Must be willing to pursue a clearance if not already cleared. Note that an active clearance may ... RF Software Engineer/Principal: $200,000.00 - $285,000.00/per year Your actual level and base ...
Must be willing to pursue a clearance if not already cleared. Note that an active clearance may ... RF Software Engineer/Principal: $200,000.00 - $285,000.00/per year Your actual level and base ...
Software, Aerospace, Mechanical, Electrical, Systems Engineering) * Experience with Systems ... All offers are contingent on a cleared background and possible reference check. Military fellows ...
Quick apply
Software, Aerospace, Mechanical, Electrical, Systems Engineering) * Experience with Systems ... All offers are contingent on a cleared background and possible reference check. Military fellows ...
Software, Aerospace, Mechanical, Electrical, Systems Engineering) * Experience with Systems ... All offers are contingent on a cleared background and possible reference check. Military fellows ...
Quick apply
Software, Aerospace, Mechanical, Electrical, Systems Engineering) * Experience with Systems ... All offers are contingent on a cleared background and possible reference check. Military fellows ...
Software Systems Engineer V
Pasadena, CA · On-site
$188K - $223K/yr
Provide expert support of cleared environment applications and services, as well as software and ... Other programming languages are a plus. * Maintain storage and virtualization infrastructure on ...
Software Systems Engineer V
Pasadena, CA · On-site
$188K - $223K/yr
Provide expert support of cleared environment applications and services, as well as software and ... Other programming languages are a plus. * Maintain storage and virtualization infrastructure on ...
Senior Engineer, Software Systems (R4903)
San Diego, CA · On-site
$110K - $170K/yr
Software, Aerospace, Mechanical, Electrical, Systems Engineering) * Experience with Systems ... All offers are contingent on a cleared background and possible reference check. Military fellows ...
Senior Engineer, Software Systems (R4903)
San Diego, CA · On-site
$110K - $170K/yr
Software, Aerospace, Mechanical, Electrical, Systems Engineering) * Experience with Systems ... All offers are contingent on a cleared background and possible reference check. Military fellows ...
Senior Engineer, Software Systems (R4903)
San Diego, CA · On-site
$110K - $170K/yr
Software, Aerospace, Mechanical, Electrical, Systems Engineering) * Experience with Systems ... All offers are contingent on a cleared background and possible reference check. Military fellows ...
Senior Engineer, Software Systems (R4903)
San Diego, CA · On-site
$110K - $170K/yr
Software, Aerospace, Mechanical, Electrical, Systems Engineering) * Experience with Systems ... All offers are contingent on a cleared background and possible reference check. Military fellows ...
Senior Engineer, Software Systems (R4903)
San Francisco, CA · On-site
$110K - $170K/yr
Software, Aerospace, Mechanical, Electrical, Systems Engineering) * Experience with Systems ... All offers are contingent on a cleared background and possible reference check. Military fellows ...
Senior Engineer, Software Systems (R4903)
San Francisco, CA · On-site
$110K - $170K/yr
Software, Aerospace, Mechanical, Electrical, Systems Engineering) * Experience with Systems ... All offers are contingent on a cleared background and possible reference check. Military fellows ...
Senior Web and Digital Interface Designer - Secret Cleared
San Diego, CA · On-site +1
$105K - $150K/yr
Senior Web and Digital Interface Designer - Secret Cleared ID: 00597-CA Location: San Diego, CA ... Bachelor's degree in Computer Science or Software Engineering. Security Clearance: Secret (must be ...
Senior Web and Digital Interface Designer - Secret Cleared
San Diego, CA · On-site +1
$105K - $150K/yr
Senior Web and Digital Interface Designer - Secret Cleared ID: 00597-CA Location: San Diego, CA ... Bachelor's degree in Computer Science or Software Engineering. Security Clearance: Secret (must be ...
Staff Engineer, DevOps (4797)
$56 - $76.75/hr
Its products include Hivemind autonomy software and V-BAT and X-BAT aircraft. With offices and ... All offers are contingent on a cleared background and possible reference check. Military fellows ...
