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Software Engineer Contractor Jobs in Rhode Island

Arcfield

Mechanical Engineer I

Middletown, RI · On-site

Collaborate with various stakeholders (Navy, government civilians, OEM, sub-contractors, etc ... Working Experience with Finite Element Analysis (FEA) software's such as Abaqus. * Advanced ...

Ventus Solutions

AN/BYG-1 Systems Engineer

Newport, RI · On-site

Familiarity with Agile and SecDevOps software development methodologies. * Experience using JIRA ... Demonstrated ability to coordinate across multiple engineering disciplines, contractors, and ...

Arcfield

Systems Engineer

Middletown, RI · On-site

Collaborate with multidisciplinary hardware, software, and test teams to ensure cohesive system ... federal government contractor. We do not discriminate against any employee or applicant for ...

Arcfield

Electrical Engineer II

Middletown, RI · On-site

Collaborate with various stakeholders (Navy, Government Civilians, OEM, sub-contractors ... Experience with electrical CAD design software such as, Altium, OrCAD, LTSpice. * Experience ...

Vatn Systems

Customer Success Engineer

Bristol, RI · On-site

Our AUVs are deployed by researchers, defense contractors, and offshore energy operators around the ... Diagnose and resolve hardware and software issues across the AUV stack - navigation, propulsion ...

Vatn Systems

Customer Success Engineer

Bristol, RI

Our AUVs are deployed by researchers, defense contractors, and offshore energy operators around the ... Diagnose and resolve hardware and software issues across the AUV stack - navigation, propulsion ...

AMERICAN SYSTEMS

DevSecOps Engineer, Staff

Middletown, RI · On-site

$82K - $131K/yr

Overview AMERICAN SYSTEMS is an employee-owned federal government contractor supporting national ... software delivery pipelines in support of U.S. defense acquisition programs. This role requires ...

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Showing results 41-60

All JobsSoftware Engineer Contractor JobsSoftware Engineer Contractor Jobs in Rhode Island

Software Engineer Contractor information

See Rhode Island salary details

$62.2K

$144.5K

$201.2K

How much do software engineer contractor jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 22, 2026, the average yearly pay for software engineer contractor in Rhode Island is $144,471.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $117,500.00 and $169,400.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is a software engineer contractor?

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 key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a software engineer contractor?

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 popular job titles related to Software Engineer Contractor jobs in Rhode Island?

For Software Engineer Contractor jobs in Rhode Island, the most frequently searched job titles are:

What job categories do people searching Software Engineer Contractor jobs in Rhode Island look for?

The top searched job categories for Software Engineer Contractor jobs in Rhode Island are:

Software Engineer Contractor jobs near you
Infographic showing various Software Engineer Contractor job openings in Rhode Island as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 85% Full Time, 10% Part Time, and 4% Contract. Highlights an 87% Physical, 4% Hybrid, and 9% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $144,471 per year, or $69.5 per hour.

SWFTS/BYG-1 AUKUS SYSTEMS ENGINEERING COORDINATOR

MIKEL, Inc.

Middletown, RI • On-site

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Re-posted 23 days ago

Job description

MIKEL invests in people and technology - empowering the creative process, building responsive relationships, and propelling innovative solutions from conception to completion for the U.S. Navy. MIKEL is a small woman-owned business that has been providing Undersea Warfare Solutions to the Department of Defense since the company's inception in 1999.
Be a part of our dynamic team whose solutions and services enable the Navy to solve their toughest problems and meet their mission requirements. We have undersea operations experience, combined with engineering and specific subject matter expertise, that provides an in-depth understanding of the problem and a novel, innovative and cost-effective solution. MIKEL is committed to providing an environment that challenges its employees to use and advance their skills and knowledge to provide solutions that exceed customer expectations.
Position: SWFTS / BYG-1 AUKUS Systems Engineering Coordinator
Job Description
MIKEL, Inc. is seeking a SWFTS / BYG-1 AUKUS Systems Engineering Coordinator to support Submarine Warfare Federated Tactical Systems (SWFTS), BYG-1 Combat System assessment, and AUKUS Trilateral program efforts for the U.S. Navy. This role will serve as one of the primary technical points of contact for coordinating systems engineering inputs, assessment products, cost and schedule analysis, baseline system specification support, and integration and test assessment activities across Navy combat system modernization efforts.
The ideal candidate has experience supporting Navy tactical systems, combat system assessments, software integration, test and evaluation, configuration management, and coordination with external stakeholders, including ISEA, Program Office, TDA, NUWC, and other government or contractor teams.
Key Responsibilities
  • Serve as one of the primary technical points of contact for BYG-1 Combat System Assessment efforts supporting AUKUS Trilateral initiatives, coordinating technical inputs, milestone products, and stakeholder concurrence packages.
  • Coordinate cost and schedule analysis to support planning, execution, milestone tracking, and program decision-making for SWFTS/BYG-1 assessment and integration efforts.
  • Support baseline specification of existing systems, including identification of current system configurations, interfaces, equipment sets, software baselines, and project-specific requirements.
  • Develop and deliver technical products for external program stakeholders, including ISEA, Program Office, and TDA review and concurrence.
  • Create and maintain reference sets for equipment, software, documentation, and system configurations needed to support project milestones and technical reviews.
  • Provide assessment support for integration and test efforts, with emphasis on identifying, specifying, and building system requirements for BYG-1/SWFTS modernization activities.
  • Provide systems engineering support for SWFTS infrastructure and tactical applications, including requirements tracking, configuration control, design reviews, and system validation.
  • Coordinate integration, installation, checkout, and test activities for SWFTS/BYG-1 systems in shore-based labs, development environments, and platform-representative configurations.
  • Interface with government sponsors, NUWC divisions, ISEA, Program Office representatives, TDA stakeholders, and defense contractors to support planning, technical execution, and concurrence activities.
  • Support documentation development and maintenance, including requirements documents, interface control documents, test procedures, assessment reports, technical briefings, and software release artifacts.
  • Troubleshoot integration issues, assess system behavior, document findings, and support root cause analysis and corrective action planning.
  • Assist with Engineering Change Proposals, baseline updates, software versioning strategies, and configuration management activities related to SWFTS/BYG-1 tactical components.
  • Serve as a key technical contributor during working groups, design reviews, technical exchanges, and stakeholder briefings across the SWFTS, BYG-1, and AUKUS support communities.

