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Software Engineer Secret Clearance Jobs in Arizona

S. citizenship required • Secret clearance required or ability to meet assignment-specific ... software engineering experience, or 5+ years of relevant experience with an advanced STEM degree ...

Embedded Software Engineer 3

Chandler, AZ · On-site

$134K - $176K/yr

Secret Clearance Role Overview As a Software Engineer, you will play a pivotal role in performing software development for a key program. This position supports requirements development, architecture ...

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Software Engineer Secret Clearance information

What is a software engineer with secret clearance?

A Software Engineer with Secret Clearance is a professional who designs, develops, tests, and maintains software systems for organizations that require security clearance. The 'Secret' clearance is a specific level of U.S. government security authorization, allowing the engineer to access classified information necessary for certain defense, government, or contractor projects. This clearance ensures the individual has passed a thorough background check and is trusted to handle sensitive data while performing their technical duties. Such roles are commonly found in defense, aerospace, and government sectors.

How does holding a secret clearance impact day-to-day responsibilities for a software engineer?

Holding a Secret Clearance as a Software Engineer means you'll often work on sensitive government or defense projects, which can affect daily tasks such as adhering to strict security protocols and handling classified data. You may need to attend regular security briefings, use secure communication channels, and follow detailed procedures for code review and documentation. Collaboration is typically limited to cleared team members, and you may be required to work in secure facilities. These factors can make project workflows more structured, but also provide unique opportunities to contribute to impactful, mission-critical work.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a software engineer with secret clearance, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Software Engineer with Secret Clearance, you need strong programming skills (such as Python, Java, or C++), a bachelor’s degree in computer science or related field, and a current U.S. Secret security clearance. Familiarity with version control systems (like Git), secure coding practices, and government-specific development environments or frameworks is often required. Attention to detail, problem-solving abilities, and effective teamwork are essential soft skills for success in sensitive and collaborative projects. These qualifications ensure that you can develop secure, reliable software while meeting stringent government security and compliance standards.

What is the difference between Software Engineer Secret Clearance vs Software Developer Secret Clearance?

AspectSoftware Engineer Secret ClearanceSoftware Developer Secret Clearance
CredentialsSecurity clearance, coding skills, software development experienceSecurity clearance, coding skills, software development experience
Work EnvironmentGovernment agencies, defense contractors, secure facilitiesGovernment projects, defense contractors, secure environments
Industry UsageHigh in defense, aerospace, government sectorsSimilar sectors, often overlapping with Software Engineer roles
Search & ComparisonCommonly compared due to similar roles and clearance requirements

Both Software Engineer and Software Developer with Secret Clearance roles require similar credentials and work in secure government or defense environments. The main difference lies in job titles; 'Engineer' often implies a focus on system design and architecture, while 'Developer' emphasizes coding and implementation. Both roles are vital in defense and government sectors, with overlapping responsibilities and security requirements.

What are the most commonly searched types of Software Engineer Secret Clearance jobs in Arizona?

The most popular types of Software Engineer Secret Clearance jobs in Arizona are:

What are popular job titles related to Software Engineer Secret Clearance jobs in Arizona?

For Software Engineer Secret Clearance jobs in Arizona, the most frequently searched job titles are:

Infographic showing various Software Engineer Secret Clearance job openings in Arizona as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 86% Full Time, 8% Part Time, 2% Temporary, and 3% Contract. Highlights an 87% Physical, 4% Hybrid, and 9% Remote job distribution.

Software Engineer- Secret Clearance

Cross Resource Group

Tucson, AZ • On-site

$105.25 - $123.50/hr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Retirement

Re-posted 14 days ago


Job description

Title: Cleared Software Engineer - Test Equipment Software

We are hiring onsite Software Engineers to support mission-critical defense manufacturing and engineering test environments in Tucson, AZ. This role is focused on developing Windows-based software applications, libraries, and instrument drivers used to support advanced production lines, engineering labs, and test equipment systems.

This is a strong fit for a software engineer who enjoys hands-on technical work, hardware-connected software, troubleshooting, and building applications that support real engineering and production environments. Candidates should be comfortable working with C++, C#, Microsoft Visual Studio, Windows operating systems, and cross-functional engineering teams.

This posting includes both mid-level and senior/principal-level openings. Candidates will be considered for the level that best matches their experience.

Location: Tucson, AZ

Schedule: 1st shift, onsite

Contract Type: Renewable one-year contract with potential to extend multiple years or convert to permanent

Contract Classification: Non-exempt contract

Openings: 4 total

Citizenship: U.S. Citizen required

Clearance: Active Secret clearance

Pay Rate: Estimated $105.25 to $123.50/hour, based on experience and level fit

Benefits

Eligible CRG contract employees may have access to the following benefits after 30 days of employment:

  • Medical coverage
  • Dental coverage
  • Vision coverage
  • Weekly pay
  • Direct deposit
  • Referral bonus opportunities
  • Support from CRG recruiting and account management throughout the assignment
  • 401(k) eligibility after 12 months as a CRG employee

Arizona Sick Time

Arizona sick time accrues up to 40 hours per year, equal to 5 eight-hour days per year, based on a full-time schedule.

No per diem or relocation assistance is provided. Candidates must be able to work onsite in Tucson, AZ.

Responsibilities

  • Design, develop, integrate, and maintain object-oriented software applications using C++, C#, Microsoft Visual Studio, and Windows OS.
  • Build software applications, libraries, tools, and instrument drivers used in engineering and production test environments.
  • Troubleshoot software, instrumentation, and test equipment issues.
  • Support factory, lab, production, and engineering teams with software used to develop, test, and maintain complex defense products.
  • Develop and derive requirements for software products.
  • Work in a multi-discipline engineering environment with software, hardware, systems, test, and production teams.
  • Prioritize multiple software engineering tasks and support project deadlines.
  • For senior/principal-level candidates, provide technical leadership and mentor junior software engineers.

Qualifications

  • U.S. Citizenship required.
  • Active Secret clearance
  • Bachelor’s degree in STEM or equivalent technical experience.
  • C++ experience required.
  • C#, Microsoft Visual Studio, and Windows application development strongly preferred.
  • Experience with test equipment, instrumentation, instrument drivers, automated test, factory support, production support, or engineering lab software.
  • Ability to work onsite full time in Tucson, AZ.

Level Differences

Software Engineer II Fit

A Software Engineer II candidate should typically have:

  • 2+ years of professional software engineering experience, or an advanced STEM degree.
  • Hands-on experience with C++, C#, Visual Studio, or Windows-based software.
  • Ability to contribute as part of an engineering team with guidance from senior engineers.
  • Some exposure to test equipment, instrumentation, lab systems, production support, or hardware-connected software.

This candidate is qualified for the lower-level opening if they can code, troubleshoot, learn the test equipment environment, and work effectively with senior engineers.

Software Engineer IV / Principal Fit

A Software Engineer IV / Principal-level candidate should typically have:

  • 8+ years of professional software engineering experience, or 5+ years with an advanced STEM degree.
  • Strong C++, C#, Visual Studio, and Windows application development experience.
  • Direct experience supporting test equipment, instrument drivers, factory systems, engineering tools, production software, or hardware-connected applications.
  • Ability to work independently, solve complex technical problems, and mentor junior engineers.
  • Stronger requirements development, integration, troubleshooting, and cross-functional leadership experience.

This candidate is qualified for the higher-level opening if they can lead technical work, mentor others, own larger software problems, and support production/test equipment systems with limited handholding.