Us Citizen Jobs in Chicago, IL

Entry‑level positions (0–2 years) generally pay $70,000–$90,000 annually, often matching the General Schedule (GS‑9) pay band. Mid‑level roles (3–5 years) earn $100,000–$140,000, aligning with GS‑11 to GS‑12. Senior or lead roles (6+ years) can reach $150,000–$200,000+, comparable to GS‑13 to GS‑15, especially in defense, cybersecurity, or AI/ML specialties.

Core technical skills include secure coding in C++, Java, or Python, experience with FIPS 140‑2 encryption libraries, and familiarity with NIST 800‑53 controls. Certifications such as CISSP, CompTIA Security+, CEH, AWS Certified Solutions Architect, and Microsoft Certified: Azure Security Engineer are highly valued. Knowledge of FedRAMP, SOC 2, and ISO 27001 compliance frameworks is often mandatory for contract work with federal agencies.

Many US Citizen roles offer hybrid or fully remote arrangements, provided employees can access secure networks via VPN and meet MFA requirements. Certain positions—especially those involving classified data or hands‑on system maintenance—may require periodic on‑site presence at approved facilities.

Typical trajectories move from Junior Engineer to Lead Software Engineer, then to Security Architect or Technical Program Manager. Advanced paths include becoming a Federal Contracting Lead, Compliance Director, or transitioning to policy‑making roles such as Chief Information Security Officer (CISO) for government agencies.

Current trends include accelerated cloud migration under the CHIPS Act, growing emphasis on zero‑trust security models, and increased use of AI/ML for threat detection in defense systems. Compliance demands are tightening with new regulations like the National Defense Authorization Act updates, creating higher demand for specialists skilled in secure cloud architecture and real‑time risk analytics.