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Cleared Software Engineer information

See California salary details

$62.7K

$145.6K

$202.8K

How much do cleared software engineer jobs pay per year?

As of Jul 7, 2026, the average yearly pay for cleared software engineer in California is $145,592.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $118,400.00 and $170,700.00 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.
What are popular job titles related to Cleared Software Engineer jobs in California? For Cleared Software Engineer jobs in California, the most frequently searched job titles are:
What job categories do people searching Cleared Software Engineer jobs in California look for? The top searched job categories for Cleared Software Engineer jobs in California are:
Cleared Software Engineer jobs near you
Software Engineer Level 2 (AHT)

Software Engineer Level 2 (AHT)

Northrop Grumman Corporation

Los Angeles, CA

$91K - $137K/yr

Full-time

Medical, Life, PTO

Posted 21 days ago

Northrop Grumman rating

8.1

Company rating: 8.1 out of 10

Based on 348 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

110th of 527 rated manufacturers

Job description

RELOCATION ASSISTANCE: Relocation assistance may be availableCLEARANCE REQUIRED FOR START: YesCLEARANCE TYPE: SecretTRAVEL: Yes, 10% of the TimeDescriptionAt Northrop Grumman, our employees have incredible opportunities to work on revolutionary systems that impact people's lives around the world today, and for generations to come. Our pioneering and inventive spirit has enabled us to be at the forefront of many technological advancements in our nation's history - from the first flight across the Atlantic Ocean, to stealth bombers, to landing on the moon. We look for people who have bold new ideas, courage and a pioneering spirit to join forces to invent the future, and have fun along the way. Our culture thrives on intellectual curiosity, cognitive diversity and bringing your whole self to work - and we have an insatiable drive to do what others think is impossible. Our employees are not only part of history, they're making history.

Northrop GrummanDefense Systems is seeking aSoftware Engineerto join our multidiscipline Advanced Weapons engineering team. The role focuses on the development, integration, deployment, and sustainment of Special Test Equipment software that supports integration testing, test events, and production testing.

Location:Northridge, CA - no remote/telework option.
Security:Active U.S. DoD Secret clearance

What You'll Get to Do

  • Work with a variety of languages and toolsets, includingC, C++, and C#.
  • Act as a self-starter and efficiently operate in a multi-discipline team environment.
  • Participate inAcceptance Test events- planning, execution, and reporting.
  • Develop and maintaintest automation software and scripts.
  • Resolve and remediate software defects; implement enhancements driven by customer change requests or mission needs.

Basic Qualifications for a Software Engineer (Level 2):

  • Bachelor's degree in a STEM related field with 2 years of Computer or Software engineering experience, or 0 years of experience with a Master's degree.
  • Professional experience developing software in C/C++
  • Professional experience developing desktop applications in C, C++, or C# on Windows.
  • Experience with full software lifecycle: specification, design, implementation, integration, debug, and maintenance are required.
  • Experience in Atlassian Products like Jira, Gitlab, Confluence
  • Experience setting up and operating some kind of lab equipment such as oscilloscopes, power meters, power supplies, signal generators, and spectrum analyzers.
  • Active Secret Clearance

Preferred Qualifications:

  • Experience with software version control tools such as Git.
  • Extensive experience with Windows Desktop applications in C#.
  • Experience in embedded systems design with preemptive, multitasking real-time operating systems.
  • Experience using Atlassian Tool Suite: JIRA, Confluence, and Bitbucket.
  • Ability to troubleshoot hardware/software and identify root cause issues.
  • Experience working with hardware programmers such as JTAG.
  • Understanding of TCP/IP protocols, serial communication, and MIL-STANDARD 1553 protocol.
  • Ability to be cleared to special access programs
Primary Level Salary Range: $91,800.00 - $137,600.00The above salary range represents a general guideline; however, Northrop Grumman considers a number of factors when determining base salary offers such as the scope and responsibilities of the position and the candidate's experience, education, skills and current market conditions.Depending on the position, employees may be eligible for overtime, shift differential, and a discretionary bonus in addition to base pay. Annual bonuses are designed to reward individual contributions as well as allow employees to share in company results. Employees in Vice President or Director positions may be eligible for Long Term Incentives. In addition, Northrop Grumman provides a variety of benefits including health insurance coverage, life and disability insurance, savings plan, Company paid holidays and paid time off (PTO) for vacation and/or personal business.The application period for the job is estimated to be 20 days from the job posting date. However, this timeline may be shortened or extended depending on business needs and the availability of qualified candidates.Northrop Grumman is an Equal Opportunity Employer, making decisions without regard to race, color, religion, creed, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, marital status, national origin, age, veteran status, disability, or any other protected class. For our complete EEO and pay transparency statement, please visit http://www.northropgrumman.com/EEO. U.S. Citizenship is required for all positions with a government clearance and certain other restricted positions.

What Northrop Grumman employees say

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About Northrop Grumman

Sourced by ZipRecruiter

At Northrop Grumman, our employees have incredible opportunities to work on revolutionary systems that impact people's lives around the world today, and for generations to come. Our pioneering and inventive spirit has enabled us to be at the forefront of many technological advancements in our nation's history - from the first flight across the Atlantic Ocean, to stealth bombers, to landing on the moon. We look for people who have bold new ideas, courage and a pioneering spirit to join forces to invent the future, and have fun along the way. Our culture thrives on intellectual curiosity, cognitive diversity and bringing your whole self to work - and we have an insatiable drive to do what others think is impossible.

Industry

Space research administration

Company size

10,000+ Employees

Headquarters location

Falls Church, VA, US

Year founded

1939

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