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Phd Software Engineer Jobs in Arizona (NOW HIRING)

Senior Software Developer

Tucson, AZ · On-site

$51.50 - $68/hr

Degree (Bachelor's, Master's, or PhD) in Computer Science or Computer Engineering. * ACTIVE TS/SCI ... Minimum of 15 years of experience in a software engineering-related discipline. * Expert Knowledge ...

Senior Software Developer

Tucson, AZ · On-site

$51.50 - $68/hr

Degree (Bachelor's, Master's, or PhD) in Computer Science or Computer Engineering. * ACTIVE TS/SCI ... Minimum of 15 years of experience in a software engineering-related discipline. * Expert Knowledge ...

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Showing results 1-20

Phd Software Engineer information

See Arizona salary details

$59.2K

$137.5K

$191.5K

How much do phd software engineer jobs pay per year?

As of Jun 12, 2026, the average yearly pay for phd software engineer in Arizona is $137,475.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $111,800.00 and $161,200.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is a PhD Software Engineer?

A PhD Software Engineer is a professional who has completed a Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) degree specializing in computer science, software engineering, or a related field, and works in designing, developing, and optimizing software systems. They often engage in advanced research, develop innovative algorithms, and solve complex technical problems. Their expertise is typically utilized in roles that require deep technical knowledge, research skills, and the ability to push the boundaries of current technology. PhD Software Engineers are commonly found in academia, research institutions, and leading technology companies.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a PhD Software Engineer, and why are they important?

A PhD Software Engineer requires advanced programming expertise, strong analytical and research skills, and typically a doctorate in computer science or a related field. Familiarity with specialized programming languages, version control systems like Git, and experience with research-oriented software tools are common technical requirements. Exceptional problem-solving, collaboration, and communication skills help bridge the gap between research and practical application. These abilities are crucial for driving innovation, translating complex theories into scalable solutions, and contributing to cutting-edge technology projects.

How does having a PhD impact the daily responsibilities and project involvement of a Software Engineer?

As a PhD Software Engineer, you are often entrusted with tackling complex problems and leading research-driven projects that require advanced analytical and technical skills. Your daily work may involve designing novel algorithms, conducting experiments, and collaborating closely with cross-functional teams such as data scientists and product managers. Additionally, you might mentor junior engineers and help shape the technical direction of your team. This role leverages your research background to bridge the gap between academic innovation and practical software solutions.
What cities in Arizona are hiring for Phd Software Engineer jobs? Cities in Arizona with the most Phd Software Engineer job openings:
Infographic showing various Phd Software Engineer job openings in Arizona as of June 2026, with employment types broken down into 96% Full Time, and 4% Part Time. Highlights an 87% Physical, 6% Hybrid, and 7% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $137,475 per year, or $66.1 per hour.
Embedded Software Engineer (Secret) - Level 4 (Chandler)

Embedded Software Engineer (Secret) - Level 4 (Chandler)

