March 3rd, 2025

Contract Engineers: The Underdogs of Tech

The debate over hiring in tech is never-ending. Some companies swear by offshore contractors, others insist on full-time employees, and a lot land somewhere in between. But somehow, contract engineers always seem to be treated like the underdogs. Why? And more importantly, how do we flip the script?

I’ve been a contract engineer for over four years, so yeah, I might be a little biased—but I’ve also seen both sides of the coin. Let’s talk about why contractors get a bad rap and how we can turn that into an advantage.

Why Contractors Get Underrated

Companies usually bring in contractors when they need results—fast. Imagine a startup in hyper-growth mode, scrambling to scale its product. The easiest fix? A squad of contract engineers. Here’s why businesses love us (but sometimes don’t respect us):

• We cost less. Offshore contractors, especially, mean lower salaries and reduced overhead.
• No long-term commitments. No 401(k), no equity, no benefits—just work for hire.
• We're seen as “code churners.” A lot of people assume contractors are just there to write code and leave, not integrate into the culture.

Because of all this, contractors can sometimes feel like outsiders, like we’re just temps in a full-time world. But honestly? That’s a huge opportunity.

Playing the Underdog Card

Being underestimated isn’t always a bad thing—if you know how to use it. Here’s how contract engineers can turn that “temporary hire” energy into a superpower:

1. Exceed Expectations (and Then Some)

Most people expect you to just complete your tasks and leave. That’s the bare minimum. But if you consistently go above and beyond—deliver cleaner code, suggest improvements, solve problems no one asked you to fix—you’ll stand out fast.

2. Take Initiative and Own Your Work

Instead of waiting for assignments, take charge. Propose ideas, lead discussions, and show you’re not just a contractor—you’re a problem-solver. When people see you taking ownership, they’ll start treating you as an essential part of the team, not just a temp.

3. Communicate Like a Pro

Since you’re not a full-time employee, you need to make your presence felt in other ways. Be clear, be proactive, and keep your team updated. If there’s an issue, flag it early with a solution. Good communication builds trust—fast.

The Endgame: Contracting as a Stepping Stone

Look, contracting can be great, but staying in that lane forever has its downsides—especially if you’re outside the U.S. Competitive job markets, work eligibility barriers, and a lack of long-term stability can make it tough to level up.

The best move? Use contracting as a way in. Get the experience, make connections, prove your worth, then transition into a full-time role that gives you the benefits and career growth you deserve.

At the end of the day, being a contractor isn’t a dead-end—it’s a strategic play. Just know when to make your next move.