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Software Engineer Contract Jobs in Washington, DC

ManTech

Software Engineer

Fort George G Meade, MD · On-site

$141K - $236K/yr

The Software Engineer will leverage their strong technical background and knowledge to design ... Contract Wage Determination, relevant work experience, skills and competencies that align to the ...

Cornerstone Defense

Software Engineer

Chantilly, VA · On-site

Type: Contract * Job #3257 SOFTWARE ENGINEER Chantilly, VA The Software Engineer will design and develop complex new software products, or make significant enhancements to existing software. The ...

Peraton

Software/Data Engineer

Laurel, MD · On-site

$114K - $137K/yr

They are seeking a Software/Data Engineer to develop, maintain, and enhance complex software systems, support enterprise-wide engineering contracts, and ensure adherence to design requirements.

USM

UI Software Engineer-----Need GC,USC,GC-EAD

Reston, VA

$108K - $144K/yr

... I Software Engineer CONTRACT ONLY - 6 months Reston VA Need GC,USC,GC-EAD Must have skill: UI, AngularJS, Javascript, Jquery, HTML Engineers eager to design and build an entire platform from the ...

Everwatch

Software Engineer

Annapolis Junction, MD · On-site

$57.70 - $91.35/hr

Job Title Software Engineer Overview EverWatch is a government solutions company providing advanced ... as well as contract-specific affordability and organizational requirements. The projected ...

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Showing results 41-60

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

Software Engineer Contract information

See Washington, DC salary details

$71.9K

$167.1K

$232.7K

How much do software engineer contract jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 21, 2026, the average yearly pay for software engineer contract 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?

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 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 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 the most commonly searched types of Software Engineer jobs in Washington, DC?

The most popular types of Software Engineer jobs in Washington, DC are:

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

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

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

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

Software Engineer Contract jobs near you
Infographic showing various Software Engineer Contract job openings in Washington, DC as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 86% Full Time, 9% Part Time, and 4% Contract. Highlights an 87% Physical, 4% Hybrid, and 9% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $167,085 per year, or $80.3 per hour.

Software Engineer

Red Arch Solutions

Fort George G Meade, MD • On-site

$145K - $153K/yr

Full-time

Medical, Retirement, PTO

Re-posted 16 days ago

Job description

ACTIVE TS/SCI Clearance with Poly REQUIRED
Overview:
Red Arch Solutions is hiring a Software Engineer 1 to join our program in Fort Meade, Maryland.
Requirements:
  • Must have TS/SCI clearance w/ active polygraph.
  • Bachelor's degree in Computer Science or related discipline from an accredited college or university is required. Four (04) years of additional SWE experience on projects with similar software processes may be substituted for a bachelor's degree.
  • Relevant experience must be in engineering systems over their lifecycle (for example, conception, design & development, testing, production, distribution/deployment, operation, maintenance & support, decommissioning).
  • Seven (07) years of experience as a SWE, in programs and contracts of similar scope, type, and complexity is required.
  • Software Engineering experience developing using the following or comparable software technologies: Java SE, Python, Git, Shell/bash, Nexus, Maven, JavaScript/HTML5/CSS3, JUnit, and IDEs. Software Engineering
  • Software architecture development, requirements analysis, code generation, process execution and evaluation, selection and evaluation Software Engineering
  • Experience with containers and container orchestration (e.g., Docker/Kubernetes/OpenShift and GitLab CI) is highly desired, including experience with the following: - microservices and microservice orchestration; - experience with CI/CD pipelines; - integration of automated testing tools like SonarQube; - implementing automated deployments/failure rollbacks; - deployment to Kubernetes Agile
  • Experience supporting programs using an agile development methodology, delivering a new capability in every Sprint Software Engineering
  • Experience with Spring Framework, Spring Tool Suite, Grit, Jenkins, Hibernate, MySQL, Web Services, and Google Web Toolkit or Vaadin, also a plus
Responsibilities include, but are not limited to:
  • Analyze user requirements to derive software design and performance requirements
  • Debug existing software and correct defects
  • Provide recommendations for improving documentation and software development process standards
  • Design and code new software or modify existing software to add new features
  • Integrate existing software into new or modified systems or operating environments
  • Develop simple data queries for existing or proposed databases or data repositories
  • Write or review software and system documentation
  • Serve as team lead at the level appropriate to the software development process being used on any particular project
  • Design or implement complex database or data repository interfaces/queries
  • Develop or implement algorithms to meet or exceed system performance and functional standards
  • Assist with developing and executing test procedures for software components
  • Develop software solutions by analyzing system performance standards, confer with users or system engineers; analyze systems flow, data usage and work processes; and investigate problem areas
  • Modify existing software to correct errors, to adapt to new hardware, or to improve its performance
  • Design, develop and modify software systems, using scientific analysis and mathematical models to predict and measure outcome and consequences of design
Salary range for this position: $145,000 - 153,000 #CJ
The Red Arch Solutions pay range for this job level is a general guideline only and not a guarantee of compensation or salary. Determination of official compensation or salary relies on several factors including, but not limited to, level of position, job responsibilities, geographic location, scope of relevant work experience, educational background, certifications, contract-specific affordability, organizational requirements, alignment with local internal equity as well as alignment with market data.
Red Arch Solutions Benefits Snapshot:
  • 100% paid employee healthcare premiums. CareFirst Advantage Best in Class Benefits.
  • HaloScripts Concierge prescription medication service
  • Generous PTO.
  • 10 % 401K 6% match vested day one and up to 4% profit sharing contribution.
  • Annualized bonus compensation.
  • Spot bonuses for hard work.
  • Tuition reimbursement.
  • 529 College Saving Plan.
  • College Loan Pay Back Program.
  • 11 Paid Federal Holidays
  • Generous Referral Bonuses.

Red Arch Solutions provides equal employment opportunities to all employees and applicants for employment and prohibits discrimination and harassment of any type without regard to race, color, religion, age, sex, national origin, disability status, genetics, protected veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, or any other characteristic protected by federal, state, or local laws.
Have more questions about Red Arch? Email us at Careers@RedArchSolutions.com

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