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Security Clearance Jobs in Iowa (NOW HIRING)

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How much do security clearance jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 30, 2026, the average hourly pay for security clearance in Iowa is $25.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $19.86 and $28.65 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 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.

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

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.

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.

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 qualifies you for a security clearance?

To qualify for a security clearance, an individual must undergo a background investigation to assess trustworthiness, loyalty, and reliability. This process includes checks of criminal history, financial records, and personal conduct, and may require interviews and polygraph tests depending on the clearance level and job requirements.

What are the most commonly searched types of Security Clearance jobs in Iowa?

The most popular types of Security Clearance jobs in Iowa are:

What are popular job titles related to Security Clearance jobs in Iowa?

For Security Clearance jobs in Iowa, the most frequently searched job titles are:

What cities in Iowa are hiring for Security Clearance jobs?

Cities in Iowa with the most Security Clearance job openings:

Infographic showing various Security Clearance job openings in Iowa as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 100% Part Time. Highlights an 100% In-person job distribution, with an average salary of $51,991 per year, or $25 per hour.

Classified Information Systems Security Manager (Onsite) (Top Secret Clearance)

Prattwhitney

Cedar Rapids, IA • On-site

$108 - $205/hr

Other

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Posted 16 days ago


Pratt & Whitney rating

8.7

Company rating: 8.7 out of 10

Based on 157 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

16th of 72 rated aerospace companies


Job description

Date Posted: 2026-08-10 Country: United States of America Location: US-IA-CEDAR RAPIDS-121 ~ 350 Collins Rd NE ~ BLDG 121 Position Role Type: Onsite U.S. Citizen, U.S. Person, or Immigration Status Requirements: Active and transferable U.S. government issued security clearance is required prior to start date. U.S. citizenship is required, as only U.S. citizens are eligible for a security clearance Security Clearance Type: DoD Clearance: Top Secret Security Clearance Status: Active and existing security clearance required on day 1 The Information Systems Security Manager (ISSM) serves as the primary cybersecurity authority for assigned classified and controlled information systems. This role is responsible for the end-to-end execution and oversight of cybersecurity activities in compliance with applicable U.S. Department of Defense (DoD) laws, regulations, and contractual requirements. As an advanced individual contributor, the ISSM independently leads system authorization, continuous monitoring, inspection readiness, and risk management activities, while providing technical oversight and mentorship to Information Systems Security Officers (ISSOs) and maintaining accountability for cybersecurity outcomes. Responsibilities include implementing and sustaining cybersecurity requirements defined by government frameworks and guidance, including the Risk Management Framework (RMF), Joint Special Access Program Implementation Guide (JSIG) for SAP systems, NIST publications, NISPOM, and the DCSA Assessment and Authorization Guide (DAAG), and associated assessment and authorization guidance. ** This position is onsite in Cedar Rapids. IA. **

What YOU will do:

Independently own cybersecurity responsibilities for assigned information systems, ensuring security objectives are achieved and organizational risk is effectively managed. Serve as the primary cybersecurity authority for inspections, assessments, audits, and continuous monitoring, leading preparation, execution, and response activities to maintain authorization and inspection readiness. Execute and maintain system authorization using the Risk Management Framework (RMF) and applicable guidance, including the Joint Special Access Program Implementation Guide (JSIG) for Special Access Program systems and the DCSA Assessment and Authorization Guide (DAAG) for DoD collateral systems. Maintain awareness and working knowledge of DD Form 254s and contractual security requirements, ensuring cybersecurity controls, inspection scope, and authorization boundaries align with approved mission and program objectives. Develop, maintain, and validate cybersecurity plans, authorization artifacts, and compliance documentation to support audit-ready operations. Identify, assess, and communicate cybersecurity risk to senior leadership and Authorizing Officials, including the impact of system changes, vulnerabilities, inspection findings, and authorization conditions. Lead continuous monitoring activities, including evaluation of security posture, validation of control effectiveness, and tracking of security-relevant data. Develop, manage, and drive closure of Plans of Action and Milestones (POA&Ms) resulting from inspections, assessments, and continuous monitoring activities. Lead and oversee cybersecurity Change Control Boards (CCBs), evaluating proposed system changes for security impact, authorization implications, and alignment with RMF requirements. Execute or coordinate corrective and protective security actions resulting from inspections, continuous monitoring, or identified cybersecurity incidents. Engage with Program Managers to integrate cybersecurity requirements into program execution, schedules, and decision-making, and to address risk impacts to cost, scope, and mission delivery. Collaborate with cross-functional teams, including Information Technology, Facilities, and Industrial Security, to ensure cybersecurity requirements are integrated into technical, physical, and operational environments. Coordinate with other cybersecurity teams across the enterprise to ensure consistent implementation of cybersecurity processes, standards, and authorization practices. Provide technical direction and mentoring to ISSOs to ensure consistent execution of RMF activities, inspection readiness, and quality of authorization artifacts, while remaining accountable for cybersecurity outcomes. Prepare and deliver cybersecurity status reporting to senior leadership, summarizing authorization posture, inspection readiness, risk trends, POA&Ms, and significant cybersecurity issues.

