Temporary Software Developer Jobs in Washington (NOW HIRING)

Job Title: Software Developer

Job Description

This Software/Product Developer role focuses on designing, developing, and maintaining satellite command and control software for real-time, 24/7 operations. The position combines hands-on software development with project engineering support, working on both long-standing, stable satellite programs and newer, cutting-edge systems. The developer collaborates closely with internal and external users to enhance a commercial off-the-shelf (COTS) product and ensure reliable, mission-critical performance.

Responsibilities

• Design, develop, and implement robust real-time software to support a 24/7 satellite command and control system.

• Maintain and enhance existing software products, including performing bug fixes and performance improvements.

• Analyze customer requirements to identify unmet needs and translate them into clear technical specifications.

• Design and develop enhancements to a COTS product based on evolving customer and operational requirements.

• Interface directly with users of the product to understand their needs, troubleshoot issues, and provide effective solutions.

• Support both internal and external users of satellite command and control systems, ensuring reliable operation and timely issue resolution.

• Participate in the software development lifecycle, including design, coding, testing, documentation, and deployment activities.

• Contribute to project engineering support tasks, such as planning, estimating, and coordinating development activities.

• Collaborate with team members to implement multi-threaded or real-time application features in a Linux environment.

• Utilize configuration management tools to manage source code, track changes, and support release management processes.

Essential Skills

• 2–7 years of professional software development experience.

• Strong experience coding in C++ and Java.

• Hands-on experience developing multi-threaded or real-time applications.

• Experience developing software in a Linux environment.

• Knowledge of at least one software development lifecycle model.

• Ability to analyze customer requirements and translate them into technical solutions.

• Capability to support and troubleshoot complex software systems in a production environment.

• Eligible to pursue US Security Clearance.

Additional Skills & Qualifications

• Experience working with SQL databases.

• Experience coding Windows services.

• Experience with configuration management systems such as Git or Subversion.

• Experience with COBRA or REST-based inter-process communication.

• Experience with development management or release management of a product.

• Experience with satellite command and control systems is a major plus, but not required.

Work Environment

This role follows a hybrid work model, with two days per week onsite in Lanham, Maryland, with a planned move to College Park. The position supports mission-critical satellite command and control systems that operate 24/7, offering the opportunity to work on both long-standing, stable satellite programs and newer satellite initiatives. The technical environment includes Linux-based development, multi-threaded and real-time applications, and the use of tools such as Git or Subversion for configuration management. The work setting emphasizes collaboration, reliability, and long-term system stability, providing exposure to complex, high-availability software systems.

Job Type & Location

This is a Contract to Hire position based out of Lanham, MD.

Pay and Benefits

The pay range for this position is $115000.00 - $150000.00/hr.

Eligibility requirements apply to some benefits and may depend on your job classification and length of employment. Benefits are subject to change and may be subject to specific elections, plan, or program terms. If eligible, the benefits available for this temporary role may include the following: • Medical, dental & vision • Critical Illness, Accident, and Hospital • 401(k) Retirement Plan – Pre-tax and Roth post-tax contributions available • Life Insurance (Voluntary Life & AD&D for the employee and dependents) • Short and long-term disability • Health Spending Account (HSA) • Transportation benefits • Employee Assistance Program • Time Off/Leave (PTO, Vacation or Sick Leave)

Workplace Type

This is a hybrid position in Lanham,MD.

Application Deadline

This position is anticipated to close on Jun 5, 2026.

About Actalent

Actalent is a global leader in engineering and sciences services and talent solutions. We help visionary companies advance their engineering and science initiatives through access to specialized experts who drive scale, innovation and speed to market. With a network of almost 30,000 consultants and more than 4,500 clients across the U.S., Canada, Asia and Europe, Actalent serves many of the Fortune 500.

The company is an equal opportunity employer and will consider all applications without regard to race, sex, age, color, religion, national origin, veteran status, disability, sexual orientation, gender identity, genetic information or any characteristic protected by law.

If you would like to request a reasonable accommodation, such as the modification or adjustment of the job application process or interviewing process due to a disability, please email actalentaccommodation@actalentservices.com for other accommodation options.

San Francisco Fair Chance Ordinance: Pursuant to the San Francisco Fair Chance Ordinance, for all positions located in the city and county of San Francisco, we will consider for employment qualified applicants with arrest and conviction records.

Massachusetts Lie Detector: It is unlawful in Massachusetts to require or administer a lie detector test as a condition of employment or continued employment. An employer who violates this law shall be subject to criminal penalties and civil liability.

Use of Artificial Intelligence (AI): We may use Artificial Intelligence (AI) to support parts of our hiring process, including sourcing, screening, and evaluating candidates. AI helps assess applications and qualifications, but final decisions are made by our hiring team. By applying, you acknowledge and agree that your application may be reviewed using AI tools.