ZipRecruiter

Log In

2

Secret Clearance Entry Level Jobs (NOW HIRING)

SAIC

Electrical Engineer Associate

Lakehurst, NJ

$80K - $120K/yr

Interim_Secret Clearance Level Must Be Able to Obtain: Secret Potential for Remote Work: ORA_ON_SITE Description We are seeking a highly motivated and resilient Entry-Level Electrical Engineer to ...

Quantech Services, Inc.

$55K - $80K/yr

S. citizen with the ability to obtain a Secret level clearance * Entry level to one year of experience. Relevant education/experience in quantitative analysis positions (economic analysis, analytics ...

Quantech Services, Inc.

$60K/yr

S. citizen with the ability to obtain a Secret level clearance -Entry level to one year of experience. Relevant education/experience in quantitative analysis positions (economic analysis, analytics ...

next page

Showing results 1-20

All JobsSecret Clearance Entry Level Jobs

Secret Clearance Entry Level information

See salary details

$14

$26

$79

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

As of Jul 2, 2026, the average hourly pay for secret clearance entry level 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 are some common challenges faced by entry-level professionals with Secret Clearance, and how can they overcome them?

Entry-level professionals with Secret Clearance often face challenges such as adapting to strict security protocols, understanding classified information handling, and navigating the expectations of working in government or defense environments. To overcome these challenges, it's important to thoroughly review all security guidelines, ask questions when uncertain, and seek mentorship from experienced colleagues. Building strong attention to detail and maintaining open communication with your team will help you grow comfortable and confident in your role while ensuring compliance with all regulations.

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

AspectSecret Clearance Entry LevelConfidential Security Officer
Required CredentialsBackground check, security clearance, sometimes basic certificationsBackground check, security training, basic certifications
Work EnvironmentGovernment agencies, defense contractors, secure facilitiesPrivate security firms, government buildings, corporate security
Employer & IndustryDefense, intelligence, federal agenciesSecurity services, private sector, government contracts
Common Search/ComparisonYesNo

Secret Clearance Entry Level roles typically require a security clearance and are found in government and defense sectors, focusing on sensitive information. Confidential Security Officers also hold security clearances but often work in private security settings with less access to classified information. The main difference lies in the level of clearance and the work environment, with Secret Clearance Entry Level positions generally involving more sensitive duties.

What is a Secret Clearance entry level position?

A Secret Clearance entry level position is a job that requires the employee to have, or be able to obtain, a U.S. government Secret security clearance, but does not require previous professional experience in the field. These roles are typically found in federal agencies or with government contractors, and involve handling sensitive information that could potentially harm national security if disclosed. Entry level means the job is suitable for recent graduates or those new to the industry. Applicants must pass a thorough background check and meet eligibility requirements set by the government. Having a Secret Clearance can open doors to various careers in defense, intelligence, and other security-focused sectors.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a Secret Clearance Entry Level professional, and why are they important?

To thrive in a Secret Clearance Entry Level role, you generally need a high school diploma or equivalent, U.S. citizenship, and the ability to obtain and maintain a U.S. Department of Defense Secret security clearance. Familiarity with basic office software, secure communication systems, and government protocols is often required. Strong attention to detail, integrity, and effective communication are crucial soft skills for handling sensitive information securely. These competencies are vital to ensure the protection of classified data and support national security objectives.
More about Secret Clearance Entry Level jobs
What cities are hiring for Secret Clearance Entry Level jobs? Cities with the most Secret Clearance Entry Level job openings:
What are the most commonly searched types of Secret Clearance jobs? The most popular types of Secret Clearance jobs are:
What states have the most Secret Clearance Entry Level jobs? States with the most job openings for Secret Clearance Entry Level jobs include:
What job categories do people searching Secret Clearance Entry Level jobs look for? The top searched job categories for Secret Clearance Entry Level jobs are:
Secret Clearance Entry Level jobs near you
Infographic showing various Secret Clearance Entry Level job openings in the United States as of June 2026, with employment types broken down into 84% Full Time, 4% Part Time, and 12% Contract. Highlights an 97% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 2% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $55,594 per year, or $26.7 per hour.
Aircraft Painter - Entry & Level 1

Aircraft Painter - Entry & Level 1

Northrop Grumman Corporation

Palmdale, CA • On-site

$26 - $32.75/hr

Other

Medical, Life, PTO

Posted 3 days ago

Northrop Grumman rating

8.1

Company rating: 8.1 out of 10

Based on 346 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

110th of 527 rated manufacturers

Job description

RELOCATION ASSISTANCE: No relocation assistance available
CLEARANCE REQUIRED FOR START: Yes
CLEARANCE TYPE: Secret
TRAVEL: Yes, 10% of the TimeDescription
At Northrop Grumman, our employees have incredible opportunities to work on revolutionary systems that impact people's lives around the world today, and for generations to come. Our pioneering and inventive spirit has enabled us to be at the forefront of many technological advancements in our nation's history - from the first flight across the Atlantic Ocean, to stealth bombers, to landing on the moon. We look for people who have bold new ideas, courage and a pioneering spirit to join forces to invent the future, and have fun along the way. Our culture thrives on intellectual curiosity, cognitive diversity and bringing your whole self to work - and we have an insatiable drive to do what others think is impossible. Our employees are not only part of history, they're making history.
If you join Northrop Grumman Aeronautics Systems in this position, you will assist our Manufacturing Operations Organization as an Aircraft Painter Entry Level and Level 1 supporting our Palmdale, CA site. This role is for a hands-on person with great attention to detail, top focus on quality and excellent people skills. If you are intrigued by this opportunity keep reading below.
Essential Functions:
  • Prepares for painting by masking, stripping, washing aircraft sections and components.

