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$75.5K

$143.3K

$192K

How much do senior software engineer secret clearance jobs pay per year?

As of Jul 26, 2026, the average yearly pay for senior software engineer secret clearance in the United States is $143,292.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $122,500.00 and $161,500.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is a Senior Software Engineer with Secret Clearance?

A Senior Software Engineer with Secret Clearance is an experienced software developer who has been granted access to classified information by the government. This role typically involves designing, developing, and maintaining complex software systems for organizations that require high levels of security, such as defense contractors or government agencies. The 'Secret Clearance' indicates that the engineer has passed a background investigation and is trusted to handle sensitive information that could impact national security if disclosed. In addition to technical skills, this position requires a strong understanding of security protocols and compliance standards.

What are some unique challenges Senior Software Engineers with Secret Clearance may face in their daily work?

Senior Software Engineers with Secret Clearance often work on highly sensitive projects that require strict adherence to security protocols, which can affect how code is developed, tested, and deployed. Collaboration may be limited to cleared team members and internal stakeholders, and access to certain tools or resources can be restricted for security reasons. Additionally, documentation and communication must be handled with extra care to prevent unauthorized information disclosure, making attention to detail and discretion essential for success in this role.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a Senior Software Engineer with Secret Clearance, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Senior Software Engineer with Secret Clearance, you need expertise in software development, systems architecture, and problem-solving, typically supported by a bachelor’s degree in computer science or a related field and active Secret security clearance. Proficiency with programming languages (such as Java, C++, or Python), development tools, and secure coding practices—along with familiarity with configuration management and CI/CD systems—is expected. Strong communication, leadership, and collaboration skills help you effectively guide teams and interact with stakeholders in sensitive environments. These competencies ensure secure, high-quality software delivery and compliance with government standards in mission-critical projects.

What is the difference between Senior Software Engineer Secret Clearance vs Software Engineer Secret Clearance?

AspectSenior Software Engineer Secret ClearanceSoftware Engineer Secret Clearance
Required CredentialsBachelor's degree in CS or related field, experience, security clearanceBachelor's degree in CS or related field, security clearance
Work EnvironmentAdvanced projects, leadership roles, complex problem-solvingDevelopment tasks, coding, testing, support roles
Employer & IndustryDefense contractors, government agencies, aerospaceDefense contractors, government agencies, aerospace
Search & Comparison IntentUnderstanding senior-level roles with clearanceEntry to mid-level roles with clearance

The main difference between a Senior Software Engineer Secret Clearance and a Software Engineer Secret Clearance lies in experience, responsibilities, and project complexity. Senior roles typically involve leadership, complex problem-solving, and mentorship, while standard roles focus on development and support tasks. Both positions require security clearance and work within similar industries, but the senior position demands more experience and strategic input.

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Senior Software Engineer Secret Clearance jobs near you
Infographic showing various Senior Software Engineer Secret Clearance job openings in the United States as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 95% Full Time, 3% Part Time, and 2% Contract. Highlights an 97% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 2% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $143,292 per year, or $68.9 per hour.
Senior Software Engineer - Secret Clearance Preferred - Onsite

Senior Software Engineer - Secret Clearance Preferred - Onsite

GDIT

Oakton, VA • On-site

$119K - $161K/yr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Posted 9 days ago

General Dynamics Information Technology rating

7.8

Company rating: 7.8 out of 10

Based on 63 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

86th of 230 rated it services

Job description

Type of Requisition:

Regular

Clearance Level Must Currently Possess:

None

Clearance Level Must Be Able to Obtain:

Secret

Public Trust/Other Required:

None

Job Family:

Software Engineering

Job Qualifications:

Skills:

Application Development, Software Development, Software Development Life Cycle (SDLC)

Certifications:

None

Experience:

5 + years of related experience

US Citizenship Required:

Yes

Job Description:

GDIT is seeking a Senior Software Engineer to join our team.

This challenging and interesting software engineering/development position is a chance to participate in the development and operation of a high-performance big data system, and join a longstanding, stable program consisting of a team of individuals using defined Agile software principles and practices. As a Senior Software Engineer, you'll perform software requirements analysis, participate in research, design, development, testing, and maintenance of an operational big data system.

