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Trainee Software Engineer Secret Clearance Jobs in Springfield, VA

Senior Maritime Engineer/Secret Clearance

Washington, DC

$110K - $175K/yr

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Life

  • Retirement

  • PTO

Secret Clearance * Significant experience supporting maritime, naval, ocean, waterfront, vessel, undersea, or marine engineering efforts. * Strong understanding of engineering principles, technical ...

Showing results 41-60

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 DevSecOps Engineer (Secret Clearance)

Digital Links Inc

Arlington, VA • Remote

$117K - $160K/yr

Contractor

Re-posted 8 days ago


Job description

Job Description:

Role: Senior DevSecOps Engineer/SME
Location: Arlington, VA (Remote)
Occasional : Travel
Position Overview
We are seeking a highly experienced Senior DevSecOps Engineer to support the sustainment, modernization, and continuous improvement of mission-critical cloud platforms supporting federal and defense initiatives. This role is ideal for a hands-on engineer with deep expertise in Azure cloud environments, Kubernetes, Infrastructure as Code, CI/CD automation, and cybersecurity best practices.
The successful candidate will play a key role in maintaining secure, scalable, and highly available systems while collaborating with cross-functional teams to enhance operational efficiency, security compliance, and platform reliability.
Key Responsibilities
  • Maintain Azure production and non-production environments, including implementation of security patches and vulnerability remediation.
  • Execute, automate, and optimize software deployments across multiple environments.
  • Manage and support database backup, recovery, and reliability processes for PostgreSQL and MongoDB.
  • Review container security scan findings and coordinate remediation efforts with Cybersecurity teams.
  • Support cybersecurity compliance activities, including vulnerability management and security assessments.
  • Manage and track Plans of Action and Milestones (POAMs) to ensure timely remediation of security findings.
  • Coordinate deployment approvals and release activities with hosting providers and key stakeholders.
  • Perform software upgrades, troubleshoot production issues, and improve overall system resiliency.
  • Design, implement, and enhance CI/CD pipelines using GitLab.
  • Monitor, analyze, and optimize cloud infrastructure performance using Azure Monitor.
  • Develop and maintain Infrastructure as Code (IaC) solutions utilizing Terraform.
  • Support DevSecOps initiatives that improve automation, security, scalability, and operational excellence.
Required Qualifications
Education
  • Bachelor's Degree in Computer Science, Information Technology, Engineering, or a related field.
  • Additional relevant experience may be considered in lieu of a degree.
Experience
  • Minimum of 8 years of experience in DevOps, DevSecOps, Cloud Engineering, Site Reliability Engineering, or Infrastructure Engineering.
  • Proven experience supporting production cloud environments in regulated or mission-critical organizations.
Security Requirements
  • Active Secret Clearance (Required)
  • CompTIA Security+ Certification (Required)
Technical Skills
  • Strong hands-on experience with Microsoft Azure cloud services.
  • Experience deploying and managing Kubernetes clusters.
  • Advanced proficiency with Terraform and Infrastructure as Code practices.
  • Extensive experience building and maintaining GitLab CI/CD pipelines.
  • Knowledge of Azure Monitor and cloud observability tools.
  • Experience implementing container security best practices and vulnerability remediation.
  • Working knowledge of PostgreSQL and MongoDB administration and support.
  • Experience working within Agile, DevOps, and DevSecOps environments.
Soft Skills
  • Strong communication and stakeholder management skills.
  • Ability to collaborate effectively across engineering, cybersecurity, and operations teams.
  • Strong analytical, troubleshooting, and problem-solving capabilities.
Preferred Qualifications
  • Experience supporting Department of Defense (DoD) or Federal Government programs.
  • Familiarity with DoD cybersecurity frameworks, RMF, STIGs, and compliance processes.
  • Strong scripting and automation skills using Bash, Python, PowerShell, or similar technologies.
  • Experience with enterprise cloud migrations and modernization initiatives.
  • Exposure to multi-cloud environments and modern DevOps toolchains.
  • Demonstrated experience mentoring junior engineers and leading technical initiatives.
  • Proven track record of driving operational efficiency and continuous process improvement.