Defense Software Engineer Jobs in Arizona (NOW HIRING)

Title: Cleared Software Engineer - Test Equipment Software

We are hiring onsite Software Engineers to support mission-critical defense manufacturing and engineering test environments in Tucson, AZ. This role is focused on developing Windows-based software applications, libraries, and instrument drivers used to support advanced production lines, engineering labs, and test equipment systems.

This is a strong fit for a software engineer who enjoys hands-on technical work, hardware-connected software, troubleshooting, and building applications that support real engineering and production environments. Candidates should be comfortable working with C++, C#, Microsoft Visual Studio, Windows operating systems, and cross-functional engineering teams.

This posting includes both mid-level and senior/principal-level openings. Candidates will be considered for the level that best matches their experience.

Location: Tucson, AZ

Schedule: 1st shift, onsite

Contract Type: Renewable one-year contract with potential to extend multiple years or convert to permanent

Contract Classification: Non-exempt contract

Openings: 4 total

Citizenship: U.S. Citizen required

Clearance: Active Secret clearance

Pay Rate: Estimated $105.25 to $123.50/hour, based on experience and level fit

Benefits

Eligible CRG contract employees may have access to the following benefits after 30 days of employment:

• Medical coverage
• Dental coverage
• Vision coverage
• Weekly pay
• Direct deposit
• Referral bonus opportunities
• Support from CRG recruiting and account management throughout the assignment
• 401(k) eligibility after 12 months as a CRG employee

Arizona Sick Time

Arizona sick time accrues up to 40 hours per year, equal to 5 eight-hour days per year, based on a full-time schedule.

No per diem or relocation assistance is provided. Candidates must be able to work onsite in Tucson, AZ.

Responsibilities

• Design, develop, integrate, and maintain object-oriented software applications using Java, C++, C#, Microsoft Visual Studio, and Windows OS.
• Build software applications, libraries, tools, and instrument drivers used in engineering and production test environments.
• Troubleshoot software, instrumentation, and test equipment issues.
• Support factory, lab, production, and engineering teams with software used to develop, test, and maintain complex defense products.
• Develop and derive requirements for software products.
• Work in a multi-discipline engineering environment with software, hardware, systems, test, and production teams.
• Prioritize multiple software engineering tasks and support project deadlines.
• For senior/principal-level candidates, provide technical leadership and mentor junior software engineers.

Qualifications

• U.S. Citizenship required.
• Active Secret clearance
• Bachelor’s degree in STEM or equivalent technical experience.
• C++ experience required.
• C#, Microsoft Visual Studio, and Windows application development strongly preferred.
• Experience with test equipment, instrumentation, instrument drivers, automated test, factory support, production support, or engineering lab software.
• Ability to work onsite full time in Tucson, AZ.

Level Differences

Software Engineer II Fit

A Software Engineer II candidate should typically have:

• 2+ years of professional software engineering experience, or an advanced STEM degree.
• Hands-on experience with C++, C#, Visual Studio, or Windows-based software.
• Ability to contribute as part of an engineering team with guidance from senior engineers.
• Some exposure to test equipment, instrumentation, lab systems, production support, or hardware-connected software.

This candidate is qualified for the lower-level opening if they can code, troubleshoot, learn the test equipment environment, and work effectively with senior engineers.

Software Engineer IV / Principal Fit

A Software Engineer IV / Principal-level candidate should typically have:

• 8+ years of professional software engineering experience, or 5+ years with an advanced STEM degree.
• Strong C++, C#, Visual Studio, and Windows application development experience.
• Direct experience supporting test equipment, instrument drivers, factory systems, engineering tools, production software, or hardware-connected applications.
• Ability to work independently, solve complex technical problems, and mentor junior engineers.
• Stronger requirements development, integration, troubleshooting, and cross-functional leadership experience.

This candidate is qualified for the higher-level opening if they can lead technical work, mentor others, own larger software problems, and support production/test equipment systems with limited handholding.