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Senior Software Engineer Top Secret Clearance Jobs

Senior Software Engineer

San Diego, CA · Hybrid

$120K - $160K/yr

Secret Clearance Level Must Be Able to Obtain: Top Secret Potential for Remote Work: ORA_ON_SITE Description SAIC is looking for a Senior Software Engineer for a position located in San Diego, CA

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Senior Software Engineer Top Secret Clearance information

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$75.5K

$143.3K

$192K

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

As of Sep 4, 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 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.

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 cities are hiring for Senior Software Engineer Top Secret Clearance jobs?

Cities with the most Senior Software Engineer Top Secret Clearance job openings:

What are the most commonly searched types of Software Engineer Top Secret Clearance jobs?

The most popular types of Software Engineer Top Secret Clearance jobs are:

What states have the most Senior Software Engineer Top Secret Clearance jobs?

States with the most job openings for Senior Software Engineer Top Secret Clearance jobs include:

Sr. Software Engineer, HITL - Top Secret Clearance with Security Clearance

Space Exploration Technologies Corp.

Hawthorne, CA • On-site

$165K - $230K/yr

Other

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Re-posted 6 days ago


SpaceX rating

8.7

Company rating: 8.7 out of 10

Based on 150 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

16th of 72 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. SR. SOFTWARE ENGINEER, HITL - TOP SECRET CLEARANCE As a Sr. Software Engineer in Special Programs, you will design, develop, and test key aspects of an in-house solution for analysis, simulation, and prototyping of software in support of all SpaceX flight systems. You will have full ownership of new features in a scalable, high-performance application used to control and test flight systems. This is a high-impact role where you will work across the engineering groups to build a high-assurance system that accelerates the development and demonstration of 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: Design and implement automated testing for hardware in the loop (HITL) and hardware out of the loop (HOOTL) software to ensure that deliverables meet target design criteria and operate within technical constraints Develop full-stack solutions to manage automated testing of vehicle subsystems leveraging simulation and flight software Contribute to test automation and CI/CD infrastructure Maintain the highest standards of excellence, never settling for the status quo BASIC QUALIFICATIONS: Bachelor's degree in computer science, math, or an engineering discipline 5+ years of experience in software development, developing applications in languages such as Python, C++, or Java 3+ years of experience with automated testing of hardware in the loop (HITL) and hardware out of the loop (HOOTL) software 3+ years of experience with test automation and CI/CD pipelines PREFERRED SKILLS AND EXPERIENCE: Strong software design and development skills Professional experience in full-stack development of production web applications is a plus Experience with JavaScript libraries such as Lit, React, and Redux Experience with automated build and test frameworks such as Bamboo, Ansible, and Jenkins Familiar with monitoring tools such as Grafana or Elasticsearch Experience with containerized solutions such as Docker and Kubernetes Professional experience with Linux or Unix systems and tools Experience with database systems such as Postgres, MySql, or Oracle Strong skills in debugging, performance optimization, data throughput analysis and unit testing Strong creative and innovative problem-solving skills Ability to work effectively in a dynamic environment by quickly adapting to changing needs and requirements Active Top Secret, Top Secret SCI, or DOE Level Q clearance, or the ability to obtain and maintain 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/Senior: $165,000.00 - $230,000.00/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: To conform to U.S. Government export regulations, applicant must be a (i) U.S. citizen or national, (ii) U.S. lawful, permanent resident (aka green card holder), (iii) Refugee under 8 U.S.C. § 1157, or (iv) Asylee under 8 U.S.C. § 1158, or be eligible to obtain the required authorizations from the U.S. Department of State. 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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About SpaceX

Sourced by ZipRecruiter

Industry

Aerospace product and parts manufacturing, data services, guided missile and space vehicle manufacturing and satellite telecommunications

Company size

1,001 - 5,000 Employees

Headquarters location

Hawthorne, CA, US