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Applied Computing Jobs in Tucson, AZ (NOW HIRING)

The manager drives applied AI strategy, identifies high-impact opportunities for AI tool adoption ... computing infrastructure, including cloud-based AI services (e.g., AWS Bedrock). * Ensures ...

Jr. DSP Engineer

Tucson, AZ · On-site

$89K - $109K/yr

Degree (Bachelor's, Master's, or PhD) in Electrical Engineering, Applied Mathematics, or other ... and Cloud computing Experience (Gitlab, CI/CD, CVE mitigations, Docker, Kubernetes, PІР)

Sr. DSP Engineer

Tucson, AZ · On-site

$190K - $305K/yr

Degree (Bachelor's, Master's, or PhD) in Electrical Engineering, Applied Mathematics, or other ... and Cloud computing Experience (Gitlab, CI/CD, CVE mitigations, Docker, Kubernetes, PIP)

Applied Computing information

See Tucson, AZ salary details

$19.9K

$103K

$171.4K

How much do applied computing jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 10, 2026, the average yearly pay for applied computing in Tucson, AZ is $103,032.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $81,000.00 and $132,600.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What can you do with an applied computing degree?

An applied computing degree prepares individuals for roles such as software developer, systems analyst, data analyst, or IT specialist. Graduates can work in software development, network administration, cybersecurity, or data management, often using programming languages, databases, and technical tools. The degree provides practical skills for technology-focused careers across various industries.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive in an applied computing position, and why are they important?

To thrive in Applied Computing, you need strong analytical abilities, problem-solving skills, and a solid background in computer science or related disciplines, often supported by a relevant bachelor's or master's degree. Familiarity with programming languages, databases, cloud platforms, and certifications like CompTIA, AWS, or Microsoft Azure is highly beneficial. Strong teamwork, effective communication, and project management skills help you excel in multi-disciplinary settings. These qualities enable professionals to design and implement effective technical solutions to complex, real-world problems across industries.

What types of projects or challenges might I encounter in an applied computing role?

In an Applied Computing position, you may work on diverse projects such as developing custom software applications, optimizing business processes with automation, analyzing data for actionable insights, or integrating new technology solutions within existing systems. Challenges often include translating organizational needs into technical requirements, staying current with rapidly evolving technologies, and collaborating closely with stakeholders across departments. You’ll typically collaborate with IT teams, subject matter experts, and sometimes clients to ensure solutions are practical and user-centered. These varied responsibilities keep the role dynamic and provide continual opportunities to expand your technical and professional expertise.

What do you do in applied computing?

Applied computing involves using computer science principles to solve real-world problems through software development, data analysis, and system implementation. Professionals in this field often work with programming languages, algorithms, and hardware to create practical solutions across various industries.

What is an applied computing job?

An Applied Computing job involves using computing principles and technologies to solve real-world problems in various industries. Professionals in this field apply software development, data analysis, cybersecurity, and IT management skills to improve business operations and decision-making. These roles can be found in sectors like healthcare, finance, manufacturing, and government, where technology is integrated to optimize processes and drive innovation.

What are popular job titles related to Applied Computing jobs in Tucson, AZ? For Applied Computing jobs in Tucson, AZ, the most frequently searched job titles are:
What job categories do people searching Applied Computing jobs in Tucson, AZ look for? The top searched job categories for Applied Computing jobs in Tucson, AZ are:
What cities near Tucson, AZ are hiring for Applied Computing jobs? Cities near Tucson, AZ with the most Applied Computing job openings:
Infographic showing various Applied Computing job openings in Tucson, AZ as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 50% Full Time, and 50% Contract. Highlights an 100% In-person job distribution, with an average salary of $103,032 per year, or $49.5 per hour.

Contractor

Re-posted 20 days ago


Job description

Job Title: AI MANAGER
Location: Tucson, AZ
Duration: 12+ Months
Visa: USC, GC, H1B and EAD
Contract Type: W2
This position manages a team of five AI professionals responsible for designing, developing, and deploying AI-powered tools, applications, and capabilities that advance the University's academic, research, and administrative priorities. The manager drives applied AI strategy, identifies high-impact opportunities for AI tool adoption across campus, and ensures delivered solutions are scalable, responsible, and aligned with institutional AI governance standards. The position serves as a key bridge between emerging AI technologies and the practical needs of faculty, staff, students, and campus partners, championing innovation while maintaining rigorous standards for responsible AI implementation.
Job Duties:
AI Tool Development & Application Delivery:
  • Leads the design, development, and deployment of AI-powered tools, applications, and workflows for campus use, with a focus on practical, high-impact solutions that advance University research, teaching, and operational objectives.
  • Manages the full application development lifecycle from requirements gathering and prototyping through testing, deployment, and iteration.
  • Ensures developed tools meet institutional standards for responsible AI, data privacy, accessibility, and security.
  • Directs team members in applying AI/ML techniques, LLM integrations, API development, and software engineering best practices to deliver reliable, scalable campus solutions

