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Staff Engineer Jobs in Arizona (NOW HIRING)

We're looking for a Staff Developer who genuinely cares about building things well. You'll take on the hardest technical problems, champion best practices, and bridge the gap between where our ...

As a Staff Engineer, you will be a senior technical leader responsible for advancing the reliability, scalability, and operational excellence of critical technology platforms. You will work across ...

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Staff Engineer information

See Arizona salary details

$21.4K

$92.6K

$179.4K

How much do staff engineer jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 24, 2026, the average yearly pay for staff engineer in Arizona is $92,564.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $64,300.00 and $116,500.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is a staff engineer?

A staff engineer is a general title for an on-staff engineer in any number of industries. You can find these positions in fields including software development, the aerospace industry, civil engineering, and medical science. In this career, your job duties vary significantly depending on your industry. Generally, you work with a number of other developers and engineers to develop new systems or products or improve existing materials or processes. The qualifications needed for a career as a staff engineer include a bachelor’s degree in an engineering field relevant to your industry. Common degrees include electrical and mechanical engineering. While some employers prefer staff engineers with experience, you can secure an entry-level position with just the skills learned in your degree program.

What is a staff engineer?

A Staff Engineer is a senior technical role within engineering teams, often responsible for leading complex projects, setting technical direction, and mentoring other engineers. Unlike managerial roles, Staff Engineers typically remain deeply involved in hands-on technical work and architecture decisions. They play a critical role in bridging the gap between engineering execution and organizational strategy, ensuring that technical standards are maintained and innovations are implemented effectively. Staff Engineers may also collaborate with cross-functional teams to solve high-impact problems and drive the company's technical vision forward.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a staff engineer, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Staff Engineer, you need deep expertise in software engineering principles, system architecture, and problem-solving, typically supported by a relevant degree and extensive industry experience. Proficiency with programming languages, cloud platforms, CI/CD tools, and familiarity with agile methodologies are commonly required, along with experience in technical leadership. Exceptional communication, mentorship, and collaboration skills set top performers apart as they guide teams and influence technical direction. These skills ensure effective delivery of complex projects, foster innovation, and drive organizational technical excellence.

How does a staff engineer typically balance hands-on technical work with mentoring and guiding other engineers?

As a Staff Engineer, you'll often find yourself splitting time between solving complex technical challenges and supporting the growth of your team. While you will still engage in deep technical work, a significant part of your role involves mentoring less experienced engineers, setting technical direction, and reviewing designs or code. Balancing these responsibilities requires strong time management and communication skills, as you need to ensure project progress while enabling team members to learn and excel. Many organizations expect Staff Engineers to lead by example, champion best practices, and foster a collaborative environment.

What are the most commonly searched types of Staff Engineer jobs in Arizona?

The most popular types of Staff Engineer jobs in Arizona are:

What cities in Arizona are hiring for Staff Engineer jobs?

Cities in Arizona with the most Staff Engineer job openings:

What are popular job titles related to Staff Engineer jobs in AZ?

For Staff Engineer jobs in AZ, the most frequently searched job titles are:

Infographic showing various Staff Engineer job openings in Arizona as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 2% As Needed, 78% Full Time, 14% Part Time, 2% Temporary, and 4% Contract. Highlights an 96% Physical, 2% Hybrid, and 2% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $92,564 per year, or $44.5 per hour.