Qualifications YOU Must Have:

Typically requires a University Degree and minimum 8 years prior relevant experience or an Advanced Degree in a related field and minimum 5 years of experience. U.S. Citizen is required as only U.S. Citizen are able to obtain a clearance. Active DOD Top Secret Security Clearance day one. IAM Level III certification compliant with DoD 8570 / DoD 8140 (e.g., CISSP, CISM, GSLC). Experience performing ISSM responsibilities for classified or controlled information systems. Advanced knowledge of RMF and DoD system authorization processes. Experience executing authorization and continuous monitoring using JSIG and/or DAAG. Knowledge of cybersecurity regulations, contractual requirements, and DD Form 254 interpretation. Experience supporting inspections, assessments, and audit activities. Ability to independently assess risk and communicate cybersecurity status to leadership. Must be willing to travel domestically up to 20%, generally supporting other company facilities.

Qualifications We Prefer:

Master’s degree in Cybersecurity, Computer Science, or a related field. Experience as the primary ISSM for SAP and/or DoD collateral systems. Experience owning ATOs and driving POA&M closure. Experience mentoring ISSOs and providing technical oversight. Experience leading Change Control Boards (CCBs). Experience working with cross-functional teams and enterprise cybersecurity organizations. Strong written and verbal communication skills for senior leadership briefings.

What We Offer:

Some of our competitive benefits packages include:

  • Medical, dental, and vision insurance.
  • Three weeks of vacation for newly hired employees.
  • Generous 401(k) plan that includes employer matching funds and separate. employer retirement contribution, including a Lifetime Income Strategy option.
  • Tuition reimbursement program.
  • Student Loan Repayment Program.
  • Life insurance and disability coverage.
  • Optional coverages you can buy pet insurance, home and auto insurance, additional life and accident insurance,critical illnessinsurance, group legal, ID theft protection.
  • Birth, adoption, parental leave benefits.
  • Ovia Health, fertility, and family planning.
  • Adoption Assistance.
  • Autism Benefit.
  • Employee Assistance Plan, including up to 10 free counseling sessions.
  • Healthy You Incentives, wellness rewards program.
  • Doctor on Demand, virtual doctor visits.
  • Bright Horizons, child, and elder care services.
  • Teladoc Medical Experts, second opinion program.
  • And more!

The salary range for this role is 107,500 USD - 204,500 USD. The salary range provided is a good faith estimate representative of all experience levels. RTX considers several factors when extending an offer, including but not limited to, the role, function and associated responsibilities, a candidate’s work experience, location, education/training, and key skills. Hired applicants may be eligible for benefits, including but not limited to, medical, dental, vision, life insurance, short-term disability, long-term disability, 401(k) match, flexible spending accounts, flexible work schedules, employee assistance program, Employee Scholar Program, parental leave, paid time off, and holidays. Specific benefits are dependent upon the specific business unit as well as whether or not the position is covered by a collective-bargaining agreement. Hired applicants may be eligible for annual short-term and/or long-term incentive compensation programs depending on the level of the position and whether or not it is covered by a collective-bargaining agreement. Payments under these annual programs are not guaranteed and are dependent upon a variety of factors including, but not limited to, individual performance, business unit performance, and/or the company’s performance. This role is a U.S.-based role. If the successful candidate resides in a U.S. territory, the appropriate pay structure and benefits will apply. RTX anticipates the application window closing approximately 40 days from the date the notice was posted. However, factors such as candidate flow and business necessity may require RTX to shorten or extend the application window. RTX is an Equal Opportunity Employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, age, disability or veteran status, or any other applicable state or federal protected class. RTX provides affirmative action in employment for qualified Individuals with a Disability and Protected Veterans in compliance with Section 503 of the Rehabilitation Act and the Vietnam Era Veterans’ Readjustment Assistance Act. Privacy Policy and Terms: Click on this link to read the Policy and Terms RTX is an aerospace and defense company that provides advanced systems and services for commercial, military and government customers worldwide. It comprises three industry-leading businesses – Collins Aerospace, Pratt & Whitney, and Raytheon. Its 195,000 employees enable the company to operate at the edge of known science as they imagine and deliver solutions that push the boundaries in quantum physics, electric propulsion, directed energy, hypersonics, avionics and cybersecurity. The company, formed in 2020 through the combination of Raytheon Company and the United Technologies Corporation aerospace businesses, is headquartered in Arlington, Virginia.

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About Pratt & Whitney

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Pratt & Whitney has a long history of leadership and innovation in the field of aviation propulsion. Our story begins in the 1920s and has flourished throughout the decades. We have continuously transformed and reinvented our businesses to offer superior products and services to our customers. In 1925, the Pratt & Whitney Aircraft Company was founded by Frederick B. Rentschler, pioneer of the air-cooled radial engine design which enabled unprecedented power-to-weight ratio. Its first engine, the R-1340 Wasp engine, transformed military and commercial aviation and is still in use today. In 1928, the Canadian division of the Pratt & Whitney Aircraft Company was established. In 1944, Pratt & Whitney began its gas turbine and jet propulsion initiative. The company constructed a wind tunnel, laboratory and engineering center to support our allies’ efforts in World War II. In 1945, wartime production included more than 300,000 Pratt & Whitney engines, touted by service members as extremely dependable – a legacy that continues today. From there, Pratt & Whitney continued to design and innovate more powerful, agile, and reliable engines becoming a leader in the aerospace industry. Today, Pratt & Whitney has more than 85,000 engines in service and more than 16,000 customers worldwide.

Industry

Engineering professional services

Company size

10,000+ Employees

Headquarters location

East Hartford, CT, US