Difference Between Contractors And Developers Jobs in Usa

Job Role: Lead Software Engineer - AI Application Platform

Location: Charlotte, NC (Onsite)

Eligibility: USC/GC/H4-EAD only

Pay Rate: $90/hr. on W2

The Opportunity

We are seeking a Lead Software Engineer to guide the architectural development and execution of AppGen, a sophisticated AI-powered application generation platform. This role suits a proven technical leader with deep, hands-on expertise across the full software stack who finds enabling a team to build better software deeply satisfying.

You will shape critical systems, mentor senior and junior developers through complex technical decisions, conduct rigorous code reviews across multiple technology domains, and directly influence the platform's trajectory through strategic engineering leadership.

This is for someone who:

• Engages thoughtfully when a junior developer asks targeted architectural questions—because you see an opportunity to shape how someone thinks about systems

• Takes time to explain subtle type-safety issues in code review, understanding that feedback is a teaching moment

• Can present architecture clearly to executives and confidently explain both what we're building and why it matters

• Finds more energy in the code your team ships than in the code you write individually

• Has proven depth across the full stack and a track record of developing engineers into stronger contributors

If that describes you, we'd like to talk.

Core Responsibilities

1. Technical Architecture & Systems Thinking (40%)

• Shape architectural decisions across the full stack: How should the component layer handle dynamically generated forms? What's the right approach to validate complex cross-field dependencies in the FormBuilder? What separation of concerns makes sense between the Generator Lambda and the Parent Backend?

• Guide architecture discussions: Help senior developers think through design trade-offs. Should we use NgRx or Angular signals for this feature? When does a new Lambda function become worthwhile given cold-start costs?

• Identify and address system-wide bottlenecks: Work across layers to improve performance. Explore Lambda cold-start optimization, RDS query efficiency, and DynamoDB access patterns.

• Establish patterns and guide consistency: Define coding conventions that work across Python, TypeScript, and Terraform. Help new team members understand the reasoning behind architectural choices.

What this looks like in practice: You're able to justify architectural decisions with technical reasoning. When someone questions an approach, you can explain the trade-offs you considered. You can write code in multiple languages to validate an approach if needed.

2. Code Review & Technical Guidance (30%)

• Full-stack PR reviews: Review Python FastAPI endpoints and Angular components with equal depth, understanding how they interact.

• Deep technical review: Catch issues thoughtful code review can surface:

o RxJS Observable lifecycle and potential memory patterns in Angular

o Query efficiency and data loading patterns in SQLAlchemy

o Terraform module organization and state management implications

o Type safety and TypeScript coverage gaps

o AWS security and IAM configurations

• Educational feedback: Your code reviews help the team learn. When you identify an issue, reviewees understand not just what changed, but how to think about similar problems in the future.

• Define quality expectations: Work with the team to establish what \"production-ready\" means for this platform and support consistent application of those standards.

What this requires: Experience reviewing code across teams and multiple languages. You know how to write feedback that resonates—clear, constructive, and focused on helping people improve.

3. Mentorship & Team Development (20%)

• Expand specialist capabilities: Help backend specialists learn to contribute to the forms-engine. Support frontend experts in understanding FastAPI patterns.

• Accelerate junior developers: Pair on complex problems. Explain the reasoning behind patterns like DataState. Connect architectural choices to implementation details and performance implications.

• Identify and address gaps: Recognize when someone is struggling with a technology and provide targeted support—training, pair programming, or guidance through architectural decisions.

• Create growth opportunities: Stretch the team into new areas. A backend engineer working on their first Terraform contribution. A frontend specialist implementing an AWS Lambda authorizer.

What this requires: Genuine investment in people's growth. You've walked developers through major transitions (generalist to specialist, specialist to full-stack, or into new technology areas). You understand that team strength grows when individuals expand their capabilities.

