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Entry Level Top Secret Clearance Jobs (NOW HIRING)

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Entry Level Top Secret Clearance information

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How much do entry level top secret clearance jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 9, 2026, the average hourly pay for entry level top secret clearance in the United States is $26.73, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $17.07 and $23.08 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is the difference between Entry Level Top Secret Clearance vs Entry Level Confidential Clearance?

AspectEntry Level Top Secret ClearanceEntry Level Confidential Clearance
Required CredentialsBackground check, security clearance process, sometimes polygraphBasic background check, security clearance process
Work EnvironmentGovernment agencies, defense contractors, intelligence agenciesSimilar government and defense roles, less sensitive info
Employer & Industry UsageU.S. government, military, defense contractorsU.S. government, civilian agencies, defense contractors

Entry Level Top Secret Clearance involves access to highly sensitive information and requires a thorough background check, often including polygraph tests. Entry Level Confidential Clearance is for less sensitive data, with a simpler clearance process. Both roles are common in government and defense sectors, but Top Secret clearance grants access to more classified information, making it suitable for roles with higher security requirements.

What are some common challenges faced by entry-level professionals working in roles that require top secret clearance?

Entry-level professionals in positions requiring Top Secret clearance often encounter challenges related to information security protocols and the need for strict confidentiality in daily tasks. Adjusting to highly regulated environments, where even minor actions are closely monitored, can require a significant mindset shift. Additionally, communication with colleagues may be restricted based on clearance levels, impacting collaboration and workflow. However, these roles offer valuable exposure to sensitive projects and can serve as a strong foundation for long-term careers in government or defense sectors.

What are entry level top secret clearance jobs?

Entry Level Top Secret Clearance jobs are positions that require candidates to have or be eligible for a Top Secret security clearance, even if they have little or no prior professional experience. These roles are commonly found in government agencies, defense contractors, and organizations working with sensitive or classified information. Typical responsibilities may include administrative tasks, analysis, IT support, or security monitoring. Obtaining a Top Secret clearance involves a thorough background check and is necessary to access highly confidential information vital to national security.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as an entry level professional with top secret clearance?

To thrive in an entry-level position requiring Top Secret Clearance, you typically need a relevant bachelor's degree, strong analytical skills, and the ability to obtain and maintain security clearance. Familiarity with secure communication systems, classified information protocols, and basic cybersecurity tools is often expected. Attention to detail, integrity, and strong verbal and written communication skills help set candidates apart. These competencies are crucial to ensure the protection of sensitive information and effective contribution to high-security environments.
What cities are hiring for Entry Level Top Secret Clearance jobs? Cities with the most Entry Level Top Secret Clearance job openings:
What are the most commonly searched types of Top Secret Clearance jobs? The most popular types of Top Secret Clearance jobs are:
What states have the most Entry Level Top Secret Clearance jobs? States with the most job openings for Entry Level Top Secret Clearance jobs include:
What job categories do people searching Entry Level Top Secret Clearance jobs look for? The top searched job categories for Entry Level Top Secret Clearance jobs are:
Infographic showing various Entry Level Top Secret Clearance job openings in the United States as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 74% Full Time, 17% Part Time, and 8% Contract. Highlights an 94% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 5% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $55,594 per year, or $26.7 per hour.

Software Engineer, HITL - Top Secret Clearance

SpaceX

Hawthorne, CA • On-site

$145K - $175K/yr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Re-posted 9 days ago


SpaceX rating

8.8

Company rating: 8.8 out of 10

Based on 147 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

15th of 72 rated aerospace companies


Job description

SOFTWARE ENGINEER, HITL - TOP SECRET CLEARANCE
As a Software Engineer in Special Programs, you will design, develop, and test key aspects of an in-house solution for analysis, simulation, and prototyping of software in support of all SpaceX flight systems. You will have full ownership of new features in a scalable, high-performance application used to control and test flight systems. This is a high-impact role where you will work across the engineering groups to build a high-assurance system that accelerates the development and demonstration of cutting-edge software and hardware.

