Principal Software Engineer Jobs in Arizona
Principal Software Engineer jobs in Arizona are concentrated in the Phoenix metro, Tempe, and Scottsdale, where employers like Intel, Honeywell, and PayPal maintain deep engineering organizations. Demand is strongest in distributed systems, cloud platform engineering, and embedded software, reflecting Arizona's mix of semiconductor manufacturing, fintech, and aerospace technology. The market rewards engineers who can lead architecture decisions across large, cross-functional teams. Scan the live roles below and apply to whichever ones fit.
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Date Posted:
2026-09-02Country:
United States of AmericaLocation:
US-AZ-TUCSON-805 ~ 1151 E Hermans Rd ~ BLDG 805Position Role Type:
OnsiteU.S. Citizen, U.S. Person, or Immigration Status Requirements:
Active and transferable U.S. government issued security clearance is required prior to start date. U.S. citizenship is required, as only U.S. citizens are eligible for a security clearanceSecurity Clearance Type:
DoD Clearance: SecretSecurity Clearance Status:
Ability to obtain INTERIM U.S. government issued security clearance is required prior to start dateAt RTX, the world largest aerospace and defense company, 185,000 great minds are united by purpose and inspired to make a difference solving the world’s most complex problems. With our three market leading businesses, world-class operations and investments in research and development, we offer capabilities and opportunity no one else can. Together, we push the boundaries of known science and find new ways to connect and protect our world.
Raytheon brings the strength of more than 100 years of experience and renowned engineering expertise to meet the needs of today’s mission and stay ahead of tomorrow’s threat. We deliver solutions that help our nation and allies defend freedom and deter aggression, creating a safer, more secure world. Join us and help shape the future of aerospace and defense.
The Hardware in the Loop (HWIL) Department in Tucson, AZ is a multi-discipline organization responsible for designing, building and integrating state of the art testing environments (flight simulators for missiles), as the last step before flight test. On our team, you will work with weapon system designers to understand requirements, design solutions, integrate, and deploy the systems to help support tactical software development, testing, and delivery for missiles to the warfighter.
This position is within the Effectors Center of the HWIL organization, and is an onsite role located in Tucson, AZ
What You Will Do
Collaborate in a multi-disciplinary team to develop software to control Hardware-In-the-Loop (HWIL) facilities (flight simulators for missiles).
Software design, coding and integration in a real-time environment.
Determines end user needs by analyzing system capabilities to resolve problems on program intent, output requirements and input data acquisition. Ensures hardware and software standards are met.
Designs and implements build procedures that are used to support hardware and software product development and use.
May develop software configuration standards for company-wide use.
May train software developers in the use of configuration management tools and the implementation of software quality standards. Includes control modeling (model based design)
Qualifications You Must Have
Typically requires a Bachelor’s degree in Computer Science, Engineering or other STEM related field and a minimum of 8 years of relevant experience.
Advanced experience across the Agile software development lifecycle in three or more of the following: C++ data structures and algorithms or C, C++, Python, and/or Object-Oriented Program Languages; integration of real-time software/firmware/hardware; software test equipment maintenance; software requirements definition,
Advanced experience including at least two of the following: Embedded Software, Embedded Software Security, Embedded Operating Systems (Linux, RTOS, VxWorks, etc.), Software Architecture Design and Implementation.
Active and transferable Secret U.S. government issued security clearance is required prior to start date with the ability to obtain program access after start.
Qualifications We Prefer
Strong organization, coordination, planning, teaming skills, as well as written and oral communication skills.
Experience generating technical documentation and reports.
Experience with RF theory and application in systems.
Experience with electronics design and/or conducting data analysis using tools such as Matlab.
Experience troubleshooting systems using test equipment such as oscilloscopes, logic analyzers, network analyzers, and/or spectrum analyzers.
Experience contributing to the design, development and/or integration of the test equipment and/or hardware (software that controls complicated hardware systems)
Strong organization, coordination, planning, teaming skills, as well as written and oral communication skills.
Experience with Software Agile Process.
Experience developing software using a Linux operating systems.
Some comprehension of Earned Value Management System (EVMS) terminology.
What We Offer
Our values drive our actions, behaviors, and performance with a vision for a safer, more connected world. At RTX we value: Safety, Trust, Respect, Accountability, Collaboration, and Innovation.
Relocation Offered Based On Eligibility
Learn More & Apply Now!
Please consider the following role type definition as you apply for this role:
Onsite: Employees who are working in Onsite roles will work primarily onsite. This includes all production and maintenance employees, as they are essential to the development of our products.
Location Information: This position is onsite at our campus in beautiful Tucson, AZ. Tucson has a friendly, caring, and laid-back atmosphere, combined with the innovation and energy of a metropolitan region, and recognized as one of America’s 10 Best Small Cities. Surrounded by beautiful mountains, colorful Sonoran Desert landscape and majestic saguaro cacti, Tucson is blessed with some of nature’s best work. Tucson is known for its bright blue skies, and with more than 310 sunny days per year, Tucson’s fantastic weather lets residents enjoy the outdoors year-round.
Virtual Fly Over City of Tucson & Community, YouTube Video Links
“Raytheon In Tucson”: https://careers.rtx.com/global/en/raytheon-tucson,-az-location
“Tucson is Awesome”: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=i65wOwKcNIQ
“Winter in Tucson”: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yZdKKkF0QkE
As part of our commitment to maintaining a secure hiring process, candidates may be asked to attend select steps of the interview process in-person at one of our office locations, regardless of whether the role is designated as on-site, hybrid or remote.
The salary range for this role is 107,500 USD - 204,500 USD. The salary range provided is a good faith estimate representative of all experience levels. RTX considers several factors when extending an offer, including but not limited to, the role, function and associated responsibilities, a candidate’s work experience, location, education/training, and key skills. Hired applicants may be eligible for benefits, including but not limited to, medical, dental, vision, life insurance, short-term disability, long-term disability, 401(k) match, flexible spending accounts, flexible work schedules, employee assistance program, Employee Scholar Program, parental leave, paid time off, and holidays. Specific benefits are dependent upon the specific business unit as well as whether or not the position is covered by a collective-bargaining agreement. Hired applicants may be eligible for annual short-term and/or long-term incentive compensation programs depending on the level of the position and whether or not it is covered by a collective-bargaining agreement. Payments under these annual programs are not guaranteed and are dependent upon a variety of factors including, but not limited to, individual performance, business unit performance, and/or the company’s performance. This role is a U.S.-based role. If the successful candidate resides in a U.S. territory, the appropriate pay structure and benefits will apply. RTX anticipates the application window closing approximately 40 days from the date the notice was posted. However, factors such as candidate flow and business necessity may require RTX to shorten or extend the application window.RTX is an Equal Opportunity Employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, age, disability or veteran status, or any other applicable state or federal protected class. RTX provides affirmative action in employment for qualified Individuals with a Disability and Protected Veterans in compliance with Section 503 of the Rehabilitation Act and the Vietnam Era Veterans’ Readjustment Assistance Act.
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See All 21 Principal Software Engineer Jobs in Arizona
Find roles in Arizona that match your experience and apply in just a few clicks.
Find JobsPrincipal Software Engineer Jobs by City in Arizona
Where Arizona roles are concentrated, by current openings.
Principal Software Engineer Job Market in Arizona
A snapshot from current Arizona openings, updated as new roles post.
Who's Hiring
- Raytheon10

