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Cleared Software Engineer Jobs (NOW HIRING)

T-Rex Solutions

Software Engineer 2

Fort George G Meade, MD · On-site +1

$180K - $200K/yr

T-Rex Solutions is looking for a fully cleared Software Engineer 2 to join our dynamic team at Ft. Meade, MD in support of the Intelligence Community. We are seeking Software Engineer to support the ...

T-Rex Solutions

Software Engineer 2

Fort George G Meade, MD · On-site +1

$180K - $200K/yr

T-Rex Solutions is looking for a fully cleared Software Engineer 2 to join our dynamic team at Ft. Meade, MD in support of the Intelligence Community. We are seeking Software Engineer to support the ...

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ECS

Lead Software Programmer - SME

Washington, DC · On-site

$170K - $185K/yr

We are seeking a cleared Software Programmer SME to provide expert-level software engineering, application modernization, DevSecOps, and technical leadership for classified and sensitive law ...

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Cleared Software Engineer information

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How much do cleared software engineer jobs pay per year?

As of Jul 7, 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 / Developer (DevSecOps / Full Stack)

Software Engineer / Developer (DevSecOps / Full Stack)

DSA

Charlottesville, VA • On-site

Full-time

Posted 28 days ago

Job description

Job Summary:
Data Systems Analysts, Inc. (DSA) is seeking a TS/SCI-cleared Software Engineer / Developer to design, build, and secure modern applications within a DoD cloud environment. The engineer will develop containerized, cloud-native solutions using AWS GovCloud and integrate DevSecOps pipelines to ensure secure deployments.
Responsibilities:
• Design, develop, and deploy secure, cloud-native applications and services within AWS GovCloud.
• Implement and maintain CI/CD pipelines with integrated static / dynamic security scanning.
• Build and automate infrastructure provisioning using Terraform and Infrastructure as Code (IaC) best practices.
• Develop and integrate RESTful APIs connecting mission and enterprise systems.
• Containerize and orchestrate workloads using Docker and Kubernetes.
• Apply secure coding standards and remediate vulnerabilities identified through code or pipeline scans.
• Collaborate in Agile sprints, performing peer reviews, backlog refinement, and sprint demos.
• Document system design, deployment, and operational procedures for accreditation packages.
• Support modernization and cloud migration initiatives from on-premise to AWS architectures.
Qualifications:
Required:
• BS in Computer Science, Software Engineering, or related field. Experience may be substituted for degree.
• TS/SCI Clearance
• DoD 8140 (8570) IAT Level II Certification
• Minimum 4 years of experience developing, deploying, and securing applications within DoD or federal environments.
• Proficiency in Python, Java, and JavaScript / TypeScript using frameworks such as React, Angular, Spring Boot, FastAPI, or Express.js.
• Hands-on experience with GitLab CI/CD, Terraform, and AWS GovCloud services (EC2, ECS/EKS, Lambda, S3, IAM).
• Knowledge of containerization technologies (Docker, Kubernetes) and secure DevSecOps pipelines.
• Understanding of REST API design, data serialization (JSON / YAML), and API documentation (OpenAPI / Swagger).
• Familiarity with OWASP Top 10, static / dynamic code analysis (SonarQube or equivalent), and secure coding principles.
• Experience with Agile development and collaboration using Atlassian tools (Jira, Confluence).
Preferred:
• AWS Certified Developer – Associate or AWS DevOps Engineer – Professional.
• Experience deploying and managing Terraform modules for multi-environment AWS or hybrid architectures.
• Familiarity with Kubernetes, OpenShift, or container orchestration at scale.
• Experience developing and integrating secure REST APIs across distributed systems.
• Knowledge of database technologies such as PostgreSQL, DynamoDB, or MongoDB.
• Experience integrating messaging and event-driven services using Amazon SQS or Kafka.
• Experience building responsive web applications using React or Angular with secure API integration.
• Experience designing and developing secure backend microservices with Spring Boot, FastAPI, or Express.js.
• Experience developing IaC automation and CI/CD pipelines with integrated security testing.
• Exposure to Zero Trust, DevSecOps governance, or cloud migration initiatives within DoD environments.
Company:
Data Systems Analysts, Inc. Founded in 1963, the company is headquartered in Feasterville Trevose, USA, with a team of 201-500 employees. The company is currently Growth Stage.
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About DS&A

Sourced by ZipRecruiter

Industry

Electrical equipment, appliance, and component manufacturing

Company size

1 - 10 Employees

Headquarters location

Amesbury, MA, US

Year founded

2003

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