Security Software Engineer Jobs in Maryland
Security Software Engineer jobs in Maryland are among the most active in the country, concentrated in defense contracting, federal cybersecurity, and financial services across Baltimore, Annapolis, and the Washington D.C. suburbs. Large employers with deep roots in the state include Northrop Grumman, Leidos, and Booz Allen Hamilton, all of which maintain significant Maryland operations and hire security software engineers at every level from junior to principal. The most in-demand specialties are secure software development, cloud security architecture, and embedded systems security, reflecting the state's heavy defense and intelligence presence. Find a role that fits below and apply directly.
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Phoenix Operations Group seeks a Software Engineer in Columbia, Maryland, to build secure AI integrations and agent capabilities for enterprise data platforms. This hybrid position requires approximately 1–2 days onsite per week. U.S. citizenship and the ability to obtain and maintain a DoD security clearance are required; an active clearance is not required at the time of hire.
Responsibilities
- Develop Python backend services, MCP servers, and reusable AI tools.
- Deploy and scale Kubernetes workloads.
- Connect AI agents with APIs, databases, and microservices.
- Implement privacy safeguards, prompt-injection defenses, and output validation.
- Automate testing, troubleshoot issues, and collaborate across engineering teams.
- Related bachelor’s degree plus five years’ relevant experience; related master’s plus three years; or high school diploma/equivalent plus nine years.
- Strong Python development and hands-on Kubernetes experience.
- Production experience integrating LLM APIs or open-source models.
- Understanding of agents, prompt engineering, tool use, and RAG.
- Experience with REST APIs, microservices, Git, Docker, CI/CD, and Linux.
Preferred Qualifications
Experience with Java/Spring, AI integration frameworks, vector databases, semantic caching, AI observability, AWS/Azure, NiFi/Kafka, relational/NoSQL databases, or data lakes.
Clearance and Program Requirements
U.S. citizenship and ability to obtain and maintain government clearance are required. Active clearance is not required initially; Secret or Top Secret is preferred. Onsite schedules may change. Customer-directed DoD 8140/8570 IAT Level II certification may be required.
Benefits Offered
- Medical, dental, and vision insurance: 100% company-paid premiums.
- Short-term disability, long-term disability, and life insurance: 100% company paid.
- 401(k): Automatic 10% company contribution; no matching required.
- Paid time off: Four weeks per year.
- Paid holidays: Eleven per year.
- Birthday leave: Your birthday off with pay.
- Referral bonuses: Upfront and annually recurring bonuses.
- Open-source bonuses: Rewards for contributing to our GitHub projects.
- Professional development: Paid training, certifications, and enrichment opportunities.
About Phoenix Operations Group
Phoenix Operations Group delivers advanced engineering services that protect and strengthen our nation’s cyber resources. As a small company, we invest in innovation and employee development to solve challenging customer problems.
Our capabilities span batch and streaming Big Data analytics, cloud infrastructure, multi-INT visualization, and enterprise architecture. We support All-Source, Financial, and CND operational missions and serve as Product Owners for our open-source research initiatives.
Learn more at www.phoenix-opsgroup.com.
Equal Employment Opportunity
Employment decisions at Phoenix Operations Group are based on qualifications, merit, and business needs. We provide equal employment opportunities without discrimination based on race, religion, color, sex, gender, gender identity, sexual orientation, age, non-disqualifying physical or mental disability, national origin, veteran status, or any other legally protected basis.
Phoenix Operations Group seeks a Software Engineer in Columbia, Maryland, to build secure AI integrations and agent capabilities for enterprise data platforms. This hybrid position requires approximately 1–2 days onsite per week. U.S. citizenship and the ability to obtain and maintain a DoD security clearance are required; an active clearance is not required at the time of hire.
Responsibilities
- Develop Python backend services, MCP servers, and reusable AI tools.
- Deploy and scale Kubernetes workloads.
- Connect AI agents with APIs, databases, and microservices.
- Implement privacy safeguards, prompt-injection defenses, and output validation.
- Automate testing, troubleshoot issues, and collaborate across engineering teams.
- Related bachelor’s degree plus five years’ relevant experience; related master’s plus three years; or high school diploma/equivalent plus nine years.
- Strong Python development and hands-on Kubernetes experience.
- Production experience integrating LLM APIs or open-source models.
- Understanding of agents, prompt engineering, tool use, and RAG.
- Experience with REST APIs, microservices, Git, Docker, CI/CD, and Linux.
Preferred Qualifications
Experience with Java/Spring, AI integration frameworks, vector databases, semantic caching, AI observability, AWS/Azure, NiFi/Kafka, relational/NoSQL databases, or data lakes.
Clearance and Program Requirements
U.S. citizenship and ability to obtain and maintain government clearance are required. Active clearance is not required initially; Secret or Top Secret is preferred. Onsite schedules may change. Customer-directed DoD 8140/8570 IAT Level II certification may be required.
Benefits Offered
- Medical, dental, and vision insurance: 100% company-paid premiums.