4. Stakeholder Communication & Technical Leadership (10%)

• Explain to diverse audiences: Translate architectural choices and trade-offs for product managers, executives, and business stakeholders. Connect \"optimizing DynamoDB queries\" to \"improving form submission latency by 30%.\"

• Shape technical direction: Contribute the engineering perspective on feasibility, risk, and what unlocks future capabilities.

• Support release confidence: You understand the code changes, comprehend the risks, and know what to monitor. You can stand behind releases.

Required Qualifications

Technical Skills

Frontend (Production Experience)

• 5+ years of Angular (including handling version migrations, optimizing change detection, and guiding teams through reactive patterns)

• Strong TypeScript skills with generics, discriminated unions, and strict mode

• RxJS depth: You understand hot vs. cold observables, unsubscription patterns, and can identify potential memory issues in reviews

• NgRx state management: You've designed stores at scale, optimized selectors, and evaluated architectural implications

• CSS Grid & Responsive Design: You can assess component hierarchy and layout decisions

• Material Design: You've worked within it and know when and how to extend it

Backend (Production Experience)

• 5+ years of Python (async/await, type hints, data modeling)

• FastAPI production experience: session management, dependency injection, middleware

• SQL and ORMs (SQLAlchemy): You write efficient queries and review them critically

• AWS services: Understanding of Lambda behavior, IAM least-privilege patterns, VPC networking

• REST API design: Versioning, error handling, idempotency

• Testing frameworks: pytest, testing st

Position: Salesforce Developer

Location: Hartford CT, USA (Hybrid)

Duration: Long Term Contract

Experience Required

• 6+ years relevant experience in working on various salesforce engagements as Salesforce Developer.
• Good exposure on Aura framework, Lightning Experience, Lightning app builder, Lightning component framework, LWC.
• Good exposure on core apex, triggers, flows, & hands-on experience in complex Integrations (REST/SOAP), etc.
• Experience in data migration using Import wizard, Apex Data Loader.
• Required 3-5 years of experience with Programming languages APEX, Core Java, Java Script.
• Experience in implementing Salesforce Agentforce in larger engagement.
• Collaborate and interact with stakeholders to establish-client business needs and develop the code.
• Experience in application development and integration using different design patterns
• Functional understanding of different cloud products like Sales, Service, Community, etc.
• Preferrable Preferred experience working with GitHub, RTC, automation tools.
• Preferred experience IVR Technologies like AYAYA, CISCO, Chatbot etc.
• PD1 Certification is must.

Overview

We are looking for a technically strong, business-minded developer to design, build, and maintain internal applications and automations that improve how our team’s work. This role supports business processes, data, and technology and plays a key role in modernizing workflows across the organization. This role is suited for a strong mid-level to senior developer who can work independently while collaborating closely with team members and stakeholders.

While Microsoft Power Apps and Power Automate are core tools today, this role goes beyond low-code development. The ideal candidate brings strong fundamentals in application design, data flow, and user experience, with the ability to build scalable, secure, and well-documented solutions that can grow with business.

Key Responsibilities

• Design, build, and maintain end-to-end internal business applications using Microsoft Power Apps and related technologies.
• Develop business logic and workflow automation using Power Automate, integrating with internal and external data sources including Dataverse, SharePoint, SQL databases, and third-party APIs.
• Partner with stakeholders and leadership across multiple departments to understand business processes, gather requirements, and translate needs into practical, scalable technical solutions.
• Design secure, role-based solutions with appropriate permissions, governance controls, and environmental strategies following Power Platform ALM best practices.
• Ensure applications are well-structured with clean data flow, clear separation of logic, and thoughtful handling of edge cases and exceptions.
• Monitor, enhance, and support existing applications and automations to improve reliability, performance, and user adoption over time.
• Produce clear and thorough documentation covering business requirements, technical design, data structures, workflows, and known constraints.
• Contribute to and follow established development standards, templates, and best practices to ensure solutions are consistent, maintainable, and easy for other developers to support or extend.
• Provide technical guidance and information sharing with the team and collaborate on problem-solving with less-experienced developers.

