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Trainee Software Engineer Secret Clearance Jobs in Springfield, VA

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Trainee Software Engineer Secret Clearance information

See Springfield, VA salary details

$25.1K

$109.5K

$197.4K

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

As of Aug 17, 2026, the average yearly pay for trainee software engineer secret clearance in Springfield, VA is $109,532.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $67,900.00 and $125,300.00 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?

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.

What are the most commonly searched types of Software Engineer Secret Clearance jobs in Springfield, VA?

The most popular types of Software Engineer Secret Clearance jobs in Springfield, VA are:

Infographic showing various Trainee Software Engineer Secret Clearance job openings in Springfield, VA as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 67% Full Time, and 33% Contract. Highlights an 100% In-person job distribution, with an average salary of $109,532 per year, or $52.7 per hour.

Senior Principal Software Engineer - (Secret Clearance Preferred - Onsite Required)

General Dynamics Information Technology

Oakton, VA • On-site

$161K - $218K/yr

Full-time

Medical, Retirement, PTO

Re-posted 7 days ago


General Dynamics Information Technology rating

7.8

Company rating: 7.8 out of 10

Based on 63 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

87th of 224 rated it services


Job description

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REQ#: RQ219570Public Trust: None Requisition Type: Regular Your Impact

Own your opportunity to work alongside federal civilian agencies. Make an impact by providing services that help the government ensure the well being and support of U.S. citizens.

Job Description

SOFTWARE ENGINEER SR PRINCIPAL

GDIT is seeking a Principal Software Engineer to join our team.

This challenging and interesting software engineering and development position is a chance to participate in the development and operation of a high-performance big data system, and join a longstanding, stable program consisting of a team of individuals using defined Agile software principles and practices.

As a Senior Principal Software Engineer, you will lead and perform software requirements analysis, design, development, testing, maintenance and participate in research of an operational big data system. The Senior Principal Software Engineer focuses on proficiency and quality of software and application development and programming to deliver solutions to complex problems. You will tailor cutting-edge solutions to the unique requirements of our clients. Additionally, the Senior Principal Software Engineer may mentor and coach other software engineers.

US Citizenship is required. DoW active Secret clearance is preferred. If candidate does not have an active clearance, GDIT will sponsor the clearance upon contingent offer. The work must be performed onsite (no remote work).


WHAT YOULL NEED TO SUCCEED
Bring your engineering expertise along with a drive for innovation to GDIT. The Software Engineer Sr Principal must have:

  • Demonstrated understanding and technical expertise in applied software engineering concepts, principles and applications

  • Experience with database technologies, SQL, ETL, indexing and performance including contextual data

  • In-depth understanding of object-oriented and functional programming, design patterns, data structures and algorithms

  • Proven ability to create high performance applications using Modern C++ (versions 11/14/17/20) applied in a Linux development environment

  • Proven experience in scripting languages including Bash, Ruby and Python

  • Experience with data modeling and NoSQL database technologies such as MongoDB

  • Experience with parallel and multi-threaded programming and multi-process applications

  • Proven experience with very large databases/big data/enterprise data warehouses

  • Experience with memory architectures (NUMA) and caching

  • Expertise in applying techniques for improving performance such as profiling, avoiding memory allocation/de-allocation, parallelization and algorithms

  • Required Experience: 10+ years of related experience

Preferred Skills:

  • Education: Bachelor's (4 year) degree in software engineering or related technical field OR a minimum of 14 years of equivalent work experience

  • Experience with Azure Cloud development

What sets you apart:

  • Ability to interact and collaborate effectively with project teams, managers, and end users

  • Maintain commitment to ongoing professional development

  • Be able to grasp and apply new information quickly and handle increasing responsibilities with growing complexity

  • Be a creative and innovative thinker with the ability to multi-task

CLEARANCE REQUIREMENTS:

Department of War Secret security clearance is required before starting on program. Applicants selected will be subject to a government background investigation and must meet eligibility and suitability requirements. Due to the nature of work performed within our facilities, U.S. citizenship is required.

GDIT IS YOUR PLACE:

  • 401K with company match

  • Comprehensive health and wellness packages

  • Internal mobility team dedicated to helping you own your career

  • Professional growth opportunities including paid education and certifications

  • Cutting-edge technology you can learn from

  • Rest and recharge with paid vacation and holiday

Work Requirements
Years of Experience

10 + years of related experience

* may vary based on technical training, certification(s), or degree

Certification
Travel Required

Less than 10%

Citizenship

U.S. Citizenship Required

Salary and Benefit Information

The likely salary range for this position is $161,500 - $218,500. This is not, however, a guarantee of compensation or salary. Rather, salary will be set based on experience, geographic location and possibly contractual requirements and could fall outside of this range.
View information about benefits and our total rewards program.

Our Identity Verification Process

As part of the hiring process, we will ask you to complete an identity verification process that leverages advanced biometrics and artificial intelligence to ensure authenticity and protect against identity fraud. You are expected to be on camera during virtual interviews. We reserve the right to take your picture to verify your identity and prevent fraud. By proceeding, you authorize the collection, processing, and use of your biometric data for identity verification and security purposes.

About Our Work

We are GDIT. A global technology and professional services company that delivers technology solutions and mission services to every major agency across the U.S. government, defense and intelligence community. Our 26,000 experts extract the power of technology to create immediate value and deliver solutions at the edge of innovation. We operate across 50+ countries worldwide, offering leading mission-ready capabilities in AI, cloud, cyber and software development.

Join our Talent Community to stay up to date on our career opportunities and events at gdit.com/tc.

Equal Opportunity Employer / Individuals with Disabilities / Protected Veterans


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About General Dynamics Information Technology

Sourced by ZipRecruiter

GDIT is a global technology and professional services company that delivers technology solutions and mission services to every major agency across the U.S. government, defense, and intelligence community. Its 30,000 experts extract the power of technology to create immediate value and deliver solutions at the edge of innovation. The company operates across 50+ countries worldwide, offering leading capabilities in digital modernization, AI/ML, cloud, cyber, and application development.

Industry

It services

Company size

10,000+ Employees

Headquarters location

Falls Church, VA, US