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Cleared Software Engineer Jobs in Virginia (NOW HIRING)

Leidos

Software Engineer

Arlington, VA · On-site

$87K - $157K/yr

Leidos has an exciting opening for you as our next TS/SCI cleared Software Engineer supporting a long-term DIA-NDOC DOMEX Technology Platform (DTP) contract. You will work closely with Systems ...

Leidos

Sr. Software Engineer

Arlington, VA · On-site

$107K - $195K/yr

Leidos has an exciting opening for you as our next TS/SCI cleared Software Engineer supporting a long-term DIA-NDOC DOMEX Technology Platform (DTP) contract. You will work closely with Systems ...

Leidos

Sr. Software Engineer

Arlington, VA · On-site

$107K - $195K/yr

Leidos has an exciting opening for you as our next TS/SCI cleared Software Engineer supporting a long-term DIA-NDOC DOMEX Technology Platform (DTP) contract. You will work closely with Systems ...

10novate, Inc.

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 ...

Obscurity Labs

Software Engineer

Herndon, VA

$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 ...

Obscurity Labs

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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All JobsCleared Software Engineer JobsCleared Software Engineer Jobs in Virginia

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 Aug 31, 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 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 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 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 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 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 jobs near you
Infographic showing various Cleared Software Engineer job openings in Virginia as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 100% Full Time. Highlights an 100% In-person job distribution, with an average salary of $146,258 per year, or $70.3 per hour.

Cleared Software Engineer

Charlottesville, VA • On-site

General Atomics
Space Research Administration • 10K+ employees

9.0

Company rating: 9.0 out of 10

Based on 39 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

10th of 72 rated aerospace companies

Great coworkers

People enjoy working here

Good employer

Learn more about General Atomicsexternal

Full-time

Re-posted 5 days ago

Job description

Job Summary
GA Intelligence develops best-in-class global situational awareness capabilities that process petabytes of data from diverse sources in near real time. Our systems apply state-of-the-art algorithms and machine learning techniques to extract features, fuse data and form a rich live view of objects across land, sea and sky. We empower decision makers to solve meaningful challenges through innovative data science and scalable software engineering.
GA Intelligence is looking for a Cleared Software Engineer to join our Federal Portfolio in the National Tactical Department. National Tactical Software Engineering staff design, develop and deploy novel track fusion and management products for Intelligence Community and Department of Defense partners. They distill complex multi-domain data feeds into sophisticated visualizations, orchestration and optimization for battlefield situational awareness, analysis, command and control. Our rapidly growing suite of federal products are used by thousands of intelligence analysts and military personnel around the globe to counter new and emerging threats to national security.
*The team is open to hiring in either our Chantilly or Charlottesville locations.
DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:
  • Design and develop enterprise-wide Java applications for battlefield command and control, geospatial data management, exploitation, visualization, and analysis.
  • Research and develop new software processing concepts for situational awareness and battlefield optimization.
  • Maintain existing capabilities deployed to customer facilities and AWS cloud environments.
  • Develop test scripts and frameworks to verify functionality and produce high quality software deliverables.
  • Communicate effectively with customers, management, and other engineering teams in secure environments.
  • Maintain the strict confidentiality of sensitive information.
  • Observe all laws, regulations and other applicable obligations wherever and whenever business is conducted on behalf of the Company.
  • Work in a safe manner in accordance with established operating procedures and practices.

We recognize and appreciate the value and contributions of individuals with diverse backgrounds and experiences and welcome all qualified individuals to apply.
Job Qualifications
  • Typically requires a bachelors or masters degree in computer science, information systems or related discipline and two or more years progressive software development experience with a bachelors degree. May substitute equivalent experience in lieu of education.
  • Strong foundation in mathematics, computer networking, communication protocols, and/or data exchange formats.
  • Experience developing Java code in production environments.
  • Experience with software development in Linux.
  • Familiarity with AWS-hosted environments, Docker containerization and execution through Kubernetes.
  • An understanding of formal software engineering principles including design, documentation, ticketing systems, version control and Agile methodologies.
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About General Atomics

Sourced by ZipRecruiter

General Atomics (GA), and its affiliated companies, is one of the world's leading resources for high-technology systems development ranging from the nuclear fuel cycle to remotely piloted aircraft, airborne sensors, and advanced electric, electronic, wireless and laser technologies.

Industry

Space research administration

Company size

10,000+ Employees

Headquarters location

San Diego, CA, US

Year founded

1955

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