Technical Requirements (Must Have)

• Hands-on experience building and maintaining custom, end-to-end applications using Power Apps.
• Strong experience developing business logic and workflows using Power Automate.
• Experience integrating multiple data sources, including Dataverse, SharePoint, SQL databases, and external APIs.
• Ability to design secure, role-based solutions with an understanding of Power Platform governance, environments, and ALM practices.
• Strong understanding of user-centered design principles and how they influence application structure, usability, and adoption.
• Proven ability to design solutions with well-organized data flow and clear movement of information between systems.
• Strong written communication skills, with the ability to create detailed technical and functional documentation.

Preferred Skills

• Power BI development experience using existing datasets and data models.
• Strong working knowledge of DAX and Power Query (M language).
• Experience building reports or dashboards that support operational or financial decision-making.

Experience Requirements

• Bachelor’s degree in Computer Science, Information Systems, Engineering, or a related technical field
• 3-5 years of experience designing and delivering business applications or workflow automation solutions.
• Demonstrated experience delivering end-to-end solutions.
• Experience partnering directly with business stakeholders to translate operational needs into scalable technical solutions.

UI & Front-End Development Foundations

Even when working within low-code platforms, developers in this role are expected to understand core UI and front-end concepts, including:

• HTML, CSS, and JavaScript fundamentals
• Component-based design and reusable UI patterns
• Responsive design principles
• Basic state management concepts
• Accessibility and usability best practices

Our recruiting process is centralized and is handled by our HR Department. If we are sent unsolicited resumes from recruiters, we will not pay any recruiting fees. Unsolicited resumes are any resumes sent to us by a recruiter who has not been pre-approved by HR, has not signed our contract, and has not been requested by our HR Department to search for a specific position.

Senior Integrations Software Developer

Overview:

We are looking for a Senior Integrations Software Developer to lead the design and development of our enterprise-wide GraphQL API layer, which serves as the central integration platform connecting all enterprise systems and applications. This role goes beyond coding—you will partner with business stakeholders and technical teams to translate complex business requirements into clear, scalable integration solutions. You will also play a key role in shaping the API platform strategy, mentoring developers, and driving best practices across the organization.

Key Responsibilities:

• Lead the development and evolution of the enterprise GraphQL API layer, ensuring it meets performance, scalability, and security standards.
• Partner with business stakeholders and technical teams to understand integration needs and deliver straightforward, effective solutions.
• Define and enforce API design standards, governance, and best practices across teams.
• Guide and mentor mid-level and junior developers, fostering a culture of collaboration and technical excellence.
• Work with diverse databases, including MS SQL, PostgreSQL, Oracle DB, and others, ensuring efficient data access and transformation.
• Contribute to API platform engineering, improving developer experience and enabling other teams to integrate seamlessly.
• Participate in architectural discussions, influencing decisions on integration patterns and enterprise connectivity.
• Drive continuous improvement in CI/CD pipelines, containerization strategies, and deployment processes.

Required Skills & Qualifications:

• 5+ years of professional experience in software development, with at least 2 years in a senior or lead role.
• Expert proficiency in JavaScript/TypeScript and Node.js.
• Deep experience with GraphQL and REST API design and implementation.
• Strong understanding of API architecture, authentication, and authorization mechanisms.
• Hands-on experience with relational databases (MS SQL, PostgreSQL, Oracle DB).
• Proficiency with Docker for containerization and deployment.
• Familiarity with event driven architecture (SNS/SQS, Kafka)
• Knowledge of API gateway technologies and microservices architecture.
• Ability to communicate complex technical concepts to non-technical stakeholders clearly and effectively.
• Proven track record of delivering scalable integration solutions in enterprise environments.

Preferred Qualifications:

• Experience with enterprise systems integration (CPQ, ERP, PLM, CRM).
• Familiarity with CI/CD pipelines, DevOps practices, and cloud platforms (AWS, Azure, or GCP).
• Strong leadership and mentoring skills, with the ability to influence technical direction.

