Software Engineer III – Defense Systems Integration
Location: Tucson, AZ
Employment Type: Full-Time
Clearance: Active DoD Secret (Top Secret preferred)
Citizenship: U.S. Citizenship Required
About the Role
We are seeking a highly skilled Software Engineer III to support advanced missile systems for the U.S. Navy and Missile Defense Agency. This role is embedded within a high-impact technical team supporting the Surface Missile Technical Representative Office in Tucson, Arizona. You will play a critical role in evaluating, validating, and advancing software and firmware systems that directly support national defense.
This is not an entry-level role. We are looking for a seasoned engineer who thrives in complex, classified environments and understands the rigor of working within DoD acquisition and lifecycle frameworks.
Key Responsibilities
- Lead technical assessments of software and firmware documentation, including code reviews, test data, and algorithm specifications
- Evaluate readiness for major engineering milestones such as PDR, CDR, MRR, and MCP
- Participate in and assess Formal Qualification Tests (FQT), Test Readiness Reviews (TRR), and integration activities
- Review and advise on Change Control Board (CCB) documentation and design artifacts
- Coordinate technical communications between government stakeholders and contractor engineering teams
- Analyze software development schedules, metrics, and sprint planning artifacts to ensure alignment with program goals
- Provide subject matter expertise to Integrated Product Teams (IPTs) to identify and resolve software-related risks
- Support the planning and execution of software/firmware engineering reviews and technical exchanges
- Contribute to the development of integrated program plans and ensure technical feasibility of implementation across systems
Required Qualifications
- Education: Master’s degree in Engineering, Computer Science, Mathematics, or a related technical field
- Experience: Minimum 10 years of professional software engineering experience, preferably in a defense or aerospace environment
- Proven experience applying modern development methodologies such as Agile, DevOps, or DevSecOps
- Demonstrated ability to assess complex technical documentation and lead peer-level technical reviews
- Must hold an active DoD Secret clearance (Top Secret preferred)
- Must pass a comprehensive background screening including SSN verification, driving record, and criminal history
Ideal Candidate
- You are a systems thinker who can navigate between code-level detail and program-level impact
- You understand the stakes of defense work and bring discipline, discretion, and technical excellence to every task
- You are comfortable interfacing with government program offices, engineering teams, and cross-functional stakeholders
- You are proactive, thorough, and committed to delivering work that meets the highest standards of quality and compliance