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Cleared Software Engineer Jobs in Virginia (NOW HIRING)

Senior Software Engineer

Herndon, VA · On-site

$125K - $165K/yr

Responsibilities : • Manage cleared Cloud deployments using C2S • Work with a team to manage ... engineering efforts • Employ your software engineering skills to design and develop ...

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Software Test Engineer

Arlington, VA · On-site

$60K - $70K/yr

Please do not apply if you do not meet these conditions. 10novate is seeking a cleared Software Test Engineer to join our Team. If you hold a Secret security clearance and are interested in entering ...

This position is a development position on a cleared program supporting a production product, and ... Software Engineer Level : Intermediate Software Engineer to Senior Software Engineer Education ...

V2X is recruiting for a TS/SCI cleared Software Developer who will be responsible for enabling agile big-data systems by utilizing a wide array of technical skills. Responsibilities Responsibilities:

Software Engineer

Herndon, VA · On-site

$101K - $195K/yr

This position is a development position on a cleared program supporting a production product, and ... Software Engineer Level : Intermediate Software Engineer to Senior Software Engineer Education ...

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Cleared Software Engineer information

See Virginia salary details

$63K

$146.3K

$203.7K

How much do cleared software engineer jobs pay per year?

As of Jun 8, 2026, the average yearly pay for cleared software engineer in Virginia is $146,258.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $119,000.00 and $171,500.00 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 Virginia? For Cleared Software Engineer jobs in Virginia, the most frequently searched job titles are:
What job categories do people searching Cleared Software Engineer jobs in Virginia look for? The top searched job categories for Cleared Software Engineer jobs in Virginia are:

Cleared Software Engineer - Expert

Sunfire Solutions

Fairfax, VA • On-site

Full-time

Posted yesterday


Job description

Job Summary:
Sunfire Solutions is a company that focuses on full-stack web-based solutions for government and commercial clients. They are seeking talented Full-Stack Software Engineers with active TS/SCI security clearance to design and implement web-based solutions, working closely with stakeholders and mentoring junior team members.
Responsibilities:
• This is primarily a development role, so expect to spend the majority of your time coding or providing technical solutions with a team of engineers.
• Writing clean, professional code, and encouraging others to do the same
• Designing technical solutions given broadly scoped requirements
• Identifying appropriate technologies / stacks to use to meet clients needs
• Streamlining technical processes when necessary for automation / devops
• Collaborating with other engineers on system architecture, UI/UX concerns, and other application design elements
• Troubleshooting and debugging technical issues
• Sharing technical knowledge with other developers
Qualifications:
Required:
• 10+ years of demonstrated software engineering experience in a front-end, back-end or full-stack capacity
• Extensive knowledge of Java, Groovy, Kotlin, or other JVM languages
• Experience working with a modern front-end Javascript framework (Vue.js, React, Angular, etc)
• Significant experience with database systems (SQL or NoSQL)
• Knowledge of OO design patterns and software architectural patterns
• Experience with microservice frameworks (Dropwizard, Spring Boot, Micronaut, Quarkus)
• Experience with web-based communication elements (REST, Queues/Topics, SOAP, Websockets)
• Familiarity with linux operating systems
• Familiarity with AWS services and cloud deployments
• Active US Government Security Clearance (TS/SCI with active poly)
• Excellent communication, organizational, and leadership skills
• Willingness to take on challenges and learn new things
• Desire to be at the forefront of your field
• Ability to work individually or in groups
• BS/BA in Computer Science, related field, or equivalent experience
Company:
At Sunfire Solutions, we believe that brilliant engineering tailored to specific mission requirements is the key to solving the most complex challenges. Founded in 2017, the company is headquartered in Fairfax, VA, US, , with a team of 2-10 employees. The company is currently Early Stage.