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Software Engineer Contractor Jobs in Washington, DC

OASYS

Cloud Software Engineer

Chantilly, VA · On-site

$160K - $200K/yr

Cloud Software Engineer OASYS, INC., a Leading-Edge Government contractor, is seeking applicants for a Cloud Software Engineer to support our customer in Chantilly, VA. We work with the SDA, end ...

Nava

Software Engineer

Washington, DC · On-site

We ask the right questions to help civil servants and other contractors work effectively on complex ... This is a great opportunity for engineers who enjoy software archaeology. If you care deeply about ...

OASYS, INC.

Cloud Software Engineer

Chantilly, VA · On-site

$160K - $200K/yr

Cloud Software Engineer OASYS, INC., a Leading-Edge Government contractor, is seeking applicants for a Cloud Software Engineer to support our customer in Chantilly, VA. We work with the SDA, end ...

OASYS, INC.

Cloud Software Engineer

Chantilly, VA · On-site

$160K - $200K/yr

Cloud Software Engineer OASYS, INC., a Leading-Edge Government contractor, is seeking applicants for a Cloud Software Engineer to support our customer in Chantilly, VA. We work with the SDA, end ...

Nava

Software Engineer

Washington, DC · On-site

We ask the right questions to help civil servants and other contractors work effectively on complex ... This is a great opportunity for engineers who enjoy software archaeology. If you care deeply about ...

SW Complete

Software Engineer

Columbia, MD · On-site

Work performed in contractor facility in Annapolis Junction. Clearance Required: TS/SCI Other ... The company leverages its expertise in data transport solutions, software and systems engineering ...

Vibrint

Software Engineer

Hanover, MD · On-site

$115K - $251K/yr

We're hiring Software Engineers ranging from entry-level through senior/principal-level ... These considerations include, but are not limited to, contracted rates, education, certification(s ...

Prodigy One, LLC

Software Engineer

Annapolis, MD · On-site

Prodigy One, LLC. is a systems and software engineering services firm providing more than 45 years ... Work performed in contractor facility in Annapolis Junction * Potential telework Preferred ...

Synergy ECP LLC

Software Engineer

Columbia, MD · On-site

Work performed in contractor facility in Annapolis Junction. Clearance Required: TS/SCI Other ... The company leverages its expertise in data transport solutions, software and systems engineering ...

Metron

Software Engineer

Laurel, MD · On-site

As a Software Engineer you will be responsible for developing, maintaining, and enhancing complex ... VEVRAA Federal Contractor

Intezra, Inc.

Software Engineer II

Columbia, MD · On-site

$160K - $190K/yr

Software Engineer -- Distributed Web Applications Cloud Columbia, MD | Full Time | TS/SCI with ... About Us Intezra Inc. is a small business prime contractor for all realms of cyber and AI/ML ...

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Showing results 21-40

All JobsSoftware Engineer Contractor JobsSoftware Engineer Contractor Jobs in Washington, DC

Software Engineer Contractor information

See Washington, DC salary details

$71.9K

$167.1K

$232.7K

How much do software engineer contractor jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 18, 2026, the average yearly pay for software engineer contractor in Washington, DC is $167,085.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $135,900.00 and $195,900.00 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 $167,085 per year, or $80.3 per hour.

Software Engineer IV

ICI Services Corporation

Washington, DC • On-site

Other

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Posted 25 days ago

Job description

Software Engineer IV - Position Description
We anticipate future opportunities for a Software Engineer IV who wants to grow with the Company and join our team in Washington, DC.
ICI Services is a 100% Employee-Owned small business with 26 plus years delivering superior products and responsive services aligned to customers' needs. Our employee-owners include acquisition analysts, financial analysts, engineers, configuration specialists, logisticians, technicians, IT professionals, and ship production specialists providing integral, quality support to multiple Navy organizations. We are headquartered in Virginia Beach, VA.
Security Clearance:
  • Applicants must be eligible to hold an active Department of Defense (DoD) SECRET personnel security clearance.

Position/Job Description:
General Tasking Description:
  • Design, develop and maintain computer software for naval applications.
  • Participate in design and code reviews, fix errors and bugs, optimize applications and designing and implementing algorithms.
  • Provide network architecture engineering support by reviewing, analyzing, model-based system engineering, and developing engineering documents for a network system, information system, and for system assessment and authorization (A&A).
  • Assess and develop a proposed System of Systems (SoS) Architecture Framework IAW guidelines for the ashore or afloat platform baseline.
  • Review and assess SoS design, identify software vulnerability, and risk management to ensure cybersecurity and UxV Mission requirements are satisfied.
  • Identify deficiencies and issues in software systems and recommend mitigation solutions.
  • Support software integration efforts within a multidisciplinary team of engineers

Experience Requirements:
  • 10+ years of experience in computer or software engineering on similar systems
  • Experience supporting complex IT systems within a naval environment
  • Experience with unmanned systems architecture
  • Experience with applying programming concepts in a professional or academic setting.
  • Experience with applying modern software development methodologies (e.g. agile, DEVOPS/DEVSECOPS) in professional or academic settings.
  • Experience in testing and debugging software components, including: testing resulting components, and analyzing runtime profiles to debug errors.
  • Experience in integrating software units and components to produce integrated software items consistent with the design.
  • Programming languages: familiarity in one or more programming languages, such as C, C++, Java, or Python.

Educational & Certification Requirements:
  • Bachelor of Science Degree in relevant fields, such as engineering or mathematics. Examples include but are not limited to Electrical Engineering, Computer Engineering, Computer Science, Information Technology, or Information Systems, Mechanical Engineering, or Marine Engineering.
  • Master's degree in a quantitative field preferred.
  • Preferred relevant certifications:
    • Agile Developer certification or Certified Scrum Developer certification
    • Professional Engineering License

EOE/M/F/ Disability/Vet
VEVRAA Federal Contractor
#CJ
Benefits
ICI Services provides a comprehensive, competitive benefits package.
Our benefits:
  • Employee Stock Ownership Plan
  • 401(k) Plan with Immediately Vesting Match
  • Paid Time Off
  • Paid Holidays
  • Health Insurance
  • Dental Insurance
  • Vision Plan
  • Flexible Spending Accounts (Healthcare, Dependent Care, Transportation, Parking)
  • Life Insurance and Accidental Death & Dismemberment (AD&D)
  • Long Term and Short Term Disability Insurance
  • Tuition Reimbursement
  • Employee Referral Bonus Program
  • Employee Performance Recognition & Awards (Spot Bonuses)
Company Overview
ICI Services is an Employee-Owned Business with a proud history of providing Engineering & Integration, Systems Acquisition, Information Warfare, and In-Service Sustainment to our government customers. These objectives have been achieved by facilitating strong customer satisfaction and continuous growth. ICI Services' engineers, analysts, logisticians, technicians and information technology specialists provide integral, quality support to multiple US Navy organizations and the Department of Homeland Security. We are headquartered in Virginia Beach, VA.
EOE/M/F/Disability/Vet
VEVRAA Federal Contractor

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