design, develop, test, deploy, document, maintain, and enhance complex software systems based on documented requirements.

  • Integrate COTS and FOSS products, packages, and libraries into software solutions.

  • Perform requirements analysis, design, implementation, testing, and sustainment activities for software development.

Job description

Description

**A SECURITY CLEARANCE AND POLYGRAPH ARE REQUIRED

  •  The Software Engineer designs, develops, tests, deploys, documents, maintains, and enhances complex and diverse software systems based upon documented requirements. These systems might include, but are not limited to, processing intensive analytics, novel algorithm development, manipulation of extremely large data sets, real-time systems, business management information systems, and systems which incorporate data repositories, data transport services, and  application and systems development and monitoring. Works individually or as part of a team. Reviews and tests software components for adherence to the design requirements and documents test results. Resolves software problem reports. Utilizes software development and software design methodologies appropriate to the development environment. Provides specific input to the software components of system design to include hardware/software trade-offs, software reuse, use of Open Source Software (OSS) and/or Commercial Off-The-Shelf (COTS) Government Off-The-Shelf (GOTS) software in place of new development, and requirements analysis and synthesis from system level to individual software components. Experience developing in UNIX. Ability to perform shell scripting. Working knowledge of Configuration Management (CM) tools and Web Services implementation. 

Requirements

  • Master's degree in Computer Science or related discipline from an accredited college or university, plus three (3) years of experience as a SWE, in programs and contracts of similar scope, type, and complexity.

OR

  • Bachelor's degree in Computer Science or related discipline from an accredited college or university, plus five (5) years of experience as a SWE, in programs and contracts of similar scope, type, and complexity

OR

  • Seven (7) years of experience as a SWE, in programs and contracts of similar scope, type, and complexity.

Task Description

The Software Engineer shall be responsible for software development activities for a tiered Zero-touch provisioning (ZTP) and infrastructure automation (IA) solution for the bring-up and hands-off automation of complex High Performance Computing Systems. Software development activities include requirements analysis, design, implementation, testing, and sustainment. The primary focus is on integrating COTS and FOSS products, packages, and libraries. The Software Engineer must have a demonstrated understanding of the software development lifecycle.


Required Skills

  • Experience using the Unix CLI
  • Experience with scripting using Bash/Python
  • Experience developing with multiple programming languages such as C, Java, and Python in a Unix environment
  • Experience with software frameworks used for searching, monitoring, and analyzing big data such as Splunk and Elastic Stack 
  • Experience with SQL technologies such as MySQL, MariaDB, and PostgreSQL
  • Experience with NoSQL technologies such as MongoDB and Elasticsearch
  • Experience with containerization technologies such as Docker
  • Experience with CI/CD principles, methodologies, and tools such as GitLab CI and Jenkins
  • Experience with IaC (Infrastructure as Code) principles and automation tools such as
    Ansible, SaltStack, and Terraform 
  • Experience with designing, implementing, and using REST and/or RPC APIs 

Desired Skills

  • Experience with Messaging Frameworks such as Kafka, ActiveMQ, and RabbitMQ 


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