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

They are seeking a Software Engineer to manage projects and perform software development activities ... staff and contractors. • Understand the Customer's target environment, such as Amazon Web ...

Space Systems Software Engineer

Tysons, VA · On-site

$173K - $205K/yr

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

Space Systems Software Engineer

Chantilly, VA · On-site

$178K - $211K/yr

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

Software Engineer

Sterling, VA · On-site

$98K - $206K/yr

Work on a multi-contractor team to design, develop, and maintain a modern web application that ... Software Engineering, Electrical Engineering, or equivalent field • 7 years of related work ...

Space Systems Software Engineer

Reston, VA · On-site

$180K - $213K/yr

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

Space Systems Software Engineer

Chantilly, VA · On-site

$178K - $211K/yr

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

Space Systems Software Engineer

Tysons, VA · On-site

$173K - $205K/yr

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

Java Software Engineer

Reston, VA · On-site

$54 - $74/hr

Java 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 ...

Java Software Engineer

Tysons, VA · On-site

$52 - $71.25/hr

Java 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 ...

Java Software Engineer

Chantilly, VA · On-site

$53.50 - $73.50/hr

Java 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 ...

Java Software Engineer

Reston, VA · On-site

$54 - $74/hr

Java 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 ...

Java Software Engineer

Tysons, VA · On-site

$52 - $71.25/hr

Java 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 ...

Java Software Engineer

Chantilly, VA · On-site

$53.50 - $73.50/hr

Java 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 ...

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Showing results 1-20

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 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

Software Engineer

J5 Consulting

Chantilly, VA • On-site

Full-time

Posted 22 days ago


Job description

Job Summary:
J5 Consulting is a Maryland based company established in 2006 to provide computing and consulting services for government and commercial entities. They are seeking a Software Engineer to manage projects and perform software development activities within budget, while complying with Lean Agile methodologies.
Responsibilities:
• Comply with the Customer’s Lean Agile methodology.
• Participate in all Lean Agile scrums, sprints and grooming sessions.
• Manage the progress of Commercial-off-the-Shelf (COTS) product integration and development efforts.
• Ensure tasks are completed on schedule.
• Consult and coordinate appropriately for problem resolution, task scheduling, new resource requirements, and task clarification.
• Work in partnership with an integrated team of staff and contractors.
• Understand the Customer’s target environment, such as Amazon Web Services (AWS) or Microsoft Azure.
• Coordinate and collaborate with security, operations, testing, and other teams to provide system information and technical support.
• Create, manage and update Jira tickets.
• Design, develop, and modify software systems.
• Unit test their software and perform code reviews.
Qualifications:
Required:
• Demonstrated experience working in an Agile development environment.
• Demonstrated experience developing detailed design and associated deliverables.
• Demonstrated experience translating customer and system requirements into design.
• Demonstrated experience designing interfaces or processes using Python.
• Demonstrated experience designing and developing services using Lambda, SQS, and other cloud offerings within AWS.
• Demonstrated hands-on experience developing applications using React, Spring Boot, Spark, and Java.
• Demonstrated hands-on experience developing web services using Java 8+ and JavaScript.
• Demonstrated experience with cloud platforms such as AWS/AZURE to include automated setting up of infrastructure such as instances.
• Demonstrated understanding of data collections and storage tools such as Databricks and AWS S3.
• Demonstrated experience with correlation algorithms from Novetta Entity Analytics.
• Demonstrated hands-on experience working with DevOps tools such as Git, Jenkins, or Nexus.
• This position requires US Citizenship.
• The successful candidate must have an active U.S. Government Top Secret Security Clearance with a Full Scope Polygraph.
Preferred:
• Demonstrated recent experience with the Customer’s Lean Agile methodology.
• Demonstrated recent experience with the Customer's analytic tool to ingest, correlate, build, and disburse products to other applications.
• Demonstrated recent experience with the Customer’s correlation service.
Company:
J5 Consulting is a technical consulting firm that offers engineering, cloud solutions, cyber security, and information technology services. Founded in 2006, the company is headquartered in Bowie, USA, with a team of 2-10 employees. The company is currently Early Stage.