Security Software Engineer Jobs in Virginia
Security Software Engineer jobs in Virginia are concentrated in defense contracting, federal civilian agencies, and cybersecurity firms, making the state one of the most active markets in the country for this role at every level from associate to principal engineer. Northern Virginia, the Richmond metro, and Hampton Roads account for the majority of openings, anchored by employers such as Booz Allen Hamilton, General Dynamics Information Technology, and Leidos. The most in-demand specialties in Virginia are secure software development, cloud security engineering, and vulnerability research supporting classified and government programs. Find a role that fits below and apply directly.
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Showing 5 of 19+ Security Software Engineer jobs
Description
ICF is actively recruiting for an experienced Software Developer to support the research and development of new cyber analytic capabilities that will help the US protect and defend its networks and critical information systems. This role will support a large federal cyber security analytic program. Your work will contribute to the knowledge of how cyber-attacks work, how vulnerabilities are exploited, and the way hostile cyber actors operate. We are looking for individuals that want to analyze and understand data to identify anomalies. Utilize your skills to help experiment and prototype future cyber capabilities for implementation at large-scale.
As a Software Developer, you will work with our customers, program subject matter experts, and researchers to evolve, automate, and enhance cybersecurity capabilities. Additionally, you will provide software engineering development and support, as well as oversight for other personnel. This is an opportunity to contribute to an important project from its beginning, work with the latest and emerging technologies, and all while building a great career at ICF!
This role is primarily telework-based with occasional meetings at client locations (Arlington, VA or Pensacola, FL) or ICF facilities within the Washington DC metro area.
What You Will Be Doing:
- Work closely with cyber personnel to understand manual analytic processes that are used to assist in the automation of those processes
- Create automated analytic capability sets (e.g., signature, behavioral, heuristic, anomalous, unsupervised-learning, predictive, and emerging)
- Develop new platforms to elicit operational effect
- Support the design, development, and deployment of production systems adhering to the Continuous Integration/Continuous Delivery (CI/CD) pipeline
- Post-deployment support of continuous analysis through the full lifecycle of the capabilities
- Perform functions associated with the analysis of information, refinement of analytics and countermeasure selection, reviewing output, and making upgrades/improvements to the performance of the analytics and countermeasures
What You Must Have:
- Bachelor’s or Master’s degree in Computer Science or Software Development OR equivalent combination of education and relevant professional experience, with at least an additional 5 years of applicable experience.
- Position requires a minimum 1 year of Python Development experience
- Must have a minimum 1 year of professional development experience using AWS serverless architecture
- Demonstrated experience with federal cybersecurity requirements
- Experience with a variety of analytics (e.g., file, network, host-based, etc.)
- Active security clearance required as part of client contract requirements
- US Citizenship required as part of client contract requirements
Preferred Qualifications:
- Experience with developing applications running on Big Data platforms such as Hadoop/Cloudera or Spark, Power BI
- Interpersonal skills and the ability to communicate effectively with various clients in order to explain and elaborate on technical details
- Experience within some or all of these capability areas: Intrusion Detection, Analytics, Information Sharing, Intrusion Prevention, Core Infrastructure
- Practical experience with the Databricks Intelligence Platform
- Practical experience with Splunk to include Splunk Machine Learning (ML)
- Machine Learning fundamentals and/or prior experience supporting ML efforts from a developer perspective
- Experience with shell scripting using Bash, PowerShell, or equivalent
- Experience with network monitoring tools such as Wireshark, tcpdump, Zeek, SiLK, or YAF
- Experience within Cloud environments in or using technologies provided by AWS, Google, or Azure
- Experience with Linux operating system
- Experience with monitoring/diagnosing activity at the host, application, network, Internet protocol, database, source code, and LAN layers or other areas preferred
- Ability to prioritize and manage own workload
- Experience in analytics associated with analyzing databases, source code, hosts, middleware, application, Local Area Network (LAN), and Internet networks across Open System Interconnect (OSI) model
- Experience in developing real- or near real-time automation
- AWS certification (Developer, DevOps, and/or Application Architect, etc.)
- CompTIA Advanced Security Practitioner (CASP+) or higher certification level preferred
Bot and Third-Party Applications
Please note that this application must be submitted directly by the applicant for consideration. Failure to do so may result in the application being excluded for consideration. Applicants needing an accommodation for disability or religious purposes in connection with the application process should contact Candidateaccommodation@icf.com for assistance.
Working at ICF
ICF is a global advisory and technology services provider, but we’re not your typical consultants. We combine unmatched expertise with cutting-edge technology to help clients solve their most complex challenges, navigate change, and shape the future.We can only solve the world's toughest challenges by building a workplace that allows everyone to thrive. We are an equal opportunity employer. Together, our employees are empowered to share their expertise and collaborate with others to achieve personal and professional goals. For more information, please read our EEO policy.
We will consider for employment qualified applicants with arrest and conviction records.
Reasonable Accommodations are available, including, but not limited to, for disabled veterans, individuals with disabilities, and individuals with sincerely held religious beliefs, in all phases of the application and employment process. To request an accommodation, please email Candidateaccommodation@icf.com and we will be happy to assist. All information you provide will be kept confidential and will be used only to the extent required to provide needed reasonable accommodations.
