A guide to working in the Phoenix tech scene

In continuation of our series exploring the most innovative tech hubs around the world, we take a look at what the Phoenix tech scene has to offer

If you like warm dry weather, amazing food, and a thriving café scene, then Phoenix might be the place for you.

While you’re probably more familiar with the more established tech hotspots like New York, Atlanta or Silicon Valley, Arizona is quietly (and quickly) becoming a tech haven in its own right.

According to CompTIA’s Cyberstates report, nearly 20 per cent of Arizona’s workforce is concentrated on technology. Plus, technology companies contribute approximately $25bn to the state.

Huge multinational corporations such as Deloitte, TikTok, Amazon, Intel and American Airlines have bases in the city and environs, as well as many innovative and exciting startups. Companies of all shapes and sizes can take advantage of the skilled workforce and desirable tax structure here.

Workers, on the other hand, are flocking to Phoenix for the affordable cost of living, outdoor activities such as year-round hiking, biking, or climbing, and the wonderfully vibrant culture and lifestyle.

If you’re thinking about moving to the Valley of the Sun, take a look at our guide first.

ICT

Information and communications technology is a huge sector in Phoenix. The city has a deep knowledge and skills pool in this area. According to the Greater Phoenix Economic Council, in 2020, nearly 77,000 people were employed by ICT firms. There has also been 64.1 per cent job growth in the last 10 years compared to the national average of 34 per cent over the same time period.

Some big names to look out for include Amazon, Intel, and Infosys. In a nutshell, Infosys provides software development, maintenance, and independent validation services to companies in finance, insurance, manufacturing, and other sectors.

The company recently opened a technology and innovation centre in Arizona and claims that it will employ 1,000 people by 2023 with a particular focus on autonomous technologies, Internet of Things, full-stack engineering, data science, and cyber security. If you’re interested in roles at Infosys, you can find open roles at the company here.

Logistics

The Covid-19 pandemic has actually helped the logistics sector in Phoenix to grow and develop. This is due to population and job growth, however, the city’s location has also played a major role.

Phoenix is in close proximity to Southern California, with San Diego five hours away by road. Plus, the Mexican border is less than three hours away. This is great news for logistics companies that need lots of affordable space and workers.

One company to watch is TuSimple. Founded in 2015, this brand operates self-driving trucks and develops commercial-ready Level 4 fully autonomous driving solutions for the logistics industry. Take a look at its open roles here.

Aerospace

The greater Phoenix area is a hub for aerospace and aviation. According to the Arizona Commerce Authority, over 1,200 aerospace companies have chosen the Grand Canyon State as their base. This includes everything from commercial airlines to drone companies.

What attracts so many aerospace companies to the area? Probably the army of engineers that call the city home, plus the great weather that gives ideal flying conditions year-round.

Honeywell Aerospace, maker of aircraft engines and avionics, has its global headquarters in Phoenix. Plus, Boeing’s facility in nearby Mesa produces Apache attack helicopters and employs over 3,600 workers. You can explore Boeing’s open roles on the Information Age Jobs Board.

Fintech

The fintech industry is brimming with opportunity, and in Arizona things are no different. In fact, back in 2018, it became the first state in the US to enact legislation, removing costly and time-consuming barriers to entry for fintech companies looking to test innovative new products and services.

Since then, the industry has enjoyed a steady rise. Some of the main fintech companies that are making waves in the city include Vanguard, PayPal, and Charles Schwab.

The Charles Schwab Corporation is a leading fintech company that provides a full range of brokerage, banking, and financial advisory services. Founded in California in 1971, the company now has 33,000 employees around the globe. You can check out its open roles here.

If you want to make the move to Phoenix, check out the Information Age Jobs Board to see what opportunities are available.

Pippa Hardy is a content creator and writer for Amply by Jobbio. She’s a work-from-home enthusiast who loves all things travel and tech. When she’s not writing up her next article, she’s usually hiking or spending a whole afternoon on Pinterest.

Related:

A guide to working in the Pittsburgh tech scene — Taking a look at what the tech scene in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania has to offer.

A guide to working in the Vancouver tech scene — Exploring what the Vancouver tech scene has in store.