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Top Secret Clearance Jobs in Rio Rancho, NM (NOW HIRING)

Senior DevOps Engineer

Albuquerque, NM · On-site

$126K - $161K/yr

Ability to obtain and maintain DOE Q clearance or DOD Top Secret clearance, and ability to obtain a SCI, which will require polygraph testing. Required Skills: * Experience with DevOps, CI/CD tools ...

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Top Secret Clearance information

See Rio Rancho, NM salary details

$92.2K

$126.2K

$188.1K

How much do top secret clearance jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 27, 2026, the average yearly pay for top secret clearance in Rio Rancho, NM is $126,176.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $108,200.00 and $135,400.00 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 job categories do people searching Top Secret Clearance jobs in Rio Rancho, NM look for?

The top searched job categories for Top Secret Clearance jobs in Rio Rancho, NM are:

What cities near Rio Rancho, NM are hiring for Top Secret Clearance jobs?

Cities near Rio Rancho, NM with the most Top Secret Clearance job openings:

Infographic showing various Top Secret Clearance job openings in Rio Rancho, NM as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 74% Full Time, 17% Part Time, and 8% Contract. Highlights an 94% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 5% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $126,176 per year, or $60.7 per hour.

Security Escort - Must have Top Secret Clearance with Security Clearance

Albuquerque, NM • On-site


Akima
Specialty Trade Contractors • 5 - 10K employees

6.8

Company rating: 6.8 out of 10

Based on 35 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

376th of 450 rated engineering

People enjoy working here

Respectful managers

Good training


Other

Retirement

Posted 6 days ago


Job description

AGS is looking for a Security Escort to work in Albuquerque, NM. To join our team of outstanding professionals, apply today! Responsibilities * The Security Escort will meet and escort DTRA site visitors/construction workers as needed. * May assist visitors with contacting their government points of contact.
* As needed, may be asked to provide directions to visitors.
* Will communicate clearly orally with visitors as required. Qualifications * Must be able to stand and walk for extended periods of time. * May be required to move between facility buildings and must be able to function in all types of weather environments. * Be alert and orientated at all times while on duty. * Perform all necessary physical duties unaided.
* Must be able to take general direction, both oral and written, and be able to handle responsibility.
* Clearance - Top Secret.
* High School diploma (or Equivalent).
* One year of general work experience, dealing with the public. Job ID 2026-25146 Work Type On-Site Company Description Work Where it Matters AGS, an Akima company, is not just another federal security solutions contractor. As an Alaska Native Corporation (ANC), our mission and purpose extend beyond our exciting federal projects as we support our shareholder communities in Alaska. At AGS, the work you do every day makes a difference in the lives of our 15,000 Iñupiat shareholders, a group of Alaska natives from one of the most remote and harshest environments in the United States. For our shareholders, AGS provides support and employment opportunities and contributes to the survival of a culture that has thrived above the Arctic Circle for more than 10,000 years. For our government customers, AGS delivers the people, equipment, and processes that safeguard federal buildings, military bases, and detention centers while supporting customers' complex missions. As an AGS employee, you will be surrounded by a challenging, yet supportive work environment that is committed to innovation and diversity, two of our most important values. You will also have access to our comprehensive benefits and competitive pay in addition to growth opportunities and excellent retirement options.

Akima logo

About Akima

Sourced by ZipRecruiter

As an Alaska Native Corporation headquartered in Herndon, Virginia, Akima is dedicated to delivering superior outcomes for our customers’ missions while simultaneously creating a long-lived asset for our Iñupiat shareholders. Akima maintains a portfolio of small businesses, 8(a) companies, and operating companies that deliver simplified and accelerated access to the products and services agencies need to ensure mission success.

Industry

Specialty trade contractors

Company size

5,001 - 10,000 Employees

Headquarters location

Herndon, VA, US

Year founded

1995

Social media


What Akima employees say

Pay

Benefits

Hours and flexibility

Workplace

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