- Short-term disability, long-term disability, and life insurance: 100% company paid.
- 401(k): Automatic 10% company contribution; no matching required.
- Paid time off: Four weeks per year.
- Paid holidays: Eleven per year.
- Birthday leave: Your birthday off with pay.
- Referral bonuses: Upfront and annually recurring bonuses.
- Open-source bonuses: Rewards for contributing to our GitHub projects.
- Professional development: Paid training, certifications, and enrichment opportunities.
About Phoenix Operations Group
Phoenix Operations Group delivers advanced engineering services that protect and strengthen our nation’s cyber resources. As a small company, we invest in innovation and employee development to solve challenging customer problems.
Our capabilities span batch and streaming Big Data analytics, cloud infrastructure, multi-INT visualization, and enterprise architecture. We support All-Source, Financial, and CND operational missions and serve as Product Owners for our open-source research initiatives.
Learn more at www.phoenix-opsgroup.com.
Equal Employment Opportunity
Employment decisions at Phoenix Operations Group are based on qualifications, merit, and business needs. We provide equal employment opportunities without discrimination based on race, religion, color, sex, gender, gender identity, sexual orientation, age, non-disqualifying physical or mental disability, national origin, veteran status, or any other legally protected basis.
See All 13 Security Software Engineer Jobs in Maryland
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Find JobsSecurity Software Engineer Jobs by City in Maryland
Where Maryland roles are concentrated, by current openings.
Security Software Engineer Job Market in Maryland
A snapshot from current Maryland openings, updated as new roles post.
Who's Hiring
What Maryland Employers Look For
The qualifications that appear most often in security software engineer jobs across Maryland.
- Active DoD security clearance (Secret or Top Secret) is required by most Maryland defense employers
- Bachelor's degree in computer science, cybersecurity, or a closely related engineering discipline
- Hands-on experience with secure software development lifecycle practices and threat modeling
- Proficiency in at least one systems language such as C, C++, or Rust alongside Python
- Relevant certification such as CISSP, CEH, or CompTIA Security+ recognized by hiring managers
- Familiarity with NIST frameworks, RMF, and federal compliance standards common in Maryland contracts
Security Software Engineer Jobs in Maryland: Frequently Asked Questions
How do you become a security software engineer in Maryland?
The most direct path in Maryland is a bachelor's degree in computer science, software engineering, or cybersecurity, followed by obtaining a DoD security clearance, which most Maryland employers in defense and federal contracting require. Maryland has no state-issued license for software engineers, so hiring decisions turn on clearance eligibility, relevant certifications like CISSP or CompTIA Security+, and demonstrated experience with secure development practices and federal compliance frameworks such as RMF and NIST.
How much do security software engineers make in Maryland?
Security software engineers in Maryland earn a median of about $138,680 a year, based on May 2025 Bureau of Labor Statistics wage data, ranging from around $87,690 for the lowest 10% to over $222,610 for the top 10%. Pay rises with experience, specialty, and employer.
Which companies hire security software engineers in Maryland?
Employers hiring security software engineers in Maryland right now include Power3 Solutions, Capstone Technology Partners, and Eccalon, based on current listings on Migrate Mate as of September 2026. Maryland's concentration of defense primes and federal agencies means many of these employers also have ongoing cleared hiring pipelines that go beyond individual posted openings.
Which Maryland cities have the most security software engineer jobs?
Hanover, Annapolis Junction, and Columbia account for the largest share of security software engineer openings in Maryland. The concentration reflects the corridor of defense contractors, federal agencies, and cybersecurity firms anchored by the National Security Agency in Fort Meade, Northrop Grumman's Maryland headquarters, and Booz Allen Hamilton's significant presence across the Baltimore-to-D.C. corridor.
Are there remote security software engineer jobs in Maryland?
Yes, and more than many engineering specialties, though cleared roles often require on-site work in secured facilities. About 25% of security software engineer openings tied to Maryland are remote or hybrid as of September 2026, with remote work most common in application security, DevSecOps, and cloud security roles that do not involve handling classified systems or information.
How can I get hired as a security software engineer in Maryland with little or no experience?
The most realistic entry point is applying to junior or associate software engineer roles at Maryland defense contractors such as Leidos, SAIC, or General Dynamics IT, which run structured new-graduate hiring programs and often sponsor candidates for entry-level clearances. A degree in computer science or cybersecurity, a CompTIA Security+ certification, and a portfolio of secure coding projects give candidates a meaningful edge. Lateral moves from software QA, network administration, or IT support roles at these same employers are also a proven path into security-focused engineering work.
Where can I find and apply to security software engineer jobs in Maryland?
You can find and apply to security software engineer jobs in Maryland on Migrate Mate, which lists current Maryland openings across defense contractors, federal agencies, and cybersecurity firms. Find the roles that fit your clearance level, experience, and preferred location, and apply directly to each one.
See All 13 Security Software Engineer Jobs in Maryland
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