USG is an industry-leading manufacturer of building products and innovative solutions. For over 125 years, Chicago-based USG has developed award-winning wall, ceiling, flooring, sheathing, and roofing products that enable customers to build outstanding spaces where people live, work, and play. With over 8,700 employees across North America and operations around the world, we are steadfastly committed to our core values: safety, innovation, quality, integrity, service, diversity, and efficiency.

We’re big enough that our professionals have the resources to make a difference, yet small enough that you’re not just a number. You’ll work on key initiatives and build strong relationships across the company that will position USG for growth into the future.

USG offers work-life balance, specialist and general/managerial career paths, promotion from within, exceptional benefits, and incredible long-term career opportunities for the right professional. Each year, we have hundreds of employees who celebrate milestone anniversaries with us.

POSITION SUMMARY:

The Contractor Specialty Representative will work with an existing Gypsum team with a focus on promoting USG Joint Compound products. This position applies extensive product, technical, and installation expertise to promote USG Systems and establish strong relationships with gypsum contractors, installers, and dealers. In addition, providing installer training, project management, jobsite assistance and collaborate effectively with USG gypsum sales team, local market representatives, and key channel customers.

Ideal candidate resides in the Boston metropolitan area.

KEY ACCOUNTABILITIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

• Convert non-USG contractors by conducting job site visits and performing job site product demonstrations to communicate the benefits of USG products and services.
• Ensure successful product installation by providing field support for large, specialized jobs.
• Assist gypsum sales in conducting effective sales calls by performing hands-on training and demonstrations, soliciting feedback on USG products and services, and making technical or product recommendations that benefit customers and USG.
• Act as a consultant to the customer base by working with customers to address day-to-day challenges in inventory, distribution, projects specifications and other related areas; and approaches these issues from a consultative selling perspective, looking for ways that USG can develop stronger partnership with each.
• Provides feedback and follow-up on job site visits, training, and demonstrations by acting on customers requests, communicating pertinent information to other USG departments, and completing the appropriate administrative duties.
• Influences the quality of USG customer service by identifying gaps in sales representatives technical and product knowledge and recommending training.
• Improves sales and profits by assisting in the communication of new product information to the regions and providing feedback to product management.
• Assists the product management group in developing strategies by contributing relevant information on USG and competitors’ product usage and market trends and setting product and customer specific goals for the assigned region.
• Field lead person in product development or improvement, working closely with USG research formulator as needed.
• Based on product strategies, build contractors preference for key products (i.e. Joint Compound, Paper Faced Bead, and Drywall Grid while acknowledging opportunities for other products to promote within the USG portfolio.
• Coordinate and assist training and mock up’s for promotion of SE430 product.
• Increases the effectiveness and quality of USG products by working with manufacturing and R&D to understand product formulations gathers data from market on customers responses to the formulas and applications and communicates recommended adjustments to product management and research.
• Delivers effective product training / demonstrations by reviewing training needs, preparing training logistics and materials, soliciting and communicating feedback, and following up on additional training needs.
• Educates staff and customers on the proper use of USG products by displaying expert knowledge of USG products and best practices for applications.
• Ensures customers’ product satisfaction by providing support and resolving job site project issues.
• Improves customers satisfaction by frequently communicating with sales representatives regarding job sites, customers training sessions, issues, and resolution of issues
• Ensures accurate documentation of customer visits by entering all pertinent information into weekly call log report and job trial forms.
• Ensures the appropriate materials are on site for training (e.g., samples, literatures, demonstration products…)

KEY QUALIFICATIONS:

Education

• Bachelor’s degree preferred but not required. In lieu of degree, candidate should have equivalent field and industry experience

Travel Requirements

• Travel time up to and over 50% servicing respective market and within the assigned region
• A valid driver’s license is required.