Read more about workplace discrimination rights or our benefit offerings which are included in the Transparency in (Benefits) Coverage Act.
Candidate AI Usage Policy
At ICF, we are committed to ensuring a fair interview process for all candidates based on their own skills and knowledge. As part of this commitment, the use of artificial intelligence (AI) tools to generate or assist with responses during interviews (whether in-person or virtual) is not permitted. This policy is in place to maintain the integrity and authenticity of the interview process.
However, we understand that some candidates may require accommodation that involves the use of AI. If such an accommodation is needed, candidates are instructed to contact us in advance at candidateaccommodation@icf.com. We are dedicated to providing the necessary support to ensure that all candidates have an equal opportunity to succeed.
Pay Range - There are multiple factors that are considered in determining final pay for a position, including, but not limited to, relevant work experience, skills, certifications and competencies that align to the specified role, geographic location, education and certifications as well as contract provisions regarding labor categories that are specific to the position.
The pay range for this position based on full-time employment is:
$98,614.00 - $167,644.00 Virginia Client Office (VA88)Description
ICF is actively recruiting for an experienced Software Developer to support the research and development of new cyber analytic capabilities that will help the US protect and defend its networks and critical information systems. This role will support a large federal cyber security analytic program. Your work will contribute to the knowledge of how cyber-attacks work, how vulnerabilities are exploited, and the way hostile cyber actors operate. We are looking for individuals that want to analyze and understand data to identify anomalies. Utilize your skills to help experiment and prototype future cyber capabilities for implementation at large-scale.
As a Software Developer, you will work with our customers, program subject matter experts, and researchers to evolve, automate, and enhance cybersecurity capabilities. Additionally, you will provide software engineering development and support, as well as oversight for other personnel. This is an opportunity to contribute to an important project from its beginning, work with the latest and emerging technologies, and all while building a great career at ICF!
This role is primarily telework-based with occasional meetings at client locations (Arlington, VA or Pensacola, FL) or ICF facilities within the Washington DC metro area.
What You Will Be Doing:
- Work closely with cyber personnel to understand manual analytic processes that are used to assist in the automation of those processes
- Create automated analytic capability sets (e.g., signature, behavioral, heuristic, anomalous, unsupervised-learning, predictive, and emerging)
- Develop new platforms to elicit operational effect
- Support the design, development, and deployment of production systems adhering to the Continuous Integration/Continuous Delivery (CI/CD) pipeline
- Post-deployment support of continuous analysis through the full lifecycle of the capabilities
- Perform functions associated with the analysis of information, refinement of analytics and countermeasure selection, reviewing output, and making upgrades/improvements to the performance of the analytics and countermeasures
What You Must Have:
- Bachelor’s or Master’s degree in Computer Science or Software Development OR equivalent combination of education and relevant professional experience, with at least an additional 5 years of applicable experience.
- Position requires a minimum 1 year of Python Development experience
- Must have a minimum 1 year of professional development experience using AWS serverless architecture
- Demonstrated experience with federal cybersecurity requirements
- Experience with a variety of analytics (e.g., file, network, host-based, etc.)
- Active security clearance required as part of client contract requirements
- US Citizenship required as part of client contract requirements
Preferred Qualifications:
- Experience with developing applications running on Big Data platforms such as Hadoop/Cloudera or Spark, Power BI
- Interpersonal skills and the ability to communicate effectively with various clients in order to explain and elaborate on technical details
- Experience within some or all of these capability areas: Intrusion Detection, Analytics, Information Sharing, Intrusion Prevention, Core Infrastructure
- Practical experience with the Databricks Intelligence Platform
- Practical experience with Splunk to include Splunk Machine Learning (ML)
- Machine Learning fundamentals and/or prior experience supporting ML efforts from a developer perspective
- Experience with shell scripting using Bash, PowerShell, or equivalent
- Experience with network monitoring tools such as Wireshark, tcpdump, Zeek, SiLK, or YAF
- Experience within Cloud environments in or using technologies provided by AWS, Google, or Azure
- Experience with Linux operating system
- Experience with monitoring/diagnosing activity at the host, application, network, Internet protocol, database, source code, and LAN layers or other areas preferred
- Ability to prioritize and manage own workload
- Experience in analytics associated with analyzing databases, source code, hosts, middleware, application, Local Area Network (LAN), and Internet networks across Open System Interconnect (OSI) model
- Experience in developing real- or near real-time automation
- AWS certification (Developer, DevOps, and/or Application Architect, etc.)
- CompTIA Advanced Security Practitioner (CASP+) or higher certification level preferred
Bot and Third-Party Applications
Please note that this application must be submitted directly by the applicant for consideration. Failure to do so may result in the application being excluded for consideration. Applicants needing an accommodation for disability or religious purposes in connection with the application process should contact Candidateaccommodation@icf.com for assistance.
