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Security Clearance Jobs in Raleigh, NC (NOW HIRING)

DSP Engineer with Security Clearance

Raleigh, NC ยท On-site

$127K - $149K/yr

Requirements โ€ข MS, 10+ yrs related experience. โ€ข Government security clearance or the ability to obtain and maintain clearance. โ€ข Superior technical knowledge in a relevant engineering ...

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Security Clearance information

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$14

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$39

How much do security clearance jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 16, 2026, the average hourly pay for security clearance in Raleigh, NC is $25.87, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $20.58 and $29.66 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 kind of jobs can you get with a security clearance?

Security clearances are required for jobs involving access to classified information, such as government agencies, defense contractors, intelligence agencies, and cybersecurity roles. These positions often involve roles in national security, defense technology, or intelligence analysis, and may require specialized skills and certifications. Having a security clearance can qualify candidates for positions with higher responsibility and access to sensitive data.

What qualifies you for a security clearance?

To qualify for a security clearance, an individual must undergo a background investigation to assess trustworthiness, reliability, and loyalty to the United States. This process includes checks of criminal history, financial records, employment history, and personal conduct, and may require interviews and polygraph tests depending on the clearance level. Candidates typically need to be U.S. citizens and have a need for access to classified information related to their job.

What are the most commonly searched types of Security Clearance jobs in Raleigh, NC?

The most popular types of Security Clearance jobs in Raleigh, NC are:

What are popular job titles related to Security Clearance jobs in Raleigh, NC?

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

What cities near Raleigh, NC are hiring for Security Clearance jobs?

Cities near Raleigh, NC with the most Security Clearance job openings:

Infographic showing various Security Clearance job openings in Raleigh, NC as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 82% Full Time, 15% Part Time, and 3% Contract. Highlights an 92% Physical, 3% Hybrid, and 5% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $53,807 per year, or $25.9 per hour.

DSP Engineer with Security Clearance

Vadum Inc.

Raleigh, NC โ€ข On-site

$127K - $149K/yr

Other

Re-posted 20 hours ago


Job description

Description
Vadum, Inc. is seeking a highly motivated DSP Engineer with a strong background in FPGA development and digital signal processing (DSP), as well as experience with analog, digital, and RF systems.  In this role, you will play a key part in the architecture, design, and development of complex RF sensors, radar systems, measurement equipment, and electromechanical products.  The ideal candidate is a collaborative problem solver with strong technical expertise, creativity, and initiative. This position requires exceptional analytical and organizational skills, along with the ability to communicate effectively and build productive relationships with internal teams, customers, and external partners. Essential Job Duties and Responsibilities
Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform these essential functions.
โ€ข Use multiple programming languages (MATLAB, Python, C/C++, etc.) to prototype and implement various DSP algorithms.
โ€ข Independently develop signal processing chains starting with selection of ADC and/or DAC and ending with desired information products save to or read from disk.
โ€ข Assist with part selection related to front-end noise figure, ADC/DAC dynamic range, bit-depth, sampling rate, and downstream processor/memory resource utilization.
โ€ข Participate in all phases of development life cycle (requirements, block diagrams, integration, evaluation, and test activities).
โ€ข Work in a matrixed team environment to define, lead, and design end-to-end solutions for advanced R&D projects.
โ€ข Assist in generating technical proposals and estimates in support of applied research.
โ€ข Coordinate aspects of the project to meet technical, schedule, and cost goals.
โ€ข Interact with customers, development partners, and vendors.
Requirements โ€ข MS, 10+ yrs related experience. โ€ข Government security clearance or the ability to obtain and maintain clearance. โ€ข Superior technical knowledge in a relevant engineering discipline. โ€ข Track record for putting systems/products into fielded use. โ€ข Academic background in digital communication, signal processing, information theory, probability/statistics, estimation/detection, pattern recognition, optimization, image processing, and machine vision. Experience with machine learning/artificial intelligence a plus. โ€ข Familiarity with software defined radio (SDR), modulation schemes, complex baseband, and radar fundamentals. โ€ข Ability to implement digital filters, perform time/frequency analysis, denoising, signal detection, channelization, beamforming, and interpolation/decimation from audio to RF. โ€ข Ability to perform bench-level bring-up and troubleshooting of data acquisition/signal processing chains using analog and RF test equipment. โ€ข Implementation knowledge and/or experience using FPGAs a plus. โ€ข Strong analytical and problem-solving skills, strong initiative, attention-to-detail, highly organized, and personal commitment to quality. โ€ข Ability to work well on multiple projects simultaneously. โ€ข Excellent written and verbal communication skills, including the ability to articulate and explain DSP algorithm design methodology and system design decisions for both internal design documents and external reports or proposals. 
  
Vadum, Inc. is an Equal Opportunity Employer. Vadum is committed to providing reasonable accommodations for qualified individuals with disabilities and disabled veterans. If you need assistance or accommodation due to a disability, you may contact the HR Manager at (919) 341-8241 ext.: 180.