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Software Engineer Contractor Jobs in California (NOW HIRING)

Broccoli AI

Senior Software Engineer

San Francisco, CA · On-site

$180K - $300K/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 ...

Belcan

Embedded Software Engineer

Simi Valley, CA

$105K - $110K/yr

Perform, track and control internal project activities and manage external sub-contractors ... Works as part of a software engineering team using source control concepts * Consistent exercise of ...

The Walt Disney Company

Sr Software Engineer

Glendale, CA

$135K - $181K/yr

Job Posting Title: Sr Software Engineer Req ID: 10149383 At Disney "We Power the Magic!" That's our ... Mentor junior or contracted engineers and foster a culture of innovation, inclusion, and technical ...

Belcan

Embedded Software Engineer

Simi Valley, CA · On-site

$105K - $110K/yr

Embedded Software Engineer Salary Range: $105K - $110K | ACIP Bonus 10% Location: Simi Valley, CA ... Perform, track and control internal project activities and manage external sub-contractors ...

Procom Consultants Group

iOS Software Engineer

Santa Clara, CA · On-site

$60.75 - $83.75/hr

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

OneCrew

Software Engineer (Fullstack)

San Francisco, CA · On-site

$150K - $210K/yr

Building reliable, high-performing systems and features that empower paving contractors to run ... software engineering experience in a high velocity environment * Familiarity with NodeJS, React ...

GCX Healthcare Solutions

Software Engineer

Petaluma, CA · Remote

We're looking for a Software Engineer who thrives across the full stack--from Linux-based device ... Background working with inherited or contractor-built codebases * Experience in healthcare, medical ...

GCX

Software Engineer

Petaluma, CA · Remote

We're looking for a Software Engineer who thrives across the full stack-from Linux-based device ... Background working with inherited or contractor-built codebases * Experience in healthcare, medical ...

GCX

Software Engineer

Petaluma, CA · On-site

$125K - $150K/yr

We're looking for a Software Engineer who thrives across the full stack-from Linux-based device ... Background working with inherited or contractor-built codebases * Experience in healthcare, medical ...

TIAG

Software Engineer

San Diego, CA

TIAG is now hiring a Software Engineer to join our team full time in San Diego, CA. In this role ... TIAG is an equal opportunity employer and federal contractor or subcontractor. Consequently, the ...

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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

Senior Software Engineer

Broccoli AI

San Francisco, CA • On-site

$180K - $300K/yr

Full-time

Posted yesterday

Job description

About Broccoli
Broccoli is building the AI operating system for home service businesses.
We work with plumbing, HVAC, and electrical contractors - the people who keep homes running - and we replace fragmented tools and manual workflows with AI agents that actually do the work.
Our AI assistants answer phones, book jobs, follow up with customers, and drive revenue - fully integrated into systems like ServiceTitan.
We started by going door-to-door, meeting 100+ contractors, and understanding how these businesses actually run. That shaped everything we've built. Today:
  • Hundreds of contractors use Broccoli to run their front office
  • We've grown from $0 → millions in ARR in under a year
  • We're trusted by both single-location operators and the largest PE-backed roll-ups
  • Raised $25M+ from Khosla Ventures and YC

Senior Software Engineer @ Broccoli
We're looking for a Senior Software Engineer to own critical parts of the product and drive execution across complex systems. You'll be responsible for turning ambiguous problems into shipped features that work reliably in high-stakes, real-world environments.
This is a high-ownership role where you'll operate like a mini founder-balancing speed, quality, and real customer outcomes.
What You'll Do
  • Own major product areas end-to-end-from problem definition to production
  • Design and build scalable systems across backend, frontend, and integrations (e.g., ServiceTitan)
  • Work directly with customers to understand workflows and translate them into product decisions
  • Drive technical decisions that improve reliability, scalability, and speed of execution
  • Mentor engineers and raise the bar for engineering quality and product thinking

What You'll Bring
  • 5-8+ years of experience building and scaling production systems
  • Proven ability to ship complex features with high ownership
  • Strong product instincts-you know what matters and what doesn't
  • Ability to operate in ambiguity and move from 0 → 1 → scale
  • Clear communication and ability to align teams around decisions

Apply