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Contract software engineer skills for your resume and career

Updated January 8, 2025

6 min read

Quoted experts

Dr. Brock LaMeres Ph.D.,

Sal Aurigemma Ph.D.

Contract software engineer example skills

Below we've compiled a list of the most critical contract software engineer skills. We ranked the top skills for contract software engineers based on the percentage of resumes they appeared on. For example, 8.2% of contract software engineer resumes contained java as a skill. Continue reading to find out what skills a contract software engineer needs to be successful in the workplace.

15 contract software engineer skills for your resume and career

1. Java

Java is a widely-known programming language that was invented in 1995 and is owned by Oracle. It is a server-side language that was created to let app developers "write once, run anywhere". It is easy and simple to learn and use and is powerful, fast, and secure. This object-oriented programming language lets the code be reused that automatically lowers the development cost. Java is specially used for android apps, web and application servers, games, database connections, etc. This programming language is closely related to C++ making it easier for the users to switch between the two.

Here's how contract software engineers use java:

Worked on final implementation of hospital patient management system using Java technologies including Spring MVC and Hibernate.
Worked on migration of desktop application to Java and incorporating Enterprise Technology into the system.

2. Software Development

Software development is the mechanism by which programmers create computer programs. The Software Development Life Cycle (SDLC) is a framework for developing applications that follow technological needs and consumer requirements. It consists of many stages. The SDLC establishes an international standard that software developers can use to enhance and create their programs. It provides a well-defined framework for software developers to pursue in the production, maintenance, and design of premium quality software. The aim of the software development process is to create high-quality software on time and within budget.

Here's how contract software engineers use software development:

Promoted technology insertion by coordinating vendor presentations to software development community regarding safety-critical and secure software.
Mentored team of mainframe developers in software development using Microsoft Visual Basic and object-oriented design.

3. Database

A database is a collection of data and information which makes it easy to view, access, and manage. Databases save a lot of time and can store huge amounts of data. Databases make sorting data easier and stores it in certain fields which narrows the searching criteria. A database usually contains tables, graphs, and columns to display data.

Here's how contract software engineers use database:

Participated in user GUI development and enhancement, along with associated communication and database components.
Perform optimization of existing database and code review stored procedures and index plans including backups.

4. JavaScript

Here's how contract software engineers use javascript:

Enhanced connectivity between existing products Skills Used: Microsoft Visual Studio 2005 (C++), Microsoft SQL Server 2003, JavaScript
Work with Software Engineers to structure and optimize JavaScript code.

5. Http

Hypertext Transfer Protocol (HTTP) is an application-layer protocol for transmitting hypermedia documents, such as HTML. It follows the classic client server model, and it is a stateless protocol. It was created for transmission between web servers and web browsers; however it can also be used for other purposes.

Here's how contract software engineers use http:

Work included custom http communication handlers synchronizing multiple web servers.
Implemented an HTTP Filter to serve as a bridge between the JCIFS Filter and Callidus a BI sales/commission reporting online application.

6. API

Here's how contract software engineers use api:

Considered several 3D API's namely DirectX, OpenGL and WPF and opted to use.NET 3.5 and WPF in C#.
Work is being performed in the audio Linux device driver API firmware area using C language.

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7. Python

Python is a widely-known programming language. It is an object-oriented and all-purpose, coding language that can be used for software development as well as web development.

Here's how contract software engineers use python:

Created a suite of python unit tests and manual UI tests for all the surveys and researcher tools
Created Python scripts for the parsing and organization of American Time Use Survey data for file storage.

8. C

Here's how contract software engineers use c:

Test software included a combination of C, TI Code Composer Studio GEL scripts, Windows batch scripts, FireSpy scripts.
Developed C and assembly language firmware for embedded 87C528 (87C51 family) microprocessor used for hand-held radio cryptography and security.

9. C++

C++ is a general-purpose programming language that is used to create high-performing applications. It was invented as an extension to the C language. C++ lets the programmer have a high level of domination over memory and system resources. C++ is an object-oriented language that helps you implement real-time issues based on different data functions

Here's how contract software engineers use c++:

Designed and developed User Interface screens in Visual c++ and Packages in Oracle required for the customers in Hospitality Suite application.
Designed and Developed screens in Visual c++ and Visual Studio and interacted with Oracle Database using Perl scripts.

10. Web Application

Here's how contract software engineers use web application:

Gathered requirements for Security of entire web application as well as connectivity between Atreus device and software system.
Support team development of company intranet Web Applications for online Physician Practice Management.

11. GIT

Here's how contract software engineers use git:

Limited exposure to GIT and other tools for source code debug.
Developed for Android 4.4 in Eclipse using Git as a VCS.

12. Linux

Linux is a Unix-like operating system. Just like Windows, Mac OS, and IOS, Linux is an operating system used by millions across the globe. Android itself is powered by the Linux operating system. Linux manages all the hardware resources that are associated with your computer. The software is famous because of the protection it grants from viruses, malware, and crashes. The Linux operating system is entirely free and is an open-source software meaning it can be altered by those equipped with the knowledge to code.

Here's how contract software engineers use linux:

Developed Linux based software drivers to performance optimize USB3 Flash operation.
Developed Linux daemon for environment status monitoring and system control.

13. HTML

Here's how contract software engineers use html:

Developed application contained several canned reports that were presented to the user as HTML and generated using XML and XSLT.
Developed HTML Web pages used in demonstration of throughput and validation of board's capabilities.

