ZipRecruiter

Log In

1

Software Engineer Independent Contractor Jobs in Riverside, CA

Fieldai

Software Engineer, ROS Developer

Irvine, CA · On-site +1

$70K - $300K/yr

Strong software engineering skills, with proven experience building production-quality robotics ... Strong problem-solving skills and attention to detail, able to work independently while managing ...

Xos, Inc.

Vehicle Controls Software Engineer

Anaheim, CA · On-site

$85K - $105K/yr

The Vehicle Controls Software Engineer plays an integral role in both the design and testing phase ... Experience in fast-paced environments, with the ability to work independently and cross ...

The Trade Desk

Senior Software Engineer

Irvine, CA · On-site +1

$184K - $249K/yr

The Trade Desk is a global technology company and the world's leading independent platform for ... Senior Software Engineer Location: 400 Spectrum Center Drive, Suite 550, Irvine, CA 92618

Consumer Portfolio Services

Be Seen First

Systems Analyst / Software Engineer

Irvine, CA · On-site

$100K - $120K/yr

We are seeking a Systems Analyst / Software Engineer to become an integral part of our team! You ... Company Description Consumer Portfolio Services is an independent specialty finance company that ...

ConsumerDirect, Inc.

Software Developer II

Irvine, CA · On-site

$135K - $170K/yr

Software Engineer Team Lead Location : Onsite, Irvine, CA ***This position is full-time and in ... Ability to follow established designs while independently implementing solutions * Strong problem ...

ConsumerDirect, Inc.

Software Developer II

Irvine, CA · On-site

$135K - $170K/yr

Software Engineer Team Lead Location : Onsite, Irvine, CA ***This position is full-time and in ... Ability to follow established designs while independently implementing solutions * Strong problem ...

Cotality

Senior Software Engineer

Irvine, CA

$131K - $173K/yr

Brings ownership and accountability - independently drives high-quality, production-ready solutions ... progressive software engineering experience with a strong focus on enterprise application ...

next page

Showing results 1-20

All JobsSoftware Engineer Independent Contractor JobsSoftware Engineer Independent Contractor Jobs in Riverside, CA

Software Engineer Independent Contractor information

See Riverside, CA salary details

$66.2K

$153.9K

$214.4K

How much do software engineer independent contractor jobs pay per year?

As of Jun 9, 2026, the average yearly pay for software engineer independent contractor in Riverside, CA is $153,907.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $125,200.00 and $180,500.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive in the Software Engineer Independent Contractor position, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Software Engineer Independent Contractor, you need proficient coding abilities, problem-solving skills, and a solid understanding of software development methodologies, often supported by a degree in computer science or related experience. Familiarity with popular programming languages, project management tools, code repositories like Git, and relevant certifications such as AWS Certified Developer or Scrum Master are commonly expected. Excellent self-management, communication, and client relationship skills help you stand out in this position. These abilities are crucial for delivering high-quality solutions, maintaining professionalism, and ensuring client satisfaction while working independently.

What is a Software Engineer Independent Contractor job?

A Software Engineer Independent Contractor is a self-employed professional who provides software development services to clients on a contractual basis. Unlike full-time employees, independent contractors work on specific projects, often for multiple clients, and handle their own taxes, benefits, and work schedules. They may be responsible for designing, coding, testing, and maintaining software solutions based on client requirements. This role offers flexibility and autonomy but requires strong time management and business skills.

What are the typical challenges faced by Software Engineer Independent Contractors, and how can they be addressed?

As a Software Engineer Independent Contractor, common challenges include managing multiple projects simultaneously, adapting to different client expectations, and ensuring consistent communication across remote teams. Successful contractors often establish clear project scopes, set realistic timelines, and utilize productivity tools to stay organized. Building strong client relationships and proactively addressing feedback can help mitigate misunderstandings and foster repeat business. Additionally, investing in ongoing learning and networking can open opportunities for higher-value projects and career growth. Embracing flexibility and self-discipline is key to thriving in this dynamic, self-driven work environment.

What are the most commonly searched types of Software Engineer jobs in Riverside, CA? The most popular types of Software Engineer jobs in Riverside, CA are:
What are popular job titles related to Software Engineer Independent Contractor jobs in Riverside, CA? For Software Engineer Independent Contractor jobs in Riverside, CA, the most frequently searched job titles are:
What cities near Riverside, CA are hiring for Software Engineer Independent Contractor jobs? Cities near Riverside, CA with the most Software Engineer Independent Contractor job openings:
Software Engineer Independent Contractor jobs near you

Software Engineer, ROS Developer

Fieldai

Irvine, CA • On-site, Remote

$70K - $300K/yr

Other

This job post has expired today. Applications are no longer accepted.

