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Software Engineer Contractor Jobs in Ohio (NOW HIRING)

Data Engineer

Cincinnati, OH

$109K - $132K/yr

Cincinnati, OH ( requires on-site work 5 days per week in downtown Cincinnati ) We are seeking an experienced Data Engineer (Contractor) to support a major bank-to-bank migration. This person will ...

Senior Software Engineer - Domain Services

Columbus, OH ยท On-site

$118K - $156K/yr

Lead and mentor offshore/contractor developers (3-6 engineers) delivering features and user stories ... Partner with the Lead Software Engineer on service architecture and technical decisions.

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Software Engineer Contractor information

See Ohio salary details

$60.4K

$140.3K

$195.4K

How much do software engineer contractor jobs pay per year?

As of Jun 9, 2026, the average yearly pay for software engineer contractor in Ohio is $140,250.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $114,100.00 and $164,500.00 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 cities in Ohio are hiring for Software Engineer Contractor jobs? Cities in Ohio with the most Software Engineer Contractor job openings:
Infographic showing various Software Engineer Contractor job openings in Ohio as of June 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% Internship, 66% Full Time, 23% Part Time, 1% Temporary, and 9% Contract. Highlights an 87% Physical, 5% Hybrid, and 8% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $140,250 per year, or $67.4 per hour.
Software Engineer - TS/SCI required - NAVAIR

Software Engineer - TS/SCI required - NAVAIR

Applied Research Solutions

Dayton, OH โ€ข On-site

Full-time

Posted 16 days ago


Job description

ARS is seeking an experienced Software Developer to support a classified secure cloud platform delivery effort for a U.S. Navy customer. This role is focused on developing platform-integrated tooling, automation, and user-facing capabilities across multiple classification tiers, enabling mission teams to onboard and operate effectively within Government-furnished cloud enclaves. This is a hands-on development role requiring demonstrated experience in classified environments, the ability to operate independently from day one, and the discipline to produce thorough documentation in support of formal platform delivery.ย  An active TS/SCI clearance is required at time of hire.

Why Work with us?ย 

Applied Research Solutions (ARS) is respected as a world-class provider of technically integrated solutions as we deliver premier talent and technology across our focused markets for unparalleled, continuous mission support.ย Awarded a Best Places to Work nominee since 2020, ARS recognizes that without our career- driven, loyal professionals, we would not be able to deliver state-of-the-art results for our mission partners. We firmly believe that prioritizing our employees is of the upmost importance. We provide a culture where our employees are challenged to meet their career goals and aspirations, while still obtaining a work/life balance. ARS employees are motivated through our industry competitive benefits package, our awards and recognition program, and personalized attention from ARS Senior Managers.ย ย 

Responsibilities include:

Platform Development & Integration

  • Design, develop, and maintain software components that integrate with and extend the secure cloud platform across IL5, IL6, and TS enclave tiers.
  • Build automation tooling and scripted workflows supporting dynamic user provisioning, environment configuration, and platform onboarding.
  • Develop and maintain APIs, interfaces, or internal portal capabilities that enable mission teams to interact with platform services.
  • Implement software solutions in alignment with enclave-specific security requirements, approved software baselines, and applicable STIGs.
  • Ensure all developed code is tested, documented, and delivered in accordance with classified environment standards and Government approval processes.
  • Collaborate with DevOps and ISSE personnel to ensure software integrations are architecturally sound and security-compliant across all enclave boundaries.

Documentation & Delivery

  • Produce engineering-quality development documentation including design specifications, integration guides, and delivery artifacts required for platform acceptance.
  • Support formal delivery processes including configuration-controlled code submissions and handoff documentation across classification tiers.
  • Coordinate with DevOps and ISSE team members on issue resolution, integration testing support, and cross-discipline knowledge transfer.
  • Other duties as assigned.

Qualifications/ Technical Experience Requirements:

  • US citizenship required.
  • Active Top Secret clearance with SCI eligibility is required at time of hire; interim clearances are not accepted.
  • Active Security+ certification (DoD 8140 compliant).
  • 5+ years of demonstrated hands-on software development experience in classified or similarly restrictive environments.
  • Proficiency in one or more languages relevant to classified cloud platform environments, including Golang, Python, Bash, PowerShell, and/or JavaScript/Node.
  • Experience developing automation, scripting, or tooling in support of infrastructure or platform delivery (not solely application development).
  • Familiarity with containerization and orchestration technologies (Docker, Kubernetes, Podman, etc.) particularly in restricted or airgapped environments.
  • Experience working with relational databases (e.g. PostgreSQL) in disconnected or controlled environments, including schema design, query optimization, and secure data handling.
  • Familiarity with Salt/SaltStack or equivalent configuration management frameworks is strongly preferred.
  • Direct experience working in classified or air-gapped environments (SCIF access, air-gapped networks, offline tooling).
  • Ability to produce clear, structured technical documentation suitable for classified delivery and Government review.
  • Bachelor's degree in Computer Science, Software Engineering, Information Technology, or a related field OR equivalent experience demonstrating the required technical competencies.

All positions at Applied Research Solutions are subject to background investigations. Employment is contingent upon successful completion of a background investigation including criminal history and identity check.

This contractor and subcontractor shall abide by the requirements of 41 CFR 60-741.5(a). This regulation prohibits discrimination against qualified individuals on the basis of disability, and requires affirmative action by covered prime contractors and subcontractors to employ and advance in employment qualified individuals with disabilities.

This contractor and subcontractor shall abide by the requirements of 41 CFR 60-300.5(a). This regulation prohibits discrimination against qualified protected veterans, and requires affirmative action by covered contractors and subcontractors to employ and advance in employment qualified protected veterans.

All positions at Applied Research Solutions are subject to background investigations. Employment is contingent upon successful completion of a background investigation including criminal history and identity check.

This contractor and subcontractor shall abide by the requirements of 41 CFR 60-741.5(a). This regulation prohibits discrimination against qualified individuals on the basis of disability, and requires affirmative action by covered prime contractors and subcontractors to employ and advance in employment qualified individuals with disabilities.

This contractor and subcontractor shall abide by the requirements of 41 CFR 60-300.5(a). This regulation prohibits discrimination against qualified protected veterans, and requires affirmative action by covered contractors and subcontractors to employ and advance in employment qualified protected veterans.