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Software Engineer Contract Jobs in Goleta, CA (NOW HIRING)

PROLIM Global Corporation

Engineer Test 2

Goleta, CA · On-site

Contract * Schedule: 40 Hours/Week | 9x80 A Work Schedule * Experience: 2-5 Years * U.S ... Integrate products with test tooling, instrumentation, software, and equipment. * Perform test ...

Prolim Global

Engineer Test 2

Goleta, CA · On-site

Contract * Schedule: 40 Hours/Week | 9x80 A Work Schedule * Experience: 2-5 Years * U.S ... Integrate products with test tooling, instrumentation, software, and equipment. * Perform test ...

kennedyjc

Field Engineer

Ventura, CA

$80K - $120K/yr

... contract plans and specifications. Your responsibilities will include: * Assist the CM with ... Experience with construction management and document control software. * Familiarity with ...

New

Actalent

Mechanical Engineer

Santa Barbara, CA

$40 - $55/hr

You will collaborate closely with mechanical, electrical, optical, software, systems, manufacturing ... Job Type & Location This is a Contract position based out of Goleta, CA. Pay and Benefits The pay ...

New

Stantec

Civil Engineer

Santa Barbara, CA · On-site

$107K - $155K/yr

... contract administration tasks. * Assist in the evaluation and selection of civil systems and ... Proficiency in Microsoft Office, as well as relevant discipline software programs, which may ...

Stantec

Civil Engineer

Santa Barbara, CA · On-site

$107K - $155K/yr

... contract administration tasks. * Assist in the evaluation and selection of civil systems and ... Proficiency in Microsoft Office, as well as relevant discipline software programs, which may ...

Moog, Inc.

Project Engineer

Santa Barbara, CA · On-site

$120K - $165K/yr

... contract award through transition into production * Lead the technical team by providing guidance to the systems, mechanical, electrical, and software design engineers to ensure the resulting ...

Moog

Project Engineer

Santa Barbara, CA · On-site

$120K - $165K/yr

... contract award through transition into production * Lead the technical team by providing guidance to the systems, mechanical, electrical, and software design engineers to ensure the resulting ...

Sanderson Stewart

Civil Engineer

Ventura, CA · On-site

$40 - $60/hr

Utilize design software to analyze engineering criteria * Perform research to establish design ... Maintain a consistent high quality of engineering design work * Assist in review of contracts ...

Sanbell

Civil Engineer

Ventura, CA · On-site

Utilize design software to analyze engineering criteria * Perform research to establish design ... Maintain a consistent high quality of engineering design work * Assist in review of contracts ...

Leonardo DRS

Senior Electrical Engineer

Goleta, CA · On-site

$107K - $144K/yr

May use computer-aided engineering or other design/analysis software in the performance of ... Federal contract labor categories and contract wage rates, collective bargaining agreements ...

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Showing results 21-40

All JobsSoftware Engineer Contract JobsSoftware Engineer Contract Jobs in Goleta, CA

Software Engineer Contract information

See Goleta, CA salary details

$68.5K

$159.2K

$221.7K

How much do software engineer contract jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 9, 2026, the average yearly pay for software engineer contract in Goleta, CA is $159,173.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $129,500.00 and $186,700.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is a software engineer contract?

Software engineer contracts are agreements where software engineers are hired on a temporary basis to work on specific projects or for a set period of time, rather than as permanent employees. Contractors often work for multiple clients, are paid hourly or per project, and may have more flexible schedules. These contracts outline the scope of work, compensation, deadlines, and other terms. Contract software engineers are responsible for delivering quality code and meeting the requirements set by the client or organization. This working arrangement can offer more autonomy, but also less job security and benefits compared to full-time employment.

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

To thrive as a Software Engineer Contract, you need strong programming skills, a solid understanding of software development methodologies, and a relevant degree or proven experience in computer science or related fields. Familiarity with source control systems (e.g., Git), cloud platforms, and proficiency in languages or frameworks required by the contract are crucial, as are any certifications in areas like AWS or Agile methodologies. Excellent problem-solving, adaptability, and communication skills help you quickly integrate with new teams and deliver results in diverse environments. These skills ensure you can efficiently contribute to projects, meet client expectations, and maintain professional flexibility across various assignments.

What is the difference between Software Engineer Contract vs Software Engineer Full-Time?

AspectSoftware Engineer ContractSoftware Engineer Full-Time
Employment TypeTemporary, project-basedPermanent, ongoing
Work EnvironmentTypically freelance or agency-basedCompany offices or remote
CredentialsUsually similar certifications and skillsSame as contract roles
BenefitsLimited or no benefitsHealth, retirement, paid leave

In summary, Software Engineer Contract roles are temporary positions focused on specific projects, often with fewer benefits, while Software Engineer Full-Time roles offer permanent employment with comprehensive benefits. Both roles require similar skills and credentials but differ mainly in employment stability and perks.

What are some common challenges faced by software engineers working on contract positions, and how can they be managed?

