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Top Secret Clearance Jobs in Oak Ridge, TN (NOW HIRING)

Socket.dev

Project Engineer

Oak Ridge, TN · On-site

$90 - $130/hr

To be considered, you must have an Active or very recently active DOE "Q" Clearance or DoD "Top Secret" Clearance. Responsibilities * Plan and design through construction, testing, and final turnover.

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All JobsTop Secret Clearance JobsTop Secret Clearance Jobs in Oak Ridge, TN

Top Secret Clearance information

See Oak Ridge, TN salary details

$93.7K

$128.2K

$191.2K

How much do top secret clearance jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 30, 2026, the average yearly pay for top secret clearance in Oak Ridge, TN is $128,248.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $109,900.00 and $137,700.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is a Top Secret Clearance?

A Top Secret Clearance is the highest level of security clearance granted by the U.S. government. It allows an individual access to information or material that could cause exceptionally grave damage to national security if disclosed without authorization. Obtaining this clearance involves an extensive background investigation, including checks on personal, financial, and criminal history. Only individuals with a legitimate need to know can be granted this clearance, and it must be renewed periodically.

What are some common challenges faced by professionals working in roles that require a Top Secret Clearance?

Professionals in positions requiring a Top Secret Clearance often encounter challenges related to maintaining strict confidentiality, adhering to rigorous security protocols, and managing the stress of handling sensitive information. Daily responsibilities typically include safeguarding classified materials, following detailed reporting procedures, and undergoing regular security evaluations. Collaboration may be limited to cleared colleagues, which can sometimes restrict information sharing and require careful coordination. Additionally, the need for ongoing background checks and the potential for sudden re-investigations can add to the pressure of the role.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive in roles requiring Top Secret Clearance, and why are they important?

To excel in positions requiring a Top Secret Clearance, individuals must demonstrate reliability, integrity, and a clean personal and professional background, often supported by relevant education or military experience. Familiarity with secure communication systems, classified information protocols, and potentially certifications like Security+ or CISSP is essential. Strong judgment, discretion, and the ability to remain calm under pressure are valuable soft skills in these sensitive environments. These qualities are critical because they ensure the protection of national security information and maintain the trust necessary for handling classified material.

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

AspectTop Secret ClearanceConfidential Clearance
Required CredentialsBackground check, polygraph (if applicable), security interviewBasic background check, fingerprinting
Work EnvironmentGovernment agencies, defense contractors, intelligence agenciesSimilar environments but for less sensitive information
Employer & Industry UsageMilitary, intelligence, national securityGovernment offices, civilian agencies

Top Secret Clearance is a higher level of security clearance than Confidential Clearance, allowing access to more sensitive information. While both require background checks and security interviews, Top Secret Clearance involves more extensive vetting, including polygraphs in some cases. Employers in defense, intelligence, and national security sectors primarily use these clearances, with Top Secret being essential for handling highly classified data.

What jobs do you need top secret clearance for?

Top Secret clearance is required for jobs involving national security, intelligence, defense contracting, and military roles that handle sensitive information. These positions often include intelligence analysts, cybersecurity specialists, military officers, and government contractors working with classified data. Candidates typically undergo thorough background checks and security assessments to obtain this clearance.

What are popular job titles related to Top Secret Clearance jobs in Oak Ridge, TN?

For Top Secret Clearance jobs in Oak Ridge, TN, the most frequently searched job titles are:

What cities near Oak Ridge, TN are hiring for Top Secret Clearance jobs?

Cities near Oak Ridge, TN with the most Top Secret Clearance job openings:

Top Secret Clearance jobs near you
Infographic showing various Top Secret Clearance job openings in Oak Ridge, TN as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 72% Full Time, 21% Part Time, and 6% Contract. Highlights an 94% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 5% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $128,248 per year, or $61.7 per hour.

Talent Community Pipeline with Security Clearance

DeMase Technical Services, LLC

Powell, TN • On-site

Other

Re-posted 9 days ago

Job description

Job Description Are you interested in future opportunities but don't see the right position posted today? We invite you to join our Talent Community! We are always looking for talented professionals across a variety of disciplines, including nuclear engineering, cybersecurity, information technology, systems engineering, project management, and other technical and engineering fields. Our opportunities range from fully remote positions to client-site roles located across the United States. Many of our projects support critical national security and energy initiatives and may require the ability to obtain or maintain a DOE Q Clearance or DoD Top Secret Clearance. By joining our Talent Community, you'll be added to our pipeline for consideration as new opportunities become available. If your background aligns with a future opening, a member of our recruiting team may reach out to discuss next steps. We encourage experienced professionals, recent graduates, and cleared candidates to submit their information and stay connected with us as we continue to grow. Your next career opportunity could be just around the corner.

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