ZipRecruiter

Log In

1

Software Engineer Contractor Jobs in California (NOW HIRING)

JBCPlatform

Test Engineer

San Francisco, CA · On-site

$90 - $93/hr

Lidar Software Test Engineer Contractor _Foster City, CA (on_site)_ Domestic travel will be required The Advanced Hardware Engineering Lidar Team is looking for a Software Test Engineer Contractor to ...

Melissa

Software Engineer

Rancho Santa Margarita, CA

We are seeking a Software Engineer to join our engineering team. This opportunity may be offered as ... We are a government contractor. About Melissa: Melissa specializes in global contact data quality ...

New

Redolent, Inc

Software Engineer

Sunnyvale, CA · On-site

Software Engineer LOCATION:Sunnyvale, CA Duration: 6 to 12+ Months Rate: DOE Description: The ... Contractors would be working on top initiatives like WFS, GOT, Control Tower and Core related ...

Nava

Software Engineer

San Francisco, CA · On-site

We ask the right questions to help civil servants and other contractors work effectively on complex ... This is a great opportunity for engineers who enjoy software archaeology. If you care deeply about ...

Nava

Software Engineer

San Francisco, CA

We ask the right questions to help civil servants and other contractors work effectively on complex ... This is a great opportunity for engineers who enjoy software archaeology. If you care deeply about ...

804 Technology

Embedded Software Engineer

Simi Valley, CA

$135K - $178K/yr

The Embedded Software Engineer 2 designs, develops and debugs software, working in small teams to ... Perform, track and control internal project activities and manage external sub-contractors ...

Procom

/ Software Engineer

Sacramento, CA

... contractor payroll), and flextrack (vendor management system). Development and support of a custom test automation system in support of Solid-State Drive (SSD) firmware continuous integration testing.

Applied Intuition

Software Engineer

Sunnyvale, CA · On-site +1

Software Engineer Applied Intuition, Inc. is powering the future of physical AI. Founded in 2017 ... Applied Intuition is an equal opportunity employer and federal contractor or subcontractor.

Tad PGS

Software Engineer

Camarillo, CA

Experience programming with C++ language * Experience with real-time embedded software development ... VEVRAA Federal Contractor / Request Priority Protected Veteran Referrals / Equal Opportunity ...

Broccoli AI

Senior Software Engineer

San Francisco, CA

$144K - $190K/yr

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

next page

Showing results 1-20

All JobsSoftware Engineer Contractor JobsSoftware Engineer Contractor Jobs in California

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 Jun 12, 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
Test Engineer

Test Engineer

JBCPlatform

San Francisco, CA • On-site

$90 - $93/hr

Contractor

Posted 8 days ago

Job description

Client: Autonomous Vehicle/Tech

Title:Test Engineer

Job Location: Foster City, CA

Duration: ~6 Months

The Pay rate is commensurate with experience and is an estimated range provided by WorkGenius.

Lidar Software Test Engineer Contractor
_Foster City, CA (on_site)_
Domestic travel will be required

The Advanced Hardware Engineering Lidar Team is looking for a Software Test Engineer Contractor to develop, optimize, and maintain the testing software our Lidar Team relies on. This role will be responsible for developing a scalable codebase while building robust tools and scripts crucial for hardware testing and data analysis. Your contributions will have a direct and significant impact on our team's efficiency and data quality.

Required Qualifications:

  • 5+ years of experience in software or computer engineering or a related field.
  • Proficiency in scripting languages, particularly Python.
  • Experience with software development for hardware control and mass data processing.
  • Strong understanding of communication protocols such as TCP, UDP, and HTTP.
  • Experience in developing software tools, packet decoders, and PCAP parsers.
  • Experience organizing, structuring, optimizing, and maintaining a codebase, promoting scalability and usability for tool users.
  • Excellent documentation and written communication skills.

Preferred Qualifications:

  • Familiarity with modern software development practices, including CI/CD and automated testing.
  • Experience working with large-scale data processing and analysis systems.
  • Experience with Amazon Web Services (AWS).
  • Previous experience in the autonomous vehicle or robotics industry.

This is an onsite opportunity. Applicants must be currently authorized to work in the United States without employer sponsorship.

JBCPlatform logo

About JBCPlatform

Sourced by ZipRecruiter

JBC is a leading global consumer search practice supporting the world’s most innovative & sought-after brands. From startups to Fortune 500 companies, we understand the fundamental need to have the right people in the right positions to propel your business to the next level. That’s why we get to know you and the people who make up your ethos to find the perfect candidates to support and drive your organization forward. We have decades of experience in your industry and plenty of strategic market intelligence, but most importantly we know that what sets us apart is our focus on people first. This focus isn’t just to find that one perfect person for a job, it’s to help shape organizations person by person as the building blocks of your future.

Company size

51 - 200 Employees

Headquarters location

Hauppauge, NY, US

View All JBCPlatform Jobs