You'll find lots of great advice about job hunts on HN. It can be really hard when you're getting turned down and failing tech interviews. Try to stay positive.

I don't know your particular situation, but one thing to consider, find a job at a company you want to work for, even if it's not the position you want. It's sometimes easier to transfer from within.

I've never encountered a tech interview in any of my phone calls or on-sites.

I've tried applying for QA, but got turned down on my second interview with an engineer, because they thought I would be bored, since I already had some dev experience from a two month contract.

I've already sought advice. This included coffee with other HN users, and posting top threads. One is https://news.ycombinator.com/item?id=13726646

Without knowing the particulars about your situation. My best advice is to have a proven track record of being able to deliver code.

Easiest way is have OSS contributions.

A resume means nothing without some code to back it up

I do lack OSS contributions. I do have a Github (nothing too complex) with some solid code, and a few running websites. I do have great recommendations from working on a two month contract for a startup.