Working at ICF
ICF is a global advisory and technology services provider, but we’re not your typical consultants. We combine unmatched expertise with cutting-edge technology to help clients solve their most complex challenges, navigate change, and shape the future.We can only solve the world's toughest challenges by building a workplace that allows everyone to thrive. We are an equal opportunity employer. Together, our employees are empowered to share their expertise and collaborate with others to achieve personal and professional goals. For more information, please read our EEO policy.
We will consider for employment qualified applicants with arrest and conviction records.
Reasonable Accommodations are available, including, but not limited to, for disabled veterans, individuals with disabilities, and individuals with sincerely held religious beliefs, in all phases of the application and employment process. To request an accommodation, please email Candidateaccommodation@icf.com and we will be happy to assist. All information you provide will be kept confidential and will be used only to the extent required to provide needed reasonable accommodations.
Read more about workplace discrimination rights or our benefit offerings which are included in the Transparency in (Benefits) Coverage Act.
Candidate AI Usage Policy
At ICF, we are committed to ensuring a fair interview process for all candidates based on their own skills and knowledge. As part of this commitment, the use of artificial intelligence (AI) tools to generate or assist with responses during interviews (whether in-person or virtual) is not permitted. This policy is in place to maintain the integrity and authenticity of the interview process.
However, we understand that some candidates may require accommodation that involves the use of AI. If such an accommodation is needed, candidates are instructed to contact us in advance at candidateaccommodation@icf.com. We are dedicated to providing the necessary support to ensure that all candidates have an equal opportunity to succeed.
Pay Range - There are multiple factors that are considered in determining final pay for a position, including, but not limited to, relevant work experience, skills, certifications and competencies that align to the specified role, geographic location, education and certifications as well as contract provisions regarding labor categories that are specific to the position.
The pay range for this position based on full-time employment is:
$98,614.00 - $167,644.00 Virginia Client Office (VA88)See All 19 Security Software Engineer Jobs in Virginia
Find roles in Virginia that match your experience and apply in just a few clicks.
Find JobsSecurity Software Engineer Jobs by City in Virginia
Where Virginia roles are concentrated, by current openings.
Security Software Engineer Job Market in Virginia
A snapshot from current Virginia openings, updated as new roles post.
Who's Hiring
Top Industries Hiring
- Retail
- Distribution & Wholesale
What Virginia Employers Look For
The qualifications that appear most often in security software engineer jobs across Virginia.
- Active security clearance at the Secret or Top Secret level required by most Virginia employers
- Bachelor's degree in computer science, cybersecurity, or a closely related engineering field
- Proficiency in secure coding practices across languages such as Java, Python, or C++
- Experience with NIST, RMF, or FedRAMP compliance frameworks common in federal contracting environments
- Relevant certifications such as CISSP, CEH, or CompTIA Security+ preferred or required
- Hands-on experience with penetration testing, threat modeling, or secure DevOps toolchains
Security Software Engineer Jobs in Virginia: Frequently Asked Questions
How do you become a security software engineer in Virginia?
Virginia does not require a state-issued license specifically for security software engineers, so the path runs through education and industry credentials. Most Virginia employers expect a bachelor's degree in computer science or cybersecurity, followed by certifications such as CompTIA Security+, CISSP, or CEH. Because so much of the Virginia market supports federal agencies and defense contractors, obtaining a security clearance early in your career is one of the most decisive steps you can take.
How much do security software engineers make in Virginia?
Security software engineers in Virginia earn a median of about $136,460 a year, based on May 2025 Bureau of Labor Statistics wage data, ranging from around $83,350 for the lowest 10% to over $211,930 for the top 10%. Pay rises with experience, specialty, and employer.
Which companies hire security software engineers in Virginia?
Virginia security software engineer roles are posted by Amazon, Amazon Web Services, and ICF and others right now, based on current listings on Migrate Mate as of September 2026. Virginia's dense concentration of federal agencies and defense primes means a wide range of cleared and uncleared positions exist across the Northern Virginia corridor and beyond.
Which Virginia cities have the most security software engineer jobs?
Herndon, Arlington, and McLean have the most security software engineer openings in Virginia right now. Northern Virginia's proximity to the Pentagon, NSA facilities, and dozens of federal civilian agencies drives the dominant share of demand, while Richmond and Hampton Roads add significant volume through defense contractors and military installation support roles.
How can I get hired as a security software engineer in Virginia with little or no experience?
The most realistic entry path is through an associate or junior security engineer role at a Virginia defense contractor or federal IT services firm, where cleared entry-level programs are common. Employers such as Booz Allen Hamilton and Leidos run structured new-graduate hiring programs out of their Northern Virginia offices. Lateral moves from software development, network administration, or IT support roles are common, and earning CompTIA Security+ before applying gives candidates a clear advantage without requiring prior security engineering experience.
Where can I find and apply to security software engineer jobs in Virginia?
You can find and apply to security software engineer jobs in Virginia on Migrate Mate, which lists current Virginia openings across defense contractors, federal agencies, and commercial cybersecurity firms. Find the roles that fit your background and apply directly to the employers posting them.
See All 19 Security Software Engineer Jobs in Virginia
Find roles in Virginia that match your experience and apply in just a few clicks.
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