Experience

• Minimum five (5) to ten (10) years construction industry or business-to-business sales experience.
• Experience with territory management preferred.
• Sales and demonstration/installation expertise, industry knowledge and sales aptitude or experience.
• Drywall application and finishing experience.
• Ability to speak Spanish fluently is preferred.

Required Skills

• Strong communication/interpersonal skills, including presentation, conflict resolution and relationship building.
• Self-motivated with a focus on working to and exceeding targets.
• Effective and independent time and scheduling management of activities.
• Ability to set and self-manage priorities to ensure maximizing levels of customer service.
• Customer focused with strong interpersonal skills to interact effectively with customers and USG associates.
• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills to determine cause of installation problems, evaluate implications and respond in an appropriate and timely manner.
• Demonstrated effective presentation and communication skills, both written and verbal.
• Self-starter with very strong organizational, time management, and problem-solving abilities.
• Computer proficiency required in MS Office (Excel, PowerPoint, , etc.).
• Physical requirements include the ability to work with airless texture sprayers and drive a pickup truck.
• Collaboration focused.
• Proven ability to actively listen, ask clarifying questions and summarize concerns or actions from customers or internal resources.
• Customer focused and proven ability to act with urgency.

*Midpoint may be adjusted based on candidate’s knowledge, skills, abilities and experience*

Rate of pay may be adjusted based on the qualifications and experience of the candidate.

USG employees enjoy a number of benefit options for themselves and their families. These include two medical insurance options, as well as vision and dental coverage. The cost of these optional programs varies based on coverage level - employees generally pay 25% of the monthly premium cost, USG pays the rest. These coverage options are offered on the first day of employment with no waiting period.

Additionally, USG employees enjoy both a 401(k) Investment Plan with company match and a pension plan. Beyond these main features, employees may also choose from a number of additional programs like life insurance, accident insurance, legal insurance, even pet insurance, just to name a few. USG also offers Quarterly (hourly) / Annual (salary) bonus potential for all employees based on performance metrics tied to safety, quality, and productivity. USG also provides employees with paid time off and paid holidays.

Since 1902, Chicago-based USG has been a leader in producing innovative, award-winning products and systems to build everything from major commercial developments and residential housing to home improvements. USG's employees are committed to the highest levels of customer satisfaction and quality in everything we do. Our steadfast commitment to the company's core business values – innovation, quality, integrity, service, diversity, efficiency and safety – have helped us become the company we are today.

EOE including disability/veteran

Phantom Brands

Phantom Brands is seeking an experienced Product Developer / Merchandiser to lead the development and execution of innovative home goods product lines. This role is ideal for someone who understands the full product lifecycle and has successfully brought products to market for both small boutiques and large national retailers.

• Develop and manage home goods product lines from concept through production
• Research trends, materials, pricing, and competitive landscapes
• Build and maintain product assortments tailored to different retail channels
• Collaborate with design, sourcing, and operations teams to bring products to life
• Work closely with manufacturers and vendors on specs, costing, and timelines
• Ensure products meet brand standards, quality expectations, and margin goals
• Support merchandising strategies, line reviews, and retailer presentations
• Manage multiple projects and timelines in a fast-paced environment

• Proven experience in product development and/or merchandising
• Home goods industry experience is required
• Experience developing products for both small retailers and large retail accounts
• Strong understanding of product lifecycle, costing, and production processes
• Excellent organizational, communication, and project management skills
• Strong eye for product, trends, and market positioning
• Ability to balance creative vision with commercial and operational realities
• Experience working with domestic and international manufacturers
• Familiarity with retail compliance, packaging requirements, and logistics
• Experience launching or expanding product lines

• Opportunity to shape and grow impactful home goods collections
• Collaborative, creative, and entrepreneurial team environment
• Hands-on involvement in product strategy and retail growth
• Work with both emerging and established retail partners

To apply:

Please submit your resume and any relevant product development or merchandising work. And/or send it to:

At Blue Marble, our mission is to create purposeful products that inspire a love of learning in children and empower parents to raise thoughtful, confident kids. If you envision working for an award-winning company with a mission you can believe in, a playful and energetic culture, a talented team of coworkers, and a bright future, look to Blue Marble!

