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Trainee Software Engineer Secret Clearance Jobs (NOW HIRING)

DevSecOps Engineer provide oversight to changes in hardware, software, or network configuration and ... Active and current Secret clearance. * Hands-on experience developing and maintaining pipelines in ...

Active Security Clearance (Secret or higher) is preferred Overview: CPMC, LLC is seeking creative and skilled Software Engineer to join our team for an government contract proposal with the ...

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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:
DevSecOps Engineer (Secret clearance)

DevSecOps Engineer (Secret clearance)

Leidos

Remote

$107K - $195K/yr

Full-time

Posted 11 days ago


Leidos rating

8.4

Company rating: 8.4 out of 10

Based on 146 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

55th of 426 rated business services


Job description

Leidos has an opening for a highly qualified and Secret cleared DevSecOps Engineer for the Decision Advantage Division. This is an exciting opportunity to bring your experience to support across all-domain large-scale weapon systems, Information Technology Systems, and Command and Control Systems to realize the Department of Defense Joint All-Domain Command and Control (JADC2). This position will work closely with Program Managers, domain engineers, and Government counterparts across Government and Industry partners.
Primary responsibilities:
  • DevSecOps Engineer design, implement, and enforce security solutions in alignment with security policy.
  • DevSecOps Engineer provide oversight to changes in hardware, software, or network configuration and implement best practices in securing the infrastructure.
  • Works on automation of cybersecurity items and system bug resolution as required.
  • Implements highly technical solutions using various advanced technologies.

Required Qualifications:
  • An Engineering degree, 8 - 12 years of relevant practical software Linux and/or Windows system administration experience. Additional years of experience will be considered in lieu of degree.
  • Active and current Secret clearance.
  • Hands-on experience developing and maintaining pipelines in Gitea, GitLab, or similar CI/CD platforms, automation design and implementation with Gitlab CI, ArgoCD, Flux, Terraform, Nexus Repository Manager, Artifactory, and release pipelines for CI/CD of production quality software.
  • Hands-on experience with developing automation using Python, Linux shells, Windows PowerShell, Ansible, Terraform or equivalent languages.
  • Experience remediating cyber related findings on Linux host baselines, Windows environments to include Active Directory implementation, and Group Policy definitions.
  • Familiarity with network systems administration and STIG Implementation.

Additional Qualifications/Certifications
  • Container technologies (e.g., Docker) and orchestration tools (e.g., Kubernetes, OpenShift) knowledge.
  • Performance monitoring, logging, and alerting (e.g., Prometheus, Grafana, ALG Stack).
  • Familiarity with a variety of DoD STIGs (Security Technical Implementation Guide).
  • Experience with cyber tools:

* EvaluateSTIG, StigViewer
* Security Center & Nessus (ACAS)
  • Strong organizational, written, and oral communication skills.
  • Active and current TS/SCI clearance.

DABAOPP1
If you're looking for comfort, keep scrolling. At Leidos, we outthink, outbuild, and outpace the status quo - because the mission demands it. We're not hiring followers. We're recruiting the ones who disrupt, provoke, and refuse to fail. Step 10 is ancient history. We're already at step 30 - and moving faster than anyone else dares.
Original Posting:
April 27, 2026
For U.S. Positions: While subject to change based on business needs, Leidos reasonably anticipates that this job requisition will remain open for at least 3 days with an anticipated close date of no earlier than 3 days after the original posting date as listed above.
Pay Range:
Pay Range $107,900.00 - $195,050.00
The Leidos pay range for this job level is a general guideline only and not a guarantee of compensation or salary. Additional factors considered in extending an offer include (but are not limited to) responsibilities of the job, education, experience, knowledge, skills, and abilities, as well as internal equity, alignment with market data, applicable bargaining agreement (if any), or other law.

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About Leidos

Sourced by ZipRecruiter

At Leidos, we deliver innovative solutions through the efforts of our diverse and talented people who are dedicated to our customers' success. We empower our teams, contribute to our communities, and operate sustainable practices. Everything we do is built on a commitment to do the right thing for our customers, our people, and our community.

Industry

It services

Company size

10,000+ Employees

Headquarters location

Reston, VA, US

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