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Software Engineer Top Secret Clearance Jobs in Virginia

Metric5

Data Engineer - Top Secret Clearance

Springfield, VA · On-site

$140K - $170K/yr

Springfield, VA (On-site ~2 days a week) Clearance: Top Secret Required Position Overview As a Data ... Ability to work closely with software engineers (particularly those using Node.js/NestJS) to define ...

ICF

DevSecOps Engineer (Top Secret Clearance)

Reston, VA · Remote

$55 - $75.25/hr

Integrate security controls into the software development lifecycle, including static code analysis ... Active Top Secret clearance. * 2+ years of experience with DevSecOps practices, including ...

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Software Engineer Top Secret Clearance information

See Virginia salary details

$63K

$146.3K

$203.7K

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

As of Aug 27, 2026, the average yearly pay for software engineer top secret clearance in Virginia is $146,258.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $119,000.00 and $171,500.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is a software engineer top secret clearance?

A Software Engineer with a Top Secret Clearance develops, tests, and maintains software for projects requiring high-level security clearance. These engineers work on sensitive government or defense-related projects, ensuring secure and efficient system performance. They often use programming languages like Python, C++, or Java and must adhere to strict security protocols. This role requires U.S. citizenship and a Top Secret security clearance, which involves a rigorous background investigation.

What are some typical daily responsibilities for a software engineer with top secret clearance?

In this role, you can expect to design, develop, and maintain software systems that support national security or defense operations, often working on classified projects. Daily tasks may include writing code, debugging, conducting code reviews, and collaborating closely with cross-functional teams of engineers, analysts, and project managers. You will also follow strict security protocols, attend team meetings, and ensure all work meets rigorous government compliance standards. This environment fosters continuous learning and offers exposure to innovative technologies, while teamwork and clear communication are crucial to mission success.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive in the software engineer top secret clearance position, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Software Engineer with Top Secret Clearance, you need a solid background in computer science, proficiency in programming languages like Java or C++, and an active Top Secret security clearance. Experience with secure software development tools, version control systems such as Git, and knowledge of cybersecurity protocols are typically required. Excellent problem-solving abilities, attention to detail, and strong teamwork and communication skills set top candidates apart. These skills and qualifications are essential to develop, maintain, and safeguard sensitive systems in high-security environments.

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

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

What are popular job titles related to Software Engineer Top Secret Clearance jobs in Virginia?

For Software Engineer Top Secret Clearance jobs in Virginia, the most frequently searched job titles are:

What job categories do people searching Software Engineer Top Secret Clearance jobs in Virginia look for?

The top searched job categories for Software Engineer Top Secret Clearance jobs in Virginia are:

What cities in Virginia are hiring for Software Engineer Top Secret Clearance jobs?

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

Software Engineer Top Secret Clearance jobs near you
Infographic showing various Software Engineer Top Secret Clearance job openings in Virginia as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 89% Full Time, and 11% Contract. Highlights an 88% In-person, 6% Hybrid, and 6% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $146,258 per year, or $70.3 per hour.

Software Engineer (Top Secret clearance required)

Reston, VA • On-site

BlackFern Recruitment
See more jobs at BlackFern Recruitmentexternal

Other

Posted 4 days ago

Job description

Software Engineer Simulation, Optimization & Decision Support
Join a team building mission-critical software that turns complex technical concepts into tools decision-makers actually rely on.
You ll work across the full stack from backend services to the interfaces that make sophisticated simulations and optimization models usable and across the full lifecycle, from early prototyping through deployment.
We re a small, collaborative group where engineers own real problems end to end.
If you like working close to the research, translating hard technical ideas into clean, maintainable software, and seeing your work go from whiteboard to operational use, this role is built for you.
What You ll Do

Build and scale full-stack applications supporting simulation, optimization, and decision-support tools
Design backend services and APIs (Java, Rust, or similar)
Build responsive, intuitive front-end applications (React, TypeScript)
Partner directly with researchers and end users to shape requirements and translate technical concepts into working software
Contribute at every stage prototyping, implementation, demos, and deployment

Required Qualifications

Bachelor s degree in Computer Science, Mathematics, Physics, Applied Math, or related field
5+ years of professional software engineering experience
Strong experience with React, TypeScript, and modern front-end tooling
Experience building backend services/APIs in Java, Rust, or similar languages
A track record of writing readable, maintainable, well-engineered code in a collaborative setting
Comfort working directly with researchers, engineers, and end users to turn ideas into usable software
Exposure to full-stack web development in any modern framework
Must hold an active Top Secret clearance

Nice to Have

Active TS/SCI clearance
Experience with performance-sensitive, algorithmic, or parallel/concurrent software
Background in defense, national security, or other mission-driven environments
3D, geospatial, or high-performance visualization experience (WebGL, OpenGL)
Experience with distributed systems, databases, or messaging/async processing
Familiarity with AI/ML-enabled software (LLMs, computer vision, model integration)
Experience with cloud/containerized deployment (AWS, Docker, Kubernetes, CI/CD)

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