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Full Time Top Secret Clearance Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Data Engineer | Active Top Secret clearance

Yorktown, VA · On-site

$101K - $121K/yr

Top Secret Clearance Level Must Be Able to Obtain: Top Secret Public Trust/Other Required: None Job Family: Data Science and Data Engineering Job Qualifications: Skills: Amazon Relational Database ...

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How much do full time top secret clearance jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 8, 2026, the average yearly pay for full time top secret clearance in the United States is $134,144.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $115,000.00 and $144,000.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is the difference between Full Time Top Secret Clearance vs Full Time Secret Clearance?

AspectFull Time Top Secret ClearanceFull Time Secret Clearance
Required CredentialsSecurity clearance, background check, polygraph (if applicable)Security clearance, background check
Work EnvironmentGovernment agencies, defense contractors, sensitive projectsGovernment agencies, defense contractors, less sensitive projects
Employer & Industry UsagePrimarily in defense, intelligence, national securityDefense, government, some intelligence roles
Common Search & ComparisonYesYes

Full Time Top Secret Clearance involves access to highly sensitive information and requires more rigorous background checks and polygraph tests compared to Full Time Secret Clearance. Both are used in government and defense sectors, but Top Secret clearance grants access to more classified data, making it suitable for roles with higher security requirements.

What is a full time top secret clearance job?

Full Time Top Secret Clearance jobs are positions that require employees to work full-time hours and possess a Top Secret security clearance, typically granted by the U.S. government. These roles often involve handling or accessing highly sensitive information that could impact national security. Full Time Top Secret Clearance jobs are commonly found in federal agencies, defense contractors, or organizations supporting government operations. Obtaining such clearance involves a rigorous background check and continuous monitoring to ensure trustworthiness and reliability.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive in a full-time role requiring Top Secret Clearance?

To thrive in a full-time position requiring Top Secret Clearance, you need relevant professional expertise (such as IT, analysis, or security), a proven track record of trustworthiness, and eligibility for federal security vetting. Familiarity with secure communication systems, classified information handling procedures, and often certifications like Security+ or CISSP are typically required. Discretion, integrity, and strong problem-solving skills set top candidates apart in these sensitive roles. These skills and qualifications are essential to ensure the protection of national security information and the effective performance of critical duties.

What are some common challenges faced by professionals working in full-time roles that require Top Secret clearance?

Professionals in full-time positions requiring Top Secret clearance often face unique challenges such as stringent security protocols, limitations on sharing work details with friends or family, and regular reinvestigations to maintain clearance. The work environment is typically highly structured, with strict access controls and the need to follow detailed procedures for handling sensitive information. Additionally, adapting to compartmentalized information can require strong communication and collaboration skills, as team members may only have access to parts of a project. Maintaining professionalism and confidentiality at all times is essential for success in these roles.
More about Full Time Top Secret Clearance jobs
What cities are hiring for Full Time Top Secret Clearance jobs? Cities with the most Full Time 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 Full Time Top Secret Clearance jobs? States with the most job openings for Full Time Top Secret Clearance jobs include:

Software Engineer, HITL - Top Secret Clearance

SpaceX

Hawthorne, CA • On-site

$145K - $175K/yr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Re-posted 8 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

SpaceX was founded under the belief that a future where humanity is out exploring the stars is fundamentally more exciting than one where we are not. Today SpaceX is actively developing the technologies to make this possible, with the ultimate goal of enabling human life on Mars.
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 in software 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.
ITAR REQUIREMENTS:
  • To conform to U.S. Government export regulations, applicant must be a (i) U.S. citizen or national, (ii) U.S. lawful, permanent resident (aka green card holder), (iii) Refugee under 8 U.S.C. § 1157, or (iv) Asylee under 8 U.S.C. § 1158, or be eligible to obtain the required authorizations from the U.S. Department of State. Learn more about the ITAR here.

SpaceX is an Equal Opportunity Employer; employment with SpaceX is governed on the basis of merit, competence and qualifications and will not be influenced in any manner by race, color, religion, gender, national origin/ethnicity, veteran status, disability status, age, sexual orientation, gender identity, marital status, mental or physical disability or any other legally protected status.
Applicants wishing to view a copy of SpaceX's Affirmative Action Plan for veterans and individuals with disabilities, or applicants requiring reasonable accommodation to the application/interview process should reach out to EEOCompliance@spacex.com.

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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