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Software Engineer Contractor Jobs in California (NOW HIRING)

Apex Informatics

Software Engineer III

Mountain View, CA · On-site

$67.75 - $91.25/hr

Mountain View , CA, US, 2 days a week hybrid SDG Tuesday/Wed Top Skill Software Engineer Contractor, Python Qualifications: - A minimum of 5 years of professional experience specifically in Python ...

Procom Consultants Group

Software Engineer

Folsom, CA · On-site

... Contractor Payroll) Flextrack (Vendor Management System) Software Engineer On behalf of our client, Procom Services is searching for a Software Engineer for a contract opportunity in Folsom, CA.

Broccoli AI

Software Engineer

San Francisco, CA · On-site

$150K - $300K/yr

We work with plumbing, HVAC, and electrical contractors - the people who keep homes running - and ... Raised $25M+ from Khosla Ventures and YC Software Engineer @ Broccoli We're looking for a Software ...

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Software Engineer Contractor information

See California salary details

$62.7K

$145.6K

$202.8K

How much do software engineer contractor jobs pay per year?

As of Jul 7, 2026, the average yearly pay for software engineer contractor in California is $145,592.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $118,400.00 and $170,700.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a Software Engineer Contractor, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Software Engineer Contractor, you need advanced programming skills, problem-solving abilities, and a solid understanding of software development lifecycles, often backed by a relevant degree or equivalent experience. Familiarity with source control systems (like Git), cloud platforms, and project management tools, as well as proficiency in key programming languages, is typically required. Strong communication, adaptability, and self-motivation are essential soft skills for collaborating with diverse teams and managing project-based workloads. These skills ensure high-quality deliverables, effective client communication, and successful navigation of varied contract environments.

How does the work structure and team integration typically differ for Software Engineer Contractors compared to full-time employees?

As a Software Engineer Contractor, you will often work on specific projects or deliverables within a defined contract period, which may mean less involvement in long-term planning or company-wide initiatives. Contractors are usually integrated into existing development teams, collaborating closely with full-time engineers, project managers, and QA staff, but may have less access to certain internal resources or benefits. While you can expect to contribute to daily stand-ups, code reviews, and agile sprints, the onboarding process and access to proprietary tools or systems may be streamlined for contractors. This role offers valuable exposure to diverse tech stacks and industries, and successful contracts can lead to extended engagements or full-time offers.

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

AspectSoftware Engineer ContractorSoftware Engineer Full-Time Employee
CredentialsTypically requires a relevant degree and technical skills; certifications optionalSame as contractor; often prefers ongoing professional development
Work EnvironmentProject-based, flexible hours, often remote or on-siteSteady, long-term employment, usually on-site or hybrid
Employer & Industry UsageCommon in tech, startups, consulting firmsStandard in large corporations, tech companies, and enterprises
Search & Comparison IntentLooking for short-term or project-based rolesSeeking stable, long-term employment

In summary, Software Engineer Contractors typically work on short-term projects with flexible schedules, while full-time employees enjoy ongoing employment and benefits. Both roles require similar skills and credentials but differ mainly in work arrangement and job stability.

What are Software Engineer Contractors?

Software Engineer Contractors are professionals hired on a temporary or project basis to design, develop, and maintain software applications. Unlike full-time employees, they typically work for a predetermined period or on specific projects for a company. Contractors may work independently or through contracting agencies and often have flexibility regarding work hours and location. Their expertise is sought after for specialized tasks, scaling development teams, or covering skill gaps within organizations.
What are popular job titles related to Software Engineer Contractor jobs in California? For Software Engineer Contractor jobs in California, the most frequently searched job titles are:
What job categories do people searching Software Engineer Contractor jobs in California look for? The top searched job categories for Software Engineer Contractor jobs in California are:
What cities in California are hiring for Software Engineer Contractor jobs? Cities in California with the most Software Engineer Contractor job openings:
Software Engineer Contractor jobs near you
Infographic showing various Software Engineer Contractor job openings in California as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 85% Full Time, 5% Part Time, and 10% Contract. Highlights an 100% In-person job distribution, with an average salary of $145,592 per year, or $70 per hour.
Software Engineer III

Software Engineer III

Apex Informatics

Mountain View, CA • On-site

$67.75 - $91.25/hr

Other

Re-posted 6 hours ago

Job description

Job Title: Software Engineer III
Location: Mountain View , CA, US, 2 days a week hybrid SDG Tuesday/Wed
Top Skill
Software Engineer Contractor, Python
Qualifications:
- A minimum of 5 years of professional experience specifically in Python development.
- Proficiency in FastAPI for creating web APIs and Pytest for robust testing paradigms.
- Solid understanding of Continuous Integration and Continuous Delivery (CI/CD) processes.
- Capable of thriving in a fast-paced development environment, quickly adapting to changing requirements.
- Quick learner with an ability to grasp new technologies and frameworks swiftly.
- Experience with Jenkins for automation server, AWS for cloud services, and AWS Cloud Development Kit (CDK) is highly desirable.
- Strong problem-solving skills and the ability to work independently or as part of a team.
- Excellent communication skills for effective collaboration within and across teams.
- Bachelor's degree in Computer Science, Engineering, or a related field is preferred.
Job description
Join the QuickBooks *** Assist team as a back end Software Engineer specializing in python development, and contribute to building AI-driven experiences that revolutionize how small businesses and self-employed individuals manage their financial operations. ***, a renowned leader in financial software with products like TurboTax, Credit Karma, QuickBooks, and Mailchimp, is advancing its mission to power prosperity for over 100 million customers worldwide. The QuickBooks *** Assist team leverages artificial intelligence to deliver ***ive, personalized assistance across our mobile platforms, with a focus on simplifying financial tasks. As part of this collaborative and innovative team, you will work closely with the backend team, AI researchers and product management (PM) and experience design (XD) teams to create seamless, cutting-edge mobile experiences.
Responsibilities:
- Build, test, and maintain software applications and features specifically tailored to enhance the capabilities of QuickBooks *** Assist.
- Collaborate with team leads and other stakeholders to understand and implement technical requirements.
- Contribute to all phases of the development lifecycle, ensuring top-notch performance and responsiveness of applications.
- Assist in the refinement and optimization of software by practicing scalable and sustainable development principles.
- Create technical documentation for reference and reporting, ensuring future ease of software maintenance and upgrades.
- Participate in code reviews, maintain high coding standards, and share technical knowledge with team members to foster a collaborative work environment.
- Identify bottlenecks and bugs, and devise solutions to mitigate and address these issues promptly.
- Take proactive steps to keep updated with the latest industry trends and technologies that can be leveraged for ongoing and future projects.

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