Aerospace experience is not required to be successful here - rather, we look for smart, motivated software engineers who enjoy taking on complex challenges, work well in dynamic environments, and care about software best practices. Our software is critical to future mission successes, and we have no shortage of interesting challenges that require innovative, cutting-edge solutions.

RESPONSIBILITIES:

  • Design and implement automated testing for hardware in the loop (HITL) and hardware out of the loop (HOOTL) software to ensure that deliverables meet target design criteria and operate within technical constraints
  • Develop full-stack solutions to manage automated testing of vehicle subsystems leveraging simulation and flight software
  • Contribute to test automation and CI/CD infrastructure
  • Maintain the highest standards of excellence, never settling for the status quo

BASIC QUALIFICATIONS:

  • Bachelor's degree in computer science, math, or an engineering discipline
  • 1+ years of experience insoftware development, developing applications in languages such as Python, C++, or Java
  • Experience with automated testing of hardware in the loop (HITL) and hardware out of the loop (HOOTL) software
  • Experience with test automation and CI/CD pipelines

PREFERRED SKILLS AND EXPERIENCE: 

  • Strong software design and development skills
  • Professional experience in full-stack development of production web applications is a plus
  • Experience with JavaScript libraries such as Lit, React, and Redux
  • Experience with automated build and test frameworks such as Bamboo, Ansible, and Jenkins
  • Familiar with monitoring tools such as Grafana or Elasticsearch
  • Experience with containerized solutions such as Docker and Kubernetes
  • Professional experience with Linux or Unix systems and tools
  • Experience with database systems such as Postgres, MySQL, or Oracle
  • Strong skills in debugging, performance optimization, data throughput analysis and unit testing
  • Strong creative and innovative problem-solving skills
  • Ability to work effectively in a dynamic environment by quickly adapting to changing needs and requirements
  • Active Top Secret, Top Secret SCI, or DOE Level Q clearance

ADDITIONAL REQUIREMENTS: 

  • This position requires successfully obtaining and maintaining a Top Secret Security Clearance as a condition of employment. While the clearance may not be immediately necessary upon hire, we encourage you to initiate the application process promptly upon accepting this offer. Your ability to secure the necessary clearance is essential for fulfilling key responsibilities of the role. Should you be unable to obtain it, SpaceX reserves the right to modify or terminate your employment to align with operational needs.
  • Note that an active clearance may provide the opportunity for you to work on sensitive SpaceX missions. If so, you will be subject to pre-employment drug and random drug and alcohol testing.
  • Willing to work extended hours and weekends when needed

COMPENSATION AND BENEFITS:

Pay range:         
Software Engineer/Level I: $125,000.00 - $150,000.00/per year
Software Engineer/Level II: $145,000.00 - $175,000.00/per year     

Your actual level and base salary will be determined on a case-by-case basis and may vary based on the following considerations: job-related knowledge and skills, education, and experience. Those with an active clearance will receive a 10% differential, up to an additional $20,000 annually, once officially briefed into a classified program.

Base salary is just one part of your total rewards package at SpaceX. You may also be eligible for long-term incentives, in the form of company stock, stock options, or long-term cash awards, as well as potential discretionary bonuses and the ability to purchase additional stock at a discount through an Employee Stock Purchase Plan. You will also receive access to comprehensive medical, vision, and dental coverage, access to a 401(k) retirement plan, short and long-term disability insurance, life insurance, paid parental leave, and various other discounts and perks. You may also accrue 3 weeks of paid vacation and will be eligible for 10 or more paid holidays per year. Employees accrue paid sick leave pursuant to Company policy which satisfies or exceeds the accrual, carryover, and use requirements of the law.


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About SpaceX

Sourced by ZipRecruiter

Industry

Aerospace product and parts manufacturing, data services, guided missile and space vehicle manufacturing and satellite telecommunications

Company size

1,001 - 5,000 Employees

Headquarters location

Hawthorne, CA, US