Job description

Field AI is transforming how robots interact with the real world. We are building risk-aware, reliable, and field-ready AI systems that address the most complex challenges in robotics, unlocking the full potential of embodied intelligence. We go beyond typical data-driven approaches or pure transformer-based architectures, and are charting a new course, with already-globally-deployed solutions delivering real-world results and rapidly improving models through real-field applications.
As a ROS Developer, you will play a critical role in developing advanced robotic applications built on our autonomy API for diverse real-world industries, including oil & gas, construction, and mining. You will focus on designing, implementing, and optimizing perception, localization, and control modules using ROS/ROS2 to create production-grade software for autonomous systems operating in some of the world's harshest environments. This role is ideal for engineers passionate about sensor integration, robust system development, and deploying scalable autonomy solutions tailored to high-impact industrial applications.
What You Will Get To Do

  • Develop and maintain ROS/ROS2 packages for robotic autonomy, including navigation, mapping, and control.
  • Integrate and calibrate multi-modal sensors (LiDAR, thermal, RGB, GPS, IMU) for use in autonomous missions.
  • Help in building autonomy APIs that allow modular interfacing with SLAM, path planning, and mission logic.
  • Implement and optimize real-time data processing pipelines using C++ and Python.
  • Collaborate with perception engineers on integrating AI-driven insights for robotic decision-making.
  • Design and test autonomous behavior on physical platforms in real-world field scenarios.
  • Troubleshoot robotic systems at the hardware-software interface and develop diagnostics and recovery systems.
What You Have
  • Bachelor's degree in Computer Science, Electrical Engineering, Robotics, or a related technical field.
  • Strong software engineering skills, with proven experience building production-quality robotics applications.
  • Expertise in C++ and Python, writing clean, efficient, and maintainable code using modern best practices.
  • Hands-on experience developing with ROS/ROS2, including designing, building, and deploying custom nodes into complex robotic systems.
  • Solid understanding of localization, SLAM, sensor fusion, and navigation systems.
  • Familiarity with sensor integration (LiDAR, thermal, RGB, depth, GPS, IMU) and multi-modal data handling.
  • Practical experience with state estimation frameworks and real-time data processing pipelines.
  • Comfortable working with system-level topics like networking, inter-process communication (IPC), and middleware.
  • Strong problem-solving skills and attention to detail, able to work independently while managing multiple priorities.
  • Highly self-motivated, with excellent written and verbal communication skills and a strong collaborative mindset.
What Will Set You Apart
  • Experience deploying robotic software in production environments (construction, mining, oil & gas, or similar industries).
  • Familiarity with noisy sensor data and building robust, resilient algorithms.
  • Experience integrating robotic systems with web services, APIs, and cloud infrastructure.
  • Background in working with computationally constrained platforms and optimizing for real-time performance.

Compensation and Benefits
Our salary range is between ($70,000 - $300,000 annual), but we take into consideration an individual's background and experience in determining final salary; base pay offered may vary considerably depending on geographic location, job-related knowledge, skills, and experience. Also, while we enjoy being together on-site, we are open to exploring a hybrid or remote option.
Why Join Field AI?
We are solving one of the world's most complex challenges: deploying robots in unstructured, previously unknown environments. Our Field Foundational Models™ set a new standard in perception, planning, localization, and manipulation, ensuring our approach is explainable and safe for deployment.
You will have the opportunity to work with a world-class team that thrives on creativity, resilience, and bold thinking. With a decade-long track record of deploying solutions in the field, winning DARPA challenge segments, and bringing expertise from organizations like DeepMind, NASA JPL, Boston Dynamics, NVIDIA, Amazon, Tesla Autopilot, Cruise Self-Driving, Zoox, Toyota Research Institute, and SpaceX, we are set to achieve our ambitious goals.
Be Part of the Next Robotics Revolution
To tackle such ambitious challenges, we need a team as unique as our vision - innovators who go beyond conventional methods and are eager to tackle tough, uncharted questions. We're seeking individuals who challenge the status quo, dive into uncharted territory, and bring interdisciplinary expertise. Our team requires not only top AI talent but also exceptional software developers, engineers, product designers, field deployment experts, and communicators.
We are headquartered in always-sunny Irvine, Southern California and have US based and global teammates.
Join us, shape the future, and be part of a fun, close-knit team on an exciting journey!
We celebrate diversity and are committed to creating an inclusive environment for all employees. Candidates and employees are always evaluated based on merit, qualifications, and performance. We will never discriminate on the basis of race, color, gender, national origin, ethnicity, veteran status, disability status, age, sexual orientation, gender identity, marital status, mental or physical disability, or any other legally protected status.
We may use artificial intelligence (AI) tools to support parts of the hiring process, such as reviewing applications, analyzing resumes, or assessing responses. These tools assist our recruitment team but do not replace human judgment. Final hiring decisions are ultimately made by humans. If you would like more information about how your data is processed, please contact us.

Apply