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Software Engineer Contractor Jobs in Washington, DC

M&J Engineering

Software Engineer

Rockville, MD

... and contractors. M&J Engineering is a leader in construction management and inspection, ITS ... M&J is seeking a Software Engineer. This role is essential to ensure the reliability, performance ...

M&J Engineering P.C.

Software Engineer

Rockville, MD · On-site

$100 - $125/hr

M&J is seeking a Software Engineer. This role is essential to ensure the reliability, performance ... Represent ELES at meetings with consultants, contractors, and stakeholders; review designs for ...

M&J Engineering

Software Engineer

Rockville, MD · On-site

... and contractors. M&J Engineering is a leader in construction management and inspection, ITS ... M&J is seeking a Software Engineer. This role is essential to ensure the reliability, performance ...

M&J Engineering

Software Engineer

Rockville, MD

... and contractors. M&J Engineering is a leader in construction management and inspection, ITS ... M&J is seeking a Software Engineer. This role is essential to ensure the reliability, performance ...

Pae

Software Engineer 1

Fort George G Meade, MD · On-site

Experience working collaboratively with a team of developers, Contractors, and the Government ... An additional 4 years of Software Engineering experience may be substituted for the degree for a ...

Amyx, Inc.

Software Engineer

Arlington, VA · On-site

Responsibilities * The software engineer will design, develop, enhance, debug, and implement ... Amyx is a VEVRAA federal contractor and we request priority referral of veterans. Physical Demands ...

Amyx, Inc.

Software Engineer

Arlington, VA

The software engineer will design, develop, enhance, debug, and implement software. * They will be ... Amyx is a VEVRAA federal contractor and we request priority referral of veterans. Physical Demands ...

Cymertek Corporation

Software Engineer

Reston, VA · On-site

Cymertek Corporation is a growing small business and trusted federal contractor offering consulting services in information technology and cybersecurity. They are seeking a talented Software Engineer ...

Cymertek Corporation

Software Engineer

Chantilly, VA · On-site

$125 - $150/hr

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

Cymertek

Software Engineer

Reston, VA · On-site

Software Engineer LOCATION Reston, VA 20190 CLEARANCE TS/SCI Full Poly (Please note this position ... 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 Washington, DC

Software Engineer Contractor information

See Washington, DC salary details

$71.9K

$167.1K

$232.8K

How much do software engineer contractor jobs pay per year?

As of Sep 8, 2026, the average yearly pay for software engineer contractor in Washington, DC is $167,098.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $135,900.00 and $196,000.00 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 Washington, DC?

For Software Engineer Contractor jobs in Washington, DC, the most frequently searched job titles are:

What job categories do people searching Software Engineer Contractor jobs in Washington, DC look for?

The top searched job categories for Software Engineer Contractor jobs in Washington, DC are:

Software Engineer Contractor jobs near you
Infographic showing various Software Engineer Contractor job openings in Washington, DC as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 100% Full Time. Highlights an 100% In-person job distribution, with an average salary of $167,098 per year, or $80.3 per hour.

Software Engineer

Que Technology Group

Fort George G Meade, MD • On-site

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Re-posted 12 hours ago

Job description

Que Technology Group, Inc., is seeking a motivated Software Engineer to work with a team of developers to implement new capabilities in support of the current classification marking tool and the tool to be used to support M365 web-based applications.
Job responsibilities include, but are not limited to:
  • Full life cycle design, development, testing, and documentation of policy-driven software across multiple fabrics.
  • Focus will include the extension and customization of tools used for classification string validation and comparison for access control.
  • Experience in JavaScript is required.
  • Expected to have experience with requirements elicitation.
  • Be able to work collaboratively, within an existing team.
  • Will be expected to provide input throughout the software lifecycle.
Required Qualifications:
  • Bachelor's Degree or higher in computer engineering or in a field related to computer engineering or computer science disciplines.
  • An additional 4 years of Software Engineering experience may be substituted for the degree for a total of 7 years.
  • 3 years of software engineering experience.
  • Possess working knowledge of JavaScript/DOM, Typescript, Node.js/npm,
  • Experience in AWS (ability to navigate AWS dashboards & services)
  • Hands on experience utilizing Docker (command line) and converting applications to Docker images
  • Experience utilizing Git (command line), GitLab CI and GitLab pipelines
  • Familiar with Jest, and Cypress
  • Working knowledge of JIRA and Gitlab
  • Experience developing functional and unit tests
  • Experience performing code reviews
  • Ability to work directly with customers
  • Troubleshooting skills
  • Ability to adhere to coding standards and follow team policies

Preferred Qualifications:
  • Gather, analyze, and capture customer requirements
  • Adhere to development processes the team has established
  • Assist in the development of requirements for new features and fix defects
  • Create and expand unit tests
  • Knowledge of Microsoft Office JavaScript API
  • Track and respond to user issues/questions
  • Triage user issues
  • Test new software releases and merge requests
  • Experience working collaboratively with a team of developers, Contractors, and the Government
  • Contribute content for the development of high level documentation and guides
  • Strong, Time Management skills
Security Clearance:
  • TS/SCI clearance with polygraph
BENEFITS:
  • Competitive salary
  • Company Medical/Dental/Vision plans - Company paid
  • Short-term Disability, Long-term disability and Life Insurance - Company paid
  • Business/ First Class travel upgrade for 7 hour or longer flights & company card will be provided for expenses
  • Vacation / Personal days granted at 25 days per year
  • Paid Federal Holidays - 11 days
  • $5,000 Annual Professional Development Fund plus 40 paid hours if in class
  • 401K with 6% company match; all contributions are immediately vested by Employee
  • Employee will be paid a bonus of $10,000 per employee hired based on their referral
  • Up to 3 paid Code Red days due to customer closure

Que Technology Group, Inc., is an equal opportunity employer, and all qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, pregnancy, age, national origin, disability status, genetic information, protected veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by law.
www.qtg-hq.com

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