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Cleared Software Engineer Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Belay Technologies

Senior Software Engineer

Columbia, MD · On-site

$190K - $240K/yr

We hire fully cleared software engineers, web designers, test engineers, systems engineers, systems administrators, database engineers and other tech services. We are an Equal Opportunity Employer.

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$63.5K

$147.5K

$205.5K

How much do cleared software engineer jobs pay per year?

As of Jun 5, 2026, the average yearly pay for cleared software engineer in the United States is $147,524.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $120,000.00 and $173,000.00 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.
More about Cleared Software Engineer jobs
What states have the most Cleared Software Engineer jobs? States with the most job openings for Cleared Software Engineer jobs include:
What job categories do people searching Cleared Software Engineer jobs look for? The top searched job categories for Cleared Software Engineer jobs are:
Cleared Software Engineer jobs near you

Software Engineer

Cleared Staffing Solutions

Hanover, VA • On-site

Full-time

This job post has expired today. Applications are no longer accepted.

Job description

Job Title

Software Engineer

Location: Hanover, Maryland, United States, 21076

Job Type: Full time

Industry: Technology

Salary: DOE

About Us: Veteran owned staffing agency placing TS/SCI Poly TS/SCI, Top Secret and Secret Cleared Professionals

Job Description

As a Software Engineer, you will develop, maintain and enhance complex and diverse software systems. These systems include but are not limited to processing-intensive analytics, algorithm development and manipulation of large data sets. A Software Engineer will also oversee one or more software development teams and ensures the work is completed in accordance with the constraints of the software development process. Requirements Responsibilities include but are not limited to: Reviewing and testing software components for adherence to design requirements and documenting test results. Resolving software problem reports. Using software development and software design methodologies appropriate to the development environments. Providing input to the software components of system design to include software reuse, use of COTS/GOTS software in place of new development and requirements analysis and syntheses from system level to individual software components. This position is 100% onsite Qualifications What You'll Need U.S. Citizenship Active TS/SCI+FSP Clearance Bachelor's degree in Computer Science or related discipline. Demonstrated experience with Java, Spring, and other Java-based frameworks or Python. Also desire personnel with Database Tuning and optimization; Kafka including customization of data flows; Log analysis; Elastic Stack and OpenSearch APIs.

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