1

Software Engineer Secret Clearance Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Be Seen First

An Active Secret Clearance is absolutely REQUIRED to be considered (with the ability to obtain a ... Seeking a mid-level Software Developer to become a key member supporting the US Army Space and ...

next page

Showing results 1-20

Software Engineer Secret Clearance information

See salary details

$63.5K

$147.5K

$205.5K

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

As of May 31, 2026, the average yearly pay for software engineer secret clearance 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 the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a Software Engineer with Secret Clearance, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Software Engineer with Secret Clearance, you need strong programming skills (such as Python, Java, or C++), a bachelor’s degree in computer science or related field, and a current U.S. Secret security clearance. Familiarity with version control systems (like Git), secure coding practices, and government-specific development environments or frameworks is often required. Attention to detail, problem-solving abilities, and effective teamwork are essential soft skills for success in sensitive and collaborative projects. These qualifications ensure that you can develop secure, reliable software while meeting stringent government security and compliance standards.

How does holding a Secret Clearance impact day-to-day responsibilities for a Software Engineer?

Holding a Secret Clearance as a Software Engineer means you'll often work on sensitive government or defense projects, which can affect daily tasks such as adhering to strict security protocols and handling classified data. You may need to attend regular security briefings, use secure communication channels, and follow detailed procedures for code review and documentation. Collaboration is typically limited to cleared team members, and you may be required to work in secure facilities. These factors can make project workflows more structured, but also provide unique opportunities to contribute to impactful, mission-critical work.

What is a Software Engineer with Secret Clearance?

A Software Engineer with Secret Clearance is a professional who designs, develops, tests, and maintains software systems for organizations that require security clearance. The 'Secret' clearance is a specific level of U.S. government security authorization, allowing the engineer to access classified information necessary for certain defense, government, or contractor projects. This clearance ensures the individual has passed a thorough background check and is trusted to handle sensitive data while performing their technical duties. Such roles are commonly found in defense, aerospace, and government sectors.

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

AspectSoftware Engineer Secret ClearanceSoftware Developer Secret Clearance
CredentialsSecurity clearance, coding skills, software development experienceSecurity clearance, coding skills, software development experience
Work EnvironmentGovernment agencies, defense contractors, secure facilitiesGovernment projects, defense contractors, secure environments
Industry UsageHigh in defense, aerospace, government sectorsSimilar sectors, often overlapping with Software Engineer roles
Search & ComparisonCommonly compared due to similar roles and clearance requirements

Both Software Engineer and Software Developer with Secret Clearance roles require similar credentials and work in secure government or defense environments. The main difference lies in job titles; 'Engineer' often implies a focus on system design and architecture, while 'Developer' emphasizes coding and implementation. Both roles are vital in defense and government sectors, with overlapping responsibilities and security requirements.

More about Software Engineer Secret Clearance jobs
What cities are hiring for Software Engineer Secret Clearance jobs? Cities with the most Software Engineer Secret Clearance job openings:
What are the most commonly searched types of Software Engineer Secret Clearance jobs? The most popular types of Software Engineer Secret Clearance jobs are:
What states have the most Software Engineer Secret Clearance jobs? States with the most job openings for Software Engineer Secret Clearance jobs include:
Infographic showing various Software Engineer Secret Clearance job openings in the United States as of May 2026, with employment types broken down into 87% Full Time, 4% Part Time, and 9% Contract. Highlights an 95% Physical, and 5% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $147,524 per year, or $70.9 per hour.
DevOps Engineer - Secret Clearance with Security Clearance

DevOps Engineer - Secret Clearance with Security Clearance

Zachary Piper Solutions, LLC

Raleigh, NC

$140K - $170K/yr

Other

Medical, Dental, Vision, Retirement, PTO

Posted 16 days ago


Job description

Zachary Piper Solutions is seeking a DevOps Engineer - Secret Clearance for a leading technology organization in the Raleigh Durham, North Carolina area. The DevOps Engineer - Secret Clearance role is an onsite role in the office and supports mission-critical systems in a secure environment. An ideal candidate for the DevOps Engineer - Secret Clearance role is an experienced DevOps professional with strong expertise in infrastructure as code, container orchestration, and automation using modern DevOps tooling.

Responsibilities of the DevOps Engineer - Secret Clearance: • Design, build, and maintain CI/CD pipelines to support secure application development and deployment. • Develop and manage infrastructure as code using Terraform and Terragrunt across multiple environments. • Deploy, manage, and optimize Kubernetes clusters in secure, compliant environments.

• Build automation and tooling using Python to improve deployment, monitoring, and operational efficiency. • Collaborate with software engineering, cybersecurity, and operations teams to ensure system reliability and scalability. • Monitor system performance, troubleshoot issues, and implement continuous improvements aligned with mission requirements.

Qualifications of the DevOps Engineer - Secret Clearance: • 5+ years of experience in DevOps, cloud engineering, or systems engineering roles. • Active Secret clearance is required. • Strong hands-on experience with Terraform and Terragrunt for infrastructure provisioning.

• Experience managing containerized applications using Kubernetes and Docker. • Proficiency in Python for scripting, automation, and tooling development. • Experience with cloud platforms such as AWS, Azure, or GCP, preferably within government or regulated environments.

Compensation for the DevOps Engineer - Secret Clearance includes: • Salary range: $140,000 - $170,000 • Comprehensive benefits package including medical, dental, vision, 401(k), PTO, Sick Leave as required by law • This job opens for applications on 05/22/2026. Applications for this job will be accepted for at least 30 days from the posting date. #LI-JA1 #LI-ONSITE