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Top Secret Clearance Jobs in Rochester, NY (NOW HIRING)

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Top Secret Clearance information

See Rochester, NY salary details

$96.7K

$132.4K

$197.3K

How much do top secret clearance jobs pay per year?

As of Sep 3, 2026, the average yearly pay for top secret clearance in Rochester, NY is $132,356.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $113,500.00 and $142,100.00 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 the most commonly searched types of Top Secret Clearance jobs in Rochester, NY?

The most popular types of Top Secret Clearance jobs in Rochester, NY are:

What cities near Rochester, NY are hiring for Top Secret Clearance jobs?

Cities near Rochester, NY with the most Top Secret Clearance job openings:

Infographic showing various Top Secret Clearance job openings in Rochester, NY as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 78% Full Time, 15% Part Time, and 6% Contract. Highlights an 93% Physical, 2% Hybrid, and 5% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $132,356 per year, or $63.6 per hour.

Sr. Specialist, Systems Engineer (Top Secret Clearance Required)

L3Harris Technologies

Rochester, NY

$92K - $171K/yr

Full-time

Medical, Retirement, PTO

Posted 7 days ago


Job description

L3Harris is dedicated to recruiting and developing high-performing talent who are passionate about what they do. Our employees are unified in a shared dedication to our customers' mission and quest for professional growth. L3Harris provides an inclusive, engaging environment designed to empower employees and promote work-life success. Fundamental to our culture is an unwavering focus on values, dedication to our communities, and commitment to excellence in everything we do.

L3Harris is the Trusted Disruptor in defense tech. With customers' mission-critical needs always in mind, our employees deliver end-to-end technology solutions connecting the space, air, land, sea and cyber domains in the interest of national security.

Job Title: Systems Engineer, Sr. Specialist

Job Code: 43589

Job Location: Rochester, NY; Melbourne, FL; Greenville, TX

Job Schedule: 9/80 (Every Other Friday Off)

Job Description:

We are seeking a self-motivated, organized Systems Engineer to support a customer-facing role in a secure SCIF environment with an active TS/SCI clearance. The position involves managing requirements and creating systems engineering documentation throughout the program's lifecycle, supporting test events, and collaborating with software engineers in an Agile environment.

Essential Functions:

  • Support a full-time on-site work schedule within a SCIF environment
  • Serve in a direct customer/user-facing role, ensuring effective communication and coordination with stakeholders.
  • Engage with customers and end users to gather, define, and document use cases and requirements.
  • Generate and manage system and subsystem-level requirements specifications using requirements management tools, ensuring accuracy and completeness throughout lifecycle
  • Leverage interpersonal, communication, and problem-solving skills to foster cross-functional teamwork and resolve technical challenges effectively.
  • Support enterprise test events, including preparation, execution, follow-up actions, and participation in daily standup meetings.
  • Contribute to systems engineering documentation and program artifacts to support technical and programmatic objectives.

Qualifications:

  • Active TS/SCI Clearance
  • Bachelor's Degree and minimum 6 years of prior relevant experience. Graduate Degree and minimum of 4 years of prior related experience. In lieu of a degree, minimum of 10 years of prior related experience.

Preferred Additional Skills:

  • Knowledgeable in Atlassian tools, including JIRA and Confluence.
  • Experience with MBSE documentation.
  • Prior experience supporting customer-facing systems engineering efforts.
  • Familiarity with Agile software development and enterprise test support activities.

In compliance with pay transparency requirements, the salary range for this role in the states of New York, Florida, and Texas is $92,500-$171,500. This is not a guarantee of compensation or salary, as final offer amount may vary based on factors including but not limited to experience and geographic location. L3Harris also offers a variety of benefits, including health and disability insurance, 401(k) match, flexible spending accounts, EAP, education assistance, parental leave, paid time off, and company-paid holidays. The specific programs and options available to an employee may vary depending on date of hire, schedule type, and the applicability of collective bargaining agreements.

#LI-ZB2

L3Harris Technologies is proud to be an Equal Opportunity Employer. L3Harris is committed to treating all employees and applicants for employment with respect and dignity and maintaining a workplace that is free from unlawful discrimination. All applicants will be considered for employment without regard to race, color, religion, age, national origin, ancestry, ethnicity, gender (including pregnancy, childbirth, breastfeeding or other related medical conditions), gender identity, gender expression, sexual orientation, marital status, veteran status, disability, genetic information, citizenship status, characteristic or membership in any other group protected by federal, state or local laws. L3Harris maintains a drug-free workplace and performs pre-employment substance abuse testing and background checks, where permitted by law.

Please be aware many of our positions require the ability to obtain a security clearance. Security clearances may only be granted to U.S. citizens. In addition, applicants who accept a conditional offer of employment may be subject to government security investigation(s) and must meet eligibility requirements for access to classified information.

By submitting your resume for this position, you understand and agree that L3Harris Technologies may share your resume, as well as any other related personal information or documentation you provide, with its subsidiaries and affiliated companies for the purpose of considering you for other available positions.

L3Harris Technologies is an E-Verify Employer. Please click here for the E-Verify Poster in English or Spanish. For information regarding your Right To Work, please click here for English or Spanish.

Employment Type: Full-Time