ZipRecruiter

Log In

1

Software Engineer Contractor Jobs in Washington, DC

2HB Incorporated

Software Engineer

Annapolis, MD · On-site

... Software Engineer in order to support its government customer in Annapolis Junction, MD. 2HB is ... in contractor facility in Annapolis Junction • Both low and high side access • Potential ...

Vibrint

Software Engineer

Hanover, MD · On-site

$115K - $251K/yr

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Life

  • Retirement

  • PTO

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 ...

Metron

Software Engineer

Reston, VA · On-site

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Retirement

  • PTO

Our Reston team is hiring a Software Engineer to help build and mature technically sophisticated ... VEVRAA Federal Contractor

Gromelski & Associates

Paas Software Engineer

Manassas, VA · On-site

$90K - $150K/yr

Paas Software Engineer Gromelski and Associates, Inc. (GAI) partners with prime contractors to provide professional services. Key service areas include Engineering Design and Documentation; Software ...

Metron, Inc

Software Engineer

Reston, VA · On-site

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Retirement

  • PTO

Our Reston team is hiring a Software Engineer to help build and mature technically sophisticated ... VEVRAA Federal Contractor

The Aerospace Corporation

Software Engineer

Chantilly, VA · On-site

  • Medical

  • Retirement

  • PTO

This role offers experienced software developers the opportunity to leverage their technical acumen ... Conduct rigorous software product and process assessments of contractor deliverables on behalf of ...

Vibrint

Software Engineer

Hanover, MD · On-site

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Life

  • Retirement

  • PTO

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 ...

Aerospace Corporation

Software Engineer

Chantilly, VA · On-site

  • Medical

  • Retirement

  • PTO

This role offers experienced software developers the opportunity to leverage their technical acumen ... Conduct rigorous software product and process assessments of contractor deliverables on behalf of ...

New

OASYS, INC.

Cloud Software Engineer

Chantilly, VA · On-site

$160K - $200K/yr

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Retirement

  • PTO

Cloud Software EngineerOASYS, 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 users ...

Barbaricum

Software Engineer

Springfield, VA · On-site

Barbaricum is a rapidly growing government contractor providing leading-edge support to federal customers, particularly in Defense and National Security. The Software Engineer will support an ...

Gromelski and Associates, Inc.

Be Seen First

Paas Software Engineer

Fairfax, VA · On-site

$90K - $150K/yr

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Life

  • Retirement

  • PTO

Paas Software Engineer Gromelski and Associates, Inc. (GAI) partners with prime contractors to provide professional services. Key service areas include Engineering Design and Documentation; Software ...

ICI Services

Software Engineer IV

Washington, DC · On-site

We anticipate future opportunities for a Software Engineer IV who wants to grow with the Company ... Professional Engineering License EOE/M/F/ Disability/Vet VEVRAA Federal Contractor #CJ Employment ...

ICI Services

Software Engineer III

Washington, DC · On-site

We anticipate future opportunities for a Software Engineer III who wants to grow with the Company ... Professional Engineering License EOE/M/F/ Disability/Vet VEVRAA Federal Contractor #CJ Employment ...

previous page

Showing results 41-60

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

2HB Incorporated

Annapolis, MD • On-site

Full-time

Re-posted 6 days ago

Job description

This is a full-time position, and requires a TS/SCI/Full Scope Polygraph Clearance.
2HB Incorporated is seeking a Software Engineer in order to support its government customer in Annapolis Junction, MD.
Job Description: 2HB is seeking a Software Engineer to join the software development team who will develop and sustain integrated, feature-rich capabilities that promote modernization of visualization and presentation tools. The software development team will provide application development and support to tools that allow mission analytic users to view existing data or contribute new information in a collaborative environment.
Required skills:
•Languages: Java, Python
•Testing: Unit, Integration
•Source Code Control (specifically Git)
•IDE (Intellij or Eclipse)
•Maven
•Frameworks: Spring Boot, Flask
Familiarity with multiple of the following:
•Analytical development: Machine Learning, Stream, Batch
•Virtualization Environments: Kubernetes, Containers (Docker, Containerd), Cloud (AWS/HCI)
•Streaming Frameworks: Kafka, Flink
•MongoDB, ArangoDB, Redis, PostgreSQL
Desired skills:
•ElasticSearch
Additional information:
•Work performed in contractor facility in Annapolis Junction
•Both low and high side access
•Potential telework
Required Education:
•Bachelor's degree in Computer Science or related discipline from an accredited college or university is required. Four (4) years of additional SWE experience on projects with similar software processes may be substituted for a bachelor's degree.
Individual Capabilities Required:
•Seven (7) years experience as a SWE, in programs and contracts of similar scope, type and complexity is required.
•Analyze user requirements to derive software design and performance requirements
•Debug existing software and correct defects
•Provide recommendations for improving documentation and software development process standards
•Design and code new software or modify existing software to add new features
•Integrate existing software into new or modified systems or operating environments
•Develop simple data queries for existing or proposed databases or data repositories
•Write or review software and system documentation
•Serve as team lead at the level appropriate to the software development process being used on any particular project
•Design or implement complex database or data repository interfaces/queries
•Develop or implement algorithms to meet or exceed system performance and functional standards
•Assist with developing and executing test procedures for software components
•Develop software solutions by analyzing system performance standards, confer with users or system engineers analyze systems flow, data usage and work processes; and investigate problem areas
•Modify existing software to correct errors, to adapt to new hardware, or to improve its performance
•Design, develop and modify software systems, using scientific analysis and mathematical models to predict andmeasure outcome and consequences of design
This is a full-time position, and requires a TS/SCI/Full Scope Polygraph Clearance.

Apply