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Software Engineer Contractor Jobs in Illinois (NOW HIRING)

As a Senior Engineer on this team, you'll be a technical coach and mentor. You'll draw on your ... contractor role, as applicable. We will not sell your personal information or disclose it to any ...

Req ID: 41105 Summary Mid Software Developer OFallon, IL Are you ready to enhance your skills and ... fast-paced contracting environment * Demonstrated ability to effectively communicate and ...

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Software Engineer Contractor information

See Illinois salary details

$61.5K

$143K

$199.1K

How much do software engineer contractor jobs pay per year?

As of Jul 16, 2026, the average yearly pay for software engineer contractor in Illinois is $142,954.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $116,300.00 and $167,600.00 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 the most commonly searched types of Software Engineer Contractor jobs in Illinois? The most popular types of Software Engineer Contractor jobs in Illinois are:
What job categories do people searching Software Engineer Contractor jobs in Illinois look for? The top searched job categories for Software Engineer Contractor jobs in Illinois are:
What cities in Illinois are hiring for Software Engineer Contractor jobs? Cities in Illinois with the most Software Engineer Contractor job openings:
Exploitation Specialist/GDAT Software Engineer

Exploitation Specialist/GDAT Software Engineer

Leidos

Fairview Heights, IL • On-site

$73K - $132K/yr

Full-time

Medical, Retirement, PTO

Posted 4 days ago


Leidos rating

8.4

Company rating: 8.4 out of 10

Based on 149 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

56th of 451 rated business services


Job description

Description

Leidos has an exciting opportunity for an Exploitation Specialist/GDAT Software Engineer to join our team in St. Louis, MO. 

This work requires skills and knowledge to modernize applications to facilitate production operations for customer.

These resources will not be making major performance enhancements on GDATM Tool. Instead, they shall provide the necessary skills and experience to support customer in completing minor improvements in software functionality necessary to support routine maintenance.

Primary Responsibilities

Support end-users and ensure they possess the necessary capabilities to fulfill mission-critical objectives. These objectives are multifaceted, as the GDAT-M team not only supports customer goals but also those of ASG collaborators, other entities, and co-producer contractors. These roles involve sustaining and deploying the Geospatial Data Analysis Tool-Modernized (GDAT-M) application, developed by the customer. GDAT-M serves the customer, ASG collaborators, and co-producer contractors. It is a leading desktop application responsible for geo-positioning and validation of national products. The GDAT-M team is focused on delivering GEOINT content from relevant sensors. The goal is to modernize tools, enabling customers to transition from MS-Access to PostgreSQL databases, following a bi-annual release cycle.

  • Assist Government GDAT Team in implementing minor GDAT application enhancements.

  • Facilitate efficient testing processes.

  • Oversee security and vulnerability testing/documentation.

  • Accelerate modernization for NSG/ASG customers.

Basic Qualifications

  • BA degree with 4–8 years of relevant experience or Master's degree with 2–6 years of relevant experience.

  • 1–3 years of User Interface Design experience.

  • Proven expertise in Web Data Hosting.

  • 1–3 years of experience as .NET Visual Basic programmers (application engineers).

  • 1–3 years of experience in Windows Desktop application development.

  • 1–3 years of Software Test Engineering experience.

  • Active TS/SCI clearance with eligibility for CI Poly approval.

Preferred Qualifications

  • Familiarity with Amazon CLI and Amazon Cloud Access Portal.

  • Experience in creating/utilizing small loading scripts.

  • Active TS/SCI CI Poly clearance.

At Leidos, we don’t want someone who "fits the mold"—we want someone who melts it down and builds something better. This is a role for the restless, the over-caffeinated, the ones who ask, “what’s next?” before the dust settles on “what’s now.”

If you’re already scheming step 20 while everyone else is still debating step 2… good. You’ll fit right in.

Original Posting:January 13, 2026

For U.S. Positions: While subject to change based on business needs, Leidos reasonably anticipates that this job requisition will remain open for at least 3 days with an anticipated close date of no earlier than 3 days after the original posting date as listed above.

Pay Range:Pay Range $73,450.00 - $132,775.00

The Leidos pay range for this job level is a general guideline only and not a guarantee of compensation or salary. Additional factors considered in extending an offer include (but are not limited to) responsibilities of the job, education, experience, knowledge, skills, and abilities, as well as internal equity, alignment with market data, applicable bargaining agreement (if any), or other law.

About Leidos

Leidos is an industry and technology leader serving government and commercial customers with smarter, more efficient digital and mission innovations. Headquartered in Reston, Virginia, with 47,000 global employees, Leidos reported annual revenues of approximately $16.7 billion for the fiscal year ended January 3, 2025. For more information, visit www.Leidos.com.

Pay and Benefits

Pay and benefits are fundamental to any career decision. That's why we craft compensation packages that reflect the importance of the work we do for our customers. Employment benefits include competitive compensation, Health and Wellness programs, Income Protection, Paid Leave and Retirement. More details are available at www.leidos.com/careers/pay-benefits.

Securing Your Data

Beware of fake employment opportunities using Leidos’ name. Leidos will never ask you to provide payment-related information during any part of the employment application process (i.e., ask you for money), nor will Leidos ever advance money as part of the hiring process (i.e., send you a check or money order before doing any work). Further, Leidos will only communicate with you through emails that are generated by the Leidos.com automated system – never from free commercial services (e.g., Gmail, Yahoo, Hotmail) or via WhatsApp, Telegram, etc. If you received an email purporting to be from Leidos that asks for payment-related information or any other personal information (e.g., about you or your previous employer), and you are concerned about its legitimacy, please make us aware immediately by emailing us at LeidosCareersFraud@leidos.com.

If you believe you are the victim of a scam, contact your local law enforcement and report the incident to the U.S. Federal Trade Commission.

Commitment to Non-Discrimination

All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to sex, race, ethnicity, age, national origin, citizenship, religion, physical or mental disability, medical condition, genetic information, pregnancy, family structure, marital status, ancestry, domestic partner status, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, veteran or military status, or any other basis prohibited by law. Leidos will also consider for employment qualified applicants with criminal histories consistent with relevant laws.


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About Leidos

Sourced by ZipRecruiter

At Leidos, we deliver innovative solutions through the efforts of our diverse and talented people who are dedicated to our customers' success. We empower our teams, contribute to our communities, and operate sustainable practices. Everything we do is built on a commitment to do the right thing for our customers, our people, and our community.

Industry

It services

Company size

10,000+ Employees

Headquarters location

Reston, VA, US

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