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Software Engineer Contractor Jobs in Houston, TX

MICROVAST INC

Lead BMS Software Engineer

Houston, TX · On-site

Lead BMS Software Engineer Are you ready to be part of a company that's not just talking about the ... contractors, and the communities in which we live and work. All qualified applicants will receive ...

Pae

Mission Design Tools Software Engineer

Houston, TX · On-site

Ability to work in a team environment consisting of NASA civil servants and contractor employees ... Experience with NASA Software Engineering Requirements NPR-7150.2D or DO-178C * Experience with ...

Pae

Mission Design Tools Software Engineer

Houston, TX · On-site

Ability to work in a team environment consisting of NASA civil servants and contractor employees ... Experience with NASA Software Engineering Requirements NPR-7150.2D or DO-178C * Experience with ...

J.P. Morgan

Sr. Lead Software Engineer

Houston, TX · On-site

As a Senior Lead Software Engineer at JPMorgan Chase within Corporate Technology, you are an ... contractors, and vendors * Develops secure and high-quality production code, and reviews and debugs ...

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Showing results 41-60

All JobsSoftware Engineer Contractor JobsSoftware Engineer Contractor Jobs in Houston, TX

Software Engineer Contractor information

See Houston, TX salary details

$60.6K

$140.9K

$196.2K

How much do software engineer contractor jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 8, 2026, the average yearly pay for software engineer contractor in Houston, TX is $140,881.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $114,600.00 and $165,200.00 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 Houston, TX? For Software Engineer Contractor jobs in Houston, TX, the most frequently searched job titles are:
What job categories do people searching Software Engineer Contractor jobs in Houston, TX look for? The top searched job categories for Software Engineer Contractor jobs in Houston, TX are:
What cities near Houston, TX are hiring for Software Engineer Contractor jobs? Cities near Houston, TX with the most Software Engineer Contractor job openings:
Software Engineer Contractor jobs near you
Infographic showing various Software Engineer Contractor job openings in Houston, TX as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 87% Full Time, 9% Part Time, and 4% Contract. Highlights an 89% Physical, 3% Hybrid, and 8% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $140,881 per year, or $67.7 per hour.

Mission Design Tools Software Engineer

Mclaurin Aerospace

Houston, TX • On-site

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Posted 24 days ago

Job description

Are you passionate about human space exploration, understanding the origins of the universe, and working with a passionate and diverse team to make a difference? If you are, we need you!

We need your talent, teamwork, and energy to help us achieve great things that inspire people all over the globe. We need you to bring creative ideas and diverse backgrounds to help us envision, shape, and deliver systems that will enable the exploration of space while benefiting people here on Earth. We are excited about what we do, and we need you on our team as we take on exciting challenges for NASA's pursuits in deep space exploration.

We have an exciting opportunity for a Mission Design Tools Software Engineer to join our JETS II contract team at NASA Johnson Space Center in Houston, TX.

If selected you will:

  • Develop variable degree-of-freedom simulations and related software tools for NASA and commercial spaceflight programs
  • Develop, integrate, and test new software enhancements and capabilities within mission design tools
  • Develop software documentation for software deliveries
  • Provide recommendations for improvements in software design and software development processes
  • Support activities to bring mission design software up to Class C, per NPR 7150.2.
  • Maintain mission design software tools at Class C, following established procedures.
  • Perform other duties as required.

Qualifications:

This position has been posted at multiple levels. Depending on the candidate's experience, requirements, and business needs, we reserve the right to consider candidates at any level for which this position has been advertised.

  • Typically requires a bachelor's degree or equivalent certification in a related area or experience in the field
  • Proficient in C++, Fortran, and Python
  • Experience in product delivery utilizing source code management tools such as Git/GitLab
  • Experience with implementing and enforcing software coding standards
  • Experience in the full software lifecycle activities e.g. requirements, design, implementation, testing, and release
  • Proficient in use of CI/CD tools and techniques
  • Proficient in use of software task management/collaboration tools
  • Experience with Agile frameworks, methodologies, and techniques
  • Experience working in multiple environments including Windows, Mac, and Linux
  • Excellent communication skills
  • Ability to work in a team environment consisting of NASA civil servants and contractor employees
  • Strong interpersonal skills to enable successful performance in a collaborative engineering team
  • Ability to organize and prioritize tasks to meet deadlines and schedules with limited supervision
  • Ability to prepare written documents and to verbally present at meetings
  • Experience with Microsoft Office products

Preferred Qualifications:

  • Experience with NASA Software Engineering Requirements NPR-7150.2D or DO-178C
  • Experience with NASA Software Assurance and Software Safety Standard

Benefits

  • Competitive pay
  • Positive work-life balance
  • 100% Employer paid insurance including: Medical, dental, vision, life insurance, accidental death and dismemberment, short-term disability, and long-term disability
  • 11 paid holidays annually
  • Generous PTO
  • 401k after 12 months of service with employer match
  • Education assistance
  • Relocation assistance (if applicable)

Mclaurin is a unique organization with a special focus on combining the best features of research and industry in order to foster innovation. Our organization strongly supports research, publication, and engagement with the academic community. We encourage our employees to remain on the cutting edge of new developments in their respective disciplines.

US Citizenship and the ability to pass a comprehensive security background investigation is required.

Mclaurin is an Equal Opportunity Employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, veteran status or other characteristics protected by law.

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