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Secret Squirrel Clearance Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Purple Squirrel

Herndon, VA

$185K - $238K/yr

Our client is looking for their very own purple squirrel, AKA, the Technical North Star of the ... US Citizenship and the ability to hold a Secret (or higher) Security Clearance. You are ready to ...

Secret Squirrel Clearance information

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$40K

$68.3K

$97.5K

How much do secret squirrel clearance jobs pay per year?

As of Jul 29, 2026, the average yearly pay for secret squirrel clearance in the United States is $68,292.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $47,500.00 and $90,500.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is Secret Squirrel Clearance?

Secret Squirrel Clearance is a colloquial term used to describe access to highly classified or sensitive government information, typically requiring a high-level security clearance. Individuals with this clearance are authorized to work on confidential projects that are crucial to national security. The term is often used informally by those in the intelligence or defense community to refer to people who handle top-secret information. Gaining this clearance involves a rigorous background check and strict adherence to confidentiality protocols.

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

AspectSecret Squirrel ClearanceTop Secret Clearance
Required CredentialsBackground check, security clearance applicationMore extensive background investigation, polygraph
Work EnvironmentGovernment agencies, defense contractorsHigher security agencies, military, intelligence
Employer & Industry UsageDefense, intelligence, governmentNational security, military, intelligence agencies

Secret Squirrel Clearance is a security clearance level for access to sensitive information, requiring background checks and used mainly in defense and government sectors. Top Secret Clearance is a higher level with more rigorous investigations, granting access to more sensitive information. The main difference lies in the level of access and investigation depth, with Top Secret Clearance being more restrictive and requiring additional vetting.

What challenges might I face when working in a security-cleared role like 'Secret Squirrel Clearance,' and how can I prepare for them?

Professionals working in security-cleared roles often face challenges such as strict confidentiality requirements, limited information sharing even with colleagues, and the need to navigate complex security protocols. You may find that your daily responsibilities involve compartmentalized tasks and frequent security checks, which can be different from typical office environments. To prepare, it's helpful to develop strong attention to detail, adaptability, and a clear understanding of security procedures. Building trust with your team, while respecting clearance boundaries, is also crucial for success and career advancement in these sensitive positions.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive in a role that requires a Top Secret security clearance, and why are they important?

To thrive in a position requiring Top Secret security clearance, you need a background in intelligence, analysis, or defense, often supported by relevant education and prior government or military experience. Familiarity with classified information handling, secure communication systems, and compliance protocols is crucial, along with completion of a rigorous background investigation. Discretion, integrity, and strong problem-solving abilities are essential soft skills for maintaining trust and operational effectiveness. These qualities ensure the protection of sensitive information, national security, and the successful execution of critical missions.
More about Secret Squirrel Clearance jobs
What states have the most Secret Squirrel Clearance jobs? States with the most job openings for Secret Squirrel Clearance jobs include:
Infographic showing various Secret Squirrel Clearance job openings in the United States as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 95% Full Time, 3% Part Time, and 2% Contract. Highlights an 97% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 2% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $68,292 per year, or $32.8 per hour.

