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Software Engineer Contractor Jobs in Tennessee (NOW HIRING)

DPR Construction

MLOps Engineer

Nashville, TN

... Software Engineering. Position Overview TheMLOps Engineerwill be instrumental inthe designand ... DPR Construction is a forward-thinking, self-performing general contractor specializing in ...

BNH

Power Platform Developer

Arnold Air Force Base, TN · On-site

$78K - $111K/yr

S. in Computer Science, Software Engineering, Information Technology, Management Information ... Experience working in government contractor for Department of War (DoW) environments with an ...

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All JobsSoftware Engineer Contractor JobsSoftware Engineer Contractor Jobs in Tennessee

Software Engineer Contractor information

See Tennessee salary details

$57.6K

$133.9K

$186.5K

How much do software engineer contractor jobs pay per year?

As of Jun 17, 2026, the average yearly pay for software engineer contractor in Tennessee is $133,895.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $108,900.00 and $157,000.00 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 Tennessee? For Software Engineer Contractor jobs in Tennessee, the most frequently searched job titles are:
What job categories do people searching Software Engineer Contractor jobs in Tennessee look for? The top searched job categories for Software Engineer Contractor jobs in Tennessee are:
What cities in Tennessee are hiring for Software Engineer Contractor jobs? Cities in Tennessee with the most Software Engineer Contractor job openings:
Software Engineer Contractor jobs near you
Infographic showing various Software Engineer Contractor job openings in Tennessee as of June 2026, with employment types broken down into 2% Internship, 60% Full Time, 25% Part Time, 2% Temporary, and 11% Contract. Highlights an 87% Physical, 5% Hybrid, and 8% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $133,895 per year, or $64.4 per hour.
Associate Software Engineer (Open3D) - Remote

Associate Software Engineer (Open3D) - Remote

micro1 AI

Nashville, TN • Remote

$20 - $120/hr

Part-time

Posted 15 days ago

Job description

Job Title: Junior Software Engineer (Open 3D Engine)


Job Type: Contractor


Location: Remote


Job Summary: Join our client's team as a Junior Software Engineer (Open 3D Engine) and play a pivotal role in training next-generation AI systems for 3D environments. You will leverage your O3DE expertise, spanning the Component Entity System, Atom Renderer, and physics simulations, to generate high quality, synthetic data, enabling AI models to learn, reason, and construct high performance, AAA quality digital worlds.


Key Responsibilities:

  1. Design, develop, and implement interactive 3D scenes and simulations using Open 3D Engine (O3DE) for AI training purposes.
  2. Leverage the full suite of O3DE tools—including Atom Renderer, Component Entity System, Gems, and Asset Processor—to create high-fidelity, effective environments.
  3. Collaborate with the customer’s team to transform conceptual ideas into finished AI training workflows and simulations.
  4. Integrate Python and C++ scripts for enhanced functionality and automation within O3DE projects.
  5. Utilize AWS services to support robust, scalable 3D simulation deployment and asset management.
  6. Document processes and communicate progress clearly through strong written and verbal updates.
  7. Troubleshoot and optimize simulation performance, ensuring accuracy and efficiency for AI training objectives.


Required Skills and Qualifications:

  1. Hands-on experience with O3DE (Open 3D Engine), including a deep understanding of core tools and asset workflows.
  2. Proficiency in Python and C++ for 3D scene development and automation.
  3. Experience building interactive 3D environments from concept to completion, tailored for simulation and AI training.
  4. Familiarity with Atom Renderer, Component Entity System, Gems, and Asset Processor within O3DE.
  5. Strong written and verbal communication skills, with the ability to clearly document and present technical concepts.
  6. Basic knowledge of AWS infrastructure and its application for cloud-based development and deployment.
  7. Background in game development, simulation, or real-time graphics projects.


Preferred Qualifications:

  1. Previous experience working directly on AI training or simulation projects within O3DE.
  2. Exposure to asset management pipelines and collaborative development environments.
  3. Demonstrated initiative in adopting new O3DE tools and staying current with engine updates.

Apply