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Software Engineer Contractor Jobs in Tempe, AZ (NOW HIRING)

Senior Software Engineer Job Type: Contractor (~15 hours/week) Location: Remote Job Summary We are seeking experienced Senior Software Engineers to support an AI training project by creating ...

Senior Software Engineer Job Type: Contractor (~15 hours/week) Location: Remote Job Summary We are seeking experienced Senior Software Engineers to support an AI training project by creating ...

Senior Software Engineer Job Type: Contractor (~15 hours/week) Location: Remote Job Summary We are seeking experienced Senior Software Engineers to support an AI training project by creating ...

Contractor Location: Remote Job Overview We are seeking experienced CUDA Engineering Experts to support a cutting-edge GPU optimization project. You will apply your expertise in CUDA, C++, and GPU ...

AI Trainer - Remote

Phoenix, AZ · Remote

$80 - $120/hr

Senior Software Engineer Job Type: Contractor (~15 hours/week) Location: Remote Job Summary We are seeking experienced Senior Software Engineers to support an AI training project by creating ...

... Contractor Payroll) Flextrack (Vendor Management System) As a Software Test Engineer, in the Test Development Engineering (TDE) team of the Non-Volatile Memory Solutions Group (NSG), you will develop ...

Senior Software Engineer Job Type: Contractor (~15 hours/week) Location: Remote Job Summary We are seeking experienced Senior Software Engineers to support an AI training project by creating ...

Showing results 21-40

Software Engineer Contractor information

See Tempe, AZ salary details

$61.8K

$143.6K

$200K

How much do software engineer contractor jobs pay per year?

As of Sep 5, 2026, the average yearly pay for software engineer contractor in Tempe, AZ is $143,564.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $116,800.00 and $168,400.00 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 Tempe, AZ?

For Software Engineer Contractor jobs in Tempe, AZ, the most frequently searched job titles are:

What job categories do people searching Software Engineer Contractor jobs in Tempe, AZ look for?

The top searched job categories for Software Engineer Contractor jobs in Tempe, AZ are:

What cities near Tempe, AZ are hiring for Software Engineer Contractor jobs?

Cities near Tempe, AZ with the most Software Engineer Contractor job openings:

Infographic showing various Software Engineer Contractor job openings in Tempe, AZ as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 87% Full Time, 9% Part Time, and 4% Contract. Highlights an 85% Physical, 4% Hybrid, and 11% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $141,294 per year, or $67.9 per hour.

Associate Real Time Software Engineer, Phantom Works

Boeing

Mesa, AZ • On-site

Full-time

Medical, Life, Retirement

Re-posted 27 days ago


Boeing rating

8.5

Company rating: 8.5 out of 10

Based on 616 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

33rd of 545 rated manufacturers


Job description

Associate Real Time Software Engineer, Phantom Works

Company:

The Boeing Company

The Boeing Company is looking for several Associate Real Time Software Engineers for a Phantom Works program located in Hazelwood, MO, Cambridge, MA or Mesa, AZ. This position will focus on developing Vehicle Management System (VMS) software to support the Boeing Defense, Space & Security (BDS) business organization.

Boeing Phantom Works is the advanced research, rapid prototyping, and experimental division of Boeing Defense, Space & Security (BDS). Operating with the agility of a startup but the rigor of a prime aerospace contractor, it takes low-level technology concepts and develops them into functional prototypes for modern warfare and aerospace.

Within Phantom Works, the Vehicle Management System (VMS) serves as the central brain and critical nervous system for these advanced aerospace platforms. VMS provides flight and subsystem control for the platform.

Join Us. Find your Future with Us.

Position Responsibilities:

  • Develops, documents and maintains architectures, requirements, algorithms, interfaces and designs for software systems

  • Develops and maintains code and integrates software components into a fully functional software system

  • Develops and maintains software development plans, verification plans, test procedures and test environments, executes test procedures and documents test results to ensure software system requirements are met

  • Provides technical leadership for software projects

  • Supports generation and maintenance of software processes, tools and metrics

  • Serves as a subject matter expert for software domains, system-specific issues, processes and regulations

  • Tracks and evaluates software team to ensure product and process conformance to project plans and industry standards

  • Trains and mentors' others

  • Works under general direction

This position requires ability to obtain Special Program Access, for which the U.S. Government requires U.S. Citizenship only.

