Defense Software Engineer Jobs in Arizona (NOW HIRING)

Job Title: Software Engineer

Job Description

This full-time, onsite Software Engineer role offers the opportunity to design and develop advanced defense software systems in a fast-paced, lean environment. You will work across multiple programs, contribute to real-time systems and munitions-related applications, and lead technical efforts using modern languages and tools. The position is ideal for an experienced engineer who enjoys hands-on development, rapid prototyping, and close collaboration with multidisciplinary teams.

Responsibilities

• Collaborating with management, departments and customers to identify end-user requirements and specifications
• Designing algorithms and flowcharts to create new software programs and systems
• Producing efficient and elegant code based on requirements
• Testing and deploying programs and applications
• Troubleshooting, debugging, maintaining and improving existing software
• Compiling and assessing user feedback to improve software performance
• Observing user feedback to recommend improvements to existing software products
• Developing technical documentation to guide future software development projects
• Ensure compliance with defense industry standards and regulations

Essential Skills

• Bachelor’s degree in Software Engineering, Computer Science or related field preferred
• Proven experience in systems engineering within the Defense Industry, 10+ years
• Rapid development, comfortable working in a fast-paced environment
• Ability to switch between tasks quickly
• 10+ years working with embedded environments such as VxWorks, FreeRTOS, or RT Linux
• Strong C/C++ skills. Prefer 5+ years
• Experience with Visual Studio Code, Microsoft Visual Studio, and other cross-platform development environments
• Experience with versioning control software such as Git
• Desired experience with GUI tools similar to wxWidgets or QT
• Ability to travel 1-2 weeks at a time
• Ability to obtain necessary security clearances

Additional Skills & Qualifications

• Background in rapid prototyping and experience in smaller, agile companies.
• Experience with direct munition (weapons systems) and/or GPS-related software.
• Familiarity with thin client architectures or similar deployment models.
• Experience with guidance, navigation, and control systems for aircraft and munitions.
• Experience in resilient systems engineering for real-world defense applications.
• Experience with flight software, simulations, and custom tools for system-level testing.
• Interest in long-term career growth, with approximately 5–10 or more years remaining in one’s career.
• Openness to either contract-to-hire or direct hire arrangements, depending on preference.

Work Environment

This role is based onsite in Niceville, FL or Tucson, AZ, within a casual and collaborative engineering environment. The culture emphasizes a family-style atmosphere, minimal red tape, and a strong focus on practical, high-impact work. Engineers regularly work with technologies such as C++, C#, Python, Java, real-time operating systems (Linux, RTOS, VxWorks), and Microsoft Azure DevOps for CI/CD and project tracking. The organization has a history of stability and growth, with no layoffs in its history and a rapidly expanding munitions product line. Core working hours are Monday through Friday from 8:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m., with the expectation of full-time onsite presence. The dress code is very casual, and team members commonly wear shorts and jeans.

This is a Contract position based out of Tucson, AZ.

The pay range for this position is $57.69 - $76.92/hr.

Eligibility requirements apply to some benefits and may depend on your job classification and length of employment. Benefits are subject to change and may be subject to specific elections, plan, or program terms. If eligible, the benefits available for this temporary role may include the following:
• Medical, dental & vision
• Critical Illness, Accident, and Hospital
• 401(k) Retirement Plan – Pre-tax and Roth post-tax contributions available
• Life Insurance (Voluntary Life & AD&D for the employee and dependents)
• Short and long-term disability
• Health Spending Account (HSA)
• Transportation benefits
• Employee Assistance Program
• Time Off/Leave (PTO, Vacation or Sick Leave)

This is a fully onsite position in Tucson,AZ.

This position is anticipated to close on Jul 6, 2026.

About Actalent

Actalent is a global leader in engineering and sciences services and talent solutions. We help visionary companies advance their engineering and science initiatives through access to specialized experts who drive scale, innovation and speed to market. With a network of almost 20,000 consultants and 5,000 clients across the U.S., Canada, Asia and Europe, Actalent serves many of the Fortune 500. We are proud to be an Engineering News-Record (ENR) Top 500 Design Firm for our engineering design services and a ClearlyRated Best of Staffing® winner for both client and talent service.

The company is an equal opportunity employer and will consider all applications without regard to race, sex, age, color, religion, national origin, veteran status, disability, sexual orientation, gender identity, genetic information or any characteristic protected by law.

If you would like to request a reasonable accommodation, such as the modification or adjustment of the job application process or interviewing process due to a disability, please email actalentaccommodation@actalentservices.com for other accommodation options.

San Francisco Fair Chance Ordinance: Pursuant to the San Francisco Fair Chance Ordinance, for all positions located in the city and county of San Francisco, we will consider for employment qualified applicants with arrest and conviction records.

Massachusetts Lie Detector: It is unlawful in Massachusetts to require or administer a lie detector test as a condition of employment or continued employment. An employer who violates this law shall be subject to criminal penalties and civil liability.

Use of Artificial Intelligence (AI): We may use Artificial Intelligence (AI) to support parts of our hiring process, including sourcing, screening, and evaluating candidates. AI helps assess applications and qualifications, but final decisions are made by our hiring team. By applying, you acknowledge and agree that your application may be reviewed using AI tools.