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Ergonomist with Security Clearance

Tucson, AZ · On-site

DoD Clearance: Secret Security Clearance Status: Active and existing security clearance required after day 1 At Raytheon, the foundation of everything we do is rooted in our values and a higher ...

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How much do security clearance jobs pay per hour?

As of Jul 7, 2026, the average hourly pay for security clearance in the United States is $26.61, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $21.15 and $30.53 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What Is a Security Clearance?

Security clearance is a classification status for workers who need to have access to confidential or sensitive information, such as classified military information, information related to utilities and other infrastructure that is of vital importance to the federal government, or secret technical information related to national security measures. There are varying degrees of clearance, and in order to meet the qualifications for them, you must go through a rigorous background check. Specific departments, such as the Department of Energy and the CIA, conduct their own clearance investigations. Typically, you must undergo periodic recertifications to maintain your clearance status or move to a higher level, depending on your job duties.

What kind of jobs can I get with a security clearance?

Security clearance is required for jobs involving access to classified information, such as government agencies, defense contractors, intelligence agencies, and cybersecurity roles. These positions often require specialized skills, background checks, and adherence to strict security protocols.

What are some common challenges faced by professionals working in roles requiring a security clearance?

Professionals in positions that require a security clearance often encounter challenges such as strict adherence to confidentiality protocols, ongoing background checks, and limitations on discussing work details with family or friends. Maintaining clearance also involves regular reporting of foreign travel and financial changes, which can feel intrusive but is necessary for national security. Additionally, the work environment may be highly structured with restricted access to information, requiring strong attention to detail and trustworthiness in all interactions.

Can I make $200,000 a year in cyber security?

Security clearance roles in cybersecurity, especially those involving government or defense contracts, can offer salaries reaching or exceeding $200,000 annually for experienced professionals with specialized skills, certifications, and leadership responsibilities. However, typical salaries vary based on experience, location, and specific job functions, with many cybersecurity positions paying between $70,000 and $150,000 per year.

What is the difference between Security Clearance vs Security Guard?

AspectSecurity ClearanceSecurity Guard
Required CredentialsBackground checks, sometimes polygraph, security-specific trainingBasic security training, possibly licensing depending on location
Work EnvironmentGovernment agencies, defense contractors, sensitive facilitiesPrivate or public venues, retail, events, buildings
Employer & Industry UsageFederal government, defense, intelligenceSecurity companies, retail, corporate buildings
Common Search & ComparisonYesNo

Security clearance involves obtaining access to classified information after thorough background checks, primarily for government or defense roles. Security guards provide physical security at various locations without requiring clearance. While both roles focus on security, security clearance is a credential for access to sensitive info, whereas security guards are responsible for physical safety.

What clearance does Elon Musk have?

As a private individual and CEO of multiple companies, Elon Musk does not publicly hold a government security clearance. Security clearances are typically required for government employees or contractors working on classified projects, not for private entrepreneurs. Any specific clearance status would be confidential and not publicly disclosed.

What is a security clearance?

A security clearance is an official authorization granted by a government agency that allows an individual to access classified or sensitive information. Security clearances are typically required for jobs that involve national security or sensitive government projects. The clearance process involves a thorough background check, including a review of criminal, financial, and personal history. There are different levels of security clearances, such as Confidential, Secret, and Top Secret, depending on the sensitivity of the information involved. Obtaining a security clearance can take several months and requires ongoing compliance with security protocols.

Does having a security clearance help get a job?

Having a security clearance can improve job prospects for security-related roles by demonstrating trustworthiness and eligibility for positions requiring access to sensitive information. It can also give candidates an advantage in competitive hiring processes, especially in government or defense sectors. However, it does not guarantee employment and is often one of several qualifications considered by employers.

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

To excel in a role requiring a security clearance, candidates typically need a strong background in their field, a clean personal and professional record, and eligibility for clearance as determined by government standards. Familiarity with security protocols, classified information handling systems, and possibly specialized certifications like CompTIA Security+ or CISSP are often required depending on the specific job. Integrity, discretion, and strong communication skills distinguish standout professionals in these sensitive positions. These skills and qualifications are crucial to ensure the protection of sensitive information and maintain national security.
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Security Clearance jobs near you
Infographic showing various Security Clearance job openings in the United States as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 83% Full Time, and 17% Part Time. Highlights an 100% In-person job distribution, with an average salary of $55,353 per year, or $26.6 per hour.
Security Clearance Manager

Security Clearance Manager

Intuitive Machines LLC

Glen Burnie, MD • On-site

Full-time

Posted 7 days ago

Be an early applicant

Job description

Security Clearance Manager

Location: Washington DC / BWI Area (preferred)

About Intuitive Machines

Intuitive Machines is an innovative and cutting-edge space company making cislunar space accessible to both public and private customers. Our mission is to further science and exploration, communications, and economic progress from the Earth to the Moon and beyond. With the first commercial lunar landing in history, multiple NASA lunar missions in development, and additional private missions on our manifest, we pride ourselves in supporting our customers and the nation in paving the way to return humans to the surface of the Moon. Our world-class team includes experts in all aspects of spacecraft subsystems design, development, and test, on-orbit operations, and safety.

