Entry Level Defense Contractor Software Engineer Jobs in Arizona

Date Posted:
2026-05-22
Country:
United States of America
Location:
US-AZ-TUCSON-805 ~ 1151 E Hermans Rd ~ BLDG 805
Position Role Type:
Onsite
U.S. Citizen, U.S. Person, or Immigration Status Requirements:
Active and transferable U.S. government issued security clearance is required prior to start date. U.S. citizenship is required, as only U.S. citizens are eligible for a security clearance
Security Clearance Type:
Secret - Current
Security Clearance Status:
Ability to obtain INTERIM U.S. government issued security clearance is required prior to start date
We're growing fast and we want you to grow with us! We're expanding our engineering organization dramatically to meet exciting customer demand, and we're actively looking for engineers who bring strong foundational skills and a passion for solving hard problems. Industry experience in defense? Not required - we'll invest in you. If you meet the minimum qualifications, we want to talk. Apply today and take the next step in your engineering career.
At RTX, the world largest aerospace and defense company, 185,000 great minds are united by purpose and inspired to make a difference solving the world's most complex problems. With our three market leading businesses, world-class operations and investments in research and development, we offer capabilities and opportunity no one else can. Together, we push the boundaries of known science and find new ways to connect and protect our world.
Raytheon brings the strength of more than 100 years of experience and renowned engineering expertise to meet the needs of today's mission and stay ahead of tomorrow's threat. We deliver solutions that help our nation and allies defend freedoms and deter aggression, creating a safer, more secure world. Join us and help shape the future of aerospace and defense.
At Raytheon's Software Engineering Directorate (SWE) Effectors Center (EC), we deliver innovative, mission-driven solutions to secure our nation. Our engineers engage in the full software development life cycle within agile teams, focusing on areas like real-time systems, machine learning, cybersecurity, and DevOps. Join our team of creative problem solvers to develop next-generation capabilities and advance your skills while protecting our country.
This position is within the Effectors Center of the Software organization, and is an onsite role located in Tucson, AZ.
What You Will Do

• Assist and participate in the requirements, design, development and testing of real-time embedded software, application software, and tools, to include development of new work products or enhancement of existing applications and systems.
• Design, code, test, integrate, and document software solutions.
• Participate in internal review of software components and systems.
• Collaborate with project managers and other professionals within Engineering.
• Work on problems with defined scope, schedule, and expectations.
• Follow established development practices and processes to maintain the configuration management of software products.
• Ability to obtain program access required.

What You Will Learn

• Use new tools that will keep you state-of-the-art.
• Stay updated with the latest advancements in software development and missile technology to drive innovation.

Qualifications You Must Have

• Typically requires a degree in Science, Technology, Engineering, or Mathematics (STEM) and a minimum of two years prior relevant experience.
• Experience with C++, C, or other object-oriented language.
• Experience with hardware-software integration and embedded system testing.
• Ability to obtain Interim Secret Level U.S. government issued security clearance is required prior to start date with the ability to obtain program access after start. U.S. citizenship is required, as only U.S. citizens are eligible for a security clearance.

Qualifications We Prefer

• Knowledge of data structures and algorithms, systems software design, operating systems and architectures.
• Knowledge of assembly, C/C++ programming, structured programming concepts.
• Knowledge of object-oriented design and Unified Model Language.
• Knowledge of statistical and numerical methods.
• Interpersonal and communication skills, both verbal and written.
• Demonstrated ability to work effectively with colleagues and leaders in a team environment.

What We Offer

• Our values drive our actions, behaviors, and performance with a vision for a safer, more connected world. At RTX we value: Safety, Trust, Respect, Accountability, Collaboration, and Innovation.
• Relocation Offered Based On Eligibility

Learn More & Apply Now!
Please consider the following role type definition as you apply for this role:

• Onsite: Employees who are working in Onsite roles will work primarily onsite. This includes all production and maintenance employees, as they are essential to the development of our products.

Clearance Information: This position requires a security clearance. DCSA Consolidated Adjudication Services (DCSA CAS), an agency of the Department of Defense, handles and adjudicates the security clearance process. More information about Security Clearances can be found on the US Department of State government website here: https://www.state.gov/m/ds/clearances/c10978.htm
Location Information: This position is onsite at our campus in beautiful Tucson, AZ. Tucson has a friendly, caring, and laid-back atmosphere, combined with the innovation and energy of a metropolitan region, and recognized as one of America's 10 Best Small Cities. Surrounded by beautiful mountains, colorful Sonoran Desert landscape and majestic saguaro cacti, Tucson is blessed with some of nature's best work. Tucson is known for its bright blue skies, and with more than 310 sunny days per year, Tucson's fantastic weather lets residents enjoy the outdoors year-round.
Virtual Fly Over City of Tucson & Community, YouTube Video Links

• "Raytheon In Tucson": https://careers.rtx.com/global/en/raytheon-tucson,-az-location
• "Tucson is Awesome": https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=i65wOwKcNIQ
• "Winter in Tucson": https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yZdKKkF0QkE

As part of our commitment to maintaining a secure hiring process, candidates may be asked to attend select steps of the interview process in-person at one of our office locations, regardless of whether the role is designated as on-site, hybrid or remote.
The salary range for this role is 68,900 USD - 131,100 USD. The salary range provided is a good faith estimate representative of all experience levels. RTX considers several factors when extending an offer, including but not limited to, the role, function and associated responsibilities, a candidate's work experience, location, education/training, and key skills.
Hired applicants may be eligible for benefits, including but not limited to, medical, dental, vision, life insurance, short-term disability, long-term disability, 401(k) match, flexible spending accounts, flexible work schedules, employee assistance program, Employee Scholar Program, parental leave, paid time off, and holidays. Specific benefits are dependent upon the specific business unit as well as whether or not the position is covered by a collective-bargaining agreement.
Hired applicants may be eligible for annual short-term and/or long-term incentive compensation programs depending on the level of the position and whether or not it is covered by a collective-bargaining agreement. Payments under these annual programs are not guaranteed and are dependent upon a variety of factors including, but not limited to, individual performance, business unit performance, and/or the company's performance.
This role is a U.S.-based role. If the successful candidate resides in a U.S. territory, the appropriate pay structure and benefits will apply.
RTX anticipates the application window closing approximately 40 days from the date the notice was posted. However, factors such as candidate flow and business necessity may require RTX to shorten or extend the application window.
RTX is an Equal Opportunity Employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, age, disability or veteran status, or any other applicable state or federal protected class. RTX provides affirmative action in employment for qualified Individuals with a Disability and Protected Veterans in compliance with Section 503 of the Rehabilitation Act and the Vietnam Era Veterans' Readjustment Assistance Act.
Privacy Policy and Terms:
Click on this link to read the Policy and Terms