Secret Security Clearance Jobs

489,696 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.

Security Officer - Full Time Nights

Company: Houston Methodist Clear Lake Hospital

Location: Nassau Bay, TX

Posted Sep 05, 2025

Security Officer state license: Security Officer Non-Commissioned, submission of application within 14 days of hire date, and obtained within one year of…

Data Systems Analyst 3

Company: UC San Diego

Location: San Diego, CA

Posted Sep 06, 2025

CAIDA investigates both practical and theoretical aspects of the Internet, with particular focus on topics that are macroscopic in nature and provide enhanced…

Principal Partner Solutions Architect - Cloud Platform

Company: Atlassian

Location: Austin, TX

Posted Sep 06, 2025

With a strong focus on building partner cloud capabilities, we help drive successful cloud transformations by providing technical expertise, strategic guidance,…

Customer Success Specialist

Company: Signature Heating, Cooling and Plumbing

Location: West Chester, PA

Posted Sep 05, 2025

Drive and champion customer retention efforts with outreach to schedule priority calls and maintenance visits.

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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