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Backend Engineer Jobs in Tucson, AZ (NOW HIRING)

We're hiring a Backend Software Engineer to support a highvisibility, datadriven application used across the organization for analytics and reporting. You'll help build and maintain core backend ...

Software Engineer

Tucson, AZ · On-site

$110K - $125K/yr

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Life

  • Retirement

  • PTO

Job brief Quest Diagnostics is looking for a Software Engineer to create well-designed, effective ... Create and write middle- and back-end code in an organized and effective manner. * Implement ...

As a Full Stack Engineer, you'll contribute across the entire software development lifecycle, from crafting intuitive user interfaces to building scalable backend services and integrating secure ...

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Backend Engineer information

See Tucson, AZ salary details

$57.2K

$139.6K

$188.2K

How much do backend engineer jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 19, 2026, the average yearly pay for backend engineer in Tucson, AZ is $139,611.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $117,200.00 and $162,600.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is a backend engineer?

Backend Engineers are software developers who focus on building and maintaining the server-side logic, databases, and APIs that power web and mobile applications. They ensure that the data requested by the frontend systems is delivered efficiently and securely. Their work involves writing code in languages like Python, Java, or Node.js, integrating with databases, and optimizing the overall performance of applications. Backend Engineers also play a crucial role in ensuring data integrity and implementing security best practices.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a backend engineer, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Backend Engineer, you need strong programming skills in languages like Java, Python, or Node.js, a solid understanding of algorithms, and experience with databases, typically supported by a degree in computer science or related field. Familiarity with tools such as RESTful APIs, cloud platforms (e.g., AWS, Azure), version control systems (like Git), and containerization technologies (Docker, Kubernetes) is common. Problem-solving ability, attention to detail, and effective communication are vital soft skills for this role. These skills and qualities are essential for building robust, scalable systems and collaborating efficiently within development teams.

What are some common challenges backend engineers face when integrating new technologies into existing systems?

Backend Engineers often encounter challenges when integrating new technologies, such as ensuring compatibility with legacy systems, maintaining data consistency, and minimizing service disruptions during deployment. They must carefully plan migrations, coordinate with frontend and DevOps teams, and implement thorough testing to avoid introducing bugs or security vulnerabilities. Effective communication and documentation are key to overcoming these challenges and ensuring a smooth transition.

What is the difference between Backend Engineer vs Software Developer?

AspectBackend EngineerSoftware Developer
Primary FocusDesigning, building, and maintaining server-side applications and databasesDeveloping software across various layers, including frontend and backend
Skills & CertificationsProficiency in server-side languages (e.g., Java, Python), databases, APIsProficiency in multiple programming languages, software design, and sometimes frontend skills
Work EnvironmentTypically in backend teams, working on server infrastructure and APIsCan work on full-stack or specific areas; broader scope
Industry UsageCommon in tech companies, startups, and enterprises focusing on backend systemsWidespread across all software development sectors

While both roles involve coding and software development, Backend Engineers specialize in server-side logic, databases, and APIs, whereas Software Developers may work on both frontend and backend components. The roles often overlap, but Backend Engineers focus more on the infrastructure that powers applications.

Are backend engineers still in demand?

Backend engineers are currently in high demand due to the ongoing need for server-side development, cloud computing, and scalable systems. Skills in programming languages like Java, Python, and frameworks such as Node.js are highly valued, and experience with database management and API development enhances job prospects.

What's a typical backend engineer salary?

A backend engineer's salary varies based on experience, location, and company size, but typically ranges from $70,000 to $130,000 annually in many regions. Senior roles or those with expertise in cloud services, databases, and programming languages like Java or Python tend to earn higher salaries. Entry-level positions usually start around $60,000 to $80,000, with benefits often including health insurance and paid time off.
More about Backend Engineer jobs

What are the most commonly searched types of Backend Engineer jobs in Tucson, AZ?

The most popular types of Backend Engineer jobs in Tucson, AZ are:

What are popular job titles related to Backend Engineer jobs in Tucson, AZ?

For Backend Engineer jobs in Tucson, AZ, the most frequently searched job titles are:

What job categories do people searching Backend Engineer jobs in Tucson, AZ look for?

The top searched job categories for Backend Engineer jobs in Tucson, AZ are:

What cities near Tucson, AZ are hiring for Backend Engineer jobs?

Cities near Tucson, AZ with the most Backend Engineer job openings:

Infographic showing various Backend Engineer job openings in Tucson, AZ as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 90% Full Time, 5% Part Time, and 5% Contract. Highlights an 87% Physical, 5% Hybrid, and 8% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $139,611 per year, or $67.1 per hour.

