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Software Engineer Contractor Jobs in Tustin, CA (NOW HIRING)

Apex Systems

Software Engineer

Costa Mesa, CA · On-site

Job#: 3042265 Software Engineer (Seeking a skilled hands-on Python Developer, with some familiarity ... and contracted partners. Frequency varies for text messages. Message and data rates may apply.

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All JobsSoftware Engineer Contractor JobsSoftware Engineer Contractor Jobs in Tustin, CA

Software Engineer Contractor information

See Tustin, CA salary details

$66.5K

$154.6K

$215.4K

How much do software engineer contractor jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 27, 2026, the average yearly pay for software engineer contractor in Tustin, CA is $154,604.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $125,800.00 and $181,300.00 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 job categories do people searching Software Engineer Contractor jobs in Tustin, CA look for?

The top searched job categories for Software Engineer Contractor jobs in Tustin, CA are:

What cities near Tustin, CA are hiring for Software Engineer Contractor jobs?

Cities near Tustin, CA with the most Software Engineer Contractor job openings:

Software Engineer Contractor jobs near you
Infographic showing various Software Engineer Contractor job openings in Tustin, CA as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 91% Full Time, 6% Part Time, and 3% Contract. Highlights an 85% Physical, 4% Hybrid, and 11% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $154,604 per year, or $74.3 per hour.

Senior Software Engineer Cloud Engineering (Contractor)

Aliso Viejo, CA

PlayStation Global
Manufacturing • 1 - 5K employees
Learn more about PlayStation Globalexternal

$130K - $172K/yr

Full-time

Posted 16 days ago

Job description

Senior Software Engineer Cloud Engineering (Contractor)

We are seeking a Senior Software Engineer to be part of a new engineering team supporting our Cloud Streaming platforms. This individual will partner closely with existing domain experts, develop deep expertise in complex distributed systems, and serve as the technical foundation for building a new high-performing team.

What You'll Do
  • Design and implementation of features in distributed back end systems
  • Ownership of the implementation and delivery of well-defined features from start to finish
  • Implementation of unit tests via testing frameworks
  • Define and craft integration tests with Test Engineering
  • Solve performance and reliability issues at a global scale
  • Triage and fix reported bugs
  • Communicate estimates, schedules, issues, and dependencies to technical or project lead
Requirements
  • BS in Computer Science (or equivalent experience)
  • 5+ years of relevant experience
  • In-depth experience in Java
  • Experience with AWS technologies and managed services
  • Knowledge of Kubernetes, Docker, Helm
  • Development experience with Linux
  • Intermediate knowledge of version control tools such as git, Github and GitLab
  • Familiarity with CI/CD pipelines, ArgoCD
  • Knowledge in NoSQL, Prometheus, Elasticsearch, and other CNCF technologies
  • Deep understanding of distributed systems, storage architectures (object/block), networking, and high-availability design
  • Understanding of concepts such as concurrency, parallelism, and event driven architecture
  • Knowledge of Web technologies including REST and gRPC
  • Strong communication and documentation skills
Nice to Have
  • Experience with Python or Rust a plus
  • Familiar with Agile development concepts
  • Experience with streaming platforms, cloud gaming, or large-scale distributed systems
  • Infrastructure-as-code experience (CDK, Terraform)
  • Familiarity with AI-assisted development tools and modern cloud-native practices

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