Software Engineer II
The Software Engineer II at Confidential Client is responsible for designing, developing, testing, and integrating real-time embedded and application software within agile teams focused on mission-critical defense solutions. This onsite role requires collaboration with engineering professionals, adherence to established development processes, and the ability to obtain a U.S. government security clearance. The position offers opportunities to work with cutting-edge tools and technologies in aerospace and defense to protect national security.
About Careertakes
👉 Important disclosure: Careertakes is a third-party recruiting platform supporting this hiring process. If selected, you will be employed directly by our client, Defense and Space Manufacturing.
Applicants for this role may also receive access to additional matched opportunities through the Careertakes platform.
Role Overview
Confidential Client is seeking a Software Engineer II to join an onsite engineering team in Tucson, AZ. This role focuses on developing real-time embedded software and application tools used in mission-critical defense systems. Candidates who meet the minimum requirements and are eager to learn will be considered — prior defense industry experience is helpful but not required.
What You’ll Do
- Assist and participate in requirements, design, development, and testing of real-time embedded software, application software, and development tools.
- Design, code, test, integrate, and document software across the full development lifecycle.
- Participate in internal reviews of software components and systems.
- Collaborate with project managers, engineers, and cross-functional teams to meet schedule and technical goals.
- Follow established software development practices and configuration management processes.
- Support hardware-software integration and embedded system testing.
- Obtain program access and maintain required security and program clearances.
What You’ll Learn
- Apply modern tools and workflows for embedded and real-time system development.
- Gain domain knowledge in missile and defense-related software systems and associated tooling.
- Deepen skills in C/C++, hardware-software integration, and real-time debugging.
- Work within disciplined software engineering processes used on classified programs.
Qualifications You Must Have
- Bachelor’s degree in a STEM field or equivalent experience.
- Minimum of 2 years of relevant professional experience in software development.
- Experience with C, C++, or other object-oriented languages.
- Experience with hardware-software integration and embedded system testing.
- U.S. citizenship is required. Ability to obtain an Interim Secret level U.S. government security clearance prior to start date is required; program access will be obtained after start.
- Ability to work onsite in Tucson, AZ.
Qualifications We Prefer
- Strong understanding of data structures and algorithms, operating systems, and systems software design.
- Experience with assembly language, structured programming concepts, and object-oriented design.
- Familiarity with UML, statistical/numerical methods, or real-time system patterns.
- Strong interpersonal and written/verbal communication skills and experience working in collaborative teams.
Compensation & Benefits
- Salary range: $68,900 - $131,100 USD (good-faith estimate covering possible experience levels).
- Hired applicants may be eligible for benefits such as medical, dental, vision, life insurance, short- and long-term disability, 401(k) match, flexible spending accounts, paid time off, parental leave, and other programs. Specific benefits depend on the business unit and role.
- Relocation may be offered based on eligibility.
- Annual incentive programs may be available depending on role and performance; such payments are not guaranteed.
Clearance & Location Details
- This is an onsite role based at the client’s Tucson, AZ campus.
- Security clearance requirement: Ability to obtain Interim Secret level U.S. government security clearance prior to start date; U.S. citizenship is required.
- As part of a secure hiring process, some interview steps may be required in person at a client location.
Why Join
- Work on impactful, mission-driven projects in the defense and space manufacturing sector.
- Join an engineering organization that invests in professional growth and modern tooling.
- Collaborate with multidisciplinary teams to solve challenging, real-world technical problems.
Equal Opportunity & Hiring Transparency
Careertakes and our client are Equal Opportunity Employers committed to building a diverse and inclusive workforce. We prohibit discrimination or harassment of any kind. To support a fair and efficient hiring process, AI tools may be used to assist with application review or resume screening. These tools do not replace human decision-making. Final hiring decisions are made by people.
If you have questions about how your data is used, please contact us directly.
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