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Top Secret Clearance Jobs in Reston, VA (NOW HIRING)

GRIMM

Tester - Top Secret Clearance

Arlington, VA · On-site

Must be a US Citizen with Top Secret Clearance * Must have a Bachelor Degree in computer science, computer engineering, math, or a related field. LOCATION * Arlington, VA Additional Information We ...

GRIMM

Tester - Top Secret Clearance

Arlington, VA · On-site

Must be a US Citizen with Top Secret Clearance * Must have a Bachelor Degree in computer science, computer engineering, math, or a related field. LOCATION * Arlington, VA Additional Information We ...

ICF

DevSecOps Engineer (Top Secret Clearance)

Reston, VA · Remote

$55 - $75.25/hr

Active Top Secret clearance. * 2+ years of experience with DevSecOps practices, including integrating security scanning and vulnerability detection into CI/CD workflows. What We Would Like You to ...

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Top Secret Clearance information

See Reston, VA salary details

$102K

$139.6K

$208.1K

How much do top secret clearance jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 10, 2026, the average yearly pay for top secret clearance in Reston, VA is $139,557.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $119,600.00 and $149,800.00 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 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 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 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 involve working with classified data, intelligence analysis, or military operations, and may require additional certifications or background checks.
What are the most commonly searched types of Top Secret Clearance jobs in Reston, VA? The most popular types of Top Secret Clearance jobs in Reston, VA are:
What are popular job titles related to Top Secret Clearance jobs in Reston, VA? For Top Secret Clearance jobs in Reston, VA, the most frequently searched job titles are:
What job categories do people searching Top Secret Clearance jobs in Reston, VA look for? The top searched job categories for Top Secret Clearance jobs in Reston, VA are:
What cities near Reston, VA are hiring for Top Secret Clearance jobs? Cities near Reston, VA with the most Top Secret Clearance job openings:
Top Secret Clearance jobs near you
Infographic showing various Top Secret Clearance job openings in Reston, VA as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 100% Full Time. Highlights an 100% In-person job distribution, with an average salary of $139,557 per year, or $67.1 per hour.

Tester - Top Secret Clearance

GRIMM

Arlington, VA • On-site

Full-time

Re-posted 24 days ago

Job description

Company Description

GRIMM researches and develops the art of the possible in business modernization and computing technologies through cybersecurity, sensors, tools, analytics, frameworks, modeling and simulation, automated testing, cyber range Installation, Operations, and Maintenance (IOM), consulting, and intelligence. Our practices build on extensive experience in cyber mission support for national defense, and commercial service improvement and consulting. Our engineers and subject matter experts (SMEs) learned their trade from real-world engagements, not just textbooks.

Job Description

Tester

We're searching for Tester to work in a small development teams supporting GRIMM's development projects.

  • Experience with Test Automation. Responsible for maintaining and updating existing test procedures and scripts. Tasking will include containerizing test code and ensuring test procedures run as a container in a Docker environment. 

  • Develop test scripts to utilize the test automation framework for automated testing and test reporting.

  • Generate Automated Test Reports detailing performance and issues discovered during operational testing.

  • Conduct and/or participate in Test Readiness Review (TRRs) as deemed appropriate by the Government covering requirements traceability matrices, test plans and test procedures before tests are executed.

  • Conduct and/or participate in follow-on Test Review Meetings as deemed appropriate by the Government, covering the results of system tests.

  • Maintain a repository of test data utilized to conduct testing tasks and activities.

  • Prepare, review and execute test plans and procedures.

  • Experience automating test procedures for REST based backend services using SOAPUI or equivalent tool is an added bonus.

Qualifications

REQUIREMENTS

  • Minimum 2 years performing above referenced duties

    • Test experience in testing through a full system development life cycle, including implementing test plans, test cases and test procedures

  • Must be a US Citizen with Top Secret Clearance

  • Must have a Bachelor Degree in computer science, computer engineering, math, or a related field.

LOCATION

  • Arlington, VA

Additional Information

We promote a Drug-Free Workplace, are an Equal Opportunity Employer (EOE) and Affirmative Action Employer.

Visit our career site at www.grimm-co.com/careers

Apply