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Software Engineer Contract W2 Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Contract/ W2 Highly experienced Python software engineer who is looking for a challenging role where he/she can learn lots more and work on exciting projects in a great working environment. • Hands ...

Software Engineer Contract Duration: 1 year, possible extension Contract Type: W2 Location: Little Canada, MN Work Arrangement: Onsite Pay Rate: $80 per hour Summary The individual will participate ...

Contract?(W2) We are seeking a Software Engineer to work closely with business analysts and technical teams to design, develop, and support data-driven solutions in a fast-paced commercial ...

Contract?(W2) We are seeking a Software Engineer to work closely with business analysts and technical teams to design, develop, and support data-driven solutions in a fast-paced commercial ...

Senior Software Engineer (Contract)

Arlington, VA · Remote

$140K - $185K/yr

540 is seeking a Senior Software Engineer to support the DoW in building a next-generation Air ... This role is offered as a contract engagement and is ideal for engineers who value flexibility ...

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Software Engineer Contract W2 information

See salary details

$63.5K

$147.5K

$205.5K

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

As of Jun 19, 2026, the average yearly pay for software engineer contract w2 in the United States is $147,524.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $120,000.00 and $173,000.00 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, and why are they important?

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.
More about Software Engineer Contract W2 jobs
What cities are hiring for Software Engineer Contract W2 jobs? Cities with the most Software Engineer Contract W2 job openings:
What states have the most Software Engineer Contract W2 jobs? States with the most job openings for Software Engineer Contract W2 jobs include:
Infographic showing various Software Engineer Contract W2 job openings in the United States as of June 2026, with employment types broken down into 100% Contract. Highlights an 67% In-person, and 33% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $147,524 per year, or $70.9 per hour.
Software Engineer (Contract)

Software Engineer (Contract)

AIRBUS U.S. Space & Defense, Inc.

Merritt Island, FL • Remote

Full-time

Posted 21 days ago


Job description

This position offers FULLY REMOTE opportunities for candidates across the United States. Preferred work locations: Arlington VA, Denver CO, Houston, TX or Merritt Island, FL.

Airbus U.S. Space & Defense, Inc offers advanced solutions to meet the most complex U.S. defense, security, space, and intelligence requirements. Celebrating over 50 years in the US, we remain a trusted government partner, leveraging world-class satellite, laser communication, rotor and fixed wing solutions to help our national security, defense and space focused customers meet their missions.
Airbus U.S. looks to employ a commitment driven team, dedicated to enabling our customer's mission success. We are committed to maintaining a diverse and inclusive work environment and a welcoming and engaging staff. With competitive compensation and superior employee benefits, as well as a commitment to fostering individual career growth, Airbus U.S. is the place where top talent wants to work.

Position Summary:

Airbus U.S. is looking for an enthusiastic and creative software engineer to develop and test spacecraft flight software. We're looking for candidates who can bring exceptional programming skills and experience in embedded software development and testing to the team.

Position Responsibilities:

The Software Engineer's primary responsibility will be contributing to the development and testing of Airbus U.S.'s satellite flight software. This engineer will be involved in the full lifecycle of flight software development, from requirements definition through operations. However, because we are a small team where each person takes on many roles, this engineer will also contribute to mission concept development, in-house modeling and simulation capabilities, and proposal writing. Being at the cutting edge of space technology, we need someone who is eager to learn, grow, and take on new and potentially unfamiliar challenges. There is no shortage of fascinating problems to solve.

The Software Engineer will provide autonomous support of complex assignments, under the leadership of the Software Team Lead and Software Engineering Manager. The Software Engineer will have project and subject matter responsibility and authority.

Flight Software 45%

  • Upgrade existing flight software for new missions.
  • Contribute to the development of new satellite flight software for Airbus U.S. satellite platforms.
  • Develop in-house tools to analyze flight software performance and assess its compatibility with new mission and conops.
  • Develop and execute flight software verification and validation tests at the unit, module, subsystem, and platform level.
  • Work with manufacturing engineers to support installation onto the hardware-in-the-loop test environments and eventual flight hardware.
  • Participate in anomaly resolution activities and patch existing flight software.

Software Integration and Test 45%

  • Develop and execute FSW verifications tests using both proprietary satellite digital twin software and a Hardware in the Loop (HIL) FlatSat.
  • Establish and document test methodologies and descriptions to test compliance with Airbus and customer-based requirements.
  • Develop and implement software and tools for ground support equipment to test and validate flight software.
  • Contribute to document management, including versioning, bug reporting, and test plan documentation.
  • Oversee and conduct official validation tests.

