ZipRecruiter

Log In

1

Cleared Software Engineer Jobs (NOW HIRING)

ECS

Lead Software Developer (SME)

Washington, DC · On-site

$175K - $185K/yr

We are seeking a cleared Software Developer SME to provide expert-level software development, architecture, modernization, and technical leadership for complex mission applications supporting ...

General Atomics

Software Developer II

Charlottesville, VA · On-site

$81K - $141K/yr

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 ...

General Atomics

Software Developer III

Aurora, CO · On-site

$98K - $171K/yr

GA Intelligence is looking for a Cleared Software Engineer to join our Solutions Intelligence Department to design, develop and deploy novel tracking, data fusion and geospatial data management ...

previous pagenext page

Showing results 21-40

All JobsCleared Software Engineer Jobs

Cleared Software Engineer information

See salary details

$63.5K

$147.5K

$205.5K

How much do cleared software engineer jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 8, 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
Infographic showing various Cleared Software Engineer job openings in the United States 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 $147,524 per year, or $70.9 per hour.

TS/SCI-Cleared Software Engineer

MKS2 Technologies

Aurora, CO

$200K/yr

Full-time

Re-posted 9 days ago

Job description

MKS2 Technologies, LLC, an award-winning high growth small business, creates innovative and customer-centric technology solutions in the areas of Cyber Security, Instructional Design and Training, Software Engineering and IT Support Services to improve the security and well-being of our clients. Our commitment to excellence and our "Mission First" orientation has resulted in steady growth and an expanding client base across government agencies. We have employees nationwide and for the past three consecutive years were named one of the fastest growing Veteran-owned companies in the nation. Please take a moment to browse through our website and learn more about what it means to serve with MKS2.

Software Engineer

MUST HOLD Top Secret DoD Clearance at minimum (preferably TS/SCI) - uncleared applicants will be rejected

This position is an onsite role in Aurora, CO

Estimated Salary: $200,000 - Full benefits
What You Will Do

  • Design, develop, test, deliver, and maintain software for satellite ground systems.
  • Work with talented teams of engineers, architects, and leaders in an Agile environment.

What You Will Learn

  • A breadth of advanced software technologies and techniques including multi-tiered architectures, AWS web services, and microservice software design
  • Modern DevSecOps and Continuous Integration/Continuous Delivery techniques
    Satellite ground system technologies including command & telemetry, flight dynamics, planning and scheduling, and spacecraft operations

Qualifications You Must Have

  • Typically requires a Bachelor's degree in Science, Technology, Engineering or Mathematics (STEM) and 8 years of relevant software engineering experience
  • Experience developing software using Java and C++
  • Red Hat 8 Linux OS and Windows 2019 OS experience or similar experience
  • An active and transferable U.S. government issued TS/SCI security clearance is required prior to start date. An active and transferable U.S. government issued Top Secret security clearance that can be crossed over to a TS/SCI security clearance is also acceptable. U.S. citizenship is required, as only U.S. citizens are eligible for a security clearance


Qualifications We Prefer

  • Experience with containerization using Docker, Kubernetes, and Helm
  • Experience developing software using Python
  • Experience developing software using ActiveMQ
  • Experience developing software using WineHQ

Diversity creates a healthier atmosphere: MKS2 Technologies is proud to be an Equal Employment Opportunity / Affirmative Action employer, and all qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, age, national origin, protected veteran status, disability status, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, marital status, genetic information, or any other characteristic protected by law.