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Cleared Software Engineer Jobs (NOW HIRING)

EMTAK LLC

Software Engineer 0 - TS/SCI with Polygraph (Entry-Level) Location: Annapolis Junction, MD ... This is an excellent opportunity for cleared candidates looking to build hands-on experience ...

Latitude Inc

TS/SCI Software Engineer

Gaithersburg, MD

$130K - $175K/yr

Permanent | Salary: $130k-$175k (flexible) Latitude Inc. is seeking a cleared Software Engineer to join a small, high-performing team supporting a critical NGA mission. This fully onsite role focuses ...

ECS

Software Engineer Intermediate

Washington, DC · On-site

$125K - $165K/yr

Everforth ECS Federal is seeking a TS-cleared Software Engineer Intermediate to support one of our mission critical programs for the Department of Justice in Washington, DC. Please Note: This ...

Staffed4U

$118K - $131K/yr

Interest in growing within a cleared software engineering career path. Compensation The salary range for this position is: $118,000 - $131,000 This position also includes an additional 15% automatic ...

New

ECS

Software Engineer Intermediate

Washington, DC · On-site

ECS Federal is seeking a TS-cleared Software Engineer Intermediate to support mission-critical programs for the Department of Justice in Washington, DC. The role involves collaborating with customers ...

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Cleared Software Engineer information

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How much do cleared software engineer jobs pay per year?

As of Jun 5, 2026, the average yearly pay for cleared software engineer in the United States is $147,524.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $120,000.00 and $173,000.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What are some common challenges Cleared Software Engineers face when working on classified projects?

Cleared Software Engineers often encounter challenges related to strict security protocols and limited access to information when working on classified projects. These restrictions can impact collaboration and require careful adherence to documentation and communication guidelines. Additionally, the need for government clearances can lengthen onboarding times, and engineers may work in secure facilities with restricted internet or device use. However, these challenges are balanced by the unique opportunity to contribute to national security and work on cutting-edge technology alongside highly skilled teams.

What is the difference between Cleared Software Engineer vs Software Developer?

AspectCleared Software EngineerSoftware Developer
CredentialsSecurity clearance (e.g., Top Secret, TS/SCI)Typically no security clearance required
Work EnvironmentGovernment agencies, defense contractors, secure facilitiesPrivate sector, tech companies, startups
Industry UsageDefense, aerospace, intelligenceTechnology, finance, healthcare
Search & ComparisonOften compared for security clearance requirements and government projectsMore general software development roles

The main difference is that a Cleared Software Engineer requires security clearance and works primarily on government or defense projects, whereas a Software Developer typically does not need clearance and works across various industries. The cleared role involves additional security protocols but shares core programming skills with standard software development roles.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a Cleared Software Engineer, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Cleared Software Engineer, you need strong programming abilities, software development experience, and an active security clearance such as Secret or Top Secret. Familiarity with secure coding practices, version control systems (like Git), and specialized tools for government or defense projects is often required. Excellent problem-solving, teamwork, and communication skills help you collaborate effectively and navigate complex, high-stakes environments. These skills and qualifications are crucial to ensure the development of secure, reliable software that meets strict regulatory and security standards.

What is a Cleared Software Engineer?

A Cleared Software Engineer is a software developer who has obtained a security clearance, typically to work on projects involving sensitive or classified information for government agencies or contractors. These professionals design, develop, test, and maintain software systems while adhering to strict security protocols. Security clearances can vary in level, such as Confidential, Secret, or Top Secret, and are granted after thorough background checks. Cleared Software Engineers are essential for organizations that handle national security or defense projects, ensuring that only trusted individuals have access to protected information.
More about Cleared Software Engineer jobs
What states have the most Cleared Software Engineer jobs? States with the most job openings for Cleared Software Engineer jobs include:
What job categories do people searching Cleared Software Engineer jobs look for? The top searched job categories for Cleared Software Engineer jobs are:
Cleared Software Engineer jobs near you
Cleared Software Engineer - Microservices

Cleared Software Engineer - Microservices

Bestgate Engineering

Annapolis, MD • On-site

$185K - $230K/yr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Retirement, PTO

Posted 4 days ago

Job description

Cleared Software Engineer - Microservices Developer
Join Bestgate Engineering, where we deliver cutting-edge solutions for national security and enterprise innovation. At Bestgate, we're driven by excellence, teamwork, and a commitment to empowering our people.
Bestgate Engineering is seeking a Microservices Developer to support the modernization of a legacy operational system using a microservices based architecture and cutting-edge technologies. This is an ideal role for a software engineer with strong Java, AWS, and cloud native development experience supporting mission focused environments.Required Skills:
  • 12+ years of professional experience; or 10+ years with a related Master's degree.
  • Experience writing Java Spring Boot based microservice applications utilizing AWS native technologies.
  • Experience using Python to optimize AWS services such as Lambda, Step Functions, EC2, and S3.
  • Experience building REST services with Spring capable of filtering and selecting complex data objects.
  • Experience implementing CI/CD principles utilizing Maven, GitLab, and GitOps.
  • Experience working in Agile development environments supporting iterative software delivery.
  • Strong communication and collaboration skills with the ability to work effectively across engineering teams and stakeholders.
  • Experience working with AWS tool suite such as OSS, DynamoDB, Lambda, and CloudWatch.
Desired Skills:
  • Java, Spring Boot, and/or Python development experience.
  • Experience designing and developing microservice architectures.
  • Experience with CI/CD tools including AWS tools, Maven, GitLab, GitOps, Kubernetes, Docker, and Ansible.
  • Database experience with NoSQL technologies including MongoDB and DynamoDB, including query and schema design.
  • Test automation frameworks including Cypress and Cucumber.

Salary Range: $185,000 - $230,000
*The provided salary range is an approximation based on current market data and may vary. The final offer will be determined after carefully considering the candidate's skills, experience, and qualifications as they relate to the position. This range is intended as a reference point and is subject to change.
Why Bestgate?
Engineering isn't just any tech company we're on the front lines, delivering cutting edge solutions that support mission critical work for government customers and the military. Whether it's cloud native technologies, software modernization, embedded engineering, high performance computing, or data science, we're making an impact where it matters most.
At Bestgate, we believe in putting people first our employees and our customers. That's why our core values employee focus, transparency, reliability, and excellence drive everything we do!
Benefits Overview
  • PTO: Starting at 26 days with options to increase or decrease for personal needs.
  • 401k: 7% gift, fully vested from day one!
  • Free Medical, Dental, Vision: Coverage for employees and dependents.
  • $5,000 in Training: For certifications, conferences, and continued learning.
  • End-of-Year Bonuses: Recognizing your hard work.
  • Morale-Building Hours: 8 hours annually for team-building activities.

Plus, flexibility, internal mobility programs, career pathing, engaged leadership, and a robust external referral program.
Equal Opportunity Employer
Bestgate is proud to celebrate diversity and foster an inclusive environment. We do not discriminate based on race, religion, color, national origin, gender, sexual orientation, age, marital status, veteran status, or disability status.

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