Deliver simple solutions to complex problems as a Senior Software Engineer at GDIT. Here, you'll tailor cutting-edge solutions to the unique requirements of our clients. With a career in application development, you'll make the end user's experience your priority and we'll make your career growth ours.

US Citizenship is required. Active Secret clearance is preferred. If candidate does not have an active clearance, GDIT will sponsor the clearance upon contingent offer. The work must be performed onsite (no remote work).

WHAT YOU'LL NEED TO SUCCEED:

Demonstrated understanding of software engineering concepts, principles, and applications

  • Experience with database technologies, and an understanding of SQL, ETL, indexing, and performance
  • In-depth understanding of object-oriented and functional programming, design patterns, data structures, and algorithms

Education: Bachelor's degree in software engineering or a related technical field.

Required Experience: 5+ years of related experience

Preferred Skills:

Modern C++ versions (C++11/14/17/20) in a Linux development environment

Scripting languages such Python, Ruby, bash

Very large databases/big data/data warehousing

NoSQL database technologies such as MongoDB

Multi-threaded and multi-process applications

What sets you apart:

  • Ability to interact and collaborate effectively with project teams, managers, and end users
  • Commitment to ongoing professional development
  • Solid ability to grasp and apply new information quickly and handle increasing responsibilities with growing complexity
  • Creative and innovative thinking with the ability to multi-task

CLEARANCE REQUIREMENTS:

Department of War Secret security clearance is required before starting on program. Applicants selected will be subject to a government background investigation and must meet eligibility and suitability requirements. Due to the nature of work performed within our facilities, U.S. citizenship is required.

GDIT IS YOUR PLACE:

  • 401K with company match
  • Comprehensive health and wellness packages
  • Internal mobility team dedicated to helping you own your career
  • Professional growth opportunities including paid education and certifications
  • Cutting-edge technology you can learn from
  • Rest and recharge with paid vacation and holidays
The likely salary range for this position is $119,000 - $161,000. This is not, however, a guarantee of compensation or salary. Rather, salary will be set based on experience, geographic location and possibly contractual requirements and could fall outside of this range.

Scheduled Weekly Hours:

40

Travel Required:

None

Telecommuting Options:

Onsite

Work Location:

USA VA Oakton

Additional Work Locations:

Total Rewards at GDIT:

Our benefits package for all US-based employees includes a variety of medical plan options, some with Health Savings Accounts, dental plan options, a vision plan, and a 401(k) plan offering the ability to contribute both pre and post-tax dollars up to the IRS annual limits and receive a company match. To encourage work/life balance, GDIT offers employees full flex work weeks where possible and a variety of paid time off plans, including vacation, sick and personal time, holidays, paid parental, military, bereavement and jury duty leave. To ensure our employees are able to protect their income, other offerings such as short and long-term disability benefits, life, accidental death and dismemberment, personal accident, critical illness and business travel and accident insurance are provided or available. We regularly review our Total Rewards package to ensure our offerings are competitive and reflect what our employees have told us they value most.

Our Identity Verification Process:

As part of the hiring process, we will ask you to complete an identity verification process that leverages advanced biometrics and artificial intelligence to ensure authenticity and protect against identity fraud. You are expected to be on camera during virtual interviews. We reserve the right to take your picture to verify your identity and prevent fraud. By proceeding, you authorize the collection, processing, and use of your biometric data for identity verification and security purposes.

About Our Work:

We are GDIT. A global technology and professional services company that delivers technology solutions and mission services to every major agency across the U.S. government, defense and intelligence community. Our 26,000 experts extract the power of technology to create immediate value and deliver solutions at the edge of innovation. We operate across 50+ countries worldwide, offering leading mission-ready capabilities in AI, cloud, cyber and software development.Join our Talent Community to stay up to date on our career opportunities and events at

gdit.com/tc.

Equal Opportunity Employer / Individuals with Disabilities / Protected Veterans

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About General Dynamics Information Technology

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GDIT is a global technology and professional services company that delivers technology solutions and mission services to every major agency across the U.S. government, defense, and intelligence community. Its 30,000 experts extract the power of technology to create immediate value and deliver solutions at the edge of innovation. The company operates across 50+ countries worldwide, offering leading capabilities in digital modernization, AI/ML, cloud, cyber, and application development.

Industry

It services

Company size

10,000+ Employees

Headquarters location

Falls Church, VA, US

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