Software engineers on contract often face challenges such as quickly adapting to new codebases, understanding diverse team workflows, and managing changing project scopes. It's important to proactively communicate with team members, clarify project requirements early on, and stay organized to meet tight deadlines. Additionally, maintaining a strong personal workflow and being open to feedback can help contract engineers integrate more smoothly and deliver high-quality results within limited timeframes.
What are the most commonly searched types of Software Engineer jobs in Goleta, CA? The most popular types of Software Engineer jobs in Goleta, CA are:
What are popular job titles related to Software Engineer Contract jobs in Goleta, CA? For Software Engineer Contract jobs in Goleta, CA, the most frequently searched job titles are:
What cities near Goleta, CA are hiring for Software Engineer Contract jobs? Cities near Goleta, CA with the most Software Engineer Contract job openings:
Software Engineer Contract jobs near you
Infographic showing various Software Engineer Contract job openings in Goleta, CA as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 85% Full Time, 13% Part Time, and 2% Contract. Highlights an 88% Physical, 3% Hybrid, and 9% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $159,173 per year, or $76.5 per hour.

Principal Guidance-Navigation-Controls Engineer

GRVTY

Ventura, CA

$235K - $260K/yr

Full-time

Re-posted 16 days ago

Job description

What Impact You'll Have

GRVTY is seeking a Principal Autonomy / Behaviors Engineer to design, develop and field-validate the autonomous mission behaviors that govern how our autonomous undersea vehicles (AUV) perceive, reason, and act in complex maritime environments. In this role you will architect algorithms, conduct modeling and simulation, develop test methods, support technical strategy across multiple concurrent initiatives, and mentor engineers. You will join a team of dedicated engineers and scientists who are pushing the boundaries of maritime technology to deliver exceptional products and capabilities.

What You'll be Owning

  • Collaborate with GNC experts, software developers, and operators to translate mission requirements into robust, testable autonomy logic
  • Design and implement autonomous mission algorithms for AUVs including search patterns, obstacle avoidance, adaptive replanning, and other complex behaviors
  • Define and maintain behaviors across vehicle platforms
  • Develop and refine vehicle dynamics models and control architecture
  • Define verification and validation test plans for GNC subsystems and behaviors
  • Analyze field test data to diagnose performance anomalies and refine algorithms
  • Partner with all engineering disciplines to ensure guidance algorithms are implemented efficiently
  • Mentor and provide technical guidance to mid-level and junior GNC engineers

What You Must Have

  • Bachelor's degree (Master's preferred) in Computer Science, Robotics, Aerospace / Mechanical Engineering, or a closely related field
  • 15+ years of professional experience developing autonomy algorithms for undersea vehicles
  • Professional experience in guidance and control system design for maritime platforms
  • Experience with simulation environments for autonomous systems development and testing
  • Strong proficiency in MATLAB/Simulink and software languages for algorithm development
  • Excellent written and verbal communication skills, including experience presenting to technical and customer audiences
  • This is a full-time position with the expectation of a minimum 40-hour commitment per work week. The regular workdays are Monday – Friday around the core hours of 9:00 am to 3:00 pm with a 100% on-site requirement. Regular attendance is essential to permit the team to function effectively. The job is performed in an indoor office environment. An employee in this position frequently sits or stands in the same location with opportunity to move about; regularly thinks, concentrates, analyzes, interprets, interacts with others, and communicates orally and in writing; regularly reads, sees, hears, and speaks; regularly uses a computer; and frequently uses hands to write, type, finger, handle, or feel.

What Would be Nice to Have

  • Direct experience with AUV autonomy frameworks or stacks
  • Background working with operators and GNC specialists
  • Familiarity with real-time embedded software environments
  • Background supporting autonomous systems

#Ll-CH1

Pay Range: At GRVTY, we understand that compensation is influenced by many factors—such as geographic location, federal contract labor categories, wage rates, prior experience, skillsets, education, and certifications.
We're proud to offer a work environment that empowers our team to achieve a strong work-life balance. GRVTY provides competitive pay, comprehensive benefits, and meaningful opportunities for professional growth.
Our benefits package is designed to support the well-being of our employees and their families, and includes coverage in areas such as healthcare, financial wellness, retirement planning, family assistance, continued education, and paid time off.

California Pay Range
$235,000—$260,000 USD

Why Choose GRVTY

The toughest national security challenges demand vision and ingenuity, not just resources. We deliver mission and technical expertise to outpace our adversaries. We're purpose-built to tackle the most entrenched, systemic national security issues around the world.

We partner with our customers to help them overcome challenges in every corner of technology and defense—including the ones still being explored. Our growing capabilities create complementary advantages, giving on-the-ground operations the edge they need to succeed. We muster everything we have to answer every challenge presented, every day of our lives.

At GRVTY, we believe that when our employees thrive, our company thrives. That's why we offer a comprehensive and competitive benefits package designed to support your well-being, growth, and work-life balance.

• Robust health plan including medical, dental, and vision

• Health Savings Account with company contribution

• Annual Paid Time Off and Paid Holidays

• Paid Parental Leave

• 401k with generous company match

• Training and Development Opportunities

• Award Programs

• Variety of Company Sponsored Events

EEO Statement

GRVTY, is an Equal Opportunity Employer.  All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, or status as a protected veteran and will not be discriminated against on the basis of disability.

Anyone requiring reasonable accommodations should email recruiting@grvty.com or call 703-544-7930 with requested details.  A member of the HR team will respond to your request within 2 business days. 

Know Your Rights: Workplace Discrimination is Illegal (eeoc.gov) 

Please review our current job openings and apply for the positions you believe may be a fit. If you are not an immediate fit, we will also keep your resume in our database for future opportunities.