Quick apply
Staff Engineer, DevOps (4797)
$56 - $76.75/hr
Its products include Hivemind autonomy software and V-BAT and X-BAT aircraft. With offices and ... All offers are contingent on a cleared background and possible reference check. Military fellows ...
Senior Engineer, VBAT Software Test Automation (Hiring Multiple Levels)
San Diego, CA · On-site
$95K - $200K/yr
We're looking for a software engineer, well versed in development and testing, to help continue ... All offers are contingent on a cleared background and possible reference check. Military fellows ...
Senior Engineer, VBAT Software Test Automation (Hiring Multiple Levels)
San Diego, CA · On-site
$95K - $200K/yr
We're looking for a software engineer, well versed in development and testing, to help continue ... All offers are contingent on a cleared background and possible reference check. Military fellows ...
Senior Engineer, VBAT Software Test Automation (Hiring Multiple Levels)
San Diego, CA · On-site
$95K - $200K/yr
We're looking for a software engineer, well versed in development and testing, to help continue ... All offers are contingent on a cleared background and possible reference check. Military fellows ...
Senior Engineer, VBAT Software Test Automation (Hiring Multiple Levels)
San Diego, CA · On-site
$95K - $200K/yr
We're looking for a software engineer, well versed in development and testing, to help continue ... All offers are contingent on a cleared background and possible reference check. Military fellows ...
We're looking for a software engineer, well versed in development and testing, to help continue ... All offers are contingent on a cleared background and possible reference check. Military fellows ...
Quick apply
We're looking for a software engineer, well versed in development and testing, to help continue ... All offers are contingent on a cleared background and possible reference check. Military fellows ...
Zachary Piper Solutions is currently seeking a TS/SCI cleared Sr. Integration and Test Engineer to ... software that directly supports the warfighter. Location: Rancho Bernardo - San Diego, CA Posture ...
Zachary Piper Solutions is currently seeking a TS/SCI cleared Sr. Integration and Test Engineer to ... software that directly supports the warfighter. Location: Rancho Bernardo - San Diego, CA Posture ...
Staff Engineer, DevOps (4797)
San Diego, CA · On-site
$150K - $220K/yr
The Software Integration & Operations (SIO) team builds the pipelines, tools, and systems that make ... All offers are contingent on a cleared background and possible reference check. Military fellows ...
Staff Engineer, DevOps (4797)
San Diego, CA · On-site
$150K - $220K/yr
The Software Integration & Operations (SIO) team builds the pipelines, tools, and systems that make ... All offers are contingent on a cleared background and possible reference check. Military fellows ...
Staff Engineer, DevOps (4797)
San Diego, CA · On-site
$150K - $220K/yr
The Software Integration & Operations (SIO) team builds the pipelines, tools, and systems that make ... All offers are contingent on a cleared background and possible reference check. Military fellows ...
Staff Engineer, DevOps (4797)
San Diego, CA · On-site
$150K - $220K/yr
The Software Integration & Operations (SIO) team builds the pipelines, tools, and systems that make ... All offers are contingent on a cleared background and possible reference check. Military fellows ...
Staff Missiles Embedded Software Architect 5 (AHT)
Los Angeles, CA · On-site
$177K - $265K/yr
As an integral part of our multi-discipline engineering team in Advanced Weapons. You will be on ... cleared for SAP . The Missiles Embedded Software Architect 5 will join our missile systems ...
Staff Missiles Embedded Software Architect 5 (AHT)
Los Angeles, CA · On-site
$177K - $265K/yr
As an integral part of our multi-discipline engineering team in Advanced Weapons. You will be on ... cleared for SAP . The Missiles Embedded Software Architect 5 will join our missile systems ...
... in both cleared and non-cleared environments. Able Forces employment opportunities focus ... Serve as a Senior Project Manager for one or more complex software engineering projects. * Monitor ...
