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Senior Backend Developer Jobs in Tucson, AZ (NOW HIRING)

... senior levels, you'll thrive here. We're hiring a Backend Software Engineer to support a ... highvisibility, datadriven application used across the organization for analytics and reporting.

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Senior Backend Developer information

See Tucson, AZ salary details

$61.7K

$134.9K

$183.7K

How much do senior backend developer jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 27, 2026, the average yearly pay for senior backend developer in Tucson, AZ is $134,871.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $116,200.00 and $150,900.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What does a senior backend developer do?

A Senior Backend Developer is responsible for designing, building, and maintaining the server-side logic of web applications. They work with databases, APIs, and server infrastructure to ensure that applications run smoothly, securely, and efficiently. In addition to writing robust code, they often mentor junior developers, contribute to architectural decisions, and collaborate with frontend teams to deliver seamless user experiences. Their expertise is crucial for scaling applications and implementing best practices in software development.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a senior backend developer, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Senior Backend Developer, you need advanced proficiency in server-side programming languages (such as Java, Python, or Node.js), deep understanding of API design, and experience with database management, often supported by a degree in computer science or related field. Familiarity with version control systems (like Git), cloud platforms (such as AWS or Azure), and relevant certifications in backend technologies are commonly required. Strong problem-solving abilities, effective communication, and leadership skills help you collaborate with cross-functional teams and mentor junior developers. These competencies ensure robust, scalable backend systems and drive successful project delivery in complex technical environments.

What are common challenges senior backend developers face when leading complex projects, and how can they address them?

Senior Backend Developers often encounter challenges such as integrating legacy systems with new technologies, ensuring scalability under increased load, and coordinating cross-functional teams for seamless feature delivery. Addressing these challenges typically involves proactive architectural planning, clear communication with frontend and DevOps teams, and adopting best practices like code reviews and automated testing. Staying updated on emerging technologies and fostering a culture of knowledge sharing within the team also help in overcoming technical obstacles and driving successful project outcomes.

What is the difference between Senior Backend Developer vs Backend Developer?

AspectSenior Backend DeveloperBackend Developer
Required Experience5+ years, leadership skills1-3 years, foundational skills
ResponsibilitiesDesign architecture, mentor juniors, optimize systemsImplement features, fix bugs, write code
Skills & CertificationsAdvanced coding, system design, relevant certificationsBasic coding, database knowledge
Work EnvironmentCollaborates with cross-functional teams, often in larger projectsFocuses on individual tasks within projects

The main difference between a Senior Backend Developer and a Backend Developer lies in experience, responsibilities, and leadership. Senior Backend Developers typically have more years of experience, take on complex system design, and mentor junior staff, whereas Backend Developers focus on implementing features and fixing bugs. Both roles are essential in backend development teams, but the senior role involves more strategic and leadership duties.

What are the most commonly searched types of Backend Developer jobs in Tucson, AZ?

The most popular types of Backend Developer jobs in Tucson, AZ are:

What are popular job titles related to Senior Backend Developer jobs in Tucson, AZ?

For Senior Backend Developer jobs in Tucson, AZ, the most frequently searched job titles are:

What job categories do people searching Senior Backend Developer jobs in Tucson, AZ look for?

The top searched job categories for Senior Backend Developer jobs in Tucson, AZ are:

What cities near Tucson, AZ are hiring for Senior Backend Developer jobs?

Cities near Tucson, AZ with the most Senior Backend Developer job openings:

Infographic showing various Senior Backend Developer job openings in Tucson, AZ as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 82% Full Time, 5% Part Time, and 13% Contract. Highlights an 83% Physical, 4% Hybrid, and 13% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $134,871 per year, or $64.8 per hour.

Mid-Level Backend Software Engineer

Leidos

Tucson, AZ • On-site

$87K - $157K/yr

Full-time

Re-posted 13 days ago


Leidos rating

8.3

Company rating: 8.3 out of 10

Based on 152 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

78th of 496 rated business services


Job description

If you've been building your skills in backend development, objectoriented programming, and missiondriven engineering, and you're ready for work that actually moves the needle, this is the kind of opportunity cleared engineers pursue when they want to grow while making real impact. If you take pride in your craft, enjoy solving meaningful technical problems, and want your work to support a mission with visibility at senior levels, you'll thrive here.