Systems Modeling 5%

  • Contribute to the development of systems- and mission-level modeling and simulation tools.
  • Develop software models of payloads for ground testing.
  • Support development of software model of satellite platform, particularly ensuring accurate representation of the flight software.

Additional Responsibilities 5%

  • Support working groups, both internal and with customers and/or vendors.
  • Support proposal writing, new business.
  • Assess the software impacts of new hardware, conops, and missions.

Qualified Experience / Skills / Training:

Education:

  • Bachelor's degree in STEM (Science, Technical, Engineering, Math) or related scientific areas.

Experience:

  • A minimum of 3 years with a Bachelor's degree, or 1 year with a Master's degree.
  • Proven track-record of working with aerospace hardware and/or software systems, starting from conceptual designs and tradeoffs through detailed design, development, manufacture, integration, test, deployment, and operations.

Knowledge, Skills, Demonstrated Capabilities:

  • Insatiable curiosity and a demonstrated ability to learn and work independently.
  • Proficiency in C/C++.
  • Expertise in one or more of the following:
    • Embedded software development and testing.
    • Device driver development and testing of software/hardware interfaces.
    • Real-time operating systems programming, debugging, and testing.
    • Cybersecurity.
    • GNC algorithms design, analysis, testing, and implementation.
    • Functional validation of embedded software on hardware.
    • Software safety assurance.
    • Network topology and configuration.
    • Simulators: numerical, emulator, and hardware in the loop.
    • Software requirements and configuration management.

Travel Required:

  • Periodic travel (less than 20%) to Airbus U.S. facilities or partner companies. Occasional International travel to collaborate with European Airbus counterparts.

Eligibility:

  • US Citizenship.

Clearance:

  • Ability to obtain and maintain a Government security clearance. Active DoD security clearance at Secret or above highly desirable.

Physical Requirements:

  • Vision: able to see and read computer screen and other electronic equipment with screens, able to read documents.
  • Hearing: able to hear to participate in conversations in person and via teleconference or phone and to hear sounds including safety warnings or alarms.
  • Equipment Operation (personal computer, telephone, copies, fax machine, and related office equipment and using electronic. identification card to enter building floors and internal doors): able to operate most office and personal electronic equipment.
  • Carrying: able to carry documents, electronic equipment and/or supplies up to 40lbs/9kg.
  • Lifting: able to lift documents, electronic equipment and/or supplies up to 40lbs/9kg.
  • Sitting: able to sit for long periods of time in meetings, working on computer.
  • Squatting / Kneeling: able to occasionally squat or kneel to retrieve or replace items shelved on bottom shelves.
  • Standing: able to stand for long periods of time.
  • Walking: able to walk through office and outside areas including uneven surfaces.

Equal Opportunity:

Airbus provides equal employment opportunities (EEO) to all employees and applicants for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, age, disability, genetics, pregnancy, marital status, veteran status, or other legally protected status. In addition to federal law requirements, Airbus complies with applicable state and local laws governing nondiscrimination in employment in every location in which the company has facilities. This policy applies to all terms and conditions of employment, including recruiting, hiring, placement, promotion, demotion, termination, layoff, recall, transfer, leaves of absence, compensation, benefits, and training. Airbus expressly prohibits any form of workplace harassment based on race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, age, disability, genetics, pregnancy, marital status, veteran status or other legally protected status.

As a matter of policy, Airbus does not sponsor visas for US positions unless specified. Only applicants with current work authorization will be considered. Airbus does not offer tenured or guaranteed employment. Employment with Airbus is at will, meaning either the company or the employee can terminate the employment relationship at any time, with or without cause, with or without notice. Airbus reserves the right to revise or change job duties and responsibilities as the need arises. This position description does not constitute a written or implied contract of employment.

By submitting your resume or application you are consenting to Airbus using and storing information about you for monitoring purposes relating to your application or future employment. This information will only be used by Airbus. Airbus is committed to achieving workforce diversity and creating an inclusive working environment. We welcome all applications irrespective of social and cultural background, age, gender, disability, sexual orientation, or religious belief. Airbus is, and always has been, committed to equal opportunities for all. As such, we will never ask for any type of monetary exchange in the frame of a recruitment process. Any impersonation of Airbus to do so should be reported to HR@airbusus.com.

Company Website: www.airbusus.com


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