ZipRecruiter

Log In

1

Software Engineer Contractor Jobs in Berkeley, CA

Broccoli AI

Staff Software Engineer

San Francisco, CA · On-site

$200K - $350K/yr

We work with plumbing, HVAC, and electrical contractors - the people who keep homes running - and ... Raised $25M+ from Khosla Ventures and YC Staff Software Engineer @ Broccoli We're looking for a ...

BuildOps

Staff Software Engineer

San Francisco, CA · On-site +1

$197K - $262K/yr

... contractor. We help our customers run service, project management, scheduling, dispatching ... As a Staff Software Engineer , your primary focus will be to architect, build, and optimize our ...

Miter

Senior Software Engineer

San Francisco, CA · Remote

$190K - $230K/yr

Using Miter, contractors like Marathon Electrical, W.J. O'Neil, and Truebeck Construction are ... What You'll Need: * 4+ years of software engineering experience with a track record of delivering ...

BuildOps

Staff Software Engineer

San Francisco, CA · On-site

$197K - $262K/yr

... contractor. We help our customers run service, project management, scheduling, dispatching ... As a Staff Software Engineer , your primary focus will be to architect, build, and optimize our ...

DataAnnotation

Software Engineer

San Mateo, CA · Remote

$40 - $75/hr

... 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 ...

DataAnnotation

Software Engineer

Hayward, CA · Remote

$40 - $75/hr

... 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 ...

DataAnnotation

Software Engineer

Fremont, CA · Remote

$40 - $75/hr

... 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 ...

DataAnnotation

Software Engineer

Fairfield, CA · Remote

$40 - $75/hr

... 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 ...

DataAnnotation

Software Engineer

Daly City, CA · Remote

$40 - $75/hr

... 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 ...

DataAnnotation

Software Engineer

Berkeley, CA · Remote

$40 - $75/hr

... 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 ...

DataAnnotation

Software Engineer

San Francisco, CA · Remote

$40 - $75/hr

... 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 ...

DataAnnotation

Software Engineer

Oakland, CA · Remote

$40 - $75/hr

... 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 ...

DataAnnotation

Software Engineer

Vallejo, CA · Remote

$40 - $75/hr

... 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 ...

DataAnnotation

Software Engineer

Concord, CA · Remote

$40 - $75/hr

... 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 ...

next page

Showing results 1-20

All JobsSoftware Engineer Contractor JobsSoftware Engineer Contractor Jobs in Berkeley, CA

Software Engineer Contractor information

See Berkeley, CA salary details

$77.8K

$180.6K

$251.6K

How much do software engineer contractor jobs pay per year?

As of Jun 14, 2026, the average yearly pay for software engineer contractor in Berkeley, CA is $180,634.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $146,900.00 and $211,800.00 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 Berkeley, CA? For Software Engineer Contractor jobs in Berkeley, CA, the most frequently searched job titles are:
What job categories do people searching Software Engineer Contractor jobs in Berkeley, CA look for? The top searched job categories for Software Engineer Contractor jobs in Berkeley, CA are:
What cities near Berkeley, CA are hiring for Software Engineer Contractor jobs? Cities near Berkeley, CA with the most Software Engineer Contractor job openings:
Software Engineer Contractor jobs near you
Founding Software Engineer - TruTec

Founding Software Engineer - TruTec

Pear

San Francisco, CA • On-site

Full-time

Posted 20 days ago

Job description

Founding Software Engineer - TruTec
About TruTec
TruTec is an AI-powered construction takeoff platform that is revolutionizing a $17 billion industry. We automate the tedious, manual process of site measurement and material estimation-turning hours or days of work into seconds. By leveraging satellite imagery, drone photos, and uploaded plans, we provide contractors with instant, bid-ready reports and invoicing tools.
We are currently at the pre-seed stage and growing rapidly, with new customers joining daily. To keep up with this demand and continue expanding our product, we are looking for a Founding Software Engineer to join our team.
The Role
As a Founding Engineer, you will have a direct impact on TruTec's trajectory. You won't just be writing code; you'll be building the foundation of a product that automates the job of a construction estimator.
Key Responsibilities:
  • Ship Independently: Take ownership of features from conception to deployment.
  • Performance Optimization: Work on making the platform significantly faster and more responsive.
  • Cross-Platform Delivery: Ensure the experience is lightweight and highly functional on Windows devices.
  • Scale the Product: Help us expand our capabilities to stay ahead of the competition and meet the needs of our rapidly growing customer base.
Who You Are
  • Builder Mentality: You have a track record of shipping products-whether through high-impact internships or your own independent projects.
  • Technical Excellence: You likely have a background from a top-tier (T1) undergraduate program.
  • Autonomous: You are comfortable working with minimal oversight and can navigate the ambiguity of an early-stage startup.
  • Execution-Focused: You are driven by the desire to move fast and solve labor gaps through smart engineering.
Why Join Us?
  • Join a pre-seed startup at the ground floor.
  • Work on novel AI methods that provide the most reliable predictions in the industry.
  • Solve a massive, real-world problem for construction contractors of all sizes.

Apply