As Security Clearance Manager, you will report to the Director of Security and coordinate with the other FSO’s to maintain and elevate Intuitive Machines overall security program. This will include managing the end-to-end personnel security process for Intuitive Machines. You will manage security clearance processing and tracking, visit authorizations, employee security training, and the Insider Threat Program. This role is critical for supporting classified contracts with the Intelligence Community (IC), DoD, and NASA while maintaining compliance in a fast-paced NewSpace environment.

You will serve as a trusted partner to program teams, HR, safety, compliance and executive leadership, ensuring that security processes enable mission execution and business velocity.

Responsibilities:

  • Clearance Processing & Tracking: Manage the full lifecycle of personnel security clearances (Secret, Top Secret, SCI) for employees and contractors. Process initial investigations, periodic reinvestigations, and upgrades through DISS, NBIS, e-QIP, and other systems. Maintain accurate tracking, reporting, and reciprocity across IC, DoD, and NASA sponsors.
  • Visit Certifications & Access Management: Oversee visit authorization requests, foreign visit disclosures, and classified visit certifications. Coordinate with government sponsors and facilities to enable seamless mission support and customer engagements.
  • Employee Security Training & Awareness: Deliver comprehensive security education programs, including initial briefing, annual refresher training, counterintelligence awareness, and specialized training for handling classified information. Promote a strong security culture across a distributed workforce.
  • Insider Threat Program: Act as the Insider Threat Personnel Senior Official (ITPSO) for the DC/Maryland area. Integrate multidisciplinary elements (HR, legal, IT security, behavioral analysis) for early detection, assessment, and mitigation of potential insider risks while protecting privacy and civil liberties.
  • Compliance & Program Management: Ensure adherence to NISPOM, ICDs, DoD 5200 series, NASA personnel security directives, SEADs, and other relevant policies. Support Facility Clearance (FCL) requirements and prepare for audits and inspections.
  • M&A and Growth Support: Integrate personnel security processes for multiple Intuitive Machines sites and acquired entities to support due diligence. Scale the program to accommodate rapid hiring and international expansion.
  • Stakeholder Collaboration: Serve as the primary interface with DCSA, DoD CAF, NASA security offices, IC agencies, and contracting officers in the national capital regions. Provide regular reporting to executive leadership and program teams on clearance status, program health, and risk posture.
  • Process Optimization: Leverage automation and best practices to streamline workflows in a high-growth environment, reducing processing times while maintaining the highest standards of accuracy and compliance.

Requirements:

  • 3+ years of experience in personnel security, managing personnel security programs for government contractors.
  • Deep specialized experience working with the Intelligence Community (IC), DoD, and NASA security environments.
  • Expert knowledge of clearance processing systems (DISS, NBIS, e-QIP), NISPOM, ICD 704/705, SEAD 4/6, insider threat requirements (EO 13587, NIST), and NASA personnel security policies.
  • Proven success building or maturing an Insider Threat Program.
  • Strong understanding of industrial security, facility clearances, and visit authorization processes.
  • Experience supporting classified space or aerospace programs is highly preferred.
  • Bachelor’s degree in Criminal Justice, Security Management, Intelligence Studies, or a related field; advanced degree or relevant certifications preferred.
  • US citizenship required; active Top-Secret clearance with SCI eligibility (and recent polygraph preferred).
  • FSO Program Management for Processing Facilities and Insider Threat Program Management Personnel certifications are required before start date.

Preferred Qualifications:

  • Thrives in a fast-paced, ambiguous NewSpace environment and has experience scaling security programs in high-growth companies.
  • Excellent communicator who can translate complex security requirements into actionable guidance for engineers, program managers, and executives.
  • Collaborative team member with strong organizational and project management skills.
  • Passion for space innovation and supporting missions that expand humanity’s presence in space.


US EEO Statement

Intuitive Machines is an Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action Employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, religion, creed, color, national origin, ancestry, sex (including pregnancy, childbirth, breastfeeding, or medical conditions related to pregnancy, childbirth, or breastfeeding), age, medical condition, marital or domestic partner status, sexual orientation, gender, gender identity, gender expression and transgender status, mental disability or physical disability, genetic information, military or veteran status, citizenship, low-income status or any other status or characteristic protected by applicable law.