1

Defense Software Engineer Jobs in Phoenix, AZ (NOW HIRING)

Systems Software Engineer

Phoenix, AZ · On-site

$171K - $203K/yr

... in programming languages such as C, C++, Assembly. * Experience working in DAL A software ... Experience working with Defense Customers preferred * Flight test experience (wiring diagrams for ...

Industry experience in defense? Not required -- we'll invest in you. If you meet the minimum ... Our Senior Embedded Software Engineer is a technical position that works in an Integrated Product ...

Industry experience in defense? Not required -- we'll invest in you. If you meet the minimum ... Our Senior Embedded Software Engineer is a technical position that works in an Integrated Product ...

Showing results 41-60

Defense Software Engineer information

See Phoenix, AZ salary details

$63K

$146.5K

$204K

How much do defense software engineer jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 22, 2026, the average yearly pay for defense software engineer in Phoenix, AZ is $146,478.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $119,100.00 and $171,800.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is a defense software engineer?

A Defense Software Engineer develops, tests, and maintains software for military and defense applications. They work on secure, mission-critical systems such as weapons control, cybersecurity, and communication networks. Their role requires proficiency in programming languages, security protocols, and compliance with defense standards. Due to the nature of the industry, security clearances and adherence to classified information policies are often required.

What types of projects and technologies do defense software engineers typically work on?

Defense Software Engineers often work on projects involving the development and maintenance of software for military systems, such as radar, communications, simulation, or weapons control platforms. They frequently use technologies like embedded systems, secure coding practices, and specialized hardware interfaces. Project work can range from upgrading legacy systems to designing cutting-edge capabilities, often requiring adherence to rigorous security and compliance protocols. Collaboration with systems engineers, hardware teams, and government stakeholders is typical, offering a dynamic and mission-driven work environment. This exposure helps engineers build specialized expertise while contributing directly to national security initiatives.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive in the defense software engineer position, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Defense Software Engineer, you need expertise in software development, a strong grasp of cybersecurity principles, and familiarity with defense industry standards, typically demonstrated by a degree in computer science, engineering, or a related field. Experience with programming languages such as C++, Java, or Python, knowledge of real-time operating systems, and certifications like Security+ or CISSP are often required. Attention to detail, problem-solving abilities, and the capacity to work collaboratively in multidisciplinary teams are valuable soft skills. These competencies ensure that complex, secure, and mission-critical software solutions are effectively developed and maintained to meet stringent defense requirements.

What cities near Phoenix, AZ are hiring for Defense Software Engineer jobs?

Cities near Phoenix, AZ with the most Defense Software Engineer job openings:

Infographic showing various Defense Software Engineer job openings in Phoenix, AZ as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 85% Full Time, 10% Part Time, and 4% Contract. Highlights an 88% Physical, 4% Hybrid, and 8% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $146,478 per year, or $70.4 per hour.

Software Engineer-Simulation (Experienced or Senior)

Boeing

Mesa, AZ • On-site

Full-time

Medical, Life, Retirement

Re-posted 26 days ago


Boeing rating

8.5

Company rating: 8.5 out of 10

Based on 613 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

32nd of 543 rated manufacturers


Job description

Software Engineer-Simulation (Experienced or Senior)

Company:

The Boeing Company

The Boeing Company is currently seeking Software Engineers-Simulation to support our Simulation Integration and Delivery (SID) team located in Berkeley, Missouri. This is a dynamic team that provides simulation software across the Boeing enterprise including commercial, defense, and other internal programs. The team works closely with our programs to ensure they can deliver hardware and software that directly support Boeing's customers.

The SID team's suite of tools support software verification and hardware verification for commercial, defense, and other customers. The candidate will participate in small developmental teams - and sometimes independently. Agile methodologies such as sprint planning, scrums, retrospectives, and demonstrations are expected.

The candidate should enjoy working collaboratively with others, have a commitment to customer satisfaction and process improvement, and be able to successfully support multiple programs. They will support the development of solutions to a wide range of complex problems that require ingenuity and innovation. They should be adaptable to new development environments and eager to work with and learn new technologies.

Our teams are currently hiring for a broad range of experience levels including Experienced and Senior Level Software Engineers.

Position Responsibilities:

  • Designs, architects, and develops simulation models, simulation visualizations, virtual environments/platforms and frameworks to enhance test performance, safety, and durability of software and hardware systems throughout the entire product lifecycle
  • Partners with stakeholders to review and identify simulation requirements and dynamics of the systems being simulated
  • Performs design, modeling, simulation, testing, and analysis to assess and optimize overall system performance and capabilities
  • Performs data collection and processing for use in simulations
  • Validates, verifies, and refines simulation software code, models, simulations, test procedures and test environments, executing test procedures and documenting test results and models against real-world data, test data, benchmarks, or other similar models
  • Documents and maintains technical code, algorithms, specifications and descriptions of simulation models
  • Partners with cross functional engineering teams to enable integration of simulation software with hardware devices and systems
  • Implements current and emerging technologies, tools, frameworks, and methods in the software engineering simulation environment
  • Modernizes, migrates, sustains, and updates simulation software to adapt legacy systems to new operating systems
  • Performs simulation software project management functions