Team Leadership & Professional Development:
  • Plans, directs, and evaluates the day-to-day work of a team of five AI professionals, including AI/ML engineers, developers, and applied researchers.
  • Establishes clear performance expectations, provides ongoing coaching and feedback, and conducts formal performance evaluations.
  • Identifies and supports individual development opportunities to build technical depth and innovation capacity across the team.
  • Fosters a collaborative, mission-driven team environment aligned with ORAI's responsible AI values and the University's commitment to inclusive excellence.

Campus AI Innovation & Stakeholder Engagement:
  • Identifies, prioritizes, and advances opportunities to deploy AI tools and capabilities that meet the evolving needs of campus faculty, staff, students, and administrative units.
  • Partners with colleges, departments, and research groups to understand requirements and co-develop applied AI solutions.
  • Communicates AI tool capabilities, limitations, and responsible use guidelines to various campus audiences.
  • Represents AI²S/ORAI in campus working groups, advisory bodies, and innovation initiatives related to applied AI adoption.
  • Research Software Engineering & Technical Infrastructure:
  • Applies research software engineering principles to ensure AI tools and applications are built on robust, maintainable, and interoperable technical foundations.
  • Oversees integration of AI capabilities with existing University platforms, APIs, and research computing infrastructure, including cloud-based AI services (e.g., AWS Bedrock).
  • Ensures documentation, version control, testing protocols, and deployment pipelines meet institutional and software engineering standards.
  • Collaborates with the Cyberinfrastructure & Systems team to align application development with underlying infrastructure capabilities.

AI Governance, Responsible AI Compliance & Reporting:
  • Ensures all AI tools and applications developed by the team adhere to the University's responsible AI framework, data governance policies, and applicable regulatory requirements.
  • Reviews and evaluates AI solutions for bias, fairness, transparency, and alignment with ethical AI principles.
  • Contributes to ORAI AI governance activities, policy development, and institutional reporting on applied AI initiatives.
  • Maintains awareness of emerging AI technologies, regulatory developments, and peer institution practices to inform continuous improvement of the team's approach.

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities:
  • Practical knowledge of AI/ML concepts, techniques, and application development, including large language models (LLMs), generative AI, predictive modeling, and data analysis.
  • Knowledge and understanding of research software engineering principles, software development lifecycles, and technical documentation standards.
  • Knowledge of responsible AI frameworks, data privacy regulations (e.g., FERPA, HIPAA applicability), and institutional AI governance practices.
  • Knowledge and understanding of cloud AI platforms, API ecosystems, and integration patterns for enterprise AI tool deployment.
  • Knowledge and understanding of responsible AI principles, data privacy regulations, and AI governance frameworks.
  • Strong applied AI and software development skills, with demonstrated ability to move from concept to working application.
  • Effective team leadership and people management skills, including performance coaching, goal-setting, and staff development.
  • Ability to provide clear and accessible communication skills, including the ability to explain AI capabilities and limitations to non-technical campus stakeholders.
  • Project management and prioritization skills, with the ability to manage multiple concurrent initiatives in a dynamic environment.
  • Proficiency in AI/ML frameworks and tools (e.g., Python, LangChain, OpenAI/Anthropic APIs, Hugging Face, or equivalent) and software development practices including version control, CI/CD, and API development.
  • Ability to identify high-impact opportunities for AI tool adoption and translate campus needs into practical, responsible AI solutions.
  • Ability to build collaborative relationships across varioius university stakeholders, including faculty, staff, administrators, and technical teams.
  • Ability to stay current with rapidly evolving AI technologies and evaluate their applicability and responsible use in a university context.
  • Ability to cultivate an innovative, and mission-aligned team culture consistent with ORAI's responsible AI values.

Preferred Qualifications:
  • Experience designing, developing, and deploying AI/ML-powered tools or applications in an applied or enterprise environment.
  • Experience managing or leading a technical team, including setting priorities, evaluating performance, and supporting professional development.
  • Experience working with cloud-based AI platforms (e.g., AWS Bedrock, Azure OpenAI, or equivalent) preferred.
  • Experience in a higher education, research, or public sector environment preferred.
  • Master's degree in Computer Science, Artificial Intelligence, Data Science, Information Science, or a related field preferred