  • Blends and mixes paints, inks, and coatings to proper spraying consistency.

  • Must be able to perform detailed touch-ups.

  • Coordinates processes for painting production parts.

  • Required ability to be certified as a half & full-face respirator.

Basic Qualifications:
Aircraft Painter Entry Level
  • High School diploma or GED

  • Minimum of 3 months of painting/surface prep experience in an aerospace, automotive, military, manufacturing and/or maintenance environment OR completion of Low Observables Pathway/Certification Program at the College of the Canyons. Minimum of 3.0 or higher GPA upon completion

  • This position requires the ability to perform moderate strenuous physical and repetitious work to include bending, stooping, kneeling, standing, walking, squatting, crawling, twisting, carrying tools, lifting to 35 pounds and working with arms overhead

  • Must be able to access small, confined spaces and work in an enclosed environment

  • Ability to pass medical/respiratory evaluation to obtain and maintain necessary respirator clearance and compliance with all respirators fitting requirements

  • Must be able to pass a New Hire Physical prior to start

  • The ability to work 1st "5 AM - 3:30 PM" or 2nd shift "4:12 PM - 2:42 AM" and any work schedule

  • Ability to obtain and maintain a DOD Secret or Top-Secret Clearance as well as Program Special access within a reasonable period, as determined by the company to meet its business needs. US citizenship required for clearance.

  • The ability to utilize a computer for basic functions (including navigating through windows operating systems, getting online, executing online training modules and ability to be trained using on the job software)

  • Must successfully complete and pass the "ASTAR New Hire Training / Compliance" within a reasonable period, as defined by the company to meet its business need

Aircraft Painter Level 1
  • High School diploma or GED

  • Minimum of 9 months of painting/surface prep experience in an aerospace, automotive, military, manufacturing and/or maintenance environment OR completion of Low Observables Pathway/Certification Program at the College of the Canyons. Minimum of 3.0 or higher GPA upon completion

  • This position requires the ability to perform moderate strenuous physical and repetitious work to include bending, stooping, kneeling, standing, walking, squatting, crawling, twisting, carrying tools, lifting to 35 pounds and working with arms overhead

  • Must be able to access small, confined spaces and work in an enclosed environment

  • Ability to pass medical/respiratory evaluation to obtain and maintain necessary respirator clearance and compliance with all respirators fitting requirements

  • Must be able to pass a New Hire Physical prior to start

  • The ability to work 1st "5 AM - 3:30 PM" or 2nd shift "4:12 PM - 2:42 AM" and any work schedule

  • Ability to obtain and maintain a DOD Secret or Top-Secret Clearance as well as Program Special access within a reasonable period, as determined by the company to meet its business needs. US citizenship required for clearance.

  • The ability to utilize a computer for basic functions (including navigating through windows operating systems, getting online, executing online training modules and ability to be trained using on the job software)

  • Must successfully complete and pass the "ASTAR New Hire Training / Compliance" within a reasonable period, as defined by the company to meet its business need.

Preferred Qualifications:
  • Experience in aerospace manufacturing environment

  • Low observable coating experience or courses

  • Painting / masking /sanding experience

  • Active DOD secret clearance with an investigation date/periodic review within the last 6 years

Primary Level Salary Range: $43,400.00 - $72,300.00
Secondary Level Salary Range: $47,200.00 - $78,600.00
The above salary range represents a general guideline; however, Northrop Grumman considers a number of factors when determining base salary offers such as the scope and responsibilities of the position and the candidate's experience, education, skills and current market conditions.
Depending on the position, employees may be eligible for overtime, shift differential, and a discretionary bonus in addition to base pay. Annual bonuses are designed to reward individual contributions as well as allow employees to share in company results. Employees in Vice President or Director positions may be eligible for Long Term Incentives. In addition, Northrop Grumman provides a variety of benefits including health insurance coverage, life and disability insurance, savings plan, Company paid holidays and paid time off (PTO) for vacation and/or personal business.
The application period for the job is estimated to be 20 days from the job posting date. However, this timeline may be shortened or extended depending on business needs and the availability of qualified candidates.
Northrop Grumman is an Equal Opportunity Employer, making decisions without regard to race, color, religion, creed, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, marital status, national origin, age, veteran status, disability, or any other protected class. For our complete EEO and pay transparency statement, please visit http://www.northropgrumman.com/EEO. U.S. Citizenship is required for all positions with a government clearance and certain other restricted positions.

What Northrop Grumman employees say

Pay

Benefits

Hours and flexibility

Workplace

Get the full story on Breakroom

Northrop Grumman logo

About Northrop Grumman

Sourced by ZipRecruiter

At Northrop Grumman, our employees have incredible opportunities to work on revolutionary systems that impact people's lives around the world today, and for generations to come. Our pioneering and inventive spirit has enabled us to be at the forefront of many technological advancements in our nation's history - from the first flight across the Atlantic Ocean, to stealth bombers, to landing on the moon. We look for people who have bold new ideas, courage and a pioneering spirit to join forces to invent the future, and have fun along the way. Our culture thrives on intellectual curiosity, cognitive diversity and bringing your whole self to work - and we have an insatiable drive to do what others think is impossible.

Industry

Space research administration

Company size

10,000+ Employees

Headquarters location

Falls Church, VA, US

Year founded

1939

View All Northrop Grumman Jobs

Apply