Full-time

Posted 18 days ago


Universal Engineering Sciences rating

6.0

Company rating: 6.0 out of 10

Based on 15 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

417th of 450 rated engineering


Job description

Overview
At UES, we're a team of more than 4,000 engineers, scientists, geologists, inspectors, technicians, and drillers united by a shared purpose-to make a meaningful impact in the communities we serve. As a national leader in geotechnical engineering, environmental consulting, and materials testing and inspection, we collaborate on transformative projects across transportation, energy, water, healthcare, and more. Learn more about the benefits of joining Team UES and our core values at careers.teamues.com.
Position Overview
As a Staff Engineer, you will be responsible for planning, designing, and directing engineering testing projects such as predevelopment, geotechnical design, and when necessary, civil design support. #LI-KD1 #LI-Onsite
Responsibilities
  • Calculates cost and determines feasibility of project based on analysis of collected data.
  • Analyzes reports, maps, drawings, blueprints, tests, and aerial photographs on soil composition, terrain, hydrological characteristics, and other topographical and geologic data to plan and design project.
  • Prepares or directs preparation and modification of reports, specifications, plans, testing schedules and designs for project.
  • Inspects construction site to monitor progress and ensure conformance to engineering test plans, specifications, and safety standards.
  • Uses computer assisted engineering and design software and equipment to prepare engineering and design documents.
  • Directs, where necessary, various activities at projects sites

Qualifications
  • Engineer In Training (E.I.T) Certification
  • Ability to earn P.E. (Professional Engineer)
  • Bachelor's degree (B.S.) in civil, geotechnical, or environmental engineering from a four-year college or university; one to two years of related experience and/or training
  • Strong written and verbal communication skills for documenting findings and working with project teams.
  • Basic understanding of construction methods, site safety, and environmental regulations is helpful.
  • Strong analytical and organizational skills with attention to detail.
  • Willingness to work in both field and office environments and travel to project sites as needed.
  • Ability to work effectively as part of a team and demonstrate a proactive, collaborative mindset.

Travel Requirements
• This position requires extensive travel, approximately up to 70% of the time, in support of business objectives and client engagements. Travel may be both scheduled and on short notice, depending on project needs. Destinations typically include job sites, field locations, or regional offices, where work may be conducted in outdoor or operational environments. Adherence to all company safety protocols and use of PPE is required during travel and on-site work
Physical Demands & Work Environment
  • Work is primarily conducted outdoors with exposure to outdoor conditions, including:
    • Sites that may not be accessible by vehicle, requiring travel on foot through wetlands, swamps, grasslands, construction zones, and other uneven or rugged terrain with natural and man-made obstacles such as sand, brush, and debris.
    • Moderate to loud noise levels due to lab equipment, field operations, and construction environments.
    • Exposure to dirt, dust, chemicals, sun, heat, humidity, and varying weather conditions as part of field sample collection and testing.
  • Physical requirements include:
    • Ability to lift and carry between 35 and 75 lbs. over distances up to 75 feet, involving regular repetitive motion.
    • Ability to stand, walk, drive, and operate laboratory and field equipment for extended periods.
    • Ability to bend, twist, reach, stoop, pull, kneel, climb, balance, lift, carry, and push as required for laboratory and fieldwork.
    • Ability to use your senses to see (including close, distant, and peripheral vison, depth vision, and ability to focus) smell, hear, touch (use hands to reach climb or balance, crouch, stoop, crawl, kneel and sit).
    • Ability to communicate effectively through verbal and written means in a lab and field environment, often requiring the use of PPE (Personal Protective Equipment).

EEO Statement
UES is an Equal Opportunity Employer and is proud to recruit the most qualified candidates. Please see our full EEO Statement at the bottom of the page here

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About Universal Engineering Sciences

Sourced by ZipRecruiter

Universal Engineering Sciences, based in Orlando, FL, US, is a reputable name in the field of geotechnical engineering, environmental consulting, construction materials testing, and inspection services. With an impressive industry presence of over six decades since its establishment in 1964, Universal Engineering Sciences specializes in providing engineering consulting services that effectively address multiple civil, structural, and geotechnical challenges. Their extensive service portfolio includes environmental assessments, field testing services, laboratory testing services, and quality control consulting, among others. As a stalwart advocate of integrity, excellence, service, and people, Universal Engineering Sciences takes pride in delivering exceptional services that realize their mission of setting industry standards through technical superiority and efficient communication.

Industry

Construction

Company size

1,001 - 5,000 Employees

Headquarters location

Orlando, FL, US

Year founded

1964

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