Network Manager - Active Secret Clearance

MDAEdge

Newport News, VA • On-site

Full-time

Posted 16 days ago


Job description

Job Summary:
MDAEdge is seeking a Network Manager with a strong background in Layer 2 troubleshooting and recent experience with Juniper switches. The role involves overseeing network management, mentoring junior engineers, and collaborating with a team to ensure efficient network operations.
Responsibilities:
• Perform network management responsibilities to include remote and onsite monitoring of system workload, configuration, and operation.
• Installing, managing, maintaining, and troubleshooting wired and wireless data network systems and equipment.
• Creating network diagrams, project plans, and network documentation to support RMF and ATO requirements.
• Taclane activation, configuration, and maintenance.
• Accessing, troubleshooting, and building Juniper switch and router configurations.
• Accessing, troubleshooting, and building Aruba wireless access points and controllers.
• Use Government-provided network security and systems management (NSSM) tools such as: JUNOS Space, Cisco Prime, Flying Squirrel, MeerCat-FS, ArcSight EMS, EMS & BMC Remedy, Wireshark, Notepad++, Joint Management Network (JMN) tool set i.e. Putty, Riverbed, Chimera, Microsoft Visio, to manage and monitor the various data and video Networks.
• Provide and implement recommendations on system changes and operational procedures needed to increase efficiency. Must be experienced in TLA designs, Common Network Hierarchical designs, NIPR & SIPR network flows.
• Provide rapid detection and resolution of network component failures and errors. Additionally, they shall perform routine network maintenance of software and hardware, evaluate new system regulations, and provide guidance on the planning, development and implementation of new systems and procedures for operation.
• Must be able to work independently, in a team environment, and with other departments to quickly solve problems. They may lead and direct the work of others. The individual may be working directly with customers and must have good written and oral skills to communicate efficiently to technical and non-technical customers.
• Due to the nature of the position, the successful candidate may be called upon outside of normal business hours to troubleshoot and fix network outages, implement new configurations/equipment, and assist other departments with various tasks.
• Other duties as assigned by Supervisor as the successful candidate shall provide technical expertise and support in establishing a plan/Standing Operating Procedure (SOP) for specific Operation and Maintenance (O&M) routines, training, qualification requirements, improved O&M method suggestions, procedures and conventions. Developing and reviewing network documentation for PPS, RFCs, and RMF.
Qualifications:
Required:
• Strong background in Layer 2 troubleshooting.
• At least two years of recent experience working with Juniper switches.
• Senior-level experience as a Network Engineer.
• Security+ certification.
• Active Secret Clearance.
• Experience with Aruba.
• Juniper certification (JNCIA Juniper Networks Certified Internet Associate) will be required within the first six months of employment.
• Perform network management responsibilities to include remote and onsite monitoring of system workload, configuration, and operation.
• Installing, managing, maintaining, and troubleshooting wired and wireless data network systems and equipment.
• Creating network diagrams, project plans, and network documentation to support RMF and ATO requirements.
• Taclane activation, configuration, and maintenance.
• Accessing, troubleshooting, and building Juniper switch and router configurations.
• Accessing, troubleshooting, and building Aruba wireless access points and controllers.
• Use Government-provided network security and systems management (NSSM) tools such as: JUNOS Space, Cisco Prime, Flying Squirrel, MeerCat-FS, ArcSight EMS, EMS & BMC Remedy, Wireshark, Notepad++, Joint Management Network (JMN) tool set i.e. Putty, Riverbed, Chimera, Microsoft Visio, to manage and monitor the various data and video Networks.
• Provide and implement recommendations on system changes and operational procedures needed to increase efficiency.
• Must be experienced in TLA designs, Common Network Hierarchical designs, NIPR & SIPR network flows.
• Provide rapid detection and resolution of network component failures and errors.
• Perform routine network maintenance of software and hardware.
• Evaluate new system regulations.
• Provide guidance on the planning, development and implementation of new systems and procedures for operation.
• Must be able to work independently, in a team environment, and with other departments to quickly solve problems.
• Good written and oral skills to communicate efficiently to technical and non-technical customers.
• May be called upon outside of normal business hours to troubleshoot and fix network outages, implement new configurations/equipment, and assist other departments with various tasks.
• Provide technical expertise and support in establishing a plan/Standing Operating Procedure (SOP) for specific Operation and Maintenance (O&M) routines, training, qualification requirements, improved O&M method suggestions, procedures and conventions.
• Developing and reviewing network documentation for PPS, RFCs, and RMF.
• Education: Bachelor's Degree required; preferred degree in computer science or IT related field.
• IAT-II certification (i.e. CCNA Security, Security+ CE, GSEC, GIC SP, S SCP, CySA++) IAW AR 25-2.
• Proficient with layer 2 switch technologies.
• Proficient with layer 3 routing.
• Proficient with wireless network technologies.
• Proficient with Microsoft Visio for creating and maintaining network diagrams and drawings.
• Must have strong documentation skills.
• Must have good communication skills.
• Must be familiar with applying STIGs and creating STIG checklists.
• Experience with both Cisco, Juniper, and Aruba networking devices required.
• In-Depth experience with Juniper devices required.
Preferred:
• CCNA certification is highly preferred.
• Juniper and/or Cisco certification preferred.
• Five years of IT related experience, preferred.
• Five years of Network Management experience, preferred.
Company:
The world doesn't have a talent shortage. It has a talent alignment problem. MDA Edge exists to fix that. Founded in , the company is headquartered in Sheridan, WY, US, , with a team of 51-200 employees. The company is currently Growth Stage.