... in both cleared and non-cleared environments. Able Forces employment opportunities focus ... Serve as a Senior Project Manager for one or more complex software engineering projects. * Monitor ...
... in both cleared and non-cleared environments. Able Forces employment opportunities focus ... Serve as a Senior Project Manager for one or more complex software engineering projects. * Monitor ...
... in both cleared and non-cleared environments. Able Forces employment opportunities focus ... Serve as a Senior Project Manager for one or more complex software engineering projects. * Monitor ...
Staff Missiles Embedded Software Architect 5 (AHT)
Los Angeles, CA · On-site
$177K - $265K/yr
As an integral part of our multi-discipline engineering team in Advanced Weapons. You will be on ... cleared for SAP . The Missiles Embedded Software Architect 5 will join our missile systems ...
Staff Missiles Embedded Software Architect 5 (AHT)
Los Angeles, CA · On-site
$177K - $265K/yr
As an integral part of our multi-discipline engineering team in Advanced Weapons. You will be on ... cleared for SAP . The Missiles Embedded Software Architect 5 will join our missile systems ...
This person will own full-cycle recruiting for complex software engineering functions with a ... All offers are contingent on a cleared background and possible reference check. Military fellows ...
Quick apply
This person will own full-cycle recruiting for complex software engineering functions with a ... All offers are contingent on a cleared background and possible reference check. Military fellows ...
Cleared Software Engineer information
See California salary details
$62.7K - $75.4K
2% of jobs
$75.4K - $88.1K
4% of jobs
$88.1K - $100.9K
6% of jobs
$100.9K - $113.6K
8% of jobs
$120.5K is the 25th percentile. Wages below this are outliers.
$113.6K - $126.4K
7% of jobs
$126.4K - $139.1K
18% of jobs
The median wage is $142.1K / yr.
$139.1K - $151.8K
16% of jobs
$151.8K - $164.6K
2% of jobs
$169.8K is the 75th percentile. Wages above this are outliers.
$164.6K - $177.3K
26% of jobs
$177.3K - $190.1K
1% of jobs
$190.1K - $202.8K
8% of jobs
$62.7K
$145.6K
$202.8K
How much do cleared software engineer jobs pay per year?
What are some common challenges Cleared Software Engineers face when working on classified projects?
What is the difference between Cleared Software Engineer vs Software Developer?
| Aspect | Cleared Software Engineer | Software Developer |
|---|---|---|
| Credentials | Security clearance (e.g., Top Secret, TS/SCI) | Typically no security clearance required |
| Work Environment | Government agencies, defense contractors, secure facilities | Private sector, tech companies, startups |
| Industry Usage | Defense, aerospace, intelligence | Technology, finance, healthcare |
| Search & Comparison | Often compared for security clearance requirements and government projects | More 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?
What is a Cleared Software Engineer?

Principal RF Software Engineer (Starshield) with Security Clearance
Space Exploration Technologies Corp.Hawthorne, CA
$200K - $285K/yr
Other
Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO
Posted 6 days ago
SpaceX rating
8.7
Based on 143 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz
13th of 60 rated aerospace companies
Job description
While Starlink is designed for consumer and commercial use, Starshield is designed for government use, with an initial focus on earth observation, communications, and hosted payloads. As a RF software engineer on the Starshield team, you will be working on advanced development programs in support of US National Security. You will work with a team of RF engineers, DSP engineers, software engineers, hardware engineers and end users to design and build RF capabilities for proliferated communications and remote sensing in low earth orbit.