Qualifications
  • Bachelor's degree in Systems Engineering, Computer Science, Electrical Engineering, Cybersecurity, or a related technical discipline.
  • 4-7 years of experience supporting systems engineering, software engineering, combat systems, test and evaluation, or DoD/Navy programs.
  • Experience supporting Navy tactical systems, SWFTS, BYG-1, combat system assessment, or related undersea warfare programs.
  • Ability to support cost, schedule, technical baseline, and milestone planning activities.
  • Experience developing technical products for external review, coordination, and concurrence with government and program stakeholders.
  • Familiarity with system requirements development, integration planning, test assessment, and configuration management processes.
  • Experience with software tools and environments used in SWFTS or related programs, including NTPRO, ASIST, or similar tools.
  • Working knowledge of scripting or development languages such as Java, Python, BASH, YAML, or Gradle is preferred.
  • Familiarity with software architecture, modular systems, and containerized defense environments is desirable.
  • Understanding of containerization and orchestration technologies such as Podman, Kubernetes, K3S, RKE2, or similar platforms is a plus.
  • Strong written and verbal communication skills, with the ability to prepare technical documentation and brief mixed technical and programmatic audiences.
  • Ability to work independently and collaboratively with cross-functional engineering, test, program office, and stakeholder teams.
  • Must be a U.S. Citizen and have the ability to maintain an active DoD Secret clearance.

Preferred Qualifications
  • Direct experience supporting SWFTS, BYG-1, ASIST, NTPRO, or related Navy tactical software environments.
  • Experience supporting AUKUS, Trilateral, ISEA, Program Office, TDA, NUWC, NAVSEA, or submarine combat system modernization efforts.
  • Familiarity with NAVSEA and NUWC engineering practices, acquisition processes, technical review boards, and concurrence workflows.
  • Experience with Navy labs, classified development environments, tactical networks, or platform integration and test events.
  • Experience creating system baseline documentation, reference equipment sets, milestone support products, or integration/test assessment packages.
  • Familiarity with Agile, DevSecOps, software release planning, or configuration-controlled development environments.
  • Certifications in relevant technical areas such as Kubernetes, Red Hat, AWS, Security+, or related technologies are a plus.

Location: Middletown, RI
MIKEL offers a competitive salary and a comprehensive benefits package that includes Medical/Dental/Vision Insurance, Flexible Spending Account (FSA), 401k Retirement Plan, Life Insurance, Disability Insurance, Paid Time Off (PTO), and Tuition Reimbursement.
Department of Defense Secret Security Clearance or higher is required at time of hire. Applicants selected will be subject to a U.S. Government security investigation and must meet eligibility requirements for access to classified information. Due to the nature of work performed within our facilities, U.S. citizenship is required.
MIKEL is an Equal Opportunity Employer. We prohibit discrimination and harassment of any kind based on race, color, sex, religion, sexual orientation, national origin, disability, genetic information, pregnancy, or any other protected characteristic as outlined by federal, state, or local laws.
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About MIKEL

Sourced by ZipRecruiter

Industry

Guided missile and space vehicle manufacturing

Company size

51 - 200 Employees

Headquarters location

Middletown, RI, US

Year founded

1999

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