Secret Security Clearance Jobs

489,434 open positions · Updated daily

The Secret clearance market is booming as defense contractors and federal agencies push back against ransomware, supply‑chain attacks, and emerging quantum threats. With 1,259 openings, companies are prioritizing experts who can design secure architectures that meet NSA Suite B and NIST 800‑53 standards. The demand for Secret‑level talent is higher than ever, and the salary range reflects the specialized skills and the high‑risk environments these professionals manage.

Roles span from Secure Software Engineer to Threat Intelligence Analyst, Cybersecurity Architect and Program Manager. Typical responsibilities include hardening embedded systems, conducting penetration tests on classified networks, modeling attack vectors with STRIDE, and ensuring FIPS 140‑2 compliance for cryptographic modules. Many positions also involve coordinating with the Defense Information Systems Agency (DISA) and maintaining continuous monitoring via the Continuous Diagnostics and Mitigation (CDM) program.

Salary transparency is crucial for Secret‑level workers because pay can vary widely based on the contractor’s mission, the complexity of the system, and the level of clearance. By seeing exact compensation ranges upfront, candidates can negotiate better, choose roles that match their career goals, and avoid the hidden costs of relocating to secure facilities. Transparent pay also signals fair treatment in a field where the stakes—and the risks—are high.

HVAC Mechanic

Company: EML, LLC

Location: Houston, TX

Posted Oct 06, 2025

Replaces defective breaker controls, thermostats, switches, fuses and electrical wiring to repair installed units, using electrician's hand tools and test…

DevOps/Cloud Engineer

Company: Tentek, Inc.

Location: San Diego, CA

Posted Oct 06, 2025

Lead incident response and post-mortem processes, driving continuous improvement. Mentor Senior DevOps Engineers and DevOps II on infrastructure design and…

Senior Cloud Engineer

Company: SmartStream

Location: Jacksonville, FL

Posted Oct 06, 2025

The position requires little to no travel, offers excellent growth potential, and is a great opportunity to further develop Cloud engineering knowledge.

Machinist, Staff

Company: Curtiss-Wright

Location: Chula Vista, CA

Posted Oct 06, 2025

Manufacture and inspect detailed parts and tools from blueprints, sketches, drawings and verbal instructions using a variety of manual machining tools and…

Full Stack Software Engineer Senior - Top Secret Clearance

Company: Lockheed Martin

Location: King of Prussia, PA

Posted Oct 06, 2025

Agile scrum experience and proficiency with Agile tools (Jira, Version One, Confluence). The qualified candidate should have a broad engineering skillset and…

Electrician Foreman (4362)

Company: Three Saints Bay, LLC

Location: San Diego, CA

Posted Oct 06, 2025

Electrician Foreman supervises and/or accomplishes manufacture, troubleshooting, repair, and installation of electrical and electronic equipment.

Frequently Asked Questions

What are typical salary ranges by seniority for Secret Clearance roles?
Entry‑level (0–2 years) salaries range from $110,000 to $130,000. Mid‑level (3–5 years) professionals earn between $140,000 and $170,000. Senior experts (6+ years) command $180,000 to $240,000, with contractors often offering higher hourly rates for specialized projects.
Which skills and certifications are required for Secret Clearance positions?
A Secret clearance is mandatory, along with expertise in NSA Suite B, FIPS 140‑2, and secure coding in C/C++/Rust. Certifications such as CISSP, CISA, GSEC, and proficiency in threat‑modeling frameworks like STRIDE are highly valued. Knowledge of secure cloud environments (AWS GovCloud, Azure Government) and continuous monitoring via DISA CDM is also essential.
Is remote work available for Secret Clearance jobs?
Most roles require on‑site presence at defense facilities to maintain a secure environment. However, certain contractor positions allow remote work using NSA‑approved VPNs and secure remote desktop solutions, typically for data analysis, cloud architecture, or policy compliance tasks.
What career progression paths exist within Secret Clearance tech roles?
Typical paths move from Analyst → Senior Analyst → Lead Analyst → Security Architect → Program Manager → Director of Cyber Operations. Lateral moves into supply‑chain security, incident response, or cyber‑physical systems defense are also common, enabling continuous skill expansion.
What industry trends are shaping Secret Clearance opportunities?
The field is driven by AI/ML‑based threat detection, quantum‑resistant cryptography, and the expansion of secure cloud services. Emphasis on supply‑chain security, cyber‑physical systems, and the increased federal investment in cyber defense are creating new roles and higher salary potential.

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