You will work in a highly collaborative and fast-paced environment, where we are exploring unsolved problems and applying the SpaceX mindset of iterating rapidly to go from design and demo to operational capability at lightning pace. RESPONSIBILITIES: * Drive program-level decisions on RF system designs * Research novel solutions for unique large-scale satellite RF systems * Design, build, validate, and automate RF test benches for full characterization of custom RF designs, often involving vector network analyzers (VNA), vector signal generators (VSG), vector signal analyzers (VSA), spectrum analyzers, load pulls, RF power meters, high-speed oscilloscopes, and other common lab equipment * Design and build modular, scalable RF test infrastructure and test automation sequences in Python and C++ to support design validation, qualification, and production * Work in close collaboration with hardware, FPGA, DSP, and software engineers to design and validate RF systems * Create electromagnetic simulation models of hardware to design and evaluate performance BASIC QUALIFICATIONS: * Bachelor's degree in electrical engineering or other engineering discipline * 8+ years of professional development experience in C/C++ or Python * Experience with radio test equipment such as spectrum analyzers, vector signal analyzers, vector signal generators, and network analyzers * RF experience with antennas or communication systems PREFERRED SKILLS AND EXPERIENCE: * Master's degree in electrical engineering or other engineering discipline * Experience with testing both active and passive RF devices such as filters, amplifiers, mixers, and upconverters/downconverters * Experience with common RF concepts such as gain, linearity, P1dB, ACLR, EVM, PAE, S-parameters, and input/output matching * Experience with software design principles, software architecture, design patterns, and unit/integration testing methodology * Experience with environmental test methodologies and equipment such as thermal chambers and temperature forcing systems * Experience troubleshooting interactions between software and hardware such as network devices and lab instrumentation * Experience using Windows and Linux operating systems * Experience with configuration management and version control software ADDITIONAL REQUIREMENTS: * Ability to obtain and maintain Active Top Secret or Top Secret SCI clearance * Active Top Secret or Top Secret SCI clearance preferred. Must be willing to pursue a clearance if not already cleared.
Note that an active clearance may provide the opportunity for you to work on sensitive SpaceX missions. If so, you will be subject to pre-employment drug and random drug and alcohol testing. * Must be willing to work extended hours and weekends as needed COMPENSATION AND BENEFITS: Pay range: RF Software Engineer/Principal: $200,000.00 - $285,000.00/per year Your actual level and base salary will be determined on a case-by-case basis and may vary based on the following considerations: job-related knowledge and skills, education, and experience.
Those with an active clearance will receive a 10% differential, up to an additional $20,000 annually, once officially briefed into a classified program. Base salary is just one part of your total rewards package at SpaceX. You may also be eligible for long-term incentives, in the form of company stock, stock options, or long-term cash awards, as well as potential discretionary bonuses and the ability to purchase additional stock at a discount through an Employee Stock Purchase Plan.
You will also receive access to comprehensive medical, vision, and dental coverage, access to a 401(k) retirement plan, short and long-term disability insurance, life insurance, paid parental leave, and various other discounts and perks. You may also accrue 3 weeks of paid vacation and will be eligible for 10 or more paid holidays per year. Employees accrue paid sick leave pursuant to Company policy which satisfies or exceeds the accrual, carryover, and use requirements of the law.
ITAR REQUIREMENTS: * To conform to U.S. Government export regulations, applicant must be a (i) U.S. citizen or national, (ii) U.S.
lawful, permanent resident (aka green card holder), (iii) Refugee under 8 U.S.C. § 1157, or (iv) Asylee under 8 U.S.C. § 1158, or be eligible to obtain the required authorizations from the U.S.
Department of State. Learn more about the ITAR here . SpaceX is an Equal Opportunity Employer; employment with SpaceX is governed on the basis of merit, competence and qualifications and will not be influenced in any manner by race, color, religion, gender, national origin/ethnicity, veteran status, disability status, age, sexual orientation, gender identity, marital status, mental or physical disability or any other legally protected status.
Applicants wishing to view a copy of SpaceX's Affirmative Action Plan for veterans and individuals with disabilities, or applicants requiring reasonable accommodation to the application/interview process should reach out to .
About SpaceX
Sourced by ZipRecruiter
Industry
Accounting services
Company size
1,001 - 5,000 Employees
Headquarters location
Hawthorne, CA, US
Year founded
2002