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Q Clearance Jobs in Rio Rancho, NM (NOW HIRING)

SPECTRA TECH INC

Product Design Engineer

Albuquerque, NM

$116K - $139K/yr

Experience and Understanding with printed circuit board layout Ability to obtain a DOE Q clearance Qualifications Desired Certified Interconnect Designer (CID) Certification Certified Interconnect ...

SPECTRA TECH, Inc.

Product Design Engineer

Albuquerque, NM · On-site

$116K - $139K/yr

Bachelor's degree in engineering. • Experience and Understanding with printed circuit board layout • Ability to obtain a DOE Q clearance Qualifications Desired • Certified Interconnect Designer ...

Strata-G, LLC

Engineers

Albuquerque, NM · On-site

DOE Q-level security clearance is desired. Key Responsibilities * Lead Engineering Projects : Direct the design, implementation, testing, and lifecycle validation of complex systems. * Maintain ...

Konane Solutions

Senior DevOps Engineer

Albuquerque, NM · On-site

$126K - $161K/yr

Ability to obtain and maintain DOE Q clearance or DOD Top Secret clearance, and ability to obtain a SCI, which will require polygraph testing. Required Skills: * Experience with DevOps, CI/CD tools ...

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All JobsQ Clearance JobsQ Clearance Jobs in Rio Rancho, NM

Q Clearance information

See Rio Rancho, NM salary details

$8

$30

$63

How much do q clearance jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 5, 2026, the average hourly pay for q clearance in Rio Rancho, NM is $30.81, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $18.78 and $46.33 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is the difference between Q Clearance vs Top Secret Clearance?

AspectQ ClearanceTop Secret Clearance
Required CredentialsBackground check, security clearance process, often with a polygraphSimilar background check, security clearance process, often with a polygraph
Work EnvironmentGovernment agencies, defense contractors, intelligence communityGovernment agencies, defense contractors, intelligence community
Industry UsagePrimarily Department of Energy, defense, intelligencePrimarily Department of Defense, intelligence agencies

Q Clearance and Top Secret Clearance are both security clearances used in government and defense sectors. Q Clearance is specific to the Department of Energy and related agencies, while Top Secret Clearance is used across various government agencies including DOD and intelligence. Both require rigorous background checks and are essential for access to sensitive information, but they are issued for different agency-specific needs.

What is Q clearance?

Q clearance is a type of security clearance offered by the United States Department of Energy. It is functionally similar to the Top Secret clearance granted in other areas—and can generally be used as such—but also provides access authorization to restricted data and special nuclear material. The federal government primarily offers this clearance to outside contractors who need access to specific sites, though it may also be necessary for some positions within the Department of Energy and the military. Q clearance is the highest type of clearance given to contractors and often involves things like armed security escorts—or providing said escorts—when accessing certain types of information.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive in a Q clearance position, and why are they important?

To thrive in a Q Clearance position, you need a strong background in your technical field (such as engineering, science, or security), U.S. citizenship, and the ability to pass a rigorous background investigation. Familiarity with classified information systems, cybersecurity protocols, and compliance with Department of Energy (DOE) regulations is typically required. Integrity, discretion, and attention to detail are critical soft skills for handling sensitive information and maintaining trust. These skills and qualities are vital to ensure national security and the safe management of highly classified materials.

What are some typical challenges faced by professionals working in Q clearance positions, and how can they be addressed?

Professionals holding a Q Clearance often face the challenge of working with highly sensitive information, which requires strict adherence to security protocols and can limit the ability to discuss work with colleagues outside of clearance levels. This can sometimes lead to feelings of isolation or difficulties in collaboration. To address these challenges, it's important to build strong communication skills within cleared teams, maintain awareness of security policies, and utilize approved channels for collaboration. Employers typically provide training and support systems to help cleared employees navigate these unique aspects of their roles.

What is Q clearance?

Q Clearance is a type of security clearance issued by the U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) that allows access to Top Secret Restricted Data, National Security Information, and certain special nuclear materials. It is one of the highest security clearances in the United States and is required for individuals who need access to classified information regarding nuclear weapons and related activities. Obtaining Q Clearance involves an extensive background check, including personal history, financial records, and interviews. The clearance is typically required for federal employees, contractors, and scientists working in nuclear research or national security fields.
More about Q Clearance jobs
What cities near Rio Rancho, NM are hiring for Q Clearance jobs? Cities near Rio Rancho, NM with the most Q Clearance job openings:
Q Clearance jobs near you
Infographic showing various Q Clearance job openings in Rio Rancho, NM as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 100% Full Time. Highlights an 100% In-person job distribution, with an average salary of $64,077 per year, or $30.8 per hour.

Senior Application Developer- Active Q or TS

Konane Solutions

Albuquerque, NM • On-site

$93K - $127K/yr

Other

Posted 28 days ago

Job description

Work location:  Onsite in Albuquerque, NM.  No remote or hybrid schedules will be considered.

 An active Q or Top Secret is required to start for the Senior Application Programmer. 

Key qualifications:

  • BS/BA in a relevant STEM field, such as a Computer Science, Computer Engineering, Software Engineering or related field and Six (7) years of directly related experience that demonstrates the knowledge, skills, and ability to perform the duties of the job or equivalent combination of relevant education and experience
  • Active DOE Q Clearance on Start or DOD Top Secret with reciprocity and ability to obtain an SCI clearance
  • This position is on-site full time 

Required Skills:

  • Strong experience with object-oriented programming languages such as C/C++ (v11, v14, v17+), Java (v11, v17+), Python along with related object-oriented development principles & environment
  • Experience with software testing (automated and manual)
  • Knowledge of scripting languages such as Bash and UNIX command languages
  • Experience working in a collaborative environment (unclassified/classified)

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