- Shutterfly2

- Komatsu1

- arrivia1

- CVS Health1

Top Industries Hiring
- Telecommunications
- Technology & Software
What Arizona Employers Look For
The qualifications that appear most often in principal software engineer jobs across Arizona.
- Bachelor's or master's degree in computer science, software engineering, or a related technical field
- Ten or more years of professional software development experience with increasing technical scope
- Demonstrated ability to define system architecture and drive technical strategy across engineering teams
- Deep proficiency in at least one major language such as Java, C++, Python, or Go
- Experience mentoring senior engineers and leading cross-functional technical design reviews
- Strong background in cloud platforms such as AWS, Azure, or GCP at enterprise scale
Principal Software Engineer Jobs in Arizona: Frequently Asked Questions
How do you become a principal software engineer in Arizona?
The path to a principal software engineer role in Arizona runs through a combination of advanced technical depth and demonstrated leadership, with no state-issued license required for the role. Most Arizona employers expect a bachelor's degree in computer science or a closely related discipline, plus extensive years of hands-on engineering work. Candidates who have led architecture initiatives, owned major system deliverables, or published through technical communities consistently stand out in Arizona's market.
How much do principal software engineers make in Arizona?
Principal software engineers in Arizona earn a median of about $129,690 a year, based on May 2025 Bureau of Labor Statistics wage data, ranging from around $81,740 for the lowest 10% to over $178,500 for the top 10%. Pay rises with experience, specialty, and employer.
Which companies hire principal software engineers in Arizona?
Employers hiring principal software engineers in Arizona right now include Raytheon, Shutterfly, and Komatsu, based on current listings on Migrate Mate as of September 2026. Arizona's semiconductor, fintech, and aerospace industries anchor consistent demand, with major engineering campuses in the Phoenix area driving a significant share of senior-level openings.
Which Arizona cities have the most principal software engineer jobs?
The cities with the most principal software engineer openings in Arizona are Tucson, Phoenix, and Scottsdale. Phoenix and its suburban neighbors like Tempe and Scottsdale dominate because they host the largest concentration of tech campuses, semiconductor fabrication operations, and financial technology firms in the state, while Tucson contributes through its defense and optics sectors.
Are there remote principal software engineer jobs in Arizona?
Yes, and more than most fields, given that principal software engineering is almost entirely a desk and collaborative-tool-driven discipline. About 38% of principal software engineer openings tied to Arizona are remote or hybrid as of September 2026, reflecting broad industry acceptance of distributed senior engineering work. Architecture review, technical mentorship, and roadmap planning are the functions most commonly performed fully remotely in this role.
How can I get hired as a principal software engineer in Arizona with little or no experience?
The most realistic entry point is landing a junior or mid-level software engineer role at one of Arizona's large engineering employers, such as Intel, Raytheon Technologies, or a Phoenix-area fintech company, and building a record of technical ownership from there. Arizona State University's computer science programs produce graduates who feed directly into associate and new-grad engineer pipelines at these employers. Earning cloud certifications from AWS or Google and contributing to open-source projects strengthens a portfolio for candidates who are still building tenure.
Where can I find and apply to principal software engineer jobs in Arizona?
You can find and apply to principal software engineer jobs in Arizona on Migrate Mate, which lists current Arizona openings updated regularly. Search the roles available, identify the ones that match your background and the Arizona location or remote arrangement you want, and apply directly to the positions that fit.
See All 21 Principal Software Engineer Jobs in Arizona
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