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

As of Jun 10, 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

Senior Software Engineer secret clearance

Northrop Grumman Corporation

Newport News, VA • On-site

$129K - $193K/yr

Full-time

Medical, Life, PTO

Posted 11 days ago

Northrop Grumman rating

8.1

Company rating: 8.1 out of 10

Based on 338 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

105th of 516 rated manufacturers

Job description

RELOCATION ASSISTANCE: No relocation assistance available
CLEARANCE REQUIRED FOR START: Yes
CLEARANCE TYPE: Secret
TRAVEL: Yes, 10% of the TimeDescription
At Northrop Grumman, our employees have incredible opportunities to work on revolutionary systems that impact people's lives around the world today, and for generations to come. Our pioneering and inventive spirit has enabled us to be at the forefront of many technological advancements in our nation's history - from the first flight across the Atlantic Ocean, to stealth bombers, to landing on the moon. We look for people who have bold new ideas, courage and a pioneering spirit to join forces to invent the future, and have fun along the way. Our culture thrives on intellectual curiosity, cognitive diversity and bringing your whole self to work - and we have an insatiable drive to do what others think is impossible. Our employees are not only part of history, they're making history.
Northrop Grumman is seeking a Sr Principal Software Engineer for GCCS-J development team.
This position 100% onsite in Newport News, VA.
GCCS-J is the DoD's Joint Command and Control system of record, delivering a fused, real-time operational picture to commanders and warfighters. The modernization effort emphasizes cloud-native software engineering, microservices, advanced data ingestion and synchronization, improved data models, and enhanced user experience to support JADC2-aligned mission objectives.
Responsibilities:
  • Lead engineering teams across multiple product areas.
  • Guide technical investigations and architectural decisions.
  • Mentor junior and mid-level engineers.
  • Define scalable architectures for microservices, APIs, and data pipelines.
  • Develop logical and physical data models.
  • Design and optimize data ingestion, transformation, and synchronization workflows.
  • Ensure data integrity, performance, and interoperability.
  • Implement backend and frontend components using Java, JavaScript, and modern frameworks.
  • Develop REST services and event-driven capabilities.
  • Integrate software into CI/CD pipelines.
  • Support automated testing, containerization, and secure coding practices.
  • Lead Sprint planning, reviews, and backlog refinement.
  • Ensure Definition of Done and acceptance criteria compliance.
  • Coordinate with developers, testers, product owners, and government stakeholders.
  • Communicate technical risks and progress.
  • Validate workflows with end users.
  • Ensure usability and mission alignment.

Basic Qualifications:
  • Bachelors with 8 years experience; Masters with 6 years experience; 4 Years with PhD.
  • Strong experience with Java, JavaScript, TypeScript, and object-oriented design.
  • Proficiency in REST services and event/messaging platforms (Kafka, RabbitMQ, ActiveMQ, GraphQL, SSEs, etc.).
  • Experience with SQL, NoSQL, geospatial, and key/object databases.
  • Experience designing and implementing software architectures.
  • Familiarity with Linux/UNIX and containerized deployments.
  • Strong communication and leadership skills.
  • Work onsite Newport News, VA
  • Secret clearance.

Preferred Qualifications:
  • Experience with Spring Boot, Node.js, NPM, and modern IDEs.
  • Experience writing Ansible plays and playbooks.
  • Experience with Maven, Gradle, Jenkins, and automated testing tools.
  • Familiarity with UX best practices and UI frameworks.
  • Experience with Docker, OCI development, Kubernetes, Helm, and GitOps.
  • Familiarity with Agile methodologies, C2 systems, STIGs, and static analysis tools.
  • Knowledge of networking, performance testing, debugging, and Atlassian tools.
  • Background in military intelligence or strategic planning.
  • Knowledge of DoD policies and mission environments.
  • TS/SCI clearance.

Primary Level Salary Range: $129,300.00 - $193,900.00
The above salary range represents a general guideline; however, Northrop Grumman considers a number of factors when determining base salary offers such as the scope and responsibilities of the position and the candidate's experience, education, skills and current market conditions.
Depending on the position, employees may be eligible for overtime, shift differential, and a discretionary bonus in addition to base pay. Annual bonuses are designed to reward individual contributions as well as allow employees to share in company results. Employees in Vice President or Director positions may be eligible for Long Term Incentives. In addition, Northrop Grumman provides a variety of benefits including health insurance coverage, life and disability insurance, savings plan, Company paid holidays and paid time off (PTO) for vacation and/or personal business.
The application period for the job is estimated to be 20 days from the job posting date. However, this timeline may be shortened or extended depending on business needs and the availability of qualified candidates.
Northrop Grumman is an Equal Opportunity Employer, making decisions without regard to race, color, religion, creed, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, marital status, national origin, age, veteran status, disability, or any other protected class. For our complete EEO and pay transparency statement, please visit http://www.northropgrumman.com/EEO. U.S. Citizenship is required for all positions with a government clearance and certain other restricted positions.

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About Northrop Grumman

Sourced by ZipRecruiter

At Northrop Grumman, our employees have incredible opportunities to work on revolutionary systems that impact people's lives around the world today, and for generations to come. Our pioneering and inventive spirit has enabled us to be at the forefront of many technological advancements in our nation's history - from the first flight across the Atlantic Ocean, to stealth bombers, to landing on the moon. We look for people who have bold new ideas, courage and a pioneering spirit to join forces to invent the future, and have fun along the way. Our culture thrives on intellectual curiosity, cognitive diversity and bringing your whole self to work - and we have an insatiable drive to do what others think is impossible.

Industry

Space research administration

Company size

10,000+ Employees

Headquarters location

Falls Church, VA, US

Year founded

1939

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