Software Engineer Top Secret Clearance
The Software Engineer at Confidential Client will develop and maintain command and control software for a large antenna-based RF transmission and receiving network. The role involves system development lifecycle upgrades, Linux server administration, and ensuring system security compliance, requiring a Top Secret clearance and on-site work in Stafford, Virginia.
About Careertakes
👉 Important disclosure: Careertakes is a third-party recruiting platform supporting this hiring process. If selected, you will be employed directly by our client, Defense and Space Manufacturing.
Applicants for this role may also receive access to additional matched opportunities through the Careertakes platform.
What You’ll Do
Confidential Client is seeking a Software Engineer with an active Top Secret clearance to join an RF transmission and command-and-control software program. You will contribute to system development, sustainment, and operations for distributed antenna/RF networks.
- System and application design, development, testing, and maintenance
- Lifecycle upgrades and feature releases
- Linux server monitoring, patching, and administration (RHEL focus)
- Troubleshooting and production support for server-side services
- Assist with automation, build/version control, and deployment tasks
- Collaborate with cross-functional teams to meet RMF and hardening requirements
Minimum Qualifications
- Bachelor’s degree plus 2 years of relevant experience, OR High School diploma / equivalent plus 6 years of relevant experience
- Ability to work on-site in Virginia (VA) — U.S. locations only
- Experience with RHEL / Enterprise Linux administration
- Must have a Top Secret clearance at start and ability to obtain SCI with counterintelligence polygraph as required
- Prior or ability to obtain IAT Level I certification (Security+ or equivalent) prior to start
Preferred Qualifications
- Web front-end experience (HTML, JavaScript, CSS, Angular) for browser-based GUIs
- Scripting experience (Bash, Python) to support automation and tooling
- Experience hardening Linux OS and apps to DISA STIGs or similar baselines
- Configuration management and CI/CD tooling experience (Git, Bamboo, Jira, Stash, Subversion)
- Familiarity with Risk Management Framework (RMF) and DoD cybersecurity processes
- Prior Linux systems administration in production environments
Location & Clearance
- Work location: On-site in Virginia (VA). U.S. citizenship is required for government-cleared roles.
- Clearance: Top Secret required to start. Ability to obtain SCI and counterintelligence polygraph where applicable.
Compensation & Benefits
- Primary salary range: $91,800 — $137,600 per year (range provided by the Confidential Client; actual offers consider experience, skills, and market factors).
- Role may be eligible for overtime, shift differential, and discretionary/annual bonuses depending on position level.
- Typical benefits (varies by role): medical, dental, life/disability insurance, retirement/savings plan, paid time off, paid holidays.
Why Join
- Work on mission-critical RF and command-and-control systems used worldwide.
- Join a technical team focused on secure, resilient systems and continuous improvement.
- Build skills in Linux administration, scripting, system hardening, and secure software delivery.
Equal Opportunity & Hiring Transparency
Careertakes and our client are Equal Opportunity Employers committed to building a diverse and inclusive workforce. We prohibit discrimination or harassment of any kind. To support a fair and efficient hiring process, AI tools may be used to assist with application review or resume screening. These tools do not replace human decision-making. Final hiring decisions are made by people.
If you have questions about how your data is used, please contact us directly.
Negotiate a higher salary! Check the salary ranges for this job type in your area.
View My Salary Range