Mid-Level Backend Software Engineer

Leidos

Tucson, AZ

$87K - $157K/yr

Full-time

Re-posted 4 days ago


Leidos rating

8.3

Company rating: 8.3 out of 10

Based on 152 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

79th of 492 rated business services


Job description

If you've been building your skills in backend development, objectoriented programming, and missiondriven engineering, and you're ready for work that actually moves the needle, this is the kind of opportunity cleared engineers pursue when they want to grow while making real impact. If you take pride in your craft, enjoy solving meaningful technical problems, and want your work to support a mission with visibility at senior levels, you'll thrive here.

We're hiring a Backend Software Engineer to support a highvisibility, datadriven application used across the organization for analytics and reporting. You'll help build and maintain core backend services, develop RESTful APIs, support datadriven functionality, and contribute to ongoing system enhancements within a Linuxbased environment. Your work will directly support system reliability, performance, and data accuracy for mission stakeholders. Our primary development team operates out of Gaithersburg, MD, but we also support onsite engineers in Chantilly, VA, Alexandria, VA; Aurora, CO; St. Louis, MO; and Tucson, AZ, giving top talent multiple paths to join the mission.

And while the requisition requirements may seem standard fare, the position is not; as it will join a high performing team that is changing the way digital engineering and mission operations intelligence is enabled for our customer.

Why This Role Stands Out

  • High Impact: Your work supports a widely used application that drives realtime decisionmaking
  • High Visibility: Collaborate with engineering teams and mission stakeholders across programs
  • Career Growth: Build deeper expertise in backend development, API design, and scalable systems
  • Challenging Work: Contribute to complex backend features - not routine maintenance tasks

Essential Responsibilities

  • Backend Development:Design, develop, test, and maintain backend application components using Java or Python
  • REST API Development:Develop and maintain RESTful services to support application functionality and system integrations
  • Object-Oriented Programming:Apply object-oriented design principles to build scalable and maintainable systems
  • Database Development:Write and modify SQL queries to support application functionality and data retrieval
  • Data Source Collaboration: Collaborate with internal and external teams to understand data sources, formats, and access methods, and support integration into backend systems
  • Linux Environments:Develop and troubleshoot applications within Linux-based environments
  • Data Processing & Business Logic:Implement backend logic for data transformation, processing, and system workflows
  • Bug Fixing & Enhancements:Identify, debug, and resolve application-level defects and performance issues
  • Code Quality:Follow coding standards, participate in code reviews, and support documentation efforts

Basic Qualifications

  • Bachelor's degree in Computer Science, Software Engineering, or a related field with 4-8 years of experience; or a Master's degree with 2-6 years of experience
  • US Citizenship
  • Active TS/SCI with the ability to successfully pass a Polygraph
  • Professional experience developing objectoriented applications in Java or Python
  • Handson experience building and maintaining RESTful APIs
  • Basic to moderate experience with SQL capability, including writing queries and working with relational databases
  • Working knowledge of Linuxbased environments
  • Ability to work independently on defined tasks within established technical frameworks and deliver reliable results

Preferred Qualifications

  • Experience withApache Airflow or similar workflow orchestration technologies
  • Experience withSpring Boot, Django, or similar backend frameworks
  • Exposure toCI/CD pipelines (GitLab, Jenkins, etc.)
  • Familiarity withcontainerization (Docker, OpenShift)
  • Exposure tocloud environments (AWS or Azure)
  • Experience working inAgile development environments

#NSBA

#MARU

If you're looking for comfort, keep scrolling. At Leidos, we outthink, outbuild, and outpace the status quo - because the mission demands it. We're not hiring followers. We're recruiting the ones who disrupt, provoke, and refuse to fail. Step 10 is ancient history. We're already at step 30 - and moving faster than anyone else dares.

Original Posting:April 16, 2026

For U.S. Positions: While subject to change based on business needs, Leidos reasonably anticipates that this job requisition will remain open for at least 3 days with an anticipated close date of no earlier than 3 days after the original posting date as listed above.

Pay Range:Pay Range $87,100.00 - $157,450.00

The Leidos pay range for this job level is a general guideline onlyand not a guarantee of compensation or salary. Additional factors considered in extending an offer include (but are not limited to) responsibilities of the job, education, experience, knowledge, skills, and abilities, as well as internal equity, alignment with market data, applicable bargaining agreement (if any), or other law.


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About Leidos

Sourced by ZipRecruiter

At Leidos, we deliver innovative solutions through the efforts of our diverse and talented people who are dedicated to our customers' success. We empower our teams, contribute to our communities, and operate sustainable practices. Everything we do is built on a commitment to do the right thing for our customers, our people, and our community.

Industry

It services

Company size

10,000+ Employees

Headquarters location

Reston, VA, US

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