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Senior Software Engineer Top Secret Clearance Jobs

System One

Java Software Engineer (Top Secret)

Herndon, VA · Remote

$53 - $72.75/hr

Java Software Developer Top Secret Clearance required Security+ certification is highly desired ... projects. • A senior engineer with broad or deep experience would be an excellent fit, but ...

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SpaceX

GNC Engineer - Top Secret Clearance

Hawthorne, CA

$145K - $175K/yr

GNC ENGINEER - TOP SECRET CLEARANCE As a guidance, navigation, and control mission design engineer ... Build software tools and construct scenarios to perform system-of-systems performance analysis of ...

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

As of Jul 17, 2026, the average yearly pay for senior software engineer top 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 are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a Senior Software Engineer with Top Secret Clearance, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Senior Software Engineer with Top Secret Clearance, you need advanced software development expertise, a bachelor's degree in computer science or related field, and eligibility for a U.S. government Top Secret security clearance. Proficiency in programming languages (such as Java, C++, or Python), secure coding practices, and familiarity with tools like Git, Jenkins, and classified government systems are typically required. Strong analytical thinking, leadership, and clear communication skills help you collaborate effectively and solve complex problems in secure environments. These competencies are essential to deliver robust, secure software solutions while adhering to strict security protocols in sensitive projects.

What is a Senior Software Engineer with Top Secret Clearance?

A Senior Software Engineer with Top Secret Clearance is an experienced software developer who is authorized to access classified government information up to the Top Secret level. These professionals typically work on sensitive projects for federal agencies or defense contractors, designing, developing, and maintaining complex software systems. The Top Secret clearance indicates a high level of trust and requires a comprehensive background investigation. This role often involves working in secure environments and following strict security protocols to protect national security interests.

What are some unique challenges Senior Software Engineers with Top Secret Clearance might face in their day-to-day work?

Senior Software Engineers with Top Secret Clearance often encounter unique challenges such as working within highly secure environments where strict protocols limit access to tools, data, and collaboration platforms. Communication and code sharing may be restricted, requiring creative problem-solving and vigilant adherence to security measures. Additionally, projects may have unpredictable timelines due to security reviews and compliance checks, making flexibility and patience essential. Despite these challenges, the role offers the opportunity to work on impactful, mission-critical projects alongside a highly skilled, security-cleared team.
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Senior Software Engineer Top Secret Clearance jobs near you
Full Stack Software Engineer - Top Secret Clearance

Full Stack Software Engineer - Top Secret Clearance

SpaceX

Hawthorne, CA • On-site

$145K - $175K/yr

Other

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Re-posted 11 days ago

SpaceX rating

8.8

Company rating: 8.8 out of 10

Based on 146 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

7th of 61 rated aerospace companies

Job description

SpaceX was founded under the belief that a future where humanity is out exploring the stars is fundamentally more exciting than one where we are not. Today SpaceX is actively developing the technologies to make this possible, with the ultimate goal of enabling human life on Mars.
FULL STACK SOFTWARE ENGINEER - TOP SECRET CLEARANCE
As a Full Stack Software Engineer, you will design, develop, and test key aspects of software solutions that support the exploration and validation of future technologies used in all SpaceX flight systems. You will have full ownership of features in a suite of scalable, high-performance web applications that span the design, build, test and operations pipeline for cutting-edge innovations that will expand SpaceX's capabilities in ground and space systems. This is a high-impact role where you will work across the engineering groups to build a high-throughput distributed system to develop and demonstrate cutting-edge software and hardware.
Aerospace experience is not required to be successful here - rather, we look for smart, motivated software engineers who enjoy taking on complex challenges, work well in dynamic environments, and care about software best practices. Our software is critical to future mission successes, and we have no shortage of interesting challenges that require innovative, cutting-edge solutions.
RESPONSIBILITIES:
  • Develop full-stack solutions to manage analysis, prototypes, and vehicles leveraging simulation software, emulators, and flight software
  • Develop prototypes to prove key design concepts and quantify technical constraints
  • Develop high-fidelity simulation and emulation software for all vehicles while maintaining the highest standards of excellence, never settling for the status quo
  • Improve reliability and performance of simulation software
  • Work with users to develop new features and improve user experience

BASIC QUALIFICATIONS:
  • Bachelor's degree in computer science, engineering, math, or science discipline and 1+ years of experience in software development; or 3+ years of professional experience building software in lieu of a degree
  • 1+ years of professional experience in full-stack development of production web applications
  • Experience with JavaScript libraries such as React and Redux
  • Professional experience developing Python applications

PREFERRED SKILLS AND EXPERIENCE:
  • Professional programming experience in modern C++ (C++14 and above)
  • Professional programming experience with object-oriented languages such as Java, Python, and C#
  • Strong software design and development skills
  • Experience with highly available concurrent systems
  • Ability to work effectively in a dynamic environment with changing needs and requirements
  • Ability to work independently and in a team, take initiative, and communicate effectively
  • Experience with containerized solutions such as Docker and Kubernetes
  • Professional experience with Linux or Unix systems and tools
  • Experience with high-performance computing systems
  • Experience with database systems such as Postgres, MySQL, or Oracle
  • Experience working with a team on at least one large (>100,000 lines) software project
  • Strong skills in debugging, performance optimization, and test automation
  • Active Top Secret, Top Secret SCI, or DOE Level Q clearance, or the ability and willingness to obtain one

ADDITIONAL REQUIREMENTS:
  • This position requires successfully obtaining and maintaining a Top Secret Security Clearance as a condition of employment. While the clearance may not be immediately necessary upon hire, we encourage you to initiate the application process promptly upon accepting this offer. Your ability to secure the necessary clearance is essential for fulfilling key responsibilities of the role. Should you be unable to obtain it, SpaceX reserves the right to modify or terminate your employment to align with operational needs.
  • Note that an active clearance may provide the opportunity for you to work on sensitive SpaceX missions. If so, you will be subject to pre-employment drug and random drug and alcohol testing
  • Willing to work extended hours and weekends when needed

COMPENSATION AND BENEFITS:
Pay range:
Software Engineer/Level I: $125,000.00 - $150,000.00/per year
Software Engineer/Level II: $145,000.00 - $175,000.00/per year
Your actual level and base salary will be determined on a case-by-case basis and may vary based on the following considerations: job-related knowledge and skills, education, and experience. Those with an active clearance will receive a 10% differential, up to an additional $20,000 annually, once officially briefed into a classified program.
Base salary is just one part of your total rewards package at SpaceX. You may also be eligible for long-term incentives, in the form of company stock, stock options, or long-term cash awards, as well as potential discretionary bonuses and the ability to purchase additional stock at a discount through an Employee Stock Purchase Plan. You will also receive access to comprehensive medical, vision, and dental coverage, access to a 401(k) retirement plan, short and long-term disability insurance, life insurance, paid parental leave, and various other discounts and perks. You may also accrue 3 weeks of paid vacation and will be eligible for 10 or more paid holidays per year. Employees accrue paid sick leave pursuant to Company policy which satisfies or exceeds the accrual, carryover, and use requirements of the law.
ITAR REQUIREMENTS:
    Learn more about the ITAR here.

SpaceX is an Equal Opportunity Employer; employment with SpaceX is governed on the basis of merit, competence and qualifications and will not be influenced in any manner by race, color, religion, gender, national origin/ethnicity, veteran status, disability status, age, sexual orientation, gender identity, marital status, mental or physical disability or any other legally protected status.
Applicants wishing to view a copy of SpaceX's Affirmative Action Plan for veterans and individuals with disabilities, or applicants requiring reasonable accommodation to the application/interview process should reach out to

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