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Software Engineer Contractor Jobs in Tennessee (NOW HIRING)

The Analytics Software Engineer will design elegant, interactive web applications that are ... Opportunity Employer/Protected Veterans/Individuals with DisabilitiesThe contractor will not ...

... other engineers -- who are driving real-world impact in AI development. Our platform offers an ... Advantages of contracting with us: * You'll be able to choose which projects you want to work on ...

HMI Application Engineer Summary of Functions Develops application software to meet requirements of ... Demonstrate system functionality to Owner/Engineer/Contractor, including hardware/network operation ...

Installs all developed application software and required vendor software and verifies their ... Demonstrates overall system functionality to the Owner/Engineer/Contractor including hardware and ...

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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 Sep 5, 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 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 cities in Tennessee are hiring for Software Engineer Contractor jobs?

Cities in Tennessee with the most Software Engineer Contractor job openings:

Infographic showing various Software Engineer Contractor job openings in Tennessee as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 85% Full Time, 10% Part Time, and 5% Contract. Highlights an 84% Physical, 5% Hybrid, and 11% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $133,895 per year, or $64.4 per hour.

Senior Software Engineer Full Stack

Kenco

Chattanooga, TN • On-site

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Posted 7 days ago


Kenco Group rating

6.8

Company rating: 6.8 out of 10

Based on 76 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

246th of 366 rated logistics


Job description

At Kenco Logistics, you're more than just a team member-you're part of a company that values innovation, integrity, and a strong commitment to its people. As one of the leading 3PL providers in the U.S., Kenco offers a dynamic and supportive work environment where your ideas matter and your growth is a priority. With a focus on safety, sustainability, and continuous improvement, Kenco empowers employees to make a real impact in the supply chain industry while building rewarding careers. Join a company where your contributions help move the world forward-one shipment at a time.
About the Position
As a Senior Software Engineer Full Stack at Kenco, you'll play a crucial role in leading, architecting, developing and maintaining scalable, high-performance web applications. You'll work closely with our data science, data engineering and business intelligence team to provide and maintain software solutions integrating with but not limited to: web automation, AI, analytics, source WMS/TMS systems and AWS cloud.
Functions
  • Lead software solutions from beginning to end.
  • Partner with key distribution, transportation, and material handling business managers to identify improvement opportunities using software and analytical methods.
  • Design decision support and software architecture that can be scaled for different operations for enhanced decision making.
  • Establish scalable, efficient, automated processes for large scale data mining, management and analyses, model development, model validation and model implementation.
  • Leverage cutting edge technology like AI, MCP servers, and a variety of high performance OLAP/SQL/NoSQL databases.
  • Routinely perform analysis and make presentations to key business stakeholders, including customers.
  • Produce and disseminate non-technical reports that detail the successes and limitations of each project.
  • Translate business questions and concerns into specific quantitative questions that can be answered with available data using sound methodologies. In cases where questions cannot be answered with available data, work with engineers to produce the required data.

Qualifications
  • Master's degree in a quantitative field such as Statistics, Applied Mathematics, Computer Science, Engineering. PhD preferred.
  • 5+ years of full-stack software engineering experience involving end-to-end development, front end frameworks (e.g. React, Vue.js), backend development, and communication of observations.
  • Strong hands on experience with web automation tools like Selenium, Playwright, and Firecrawl preferred.
  • Enthusiastic about AI assisted development, and able to drive high velocity, quality output through knowledge of fundamentals and strong systems intuition.
  • Minimum of 2 years developing and interacting with a live production environment where operational decision making is crucial and risks are actively minimized as part of the process.
  • Strong proficiency in a scripting programming language, with a total experience of 5+ years.
  • Strong experience of a variety of database systems ranging SQL and NoSQL.
  • Knowledge of cloud computer networking. You are comfortable with terms like subnet and VPC.
  • 3+ years experience with AWS.
  • Excellent problem-solving and analytical skills.
  • Strong communication and collaboration skills.

Competencies
  • Business Acumen - Knowledgeable in current and possible future policies, practices, trends, technology, and information affecting his/her business and organization
  • Communicate for Impact - Devoting the time and resources necessary to communicate the strategic vision, direction, priorities, and progress of the team for which you are responsible
  • Leading People - Ability to develop and implement strategies to maximize employee performance and foster employee engagement in meeting the organization's strategy
  • Managing Transitions/ Change Management - Effectively plans, manages and communicates changes in processes with appropriate stakeholders
  • Relationship Management - Building and maintaining relationships with internal partners to successfully complete projects and organizational objectives.
  • Strategic Agility - Gains perspective and balances the pressure between daily tasks and strategic actions that impact the long-term viability of the organization

Travel Requirements
  • This position is expected to travel approximately 25% or less.
  • A passport is not required, but recommended.

For California residents - please enter or copy/paste the address below into your address bar to review an important notice regarding Kenco's privacy policy.
https://www.kencogroup.com/ccpa-notice-at-collection-for-employees-and-applicants/
Benefits offered:
  • Medical insurance including HSA, HRA and FSA accounts
  • Supplemental insurance including critical illness, hospital indemnity, accidental injury
  • Dental Insurance
  • Vision Insurance
  • Basic Life and Supplemental Life
  • Short Term and Long Term Disability
  • Paid Parental Leave
  • 401(k)
  • Paid Time Off approximately 2 weeks (accrual begins on Day 1 of employment)
  • Employer Paid Holidays- 10 days

Kenco strives to provide a supportive, professional environment for all employees. As a part of Kenco, we expect our team to uphold our three key pillars: be honest, serve, and get better. Each should strive for operational excellence, pursue innovation, and want to grow with our company.
Kenco Group is an Equal-Opportunity Employer. All employees and applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to age, race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, protected veteran status or disability, or any other characteristic protected by law.
Please click the image to download the EEOC 'Know Your Rights; Discrimination is Illegal' posting.
https://www.eeoc.gov/poster
For California residents please enter or copy/paste the address below into your address bar
Equal Opportunity Employer/Protected Veterans/Individuals with Disabilities
The contractor will not discharge or in any other manner discriminate against employees or applicants because they have inquired about, discussed, or disclosed their own pay or the pay of another employee or applicant. However, employees who have access to the compensation information of other employees or applicants as a part of their essential job functions cannot disclose the pay of other employees or applicants to individuals who do not otherwise have access to compensation information, unless the disclosure is (a) in response to a formal complaint or charge, (b) in furtherance of an investigation, proceeding, hearing, or action, including an investigation conducted by the employer, or (c) consistent with the contractor's legal duty to furnish information. 41 CFR 60-1.35(c)
For California residents - please enter or copy/paste the address below into your address bar to review an important notice regarding Kenco's privacy policy.
https://www.kencogroup.com/ccpa-notice-at-collection-for-employees-and-applicants/

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