Basic Qualifications (Required Skills/Experience):

  • Bachelor's degree

  • Ability to obtain a U.S. Secret Security Clearance for which the US Government requires US Citizenship

  • 3+ years of experience with C/C++

  • 3+ years of experience with the software development lifecycle (SDLC)

  • 1+ years of experience designing and developing software for Real-Time or Non-Real-Time systems

  • 1+ years of experience in Safety or Flight Critical Software Development

Preferred Qualifications (Desired Skills/Experience):

  • Level 2 / Bachelor of Science degree from an accredited course of study in engineering, engineering technology (includes manufacturing engineering technology), chemistry, physics, mathematics, data science, or computer science and 2+ years of related work experience OR Bachelor's Degree and 6+ years of directly related work experience OR 10+ years of related, relevant experience

  • Active U.S. Secret Security Clearance

  • Real-time embedded software experience

  • Agile Software development

  • Familiarity with MIL-HDBK-516C, MIL-STD-882E, JSSSEH, DO-178C

  • Python experience

  • Experience with VX Works or other Real Time Operating Systems

  • Experience with fault tolerance, signal processing or control system design

  • Experience with tools such as Git

Drug Free Workplace:

Boeing is a Drug Free Workplace (DFW) where post offer applicants and employees are subject to testing for marijuana, cocaine, opioids, amphetamines, PCP, and alcohol when criteria is met as outlined in our policies.

Travel:

Less than 10%

Conflict of Interest:

Successful candidates for this job must satisfy the Company's Conflict of Interest (COI) assessment process.

CodeVue Coding Challenge:

To be considered for this position you will be required to complete a technical assessment as part of the selection process. Failure to complete the assessment will remove you from consideration.

Pay & Benefits:

At Boeing, we strive to deliver a Total Rewards package that will attract, engage and retain the top talent. Elements of the Total Rewards package include competitive base pay and variable compensation opportunities.

The Boeing Company also provides eligible employees with an opportunity to enroll in a variety of benefit programs, generally including health insurance, flexible spending accounts, health savings accounts, retirement savings plans, life and disability insurance programs, and a number of programs that provide for both paid and unpaid time away from work.

The specific programs and options available to any given employee may vary depending on eligibility factors such as geographic location, date of hire, and the applicability of collective bargaining agreements.

Pay is based upon candidate experience and qualifications, as well as market and business considerations.

Summary pay range for Associate Level: $99,450 - $143,750

Potential signing bonus for eligible/qualified external candidates.

Language Requirements:

Not Applicable

Education:

Bachelor's Degree or Equivalent

Relocation:

This position offers relocation based on candidate eligibility.

Export Control Requirement:

This position must meet U.S. export control compliance requirements. To meet U.S. export control compliance requirements, a "U.S. Person" as defined by 22 C.F.R. 120.62 is required. "U.S. Person" includes U.S. Citizen, U.S. National, lawful permanent resident, refugee, or asylee.

Safety Sensitive:

This is not a Safety Sensitive Position.

Security Clearance:

This position requires the ability to obtain a U.S. Security Clearance for which the U.S. Government requires U.S. Citizenship. An interim U.S. Secret Clearance Pre-Start and final U.S. Secret Clearance Post-Start is required.

Visa Sponsorship:

Employer will not sponsor applicants for employment visa status.

Contingent Upon Award Program

This position is not contingent upon program award

Shift:

Shift 1 (United States of America)

Stay safe from recruitment fraud! The only way to apply for a position at Boeing is via our Careers website. Learn how to protect yourself from recruitment fraud - Recruitment Fraud Warning

Boeing is an Equal Opportunity Employer. Employment decisions are made without regard to race, color, religion, national origin, gender, sexual orientation, gender identity, age, physical or mental disability, genetic factors, military/veteran status or other characteristics protected by law.

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About Boeing

Sourced by ZipRecruiter

At Boeing, we are all innovators on a mission to connect, protect, explore and inspire. From the sea bed to outer space, you'll learn and grow, contributing to work that shapes the world. Find your future with us.

Industry

Aviation and aerospace product and parts manufacturing

Company size

10,000+ Employees

Headquarters location

Chicago, IL, US