14. Spring Boot

Here's how contract software engineers use spring boot:

Developed projects using spring boot application.
Worked on Spring Cloud DataFlow using Spring Boot and Spring MVC and wrote a custom tail source plugin.

15. CSS

Here's how contract software engineers use css:

Added SASS and LESS functionality to css files.
Continue to provide additional modifications to the website utilizing Visual Basic .Net 2008, CSS, HTML4, and SQL Server 2008

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What skills help Contract Software Engineers find jobs?

Tell us what job you are looking for, we’ll show you what skills employers want.

What skills stand out on contract software engineer resumes?

Dr. Brock LaMeres Ph.D.

Professor, Electrical & Computer Engineering, Director, Montana Engineering Education Research Center (MEERC), Montana State University

All companies are looking for some experience beyond the classrooms. This can be through internships or doing research at their universities. But students still need to show an acceptable GPA to show employers that they understand the fundamentals of their discipline.

What soft skills should all contract software engineers possess?

Sal Aurigemma Ph.D.

Associate Professor of CIS, J. Bradley Oxley Professor of Computer Information Systems, University of Tulsa

All the soft skills are important, but a few are absolutely critical in today's hybrid workforce. With the uncertainty of COVID delaying the return to the office, many companies are embracing hybrid work and/or 100% remote for some or all of their employees. Today's employees must be able to effectively communicate over a range of different modalities, both synchronously and asynchronously, while still being able to actively build and maintain relationships as they participate in one or more teams of coworkers, customers, and other stakeholders. Today's IT workers need to be honest with themselves on the work environments they can and cannot succeed within.

What hard/technical skills are most important for contract software engineers?

Sal Aurigemma Ph.D.

Associate Professor of CIS, J. Bradley Oxley Professor of Computer Information Systems, University of Tulsa

Students graduating with Information Systems and related degrees usually have little problem finding employment upon graduation. However, the pandemic upended that paradigm for some. For those who recently graduated and are still looking for employment, keep the faith and develop your technical skills. Developers should show prospective employers that they are familiar with agile programming methodologies and modern DevOps stacks and processes. Data analysts should be focused on presenting their ability to work with structured and unstructured data, effectively query data using SQL & NoSQL, and, most importantly, provide actionable insight by making data accessible and relatable to decision-makers at all levels of an organization. Those interested in cloud architecture and cyber security careers have to keep current on their skills and certifications. Cloud engineers need to stay aware of the constant changes happening at the major providers (AWS, Azure, GCP) and, as with all other IT fields, provide tangible evidence of your skills via real projects that you have worked on. Prospective cyber security analysts should first focus on identifying their first specialization because there are too many security roles to learn them all at once, especially as beginners. Two popular entry-level cyber security jobs include information security consultant and Security Operations Center (SOC). Both of these roles require a sound foundation in networking fundamentals, vulnerability identification and mitigation, and an understanding of organizationally relevant security and privacy frameworks and regulations.

What contract software engineer skills would you recommend for someone trying to advance their career?

Dr. Tao Ju

Vice Dean for Research & Professor, Washington University in St. Louis

Graduates should research their targeted industries, companies and positions to identify which skills are in highest demand. Every job description has required qualifications and a desired qualifications section. The focus should be on trying to develop those desired qualifications. This could include learning a new programming language or working towards a certification (EIT, LEED, Six Sigma, etc.). Having said that, the specific skills themselves are less important than demonstrating the drive, passion and curiosity to continue developing. Do something. Take a course, volunteer, take on a short-term project, or teach yourself new software. The more graduates have developed their technical and transferable skills (leadership, communication, teamwork, adaptability, problem solving, etc.), the more competitive they will be as they enter the job market, and the quicker they will make a difference in an organization.

What type of skills will young contract software engineers need?

Dr. Ted Junseok Song

Associate Professor of Engineering, John Brown University

As it always has been, the ability to communicate with others would be a critical skill for college graduates. Additionally, it will be more necessary for professionals to work cross-culturally, as the U.S. is becoming more diverse.

What technical skills for a contract software engineer stand out to employers?

Bob Sweeney Ph.D.

Associate Professor, University of South Alabama

Strong database skills including big data and SQL are always valued by local employers hiring our IS majors. While not technical, written and verbal communications skills are always important.

Do you want to know more?

List of contract software engineer skills to add to your resume

The most important skills for a contract software engineer resume and required skills for a contract software engineer to have include:

Java
Software Development
Database
JavaScript
Http
API
Python
C
C++
Web Application
GIT
Linux
HTML
Spring Boot
CSS
Scrum

UI
JQuery
Software Design
Web Services
SQL Server
XML
PL/SQL
User Interface
Debugging
Development Environment
MVC
Windows XP
JSON
Management System
Object Oriented Programming
MATLAB

Jira
GUI
Embedded Systems
PHP
Unix
Spring Framework
Oracle Sql
USB
Android
ASP
Perl
Jenkins
Microservices
PC
Test Cases
I/O

Updated January 8, 2025

Zippia Team

Editorial Staff

The Zippia Research Team has spent countless hours reviewing resumes, job postings, and government data to determine what goes into getting a job in each phase of life. Professional writers and data scientists comprise the Zippia Research Team.

Updated January 8, 2025

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