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Top Secret Jobs in California (NOW HIRING)

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Top Secret information

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$96.7K

$132.4K

$197.4K

How much do top secret jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 15, 2026, the average yearly pay for top secret in California is $132,387.00, 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 skills and qualifications are needed to thrive as a top secret-cleared professional?

To thrive as a Top Secret-cleared professional, you must have a solid background in your specialized field (such as intelligence, cybersecurity, or defense), U.S. citizenship, and successfully pass extensive background checks for security clearance. Familiarity with classified information handling systems, secure communication tools, and compliance with federal regulations is crucial. Strong integrity, discretion, attention to detail, and the ability to work under pressure set outstanding candidates apart. These competencies are vital to protect national security interests and ensure the responsible management of sensitive information.

What is the difference between Top Secret vs Confidential?

AspectTop SecretConfidential
Required CredentialsSecurity clearance, background check, often a polygraphBasic background check, security clearance not always required
Work EnvironmentGovernment agencies, defense contractors, intelligence agenciesGovernment offices, corporate sectors, legal firms
Employer & Industry UsagePrimarily government and militaryBoth government and private sectors
Security LevelHighest level of classified informationLower level of classified information

Top Secret and Confidential are security clearance levels used mainly in government and military sectors. Top Secret involves higher security measures and access to highly sensitive information, whereas Confidential pertains to less sensitive data. Understanding these differences helps in assessing job requirements and security protocols.

What is a top secret job?

Top Secret jobs refer to positions that require employees to have a Top Secret security clearance, which is the highest level of classification granted by the U.S. government. These roles often involve access to highly sensitive national security information and may be found in agencies such as the Department of Defense, CIA, NSA, or contractors supporting these organizations. Job duties can range from intelligence analysis and cybersecurity to engineering and administrative support. Obtaining a Top Secret clearance involves a thorough background investigation and strict adherence to confidentiality and security protocols.

What are common challenges faced in top secret roles and how can they be managed?

Professionals in Top Secret roles often encounter challenges related to strict confidentiality requirements, high-pressure environments, and limited information sharing with colleagues or even family. Managing these challenges involves maintaining rigorous adherence to security protocols, developing strong stress-management skills, and building trust with cleared team members. It's important to cultivate a support network within the organization and participate in ongoing security training to stay updated on best practices.

What are the most commonly searched types of Top Secret jobs in California?

The most popular types of Top Secret jobs in California are:

What cities in California are hiring for Top Secret jobs?

Cities in California with the most Top Secret job openings:

Infographic showing various Top Secret job openings in California as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 74% Full Time, 17% Part Time, 2% Temporary, and 6% Contract. Highlights an 93% Physical, 2% Hybrid, and 5% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $132,387 per year, or $63.6 per hour.

Principal Classified Cybersecurity Analyst - Top Secret

Northrop Grumman Corporation

Edwards, CA

Full-time

Medical, Life, Retirement, PTO

Posted 4 days ago


Northrop Grumman rating

8.2

Company rating: 8.2 out of 10

Based on 363 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

88th of 540 rated manufacturers


Job description

RELOCATION ASSISTANCE: Relocation assistance may be availableCLEARANCE REQUIRED FOR START: YesCLEARANCE TYPE: Top SecretTRAVEL: Yes, 10% of the TimeDescriptionAt Northrop Grumman, our employees have incredible opportunities to work on revolutionary systems that impact people's lives around the world today, and for generations to come. Our pioneering and inventive spirit has enabled us to be at the forefront of many technological advancements in our nation's history - from the first flight across the Atlantic Ocean, to stealth bombers, to landing on the moon. We look for people who have bold new ideas, courage and a pioneering spirit to join forces to invent the future, and have fun along the way. Our culture thrives on intellectual curiosity, cognitive diversity and bringing your whole self to work - and we have an insatiable drive to do what others think is impossible. Our employees are not only part of history, they're making history.

At the heart of Defining Possible is our commitment to missions. In rapidly changing global security environments, Northrop Grumman brings informed insights and secure technological solutions to enable strategic objectives. We're looking for innovators who can help us keep building on our wide portfolio of secure, affordable, integrated, and multi-domain systems and technologies that fuel those missions. By joining in our shared mission, we will support yours by expanding your personal network and developing skills, whether you are new to the field or an industry thought leader. At Northrop Grumman, you will have the resources, support, and team to do some of the best work of your career.

The Northrop Grumman CIDO Classified Solutions team is seeking a Classified Cybersecurity Analyst to support information system lifecycle activities. The selected candidate will be required to work on-site, full-time at our Edwards AFB, CA location.

