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Software Engineer Contractor Jobs in Hayward, CA

Apex Informatics

Software Engineer III

Mountain View, CA · On-site

$67.75 - $91.25/hr

Mountain View , CA, US, 2 days a week hybrid SDG Tuesday/Wed Top Skill Software Engineer Contractor, Python Qualifications: - A minimum of 5 years of professional experience specifically in Python ...

Broccoli AI

Software Engineer

San Francisco, CA · On-site

$150K - $300K/yr

We partner with plumbing, HVAC, and electrical contractors, the hardworking businesses that keep ... Software Engineer @ Broccoli We're looking for a Software Engineer to help build the AI ...

Broccoli AI

Software Engineer, Growth

San Francisco, CA · On-site

We partner with plumbing, HVAC, and electrical contractors, the hardworking businesses that keep ... About the role We're looking for a Software Engineer, Growth to build the systems, experiments, and ...

Nava

Software Engineer

San Francisco, CA · On-site

We ask the right questions to help civil servants and other contractors work effectively on complex ... This is a great opportunity for engineers who enjoy software archaeology. If you care deeply about ...

Nava

Software Engineer

San Francisco, CA

We ask the right questions to help civil servants and other contractors work effectively on complex ... This is a great opportunity for engineers who enjoy software archaeology. If you care deeply about ...

Broccoli AI

Senior Software Engineer

San Francisco, CA · On-site

$180K - $300K/yr

We partner with plumbing, HVAC, and electrical contractors, the hardworking businesses that keep ... Senior Software Engineer @ Broccoli We're looking for a Senior Software Engineer to own critical ...

Miter

Software Engineer

San Francisco, CA · Remote

$160K - $200K/yr

... software: clunky, on-premise systems created in the 1980s and 1990s. That's where Miter comes in ... Using Miter, contractors like Marathon Electrical, W.J. O'Neil, and Truebeck Construction are ...

BuildOps

Staff Software Engineer

San Francisco, CA · On-site +1

$197K - $262K/yr

... contractors. From helping our customers to manage their service all the way to project management ... As a Staff Software Engineer, your primary focus will be to architect, build, and optimize our ...

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

Software Engineer Contractor information

See Hayward, CA salary details

$72.8K

$169.1K

$235.6K

How much do software engineer contractor jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 8, 2026, the average yearly pay for software engineer contractor in Hayward, CA is $169,134.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $137,600.00 and $198,300.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

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 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 popular job titles related to Software Engineer Contractor jobs in Hayward, CA? For Software Engineer Contractor jobs in Hayward, CA, the most frequently searched job titles are:
What job categories do people searching Software Engineer Contractor jobs in Hayward, CA look for? The top searched job categories for Software Engineer Contractor jobs in Hayward, CA are:
What cities near Hayward, CA are hiring for Software Engineer Contractor jobs? Cities near Hayward, CA with the most Software Engineer Contractor job openings:
Software Engineer Contractor jobs near you
Infographic showing various Software Engineer Contractor job openings in Hayward, CA as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 84% Full Time, 14% Part Time, and 2% Contract. Highlights an 88% Physical, 3% Hybrid, and 9% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $169,134 per year, or $81.3 per hour.

ROS Software Developer

Raas Info Solutions Pvt Ltd

Sunnyvale, CA • On-site

Other

Posted 17 days ago

Job description

Job Description: We are seeking a Senior Software Engineer contractor to develop robotics platform software on NVIDIA Jetson (Linux/ROS2) for a manipulation system integrating custom grippers, sensors, and actuator subsystems. You will write ROS2 nodes, develop host-side SDKs interfacing with embedded hardware over Ethernet and EtherCAT, integrate sensor pipelines (cameras, depth, tactile, IMU), and deploy perception/control algorithms into the real-time platform. The work is hands-on, systems-level C++/Python on Ubuntu with PREEMPT_RT, JetPack, and Docker.

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