Senior Software Engineer
Clarity Innovations
Columbia, MD · $102k–$174k a year · Posted November 5, 2026
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Where Columbia, MD ranks
Where Columbia, MD placed in our monthly rankings, month by month. Each month stays online at its own address.
November 2026
- #12Cities with the most hybrid jobs in the Mid-Atlantic18% · of 84
- #14Best cities for remote-friendly jobs9% · of 100
- #15Best cities for mid-career professionals in the Mid-Atlantic61% · of 85
- #16Best cities for mid-career professionals61% · of 100
- #19Cities with the most hybrid jobs18% · of 100
- #22Best cities for software and engineering jobs in the Mid-Atlantic115 openings · of 68
Rankings about engineering jobs
- Best cities for software and engineering jobs #1 San Francisco (3,412 openings)
- Best cities for engineering pay after cost of living #1 San Mateo ($216k)
- Most requested AI skills in engineering jobs #1 AI tools in daily work (6.1%)
- AI tools named most often in engineering jobs #1 Claude (1.7%)
- Employers with the most engineering jobs #1 Amazon (2,992 roles)
Pay compared with the market
This listing pays about $137,950 a year. Across 1,008 open senior software engineer listings that state pay, the middle half runs $167,000 to $222,000 and the median is $199,000. That is 31% below the median, below the middle half of those listings.
Listed pay is what employers advertise, not what people are paid.
Senior Software Engineer salaries by state · Check your own pay
How AI is used in this kind of work
Among software developers, AI is already used for some of the tasks. Measured exposure for software developers: 29% (some).
Share of this job’s tasks that AI is already used for at work, from real usage. It is not a forecast of job loss, and a low number means no use seen yet. Source: Anthropic Economic Index.
Skills this job asks for
Say which you have and which you want to build. We use it to match you to jobs like this one.
About the job
Clarity Innovations is a trusted national security partner, dedicated to safeguarding our nation’s interests and delivering innovative solutions that empower the Intelligence Community (IC) and Department of Defense (DoD) to transform data into actionable intelligence, ensuring mission success in an evolving world.
Our mission-first software and data engineering platform modernizes data operations, utilizing advanced workflows, CI/CD, and secure DevSecOps practices. We focus on challenges in Information Warfare, Cyber Operations, Operational Security, and Data Structuring, enabling end-to-end solutions that drive operational impact.
We are committed to delivering cutting-edge tools and capabilities that address the most complex national security challenges, empowering our partners to stay ahead of emerging threats and ensuring the success of their critical missions. At Clarity, we are people-focused and set on being a destination employer for top talent, offering an environment where innovation thrives, careers grow, and individuals are valued. Join us as we continue to lead innovation and tackle the most pressing challenges in national security.
Position Overview
The Software Engineer position is part of a dynamic team at the forefront of implementing infrastructure designs to support the next generation of cyberspace operations. This role presents unique opportunities to iterate, streamline, and scale your platform’s capabilities to meet the demand for broad deployment and exceptional flexibility. In this role, your team will implement a platform that simplifies complex infrastructure management across a mix of cloud-native and on-premises environments. Your work will involve scalable systems architecture; implementing GitOps workflows for version-controlled and automated operations; and creating and leveraging tools and processes that bridge the gap between development and operations while simultaneously enhancing productivity and reliability across diverse infrastructure settings.
Key Responsibilities
Participate and lead design and architecture of back-end systems
Deploy and maintain a robust and high-quality platform, putting the user’s requirements first and always driving towards a working product on-time
Limit and resource test the platform
Facilitate delivery and deployment of the platform
Qualifications
Must be able to obtain and maintain a TS/SCI security clearance (note, only US Citizens are eligible for security clearances) with CI polygraph
Bachelor's degree in Computer Engineering, Computer Science, Software Engineering, or a related technical discipline (degree requirement can be met with four years of hands on experience in a software engineer or similar full time position)
Must be able to demonstrate the ability to deploy, maintain, and monitor hardware, docker containers, and Kubernetes clusters with limited supervision - this is typically achieved after a minimum of 2 years of full time industry experience and a bachelors degree
Proficient in containerization technologies (e.g., Docker, Podman)
Proficient with container orchestration using Kubernetes
Proficient with Infrastructure-as-Code tools (Terraform preferred)
Comfortable and proficient in Linux-based development environments
Ability to collaborate as a team but execute independently
Comfortable in a high-trust, adaptable, team environment
Proficient in system architecture and design
Proficient in on-premises system troubleshooting
Proficient with source code management tools like Git, GitHub or GitLab
Preferred Qualifications
Active US TS/SCI security clearance with CI polygraph or higher
More than 5 years of industry experience in a platform engineering, DevOps or similar role in the Cyber Operation Domain
Experience communicating with customers and end-users
Location and Clearance
This is a hybrid position with an expected 2-3 days onsite on an "as needed" basis with no minimum required time. Clarity Innovations strives to set consistent expectations and ensure a flexible and healthy work-life balance, but due to the position's nature and emergent customer needs, some weeks may exceed 2-3 days and others may require no onsite work.
This position is available in both Herndon, VA or Columbia, MD, and will require a counterintelligence polygraph within six months after hire. Candidates desiring to be based out of Fort Meade will require a counterintelligence polygraph prior to hiring.
Senior Software Engineer $102,200 — $173,700 USD
Pay Range
The posted pay range reflects the national salary range for this position and is provided to give candidates a general understanding of the compensation opportunity. The actual salary offered will be determined based on the requirements of the position and a variety of job-related factors, which may include geographic location, applicable Federal Government contract labor categories and wage rates, relevant experience, skills and competencies, education, certifications, and the scope and responsibilities of the role.
Because this position may be performed in multiple locations and may be subject to different contract requirements, the salary ultimately offered may vary based on the applicable location and contract. The posted range is not a guarantee of a specific starting salary or an indication that an offer will be made at any particular point within the range.
Total Rewards
In addition to competitive base pay, Clarity provides a Total Rewards package designed to attract and retain exceptional professionals committed to excellence. Our benefits reflect the value we place on skilled individuals who drive our impact in critical digital missions.
At Clarity, a career means joining a high-performing team advancing vital work in the digital landscape. We encourage you to consider the total value of joining us—competitive compensation, comprehensive benefits, and resources that support your growth and impact.
Our Total Rewards package includes performance-based bonuses, extensive medical, dental, and vision coverage, a 401(k) plan with company match, substantial paid time off and holidays, flexible work arrangements where possible, and a range of income protection benefits. We are committed to supporting your well-being, professional growth, and ability to contribute to essential digital missions.
We are an equal opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, or veteran status.