We're hiring a Backend Software Engineer to support a highvisibility, datadriven application used across the organization for analytics and reporting. You'll help build and maintain core backend services, develop RESTful APIs, support datadriven functionality, and contribute to ongoing system enhancements within a Linuxbased environment. Your work will directly support system reliability, performance, and data accuracy for mission stakeholders. Our primary development team operates out of Gaithersburg, MD, but we also support onsite engineers in Chantilly, VA, Alexandria, VA; Aurora, CO; St. Louis, MO; and Tucson, AZ, giving top talent multiple paths to join the mission.

And while the requisition requirements may seem standard fare, the position is not; as it will join a high performing team that is changing the way digital engineering and mission operations intelligence is enabled for our customer.

Why This Role Stands Out

  • High Impact: Your work supports a widely used application that drives realtime decisionmaking
  • High Visibility: Collaborate with engineering teams and mission stakeholders across programs
  • Career Growth: Build deeper expertise in backend development, API design, and scalable systems
  • Challenging Work: Contribute to complex backend features - not routine maintenance tasks

Essential Responsibilities

  • Backend Development:Design, develop, test, and maintain backend application components using Java or Python
  • REST API Development:Develop and maintain RESTful services to support application functionality and system integrations
  • Object-Oriented Programming:Apply object-oriented design principles to build scalable and maintainable systems
  • Database Development:Write and modify SQL queries to support application functionality and data retrieval
  • Data Source Collaboration: Collaborate with internal and external teams to understand data sources, formats, and access methods, and support integration into backend systems
  • Linux Environments:Develop and troubleshoot applications within Linux-based environments
  • Data Processing & Business Logic:Implement backend logic for data transformation, processing, and system workflows
  • Bug Fixing & Enhancements:Identify, debug, and resolve application-level defects and performance issues
  • Code Quality:Follow coding standards, participate in code reviews, and support documentation efforts

Basic Qualifications

  • Bachelor's degree in Computer Science, Software Engineering, or a related field with 4-8 years of experience; or a Master's degree with 2-6 years of experience
  • US Citizenship
  • Active TS/SCI with the ability to successfully pass a Polygraph
  • Professional experience developing objectoriented applications in Java or Python
  • Handson experience building and maintaining RESTful APIs
  • Basic to moderate experience with SQL capability, including writing queries and working with relational databases
  • Working knowledge of Linuxbased environments
  • Ability to work independently on defined tasks within established technical frameworks and deliver reliable results

Preferred Qualifications

  • Experience withApache Airflow or similar workflow orchestration technologies
  • Experience withSpring Boot, Django, or similar backend frameworks
  • Exposure toCI/CD pipelines (GitLab, Jenkins, etc.)
  • Familiarity withcontainerization (Docker, OpenShift)
  • Exposure tocloud environments (AWS or Azure)
  • Experience working inAgile development environments

#NSBA

#MARU

If you're looking for comfort, keep scrolling. At Leidos, we outthink, outbuild, and outpace the status quo - because the mission demands it. We're not hiring followers. We're recruiting the ones who disrupt, provoke, and refuse to fail. Step 10 is ancient history. We're already at step 30 - and moving faster than anyone else dares.

Original Posting:April 16, 2026

For U.S. Positions: While subject to change based on business needs, Leidos reasonably anticipates that this job requisition will remain open for at least 3 days with an anticipated close date of no earlier than 3 days after the original posting date as listed above.

Pay Range:Pay Range $87,100.00 - $157,450.00

The Leidos pay range for this job level is a general guideline onlyand not a guarantee of compensation or salary. Additional factors considered in extending an offer include (but are not limited to) responsibilities of the job, education, experience, knowledge, skills, and abilities, as well as internal equity, alignment with market data, applicable bargaining agreement (if any), or other law.


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About Leidos

Sourced by ZipRecruiter

At Leidos, we deliver innovative solutions through the efforts of our diverse and talented people who are dedicated to our customers' success. We empower our teams, contribute to our communities, and operate sustainable practices. Everything we do is built on a commitment to do the right thing for our customers, our people, and our community.

Industry

It services

Company size

10,000+ Employees

Headquarters location

Reston, VA, US

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