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Top Secret Clearance Jobs in Riverside, CA (NOW HIRING)

Amentum

Program Manager with Security Clearance

Corona, CA · On-site

$190K - $250K/yr

Active TOP SECRET US Government Clearance. Note: US Citizenship is required to maintain a TOP SECRET Clearance. Preferred Qualifications: * Advanced degree in Information Technology or related field

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Top Secret Clearance information

See Riverside, CA salary details

$102.2K

$139.9K

$208.7K

How much do top secret clearance jobs pay per year?

As of Jul 28, 2026, the average yearly pay for top secret clearance in Riverside, CA is $139,948.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $120,000.00 and $150,200.00 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 are the most commonly searched types of Top Secret Clearance jobs in Riverside, CA? The most popular types of Top Secret Clearance jobs in Riverside, CA are:
What job categories do people searching Top Secret Clearance jobs in Riverside, CA look for? The top searched job categories for Top Secret Clearance jobs in Riverside, CA are:
What cities near Riverside, CA are hiring for Top Secret Clearance jobs? Cities near Riverside, CA with the most Top Secret Clearance job openings:
Top Secret Clearance jobs near you
Infographic showing various Top Secret Clearance job openings in Riverside, CA as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 96% Full Time, 2% Part Time, and 2% Contract. Highlights an 97% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 2% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $139,948 per year, or $67.3 per hour.
Senior Scientist - Secret Clearance | Riverside, CA

Senior Scientist - Secret Clearance | Riverside, CA

Cambridge International Systems Inc

Riverside, CA • On-site

$119K - $189K/yr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

This job post has expired today. Applications are no longer accepted.

Job description

Senior Scientist - Secret Clearance | Riverside, CA
Cambridge International Systems, Inc.
Join a dynamic global team united by shared values: commitment, integrity, and perseverance. At Cambridge, you'll work alongside top talent worldwide, tackling some of today's most complex and critical challenges in defense and security.
We are currently seeking a Senior Scientist to support operations in Riverside, CA, with an opportunity to travel to locations such as CAMOC in Aguadilla, Puerto Rico, and other CONUS and OCONUS locations. This position is contingent on contract award, with an expected start date on September 1st, 2026. This is a full-time, CONUS/OCONUS position requiring an active DoD Secret clearance.
The base salary range for this role is $119,071 to $189,895 annually, depending on geographic location and experience. The final offer will be based on relevant experience, skills, internal equity, and market data.
What You'll Do
As a Senior Scientist, you will play a critical role in designing, building, securing, and operating software solutions that support mission success and operational excellence across Federal Government organizations. Seeking a Senior Scientist to provide full-time support to the CBP Air and Marine Operations Center. This role is responsible for applying advanced scientific, analytical, and technical expertise to support C4I systems, ISR capabilities, and data-driven mission operations, including development of innovative approaches to enhance system performance, predictive analysis, and operational effectiveness.
You will:
  • Bullet out or write in paragraph form Apply scientific and analytical methods to evaluate C4I, ISR, and operational data environments
  • Develop models, simulations, and analytical frameworks to support mission decision-making
  • Support data analysis efforts related to sensor inputs, surveillance systems, and operational intelligence
  • Conduct research and analysis to improve system performance, predictive capabilities, and mission outcomes
  • Provide technical expertise in evaluating emerging technologies and their applicability to mission needs
  • Support development of data-driven solutions for threat detection, situational awareness, and operational planning
  • Collaborate with engineering and operations teams to integrate analytical solutions into operational systems
  • Analyze system performance data and recommend improvements to enhance reliability and effectiveness
  • Support testing, validation, and evaluation of new analytical tools and capabilities
  • Provide technical reports, briefings, and recommendations to Government stakeholders
  • Ensure compliance with security, data handling, and operational requirements
What You'll Bring
Required Qualifications:
  • Education & Experience:
    • Bachelor's degree in Engineering, Computer Science, Information Technology, or related field
    • 10 years of hands-on experience
  • Technical Expertise:
    • Applying scientific or analytical methods to complex technical or operational problems
    • Supporting ISR systems, data analysis, and C4I environments
    • Developing models, simulations, and analytical tools
    • Analyzing large datasets and generating actionable insights
    • Supporting mission-critical operations in high-tempo environments
    • Working within DoD, DHS, or similar Federal operational environments
  • Certifications:
  • Must have a current and active DoD Secret security clearance.
  • Proficient with modern IT tools and infrastructure technologies
  • Microsoft Office Suite (Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Outlook)
  • Data analysis and modeling tools (general familiarity)
  • Programming or scripting languages (Python, R, or similar)
  • Data visualization and analytics platforms
  • Collaboration tools such as Teams and SharePoint

Travel & Passport
  • Travel, both CONUS and OCONUS by motor vehicle and/or air travel may be required; some overnight stays possible.
    • OCONUS locations include:
      • Aguadilla and Puerto Rico
  • Must have an active passport to support OCONUS travel and/or living requirements.
Work Environment
  • Compliance with vaccination and medical requirements for TDY/OCONUS roles as per Vaccine Recommendations by AOR | Health.mil.
  • This position requires working in a stressful environment, dealing with conflict, working under pressure and with strict deadlines, focus and attention to detail
Office setting:
  • Primarily an office-based role in Riverside, CA
  • Standard desk/computer work with flexibility for walking and movement on site.
  • Must be able to work in an office environment, sitting at a desk, looking at a computer for most of the workday.
  • Work is physically comfortable; the employee has discretion about sitting, walking, standing, etc.
  • May be required to travel short distances to offices/conference rooms and buildings on site.
Background & Security
  • Employment is contingent upon successful background investigation
  • Alcohol and Drug screening may be required for federal contract compliance
Benefits & Perks
We believe in investing in our team-both professionally and personally:
  • Medical, dental, vision, life, accident, and critical illness insurance
  • 401(k) immediate vesting and match
  • Paid time off and company holidays
  • Generous tuition & training support
  • Relocation assistance
  • Sign-on and performance-based bonuses
  • Employee referral program
  • Access to Tickets at Work, EAP, wellness initiatives, and more

Join Us
If you're driven by mission, technology, and teamwork-we want to hear from you. Cambridge is growing, and this position is just one of many opportunities on our global team. Know someone perfect for the role? Referrals are welcome-both employees and non-employees may qualify for a bonus.
Apply today and help shape the future of secure cloud computing for national security.
About Cambridge International Systems
At Cambridge, we recognize innovation and agility grow through teamwork. By working collaboratively, listening proactively, and engaging across functions we create solutions that build on the best ideas our employees bring to the table. We are committed to one another, to persevere in order to get the job done, and to do so with integrity every time. Learn more at www.cbridgeinc.com.
We are an equal opportunity employer. Applicants and employees are considered for positions and are evaluated without regard to any protected status under applicable law or other similar factors that are not job-related. We encourage all qualified individuals to apply for employment. Selected applicants may be subject to a background investigation and/or education verification.
We provide reasonable accommodation for qualified individuals with disabilities in accordance with federal, state, and local law. If you require a reasonable accommodation to participate in the application process or to perform the essential functions of the position, please contact our Recruiting Team at [email protected].

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