U.S. Citizenship Requirement Jobs in Chicago, IL

Entry‑level positions (0-2 years) typically pay $80,000 to $110,000 annually. Mid‑level roles (3-5 years) range from $110,000 to $150,000, while senior or lead positions (5+ years) can command $150,000 to $210,000 plus performance bonuses tied to contract value.

Core skills include secure coding (Java, C++, Python), cloud platform proficiency (AWS GovCloud, Azure Government), and data‑security frameworks (NIST SP 800‑53, CISSP). Certifications such as FedRAMP, CJIS, ITAR, ISO 27001, and SOC 2 are highly valued, along with experience in secure software development lifecycles (SDLC) and compliance audits.

Many federal contracts allow hybrid or fully remote work, especially for roles that do not handle classified information. However, positions requiring security clearances or direct interaction with classified systems typically mandate on‑site presence for periodic training and security briefings. Roughly 35% of listings explicitly offer remote or hybrid options.

Professionals often progress from <em>Systems Analyst</em> or <em>Software Engineer</em> to <em>Technical Lead</em>, then to <em>Program Manager</em> overseeing multi‑agency projects, and eventually to <em>Director of IT Security</em> or <em>Chief Information Officer</em> for a federal agency or contractor. Each step requires deeper expertise in compliance, risk management, and strategic planning.

The federal tech sector is accelerating toward cloud modernization, AI‑driven defense analytics, and zero‑trust security models. Increased government investment in cybersecurity and data privacy, coupled with stricter export‑control regulations, is raising the demand for certified professionals who can manage classified data, secure cloud environments, and implement AI governance frameworks.