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Cleared Software Engineer Jobs in California (NOW HIRING)

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 ...

Staff Engineer, DevOps (4797)

San Diego, CA

$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 ...

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 ...

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 ...

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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 Jun 9, 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:
Infographic showing various Cleared Software Engineer job openings in California as of June 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% Internship, 78% Full Time, 15% Part Time, and 6% Contract. Highlights an 87% Physical, 5% Hybrid, and 8% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $145,592 per year, or $70 per hour.
Principal RF Software Engineer (Starshield) with Security Clearance

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

Company rating: 8.7 out of 10

Based on 143 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

13th of 60 rated aerospace companies


Job description

SpaceX was founded under the belief that a future where humanity is out exploring the stars is fundamentally more exciting than one where we are not. Today SpaceX is actively developing the technologies to make this possible, with the ultimate goal of enabling human life on Mars. PRINCIPAL RF SOFTWARE ENGINEER (STARSHIELD) Starshield leverages SpaceX's Starlink technology and launch capability to support national security efforts.

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 .


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