Northrop Grumman Corporation

Chandler, AZ • On-site

$122K - $184K/yr

Full-time

Medical, Life, PTO

Posted 11 days ago


Northrop Grumman rating

8.1

Company rating: 8.1 out of 10

Based on 339 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

107th of 518 rated manufacturers


Job description

RELOCATION ASSISTANCE: No relocation assistance available
CLEARANCE REQUIRED FOR START: Yes
CLEARANCE TYPE: Secret
TRAVEL: Yes, 10% of the TimeDescription
At Northrop Grumman, our employees have incredible opportunities to work on revolutionary systems that impact people's lives around the world today, and for generations to come. Our pioneering and inventive spirit has enabled us to be at the forefront of many technological advancements in our nation's history - from the first flight across the Atlantic Ocean, to stealth bombers, to landing on the moon. We look for people who have bold new ideas, courage and a pioneering spirit to join forces to invent the future, and have fun along the way. Our culture thrives on intellectual curiosity, cognitive diversity and bringing your whole self to work - and we have an insatiable drive to do what others think is impossible. Our employees are not only part of history, they're making history.
Expand your horizons, advance your career, and contribute to a secure future for generations. Northrop Grumman's Space Sector invites you to bring your pioneering spirit to our collaborative teams. As a Embedded Software Engineer - Level 4 working for the Ground Phase Interceptor (GPI) located in Chandler, AZ, you'll be a linchpin in missions of paramount importance, defining the art of the possible from day one. This position is 100% onsite and cannot accommodate telecommute work.
Our Embedded Software Engineers:
Design, develop, document, test and debug applications software and systems that contain logical and mathematical solutions. Conducts multidisciplinary research and collaborates with equipment designers and/or hardware engineers in the planning, design, development, and utilization of electronic data processing systems for product and commercial software. Determines computer user needs; analyzes system capabilities to resolve problems on program intent, output requirements, input data acquisition, programming techniques and controls; prepares operating instructions; designs and develops compilers and assemblers, utility programs, and operating systems. Ensures software standards are met.
In this job, you will:
  • Support Object Oriented (OO) Software development in C/C++on Linux environment
  • Support embedded real-time software development, debug and test
  • Work with real time operating systems (RTOS) environments including VxWorks, Integrity, LynxOS, Yocto Linux, or other equivalent RTOS
  • Support full software development lifecycle
  • Need excellent written and verbal communication skills
  • Need to demonstrate problem solving and troubleshooting skills

Basic Qualifications:
  • Bachelor's degree with 8 years of professional experience - OR - Master's degree with 6 years of professional experience - OR - PhD with 4 years of professional experience.
  • Must have U.S. Citizenship with an active, in scope Secret level clearance at time of application.

Preferred Qualifications:
  • Experience with PowerPC, ARM, and/or RISC-V architecture
  • Experience in design, integration and testing with real time computer in loop and hardware in loop test laboratories
  • Experience in developing interfaces to support system hardware integration efforts
  • Experience with CI/CD such as Jenkins or Gitlab CI
  • Active DoD Top Secret security clearance investigated within the last 5 years

Curious about all the exciting developments with the Northrop Grumman Space Sector? Click the link below:
https://www.northropgrumman.com/space
We work a 9/80 schedule (9 hours per day Mon-Thurs, 8 hours every other Friday with the alternate Friday off)
Working at Northrop Grumman is more than just a paycheck. We offer a comprehensive Total Rewards and benefits package designed to help you thrive at work and in life. For more information on our Total Rewards package, please visit our Total Rewards site: https://www.northropgrumman.com/who-we-are/total-rewards-benefits
Primary Level Salary Range: $122,800.00 - $184,200.00
The above salary range represents a general guideline; however, Northrop Grumman considers a number of factors when determining base salary offers such as the scope and responsibilities of the position and the candidate's experience, education, skills and current market conditions.
Depending on the position, employees may be eligible for overtime, shift differential, and a discretionary bonus in addition to base pay. Annual bonuses are designed to reward individual contributions as well as allow employees to share in company results. Employees in Vice President or Director positions may be eligible for Long Term Incentives. In addition, Northrop Grumman provides a variety of benefits including health insurance coverage, life and disability insurance, savings plan, Company paid holidays and paid time off (PTO) for vacation and/or personal business.
The application period for the job is estimated to be 20 days from the job posting date. However, this timeline may be shortened or extended depending on business needs and the availability of qualified candidates.
Northrop Grumman is an Equal Opportunity Employer, making decisions without regard to race, color, religion, creed, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, marital status, national origin, age, veteran status, disability, or any other protected class. For our complete EEO and pay transparency statement, please visit http://www.northropgrumman.com/EEO. U.S. Citizenship is required for all positions with a government clearance and certain other restricted positions.

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About Northrop Grumman

Sourced by ZipRecruiter

At Northrop Grumman, our employees have incredible opportunities to work on revolutionary systems that impact people's lives around the world today, and for generations to come. Our pioneering and inventive spirit has enabled us to be at the forefront of many technological advancements in our nation's history - from the first flight across the Atlantic Ocean, to stealth bombers, to landing on the moon. We look for people who have bold new ideas, courage and a pioneering spirit to join forces to invent the future, and have fun along the way. Our culture thrives on intellectual curiosity, cognitive diversity and bringing your whole self to work - and we have an insatiable drive to do what others think is impossible.

Industry

Space research administration

Company size

10,000+ Employees

Headquarters location

Falls Church, VA, US

Year founded

1939