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Trainee Software Engineer Secret Clearance Jobs (NOW HIRING)

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Trainee Software Engineer Secret Clearance information

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$24K

$104.9K

$189K

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

As of Jun 9, 2026, the average yearly pay for trainee software engineer secret clearance in the United States is $104,863.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $65,000.00 and $120,000.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is a Trainee Software Engineer with Secret Clearance?

A Trainee Software Engineer with Secret Clearance is an entry-level software developer who is authorized to access classified government information at the Secret level. These positions are often found in defense, government, or contractor organizations where handling sensitive data is required. The role involves learning and assisting in software development tasks while adhering to strict security protocols. Secret Clearance indicates that the individual has passed a thorough background check and is trusted to protect national security information.

What are some common challenges faced by Trainee Software Engineers working on projects that require Secret Clearance?

Trainee Software Engineers with Secret Clearance often face the challenge of adapting to strict security protocols and limited access to information, which can affect how they collaborate with team members. They may also encounter a steep learning curve when working with specialized systems or legacy code unique to government or defense projects. Additionally, balancing the demands of technical skill development with compliance to security procedures can be demanding, but it offers valuable experience in secure software development environments.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a Trainee Software Engineer with Secret Clearance, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Trainee Software Engineer with Secret Clearance, you need a solid grasp of programming concepts, problem-solving abilities, and a relevant degree in computer science or a related field, along with eligibility for a U.S. government security clearance. Familiarity with languages like Java, Python, or C++, as well as experience using version control systems (e.g., Git) and development environments, is typical, and knowledge of secure coding practices is a plus. Strong communication, teamwork, and attention to detail help you collaborate on sensitive projects and adapt to dynamic environments. These skills and qualifications are crucial for maintaining security standards, contributing effectively to technical projects, and operating in a trusted government or defense setting.

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

AspectTrainee Software Engineer Secret ClearanceJunior Software Developer
CredentialsMay require security clearance, basic coding skills, and trainingTypically requires a degree in computer science or related field
Work EnvironmentGovernment or defense contractor settings with security protocolsPrivate sector, tech companies, or startups
Employer & IndustryPrimarily government agencies and defense contractorsTech firms, software companies, and startups
Search & Comparison IntentUnderstanding security clearance requirements and training rolesEntry-level coding roles and career progression

The Trainee Software Engineer Secret Clearance typically involves working in secure government environments with security clearance requirements, focusing on training and entry-level tasks. In contrast, a Junior Software Developer usually works in private sector companies, requiring a relevant degree and coding skills. Both roles serve as entry points but differ mainly in security clearance and work setting.

More about Trainee Software Engineer Secret Clearance jobs
What cities are hiring for Trainee Software Engineer Secret Clearance jobs? Cities with the most Trainee 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 Trainee Software Engineer Secret Clearance jobs? States with the most job openings for Trainee Software Engineer Secret Clearance jobs include:
Infographic showing various Trainee Software Engineer Secret Clearance job openings in the United States as of May 2026, with employment types broken down into 93% Full Time, and 7% Part Time. Highlights an 96% Physical, 2% Hybrid, and 2% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $104,863 per year, or $50.4 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 25 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