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Software Engineer Contractor Jobs in Richmond, VA

Senior Software Engineer

Henrico, VA · On-site

$111K - $146K/yr

Company Description We are a fast growing government contractor specializing in custom analytics ... This software engineering position focuses on software development and goes beyond programming to ...

Senior Software Engineer

Henrico, VA · On-site

$111K - $146K/yr

Company Description We are a fast growing government contractor specializing in custom analytics ... This software engineering position focuses on software development and goes beyond programming to ...

Software Engineer II - Backend Overview CoStar Group (NASDAQ: CSGP) is a leading global provider of ... enterprise contracting system, integrating with existing APIs, message queues and SQL databases.

Software Engineer II - Backend OverviewCoStar Group (NASDAQ: CSGP) is a leading global provider of ... enterprise contracting system, integrating with existing APIs, message queues and SQL databases.

... contractors, inspectors, public agency officials, and clients * Provide office and site visit ... Proficient knowledge of Microsoft Office Software (Word, Excel, Teams) * Coursework in Fluid ...

... contractors, inspectors, public agency officials, and clients * Provide office and site visit ... Proficient knowledge of Microsoft Office Software (Word, Excel, Teams) * Coursework in Fluid ...

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Software Engineer Contractor information

See Richmond, VA salary details

$62.8K

$146K

$203.4K

How much do software engineer contractor jobs pay per year?

As of Sep 4, 2026, the average yearly pay for software engineer contractor in Richmond, VA is $145,994.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $118,800.00 and $171,200.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

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 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 are popular job titles related to Software Engineer Contractor jobs in Richmond, VA?

For Software Engineer Contractor jobs in Richmond, VA, the most frequently searched job titles are:

What job categories do people searching Software Engineer Contractor jobs in Richmond, VA look for?

The top searched job categories for Software Engineer Contractor jobs in Richmond, VA are:

What cities near Richmond, VA are hiring for Software Engineer Contractor jobs?

Cities near Richmond, VA with the most Software Engineer Contractor job openings:

Infographic showing various Software Engineer Contractor job openings in Richmond, VA as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 86% Full Time, 10% Part Time, and 4% Contract. Highlights an 89% Physical, 3% Hybrid, and 8% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $145,994 per year, or $70.2 per hour.

Senior Software Engineer

Catapult Consultants, LLC

Henrico, VA • On-site

$111K - $146K/yr

Full-time

Re-posted 28 days ago


Job description

Company Description

We are a fast growing government contractor specializing in custom analytics and information management and support the Federal Government in the areas of healthcare, defense, and intelligence. We offer a generous benefits package. Come join other highly qualified professionals providing outstanding service to our customers.

Catapult Consultants is a global, professional services and management consulting company specializing in business, analytical and information systems solutions with top talent who create exceptional results for our clients.  We support mission-critical programs in the Intelligence Community and Defense and Civilian sectors with our team of smart, energetic people who like taking on big challenges and are committed to not just checking the box but exceeding client expectations.  The Catapult culture is defined by mutual respect, hard work, and teamwork.  We recognize that a great idea can come from anyone at any time, so we encourage innovative thinking and the sharing of ideas.

www.catapultconsultants.com.

Job Description

Catapult Consultants is seeking a Senior Software Engineer to support the engineering, analysis, design, development, programming, and maintenance of custom software programs according to the business specifications of each program. This software engineering position focuses on software development and goes beyond programming to include such things as eliciting customers' requirements, and designing and testing software solutions. The Senior Software Engineer is required to assess our business user's needs and develop usable software that meets those needs.

Specific Tasks Include:

Engineering web-based, multi-tier business applications utilizing ASP.Net 4.0, C#, VB.NET, Silverlight, AJAX, Entity Framework, jQuery API, MVC, and JavaScript languages.

Developing software applications using relational databases, in particular Microsoft SQL Server and SSRS.  

Assisting in the documentation of business requirements from user workshops and software design meetings.

Assisting with application testing to create the appropriate application work products (programming, documentation, test plans).

Analyzing and documenting user needs and software requirements to determine feasibility of design and translating these requirements into a set of specifications.

Developing, maintaining and implementing new business applications, modules and features using scientific analysis and mathematical models to predict and measure outcome and system performance.

Modifying and enhancing new and existing business applications to improve functionality and performance.

Supporting code reviews and ensuring that specifications are met.

Writing test cases and conducting audits.

Carrying out software system installation and integration.

Obtaining and evaluating information from users on factors such as reporting, cost, tracking, review and/or security needs to determine hardware configuration.

Managing issues/problems related to business applications and data transfer.

Providing support to diagnose and resolve medium to high complexity application problems of a business, management or technical nature.

Performing data analysis to support internal and external business needs.

Applying current technologies (hardware, software, packaged applications and tools) to support the delivery of the client's application solutions.

Facilitating communication between multiple business teams and the applications team to support day-to-day application support activities.

Supporting the established change management process and ensuring the consistency and quality of the source code control repository.

Qualifications

Minimum Requirements:

Bachelor's degree in Computer Science, Software Engineering, MIS or Information Technology or equivalent combination of education and experience.

High proficiency level with relevant programming/query languages and software platforms, including HTML, ASP.NET, C#, Ajax , WCF, MVC, SQL Server, Oracle, and/or other software development tools to perform various types of programming. 

Four or more years of software programming and testing experience. 

Demonstrated ability in one or more of the following technologies: .NET Framework, C#, Entity Framework, jQuery, MVC and MS SQL Server.

Experience working with relational databases to facilitate software programming.

Demonstrated analytical and problem solving skills for design, creation and testing of software programs. Must exhibit well-developed programming skills.

Develop and maintain Web Services using WSDL, UDDI, DISCO and SOAP Protocol and .NET Remoting.

Utilize Software Engineering Life Cycle best practices to include Agile Development Methodology practices.

Able to capture and document business requirements.

Good personal computer and business solutions software skills.

Ability to work as part of team and independently when necessary.

Strong interpersonal skills to interact with team members and functional business community.

Excellent oral and written communication skills to work effectively with team members, support personnel, and end users.

Able to capture and document business requirements.

Additional Information

EEO StatementCatapult Consultants is an Equal Opportunity Employer.  

We believe that every employee has the right to work in a dignified work environment free from all forms of discrimination and harassment.  It's our policy to recruit, employ, retain, compensate, train, promote, discipline, terminate and otherwise treat all employees and job applicants based solely on qualifications, performance, and competence. This policy reflects our belief that providing equal opportunities for all employees is a both our legal and moral responsibility, and good management practice.
All employees and applicants are treated without regard to age, sex, color, religion, race, national origin, citizenship, veteran status, current or future military status, sexual orientation, gender identification, marital or familial status, disability or any other status protected by law.

Disclaimer

The above statements are intended to describe the general nature and level of work being performed by people assigned to this classification. They are not to be construed as an exhaustive list of all responsibilities, duties, and skills required of personnel so classified. All personnel may be required to perform duties outside of their normal responsibilities from time to time, as needed.