We seek an experienced Senior Product Developer to join our amazing Blue Marble Product Development team in beautiful Ashland, Oregon. The Product Developer is primarily responsible for leading product development from concept through production, working with internal and overseas teams and licensors to deliver consumer-ready products.

This is a "hands-on" role where you work cross-functionally with our Creative, Industrial Design, Marketing, Sales, and Compliance teams. You'll also work with our overseas team and our Executive Management to ensure that every product represents our company's values and inspires our customers. The Product Developer captures the product vision, gathers legal and IP feedback, and ensures approval of concepts before moving forward with the product. They manage the product through the product development life cycle to generate all marketing materials and packaging for the product, product samples for testing and photography, product cost engineering and details for operations set-up and ultimately lead delivering the product to market.

Primary Responsibilities

• Must be able to lead toy products through the entire lifecycle from early concept to launch by working closely with the creative teams and other business stakeholders to execute product opportunities & develop product tech packs.
• Maintains Product Specifications, Bill of Materials and Tech Packs on all Products to ensure products are engineered to cost standards.
• Must be able to manage, track, & communicate progress across departments.
• Provide leadership and direction to overseas manufacturers to achieve product goals.
• Responsible for consistently executing high-quality products that meet testing guidelines, licensor standards, and company brand values.
• Must be able to manage development timelines for multiple products per our calendar.
• Negotiates cost to hit margin expectations. Confirms the final cost with overseas partners.
• Communicate throughout the organization as necessary by participating in meetings, presentations, one-on-one dialogue, etc.
• Perform product research and communicate to stakeholders in a clear and organized manner.
• Anticipate, identify & proactively resolve development issues.

Please Note: This is not a product design position.

Desired Qualifications

• 5+ years’ experience within a consumer products toy field in product development; sports/entertainment licensor or licensee (Toy Manufacturer).
• Extensive knowledge of toy categories, including manufacturing techniques, materials, and technologies
• Demonstrated ability to manage multiple complex projects simultaneously with superior attention to detail while managing the big picture with diverse groups.
• Team player who is also an independent thinker, self-motivated, self-starter, analytical thinker, and a creator.
• Strong organizational, communication, interpersonal, time management, and relationship-building skills.
• Ability to work in a global environment.
• Strong data management and project management skills required. The ability to find solutions and remove obstacles is required to understand the impact of decisions.
• Ability to communicate complex concepts, projected performance, and risks to team and senior management.
• Proven ability to negotiate and exert influence without authority.
• Creative flair both in generating ideas and execution.
• Good command of Microsoft Office Suite applications; Excel, Word, and PowerPoint
• Experience with PDM, PLM systems and Project Management (Stage Gate process) preferred.
• Occasional travel overseas, less than 10%.

What Does Success Look Like in This Role?

A successful Product Developer is a skilled communicator, organized leader, and creative problem-solver with a positive attitude and the ability to thrive in an ever-changing and fast-paced work environment. They possess STRONG project management and organizational skills.

Their experience allows them to avoid common manufacturing and compliance pitfalls, and they know how to keep their projects on track.

Workplace Arrangement

In-person collaboration is a key aspect of Blue Marble's work culture. This role is designated as a hybrid role, with four days a week expected at corporate headquarters in Ashland, Oregon. This arrangement allows for a balance between in-person collaboration and remote work flexibility.

Blue Marble is proud to offer a generous and comprehensive benefits package, including:

• 401(k) with company match
• Health insurance with multiple plans to choose from
• Health savings account
• Dental insurance
• Vision insurance
• Employee assistance program
• Flexible work schedule
• Paid time off
• Parental leave

Note: This job description is not intended to be all-inclusive. Employees may perform other related duties to meet the organization's needs. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform essential functions.

Blue Marble is an equal-opportunity employer. All applicants will be considered for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, veteran status, or disability status.