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Entry Level Defense Contractor Software Engineer Jobs in Phoenix, AZ

Software Engineer - 7 positions Location-Deer Valley AZ (Onsite) Open for fulltime and contract ... For Suitable profiles you need to target individuals (US Persons only) worked or working in defense ...

... in programming languages such as C, C++, Assembly. * Experience working in DAL A software ... Experience working with Defense Customers preferred Requirements * Leading and organizing the RFIO ...

Software Engineer I

Phoenix, AZ · On-site

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Life

  • Retirement

  • PTO

As a Software Engineer I here at Honeywell, you will be involved in the design, development, and ... HONA), we're launching as an independent, publicly traded aerospace and defense company built on a ...

Software Engineer II

Phoenix, AZ

$96K - $132K/yr

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Life

  • Retirement

  • PTO

Industry experience in defense? Not required -- we'll invest in you. If you meet the minimum ... At Raytheon's Software Engineering Directorate (SWE) Effectors Center (EC), we deliver innovative ...

Software Engineer II

Phoenix, AZ

$96K - $132K/yr

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Life

  • Retirement

  • PTO

Industry experience in defense? Not required -- we'll invest in you. If you meet the minimum ... At Raytheon's Software Engineering Directorate (SWE) Effectors Center (EC), we deliver innovative ...

System Software Engineer

Phoenix, AZ · On-site

$171K - $203K/yr

For Suitable profiles you need to target individuals (US Persons only) worked or working in defense ... in programming languages such as C, C++, Assembly. * Experience working in DAL A software ...

System Software Engineer

Phoenix, AZ · On-site

$171K - $203K/yr

For Suitable profiles you need to target individuals (US Persons only) worked or working in defense ... in programming languages such as C, C++, Assembly. * Experience working in DAL A software ...

Systems Software Engineer

Phoenix, AZ · On-site

$164K - $194K/yr

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

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 ...

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Entry Level Defense Contractor Software Engineer information

See Phoenix, AZ salary details

$23.8K

$104.1K

$187.7K

How much do entry level defense contractor software engineer jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 13, 2026, the average yearly pay for entry level defense contractor software engineer in Phoenix, AZ is $104,119.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $64,500.00 and $119,100.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

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

As an entry-level software engineer in the defense contracting industry, you will often work on projects related to embedded systems, simulation software, cybersecurity applications, or mission-critical systems. Technologies commonly used include programming languages like C++, Java, or Python, as well as specialized tools for version control, testing, and secure software development. You’ll collaborate closely with multidisciplinary teams, including systems engineers, project managers, and, at times, hardware engineers. A key challenge is adhering to strict security protocols and regulatory standards, but you will gain valuable experience in secure coding practices and large-scale system integration. These projects provide a strong foundation for future advancement within the industry.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as an entry level defense contractor software engineer?

To thrive as an Entry Level Defense Contractor Software Engineer, you need a solid background in computer science or software engineering, with proficiency in programming languages such as C++, Java, or Python, often supported by a relevant degree. Familiarity with version control systems like Git, integrated development environments (IDEs), and compliance with security standards such as DoD STIGs or obtaining a Security+ certification may be required. Strong analytical thinking, attention to detail, and effective teamwork are crucial soft skills for success in this environment. These skills and qualifications are vital to produce secure, reliable software that meets strict governmental regulations and supports critical defense operations.

What does an entry level defense contractor software engineer do?

An Entry Level Defense Contractor Software Engineer works on developing, testing, and maintaining software systems used in defense applications. This role often involves collaborating with multidisciplinary teams to create secure and reliable solutions for military or government clients. Responsibilities might include writing code, debugging software, and ensuring compliance with security and quality standards specific to the defense industry. Entry-level engineers often receive mentorship and training to help them understand specialized technologies and protocols required for defense projects.

What is the difference between Entry Level Defense Contractor Software Engineer vs Entry Level Software Developer?

AspectEntry Level Defense Contractor Software EngineerEntry Level Software Developer
CredentialsBachelor's in CS or related field; security clearance often preferredBachelor's in CS or related field; security clearance usually not required
Work EnvironmentGovernment contractors, defense agencies, secure facilitiesTech companies, startups, corporate offices
Industry UsagePrimarily defense, aerospace, government projectsBroad industry, including tech, finance, healthcare
Job FocusEmbedded systems, cybersecurity, defense-specific applicationsWeb, mobile, enterprise applications

While both roles involve software development, Entry Level Defense Contractor Software Engineer typically requires security clearance and focuses on defense-related projects within government or military sectors. Entry Level Software Developer has a broader industry scope with less emphasis on security clearance, working on commercial applications across various industries.