Basic Qualifications (Required Skills/ Experience):

  • Bachelors Degree
  • Ability to Obtain U.S. Secret - Interim Pre-Start & Final Post Start & Special Program Access
  • 4+ years of experience in software programming with C, C++, C#, .NET coding, debug, and development
  • 4+ years of experience with SDLC (Software/Systems Development Lifecycle)

Preferred Qualifications (Desired Skills/Experience):

  • Bachelor of Science degree from an accredited course of study in engineering, engineering technology (includes manufacturing engineering technology), chemistry, physics, mathematics, data science, or computer science and 9+ years of related work experience OR Bachelor's Degree and 13+ years of directly related work experience OR 17+ years of related, relevant experience
  • 2 + years of experience in software programming with Python
  • 2 or more years' experience in software programming with Rust
  • Active Security Clearance
  • Experience with embedded software and hardware interfacing-software
  • Experience working across software-interface boundaries, including hardware, firmware, and software (Including technical coordination with interfacing teams)
  • Experience handling multiple projects simultaneously
  • Decision making abilities to complete efforts with minimal requirements definition
  • Experience in software development in Visual Studio
  • Experience with avionics and Ethernet communication protocols
  • Experience with Agile Methodology
  • Experience with Git, Continuous Integration, Cloud Computing technologies

Travel:

10%

Drug Free Workplace:

Boeing is a Drug Free Workplace (DFW) where post offer applicants and employees are subject to testing for marijuana, cocaine, opioids, amphetamines, PCP, and alcohol when criteria is met as outlined in our policies.

Conflict of Interest:

Successful candidates for this job must satisfy the Company's Conflict of Interest (COI) assessment process.

CodeVue Coding Challenge:

To be considered for this position you will be required to complete a technical assessment as part of the selection process. Failure to complete the assessment will remove you from consideration.

Pay & Benefits:

At Boeing, we strive to deliver a Total Rewards package that will attract, engage and retain the top talent. Elements of the Total Rewards package include competitive base pay and variable compensation opportunities.

The Boeing Company also provides eligible employees with an opportunity to enroll in a variety of benefit programs, generally including health insurance, flexible spending accounts, health savings accounts, retirement savings plans, life and disability insurance programs, and a number of programs that provide for both paid and unpaid time away from work.

The specific programs and options available to any given employee may vary depending on eligibility factors such as geographic location, date of hire, and the applicability of collective bargaining agreements.

Pay is based upon candidate experience and qualifications, as well as market and business considerations.

Summary Pay Range for Experienced level (Level 3): $126,650-$171,350

Summary Pay Range for Senior level (Level 4): $160,650-217,350

Language Requirements:

Not Applicable

Education:

Bachelor's Degree or Equivalent

Relocation:

This position offers relocation based on candidate eligibility.

Export Control Requirement:

This position must meet U.S. export control compliance requirements. To meet U.S. export control compliance requirements, a "U.S. Person" as defined by 22 C.F.R. 120.62 is required. "U.S. Person" includes U.S. Citizen, U.S. National, lawful permanent resident, refugee, or asylee.

Safety Sensitive:

This is not a Safety Sensitive Position.

Security Clearance:

This position requires the ability to obtain a U.S. Security Clearance for which the U.S. Government requires U.S. Citizenship. An interim and/or final U.S. Secret Clearance Post-Start is required. This position requires ability to obtain program access, for which the U.S. Government requires U.S. Citizenship only.

Visa Sponsorship:

Employer will not sponsor applicants for employment visa status.

Contingent Upon Award Program

This position is not contingent upon program award

Shift:

Shift 1 (United States of America)

Stay safe from recruitment fraud! The only way to apply for a position at Boeing is via our Careers website. Learn how to protect yourself from recruitment fraud - Recruitment Fraud Warning

Boeing is an Equal Opportunity Employer. Employment decisions are made without regard to race, color, religion, national origin, gender, sexual orientation, gender identity, age, physical or mental disability, genetic factors, military/veteran status or other characteristics protected by law.

EEO is the law

Boeing EEO Policy

Request an Accommodation

Applicant Privacy


Boeing Participates in E - Verify

  • E-Verify (English)
  • E-Verify (Spanish)

Right to Work Statement

  • Right to Work(English)
  • Right to Work(Spanish)

What Boeing employees say

Pay

Benefits

Hours and flexibility

Workplace

Get the full story on Breakroom


Boeing logo

About Boeing

Sourced by ZipRecruiter

At Boeing, we are all innovators on a mission to connect, protect, explore and inspire. From the sea bed to outer space, you'll learn and grow, contributing to work that shapes the world. Find your future with us.

Industry

Aviation and aerospace product and parts manufacturing

Company size

10,000+ Employees

Headquarters location

Chicago, IL, US