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Software Engineer Contractor Jobs in Reston, VA (NOW HIRING)

Metron

Software Engineer

Reston, VA · On-site

Our Reston team is hiring a Software Engineer to help build and mature technically sophisticated ... VEVRAA Federal Contractor

Barbaricum

Software Engineer

Springfield, VA · On-site

Barbaricum is a rapidly growing government contractor providing leading-edge support to federal customers, particularly in Defense and National Security. The Software Engineer will support an ...

micro1 AI

Software Engineer - AI Trainer

Washington, DC · Remote

$40 - $75/hr

Contractor (10-15 hours per week) Location: Remote Job Summary: We are looking for experienced software engineers to help train and evaluate next-generation AI systems through real-world software ...

Cymertek

Level Software Engineer

Tysons, VA · On-site

Level Software Engineer LOCATION Tysons, VA 22182 CLEARANCE TS/SCI Full Poly (Please note this ... We are a growing small business and a trusted federal contractor offering full scope consulting ...

Cymertek

Level Software Engineer

Chantilly, VA · On-site

Level Software Engineer LOCATION Chantilly, VA 20151 CLEARANCE TS/SCI Full Poly (Please note this ... We are a growing small business and a trusted federal contractor offering full scope consulting ...

Cymertek

Level Software Engineer

Reston, VA · On-site

Level Software Engineer LOCATION Reston, VA 20190 CLEARANCE TS/SCI Full Poly (Please note this ... We are a growing small business and a trusted federal contractor offering full scope consulting ...

Cymertek

Level Software Engineer

Reston, VA

Level Software Engineer LOCATIONReston, VA 20190 CLEARANCETS/SCI Full Poly (Please note this ... We are a growing small business and a trusted federal contractor offering full scope consulting ...

Cymertek

Level Software Engineer

Chantilly, VA

Level Software Engineer LOCATIONChantilly, VA 20151 CLEARANCETS/SCI Full Poly (Please note this ... We are a growing small business and a trusted federal contractor offering full scope consulting ...

Cymertek

Level Software Engineer

Tysons, VA

Level Software Engineer LOCATIONTysons, VA 22182 CLEARANCETS/SCI Full Poly (Please note this ... We are a growing small business and a trusted federal contractor offering full scope consulting ...

Cymertek

Space Systems Software Engineer

Reston, VA · On-site

$180K - $213K/yr

Space Systems Software Engineer LOCATION Reston, VA 20190 CLEARANCE TS/SCI Full Poly (Please note ... We are a growing small business and a trusted federal contractor offering full scope consulting ...

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All JobsSoftware Engineer Contractor JobsSoftware Engineer Contractor Jobs in Reston, VA

Software Engineer Contractor information

See Reston, VA salary details

$66.1K

$153.5K

$213.8K

How much do software engineer contractor jobs pay per year?

As of Jul 2, 2026, the average yearly pay for software engineer contractor in Reston, VA is $153,477.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $124,800.00 and $180,000.00 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 Reston, VA? For Software Engineer Contractor jobs in Reston, VA, the most frequently searched job titles are:
What job categories do people searching Software Engineer Contractor jobs in Reston, VA look for? The top searched job categories for Software Engineer Contractor jobs in Reston, VA are:
What cities near Reston, VA are hiring for Software Engineer Contractor jobs? Cities near Reston, VA with the most Software Engineer Contractor job openings:
Software Engineer Contractor jobs near you
Software Engineer

Software Engineer

Metron

Reston, VA • On-site

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Retirement, PTO

Posted 10 days ago

Job description

About Metron
Metron is an employee-owned company dedicated to delivering innovative solutions for the most challenging national security problems. For over 40 years, our principled approach to problem-solving has yielded creative solutions at the intersection of advanced mathematics, computer science, physics, and engineering. Our people are leaders in their technical fields and are passionate about solving challenging problems. We look for individuals who share this same passion and can apply their experience in real-world settings.
Our Reston team is hiring a Software Engineer to help build and mature technically sophisticated software for simulation, optimization, and decision support in mission-focused environments. This role is for someone who can work across the stack -- contributing to backend infrastructure, frontend web applications, and the translation of complex technical ideas into maintainable production software. Our teams are highly collaborative, and each engineer is expected to contribute across the full lifecycle of development, from early concept exploration and prototyping through implementation, demonstration, and deployment. The strongest candidates will bring solid software engineering fundamentals, good technical judgment, and the ability to help move capabilities from prototype to operational use.
Required Qualifications
  • Bachelor's degree in computer science, mathematics, physics, applied math, or related field
  • At least 2 years of industry experience
  • Experience with modern front-end development frameworks and tooling, especially React, TypeScript, and state management patterns
  • Experience building backend services and APIs in languages such as Java or Rust
  • Experience developing software in a collaborative environment where readability, maintainability, and disciplined engineering practices matter
  • Ability to work effectively with researchers, engineers, and end users to translate technical concepts into usable software
  • Familiarity with full-stack web application development in any frameworks/languages
  • U.S. CITIZENSHIP REQUIRED; successful candidates will be subject to a security investigation and must meet eligibility requirements for access to classified information

Desired Qualifications
  • Active TS/SCI security clearance
  • Experience writing performance-sensitive or algorithmic software, including optimization and parallel or concurrent processing
  • Experience in defense, national security, or other mission-driven software environments
  • Experience with 3D, geospatial, or high-performance visualization technologies such as WebGL or OpenGL
  • Experience with data-intensive or distributed systems, including databases, messaging systems, and asynchronous processing
  • Familiarity with AI/ML-enabled software, including LLMs, computer vision, or model-integrated applications
  • Experience with cloud and containerized deployment environments such as AWS, Docker, Kubernetes, and CI/CD pipelines

Position Location: Reston, VA
*The selected individual(s) will be required to work from the Reston, VA office however we are flexible with our relocation timelines.
Perks and Benefits
  • Medical, Dental and Vision Insurance
  • Accompanying FSA and HSA options
  • Additional Voluntary Benefits
  • Paid Time Off
  • 9 Observed Holidays and 2 Floating Holidays
  • Paid Parental Leave
  • Tuition Reimbursement
  • Relocation Assistance
  • Professional Development Reimbursement
  • Annual Salary Reviews
  • Profit Sharing
  • 401(k) Traditional and Roth Options
  • Gym and Fitness Reimbursement
  • Employee Assistance Program
  • Employee Referral Program

Metron is an Equal Employment Opportunity (EEO) employer. It is the policy of the company to provide equal employment opportunities to all qualified applicants without regard to race, color, religious, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, age, protected veteran or disabled status, or genetic information.
VEVRAA Federal Contractor

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