What are the most commonly searched types of Defense Contractor Software Engineer jobs in Phoenix, AZ? The most popular types of Defense Contractor Software Engineer jobs in Phoenix, AZ are:
What are popular job titles related to Entry Level Defense Contractor Software Engineer jobs in Phoenix, AZ? For Entry Level Defense Contractor Software Engineer jobs in Phoenix, AZ, the most frequently searched job titles are:
What job categories do people searching Entry Level Defense Contractor Software Engineer jobs in Phoenix, AZ look for? The top searched job categories for Entry Level Defense Contractor Software Engineer jobs in Phoenix, AZ are:
What cities near Phoenix, AZ are hiring for Entry Level Defense Contractor Software Engineer jobs? Cities near Phoenix, AZ with the most Entry Level Defense Contractor Software Engineer job openings:
Infographic showing various Entry Level Defense Contractor Software Engineer job openings in Phoenix, AZ as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 89% Full Time, and 11% Part Time. Highlights an 100% In-person job distribution, with an average salary of $104,119 per year, or $50.1 per hour.

Front End Software Engineer

Cascadia Global Security

Tempe, AZ • On-site

Full-time

Re-posted 4 days ago


Job description

We are hiring a Front End Software Engineer!
Location: Tempe AZ

The drone industry is not coming it is here, and it is moving faster than any platform is prepared for. At Deus X Defense, we are building the command and control infrastructure that ties autonomous security systems together in real time: drones, ground robotics, live sensor feeds, and the humans who act on all of it. The software that connects those systems has to be fast, intuitive, and built to perform when the stakes are real.
ABOUT THE COMPANY
Deus X Defense is an emerging leader in autonomous security, deploying drone-based solutions to supplement
traditional manned guarding. The company is actively expanding into ground robotics and maritime operations, with a proprietary Command & Control (C2) platform in development that will unify fixed, pivoting, drone, ground robot, and maritime camera feeds into a single integrated operational system. The long-term roadmap includes AI-driven
autonomy across all platforms with human-in-the-loop oversight for critical alerts and events.
POSITION OVERVIEW
The Front End Software Engineer at Deus X Defense builds and owns user-facing features that power the product
experience. Working closely with product and design, this role translates requirements into responsive, high-quality
interfaces while integrating with backend systems and APIs. At this level, they operate with solid ownership - writing clean, maintainable code, improving performance, and contributing to overall front-end architecture and best
practices. The ideal candidate is technically sharp, detail-oriented, and energized by building interfaces that operate
in real-time, high-stakes environments.
KEY DELIVERABLES
01 Build the core UX experience for DXD, including the primary map and C2 interface
02 Establish all standard interaction models, structure, and approach for long-term buildout
03 Deliver reliable, end-to-end live streaming from all platforms
WHAT SUCCESS LOOKS LIKE
MVP is operating with our first customer (internal operators) flying every day with core capabilities
and positive feedback.
RESPONSIBILITIES
UI Development & Product Experience
• Build the core UX for DXD's Command & Control (C2) platform, including the primary map interface
• Translate product and design requirements into responsive, high-quality user-facing features
• Establish standard interaction models and front-end structure for long-term scalability
• Deliver reliable, end-to-end live streaming from all drone and sensor platforms
Architecture & Code Quality
• Write clean, maintainable, well-documented code that scales with the product
• Contribute to front-end architecture decisions and establish best practices across the codebase
• Optimize for performance, reliability, and responsiveness across user types - from entry-level to pro operators
• Participate in code reviews and help drive consistent, high-quality engineering standards
Cross-Functional Collaboration
• Work closely with Product, Design, and Backend Engineering to ensure seamless feature delivery
• Integrate with backend systems and APIs to power real-time data flows in the UI
• Partner with Drone Operations to understand operator workflows and translate them into intuitive interfaces
• Contribute ideas, flag risks, and help the team move fast without breaking things
REQUIRED SKILLS & EXPERIENCE
We're looking for someone with real experience building complex, real-time interfaces:
• Solid front-end engineering experience with complex, real-time user interfaces
• Background in industries with demanding UI requirements, gaming, automotive, defense, or operations platforms
• Proven ability to present complex information in a clear, intuitive, and enjoyable way for a range of user types
• Strong proficiency in modern front-end frameworks (React, Vue, or equivalent)
• Experience integrating with backend APIs and streaming data sources
PREFERRED SKILLS & EXPERIENCE
We're looking for someone who understands the environment we operate in, not just the technology. Prior
exposure to any of the following is a strong plus:
• Experience with drone technology, mapping interfaces, or geospatial data visualization
• Background in real-time operations, command & control, or live video streaming platforms
• Familiarity with law enforcement, defense, or public safety operating environments
• Ability to design for both entry-level and expert users within the same interface
LEVEL OF OWNERSHIP & DECISION MAKING
A mid-career Front End Software Engineer at DXD owns the delivery of key user-facing features, from
implementation through launch and iteration. They work across product, design, and backend teams to ensure a
seamless, performant experience, while making thoughtful decisions around structure, scalability, and maintainability of the front end. At this level, they operate with clear ownership of their work, contribute to technical standards, and help drive consistent, high-quality execution across the product.