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Software Engineer Contractor Jobs in Oregon (NOW HIRING)

$129K - $175K/yr

Cole Engineering Services (CESI), a By Light company, is recognized as a premier provider of ... Operate in a collaborative team composed of contractor and Government personnel Required Experience ...

$129K - $175K/yr

Cole Engineering Services (CESI), a By Light company, is recognized as a premier provider of ... Operate in a collaborative team composed of contractor and Government personnel Required Experience ...

... of Contractors are in Technical Positions. We are committed to and passionate about our Clients ... Leads and owns engagements with software vendors to ensure that code and configuration requirements ...

Java Developer

Beaverton, OR

$53 - $68.75/hr

... of Contractors are in Technical Positions. We are committed to and passionate about our Clients ... OR Software Engineer (Performance) with experience in Java development. Qualifications * 6 years ...

Cloud Software Engineer (W2 Only)

Hillsboro, OR · On-site

$65.25 - $85/hr

In 2015 we placed more than 6,000 contractors across select 100+ clients that we service. End client for this project is a large legal organization with operations in more than 100 countries and has ...

C/C++ Developer

Hillsboro, OR · On-site

$53.25 - $72/hr

... Contractor Payroll) Flextrack (Vendor Management System) C/C++ Developer On behalf of our client ... C/C++ Developer Job Details This position is 100% software development in C/C++ for Intel-based ...

211774 / C/C++ Developer

Hillsboro, OR · On-site

$53.25 - $72/hr

... ICAP (Contractor Payroll) Flextrack (Vendor Management System) This position is 100% software ... Qualifications C/C++ Developer Mandatory Skills * Experience in C/C++ and object oriented coding ...

.Net Developer

Hillsboro, OR

$52.50 - $69.50/hr

... Contractor Payroll) Flextrack (Vendor Management System) NET Developer On behalf of our client ... a C/C++ Software Engineer for a contract opportunity in Hillsboro, Oregon. .NET Developer Job ...

$101K - $192K/yr

Overview LMI, a trusted government contractor with decades of experience delivering cutting-edge ... You'll work daily with our Product Manager, Engineering Lead, and Product Team. The roadmap for ...

Correspond with Software and Template Engineering, give feedback to any questions they may have ... Participate in calls with contractor QA team(s) on the grooming of development tickets to become ...

AI Vibe Coding Engineer

OR · Remote

$64K - $72K/yr

This role is ideal for engineers passionate about GenAI, rapid prototyping, AI coding agents ... W-2 employee of Gruve, contracted to provide services to one of our clients * Corp-to-Corp ...

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Software Engineer Contractor information

See Oregon salary details

$67.1K

$156K

$217.3K

How much do software engineer contractor jobs pay per year?

As of Jun 15, 2026, the average yearly pay for software engineer contractor in Oregon is $155,975.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $126,900.00 and $182,900.00 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 Oregon? For Software Engineer Contractor jobs in Oregon, the most frequently searched job titles are:
What cities in Oregon are hiring for Software Engineer Contractor jobs? Cities in Oregon with the most Software Engineer Contractor job openings:
Infographic showing various Software Engineer Contractor job openings in Oregon as of June 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% Internship, 65% Full Time, 24% Part Time, 1% Temporary, 8% Contract, and 1% Nights. Highlights an 86% Physical, 5% Hybrid, and 9% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $155,975 per year, or $75 per hour.

$129K - $175K/yr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Retirement, PTO

Posted 10 days ago


Job description

Company Overview

By Light Professional IT Services LLC readies warfighters and federal agencies with technology and systems engineered to connect, protect, and prepare individuals and teams for whatever comes next. Headquartered in McLean, VA, By Light supports defense, civilian, and commercial IT customers worldwide. 

Cole Engineering Services (CESI), a By Light company, is recognized as a premier provider of modeling and simulation (M&S) training solutions to the Federal Government and industry. Since 2004, CESI has been at the forefront of developing, maintaining, and integrating simulation-based training, serious gaming, technical services, training and other support in live, virtual, constructive, and gaming (LVCG) domains.  CESI also designs, builds and runs infrastructure, platforms, applications and processes that enable cyber training for the integrated multi-domain force. Our vision is to become a worldwide full spectrum LVCG and cyber training/analysis developer, integrator and services provider.

Position Overview

Assist in the design and development of a large-scale distributed simulation system using an existing simulation framework. Collaboratively define interfaces between this system and military C2 systems and other simulations. Develop and maintain system software architecture. Design detailed interfaces between incrementally developed components. Execute full lifecycle software development to include software requirements analysis, software design, software implementation, software integration and test, and system documentation.

Responsibilities
  • Lead system-level design efforts
  • Design and implement component interfaces
  • Coordinate with developers of interoperating systems on interface requirements
  • Ensure system interoperability with current and developing simulation federations
  • Document and communicate system design
  • Identify and document development work (user stories) executable within the Agile sprint timeframe
  • Design, code and debug applications in various software languages using object-oriented design where appropriate
  • Understand and adhere to project schedules and stay within established budgets.
  • Comply with program processes for software development and configuration management. This includes meaningful participation in Agile development process events such as scrums and sprint reviews
  • Operate in a collaborative team composed of contractor and Government personnel
Required Experience/Qualifications
  • Bachelor's degree in a technical discipline such as electrical engineering, computer science, information technology, systems or software engineering from an accredited college or university or any bachelor's degree and two years additional software development experience. High school diploma and 5 years' additional software development experience can substitute for bachelor's degree.

  • Minimum of 10 years' software engineering experience.

  • Minimum of 3 years' experience in design of complex software systems

  • Familiarity with industry software development standards and with the capabilities of related Department of Defense software systems.
  • Employ interoperability standards commonly used in Department of Defense modeling and simulation (i.e., DIS and HLA)
  • Develop Software using Java, C/C++, JavaScript, and XML in MS Windows, and Linux
  • Properly apply object-oriented design principles to development efforts
  • Ability to test and debug
  • System operations in Linux/windows to include shell scripting
  • Employ version control tools (i.e., Git) in compliance with program configuration management processes
  • Operate collaboratively in a development team environment
  • Aptitude for learning new technologies such as programming languages and tools
  • Written and oral communication skills sufficient to explain designs and development issues to customer representatives
Preferred Experience/Qualifications
  • Master's degree desired
  • Experience developing interfaces to military C4I systems
  • Experience developing simulation-based training systems
  • Experience in database design
  • Experience developing in the React framework
  • Knowledge of Amazon Web Services
Special Requirements/Security Clearance
  • Please note that pursuant to a government contract, this specific position requires U. S. Citizenship status with ability to obtain a SECRET security clearance.  Security Clearance requirements will be specified in the Government's Task Order.
  • This position may require up to ten (10) days of travel 3-4 times per year.
Benefits Overview

CESI recognizes that our strength is our people. We support every employee as an individual to build strong teams across the enterprise.  Our benefit package includes:

  • Medical, Dental & Vision Coverage
  • Wellness Program
  • 401(k) Matching
  • Disability (Short Term & Long Term)
  • Employee Assistance Program
  • Education & Training
  • Generous Leave Policy (11 Federal Holidays, PTO, Military Leave, Bereavement and Jury Duty)

CESI is committed to principles of inclusion and equal employment opportunity.  We foster a non-discriminatory, professional work environment for all our teams.  We do not discriminate based on race, color, religion, sex, pregnancy, sexual orientation, gender identity, genetic information, national origin, age, marital status, disability, or veteran status.

Employment Type: FULL_TIME