Note: Due to the classified nature of the work being performed, this position does not offer any virtual or telecommute working options. Applicants are encouraged to apply only if they are willing to work on-site.

The responsibilities of this role include, but are not limited to, the following:

  • Conduct system audits and continuous monitoring activities, covering all security controls, configurations, and operational processes to evaluate the security posture of the information systems.

  • Perform assessments of systems and networks within the networking environment or enclave and identify where those systems and networks deviate from acceptable configurations, enclave policy, or local policy.

  • Perform analyses to validate established security requirements and to recommend additional security requirements and safeguards.

  • Assist in the implementation of the required government policy, make recommendations on process tailoring, participate in and document process activities.

  • Establish strict program control processes to ensure mitigation of risks and support the Assessment and Authorization (A&A) of systems. This includes process support, analysis, coordination, security certification testing, security documentation, investigations, software research, hardware introduction and release, emerging technology research, inspections, and periodic audits.

  • Support the formal Security Test and Evaluation (ST&E) required by each government accrediting authority through pre-test preparations, participation in the tests, analysis of the results and preparation of required reports.

  • Document the results of A&A activities, and technical or coordination activities, and prepare the Risk Management Framework body of evidence.

Basic Qualifications:

  • Master's degree with 3 years of relevant experience; OR a Bachelor's degree with 5 years of relevant experience; OR an Associates degree with 7 years of relevant experience; OR a High School Diploma/GED with 9 years of relevant experience is required

  • Must have a security certification in CAP, SecurityX, CCISO, HCISPP, CISM, GSLC, CISSP-Associate, or CISSP to be considered

  • Candidates must have a current US Government Top Secret level security clearance (at a minimum) in order to be considered

  • Candidates must have the ability to obtain, and maintain, access to Special Programs as a condition of employment


Preferred Qualifications:

  • Bachelor's degree in Cybersecurity or related field

  • Top Secret/SCI, SAP/SAR access, and/or a Polygraph

  • Experience in cybersecurity compliance (ex. Assessment & Authorization under RMF)

  • Top Secret, SAP/SAR access, SCI access, and/or a Polygraph

  • Knowledge of security tools such as ACAS, Nessus, Splunk, Trellix, and SCAP

  • Knowledge of security frameworks and documentation such as NIST, JSIG, DAAG, SSPs, POA&Ms, and SCTMs

We offer flexible work arrangements, phenomenal learning opportunities, exposure to a wide variety of projects and customers, and a very friendly team environment.At Northrop Grumman, we are on the cutting edge of innovation. Our diverse portfolio of programs means there are endless paths to cultivate your career.We also offer exceptional benefits/healthcare, a 9/80 work schedule, and a great 401k matching program.Come join us!

#MPR

Primary Level Salary Range: $114,000.00 - $171,000.00The above salary range represents a general guideline; however, Northrop Grumman considers a number of factors when determining base salary offers such as the scope and responsibilities of the position and the candidate's experience, education, skills and current market conditions.Depending on the position, employees may be eligible for overtime, shift differential, and a discretionary bonus in addition to base pay. Annual bonuses are designed to reward individual contributions as well as allow employees to share in company results. Employees in Vice President or Director positions may be eligible for Long Term Incentives. In addition, Northrop Grumman provides a variety of benefits including health insurance coverage, life and disability insurance, savings plan, Company paid holidays and paid time off (PTO) for vacation and/or personal business.The application period for the job is estimated to be 20 days from the job posting date. However, this timeline may be shortened or extended depending on business needs and the availability of qualified candidates.Northrop Grumman is an Equal Opportunity Employer, making decisions without regard to race, color, religion, creed, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, marital status, national origin, age, veteran status, disability, or any other protected class. For our complete EEO and pay transparency statement, please visit http://www.northropgrumman.com/EEO. U.S. Citizenship is required for all positions with a government clearance and certain other restricted positions.

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About Northrop Grumman

Sourced by ZipRecruiter

At Northrop Grumman, our employees have incredible opportunities to work on revolutionary systems that impact people's lives around the world today, and for generations to come. Our pioneering and inventive spirit has enabled us to be at the forefront of many technological advancements in our nation's history - from the first flight across the Atlantic Ocean, to stealth bombers, to landing on the moon. We look for people who have bold new ideas, courage and a pioneering spirit to join forces to invent the future, and have fun along the way. Our culture thrives on intellectual curiosity, cognitive diversity and bringing your whole self to work - and we have an insatiable drive to do what others think is impossible.

Industry

Space research administration

Company size

10,000+ Employees

Headquarters location

Falls Church, VA, US

Year founded

1939