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Top Security Clearance Robotics Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Design, develop, and test hardware, software, sensors, actuators, and embedded systems for robotic ... Must possess a valid SECRET security clearance, with the ability to obtain a TOP SECRET clearance ...

Robotics Engineer

San Diego, CA · On-site

$90K - $105K/yr

Security Clearance: Must possess a valid SECRET security clearance, with the ability to obtain a TOP SECRET clearance as required by task orders. * Must be a U.S. Citizen. * Education: A Bachelor of ...

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Top Security Clearance Robotics information

See salary details

$15

$28

$45

How much do top security clearance robotics jobs pay per hour?

As of Jun 19, 2026, the average hourly pay for top security clearance robotics in the United States is $28.24, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $22.12 and $32.93 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What are Top Security Clearance Robotics jobs?

Top Security Clearance Robotics jobs are specialized positions that involve designing, developing, or operating robotic systems within environments that require a high level of government security clearance. These roles are often found in defense, intelligence, or government contracting sectors where access to sensitive or classified information is necessary. Professionals in these positions must undergo rigorous background checks and obtain clearances such as Secret, Top Secret, or higher, depending on the project's sensitivity. Typical responsibilities include working on autonomous vehicles, surveillance robots, or robotic systems for military applications while adhering to strict security protocols.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a Top Security Clearance Robotics professional, and why are they important?

To thrive in a Top Security Clearance Robotics role, you need a strong background in robotics engineering, computer science, or a related field, along with eligibility for high-level security clearance. Familiarity with programming languages (such as C++ or Python), robotics operating systems (like ROS), and compliance with federal security protocols is typically required. Attention to detail, problem-solving skills, and integrity are crucial soft skills, especially when handling sensitive projects. These competencies ensure technical excellence, adherence to security standards, and trustworthy innovation in environments where national security is at stake.

What is the difference between Top Security Clearance Robotics vs Cybersecurity Technician?

AspectTop Security Clearance RoboticsCybersecurity Technician
Required CredentialsSecurity clearance, robotics certifications, technical degreesSecurity clearance, cybersecurity certifications, IT degrees
Work EnvironmentDefense contractors, government agencies, labsIT firms, government agencies, corporate security teams
Industry UsageDefense, aerospace, government projectsIT security, network protection, data security

Top Security Clearance Robotics and Cybersecurity Technician roles both require security clearances and technical certifications. While robotics roles focus on designing and maintaining robotic systems in defense environments, cybersecurity technicians specialize in protecting digital assets and networks. Both positions are vital in security-sensitive industries and often overlap in government and defense sectors.

What are some common challenges faced by professionals working in Top Security Clearance Robotics roles?

Professionals in Top Security Clearance Robotics roles often encounter challenges related to strict compliance with security protocols and limited access to information. Balancing innovative robotics development with confidentiality requirements can be demanding, as even routine communication may require special handling or approval. Additionally, collaboration with team members may be restricted to those with matching clearance levels, which can affect workflow and information sharing. Successfully navigating these challenges requires strong attention to detail, adaptability, and effective communication within secure environments.
Infographic showing various Top Security Clearance Robotics job openings in the United States as of June 2026, with employment types broken down into 46% Full Time, 20% Part Time, 27% Contract, and 7% Nights. Highlights an 100% In-person job distribution, with an average salary of $58,744 per year, or $28.2 per hour.
Robotics Engineer with Security Clearance

Other

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Posted 8 days ago


Job description

Description Are you passionate about contributing to solving today's greatest challenges in robotics? Do you enjoy working on meaningful interdisciplinary problems? Do you thrive in a collaborative and creative environment? If so, we're looking for someone like you to join our team at APL. The Robotics Group in the Research and Exploratory Development Department is an interdisciplinary team of researchers and engineers inventing the future across the broad spectrum of robotics, with applications that strengthen national defense, improve healthcare, advance space exploration, and address critical challenges facing the nation. You can learn more about us at www.jhuapl.edu/isc. We are seeking highly skilled, highly motivated engineers and computer scientists to join us in taking intelligent robotic systems from concept to reality. We are a multidisciplinary team focused on groundbreaking impacts in the areas of robotics control, agentic AI, human-robot and robot-robot teaming, assured autonomy, and novel robot design. Our team is committed to excellence in research and exploratory development that has real-world impact. Successful members of our team tend to be creative problem solvers who are comfortable working at the edge of their comfort zone. As a member of our team, your primary responsibility will be developing and integrating robotics systems, hardware, and software to address relevant challenges. You will team with APL researchers to advance our research vision within the broader scope of intelligent systems for applications of national importance. Current research areas include robot adaptive perception and reasoning, trajectory planning and advanced control, enhanced mobility, novel robotic systems, human-machine teaming, multi-agent coordination, and safe and assured autonomy behaviors. Depending on your expertise, you will develop and implement control algorithms and AI techniques, support experimentation in operational environments, design and fabricate bespoke robots and mechanisms, and integrate robotic systems. Qualifications You meet our minimum qualifications for the job if you... * Possess a Bachelor's Degree in Engineering, Computer Science, Robotics, or related field with a focus on robotics.
* Have 2+ years of experience working with design, integration, test & evaluation, hardware development, or software development for robotic systems.
* Have proven ability in solving engineering problems and identifying possible solutions.
* Are willing and able to travel to support field experiments in operationally-relevant test exercises. * Are able to obtain a Secret security clearance. If selected, you will be subject to a government security clearance investigation and must meet the requirements for access to classified information. Eligibility requirements include U.S. citizenship.
You'll go above and beyond our minimum requirements if you... * Possess a Master's Degree in Engineering, Computer Science, Robotics, or related field with a focus on robotics.
* Have strong software development skills, particularly experience with ROS2.
* Hold an active Secret or Top Secret security clearance.
* Have excellent written and oral communication skills. About Us Why Work at APL? The Johns Hopkins University Applied Physics Laboratory (APL) brings world-class expertise to our nation's most critical defense, security, space and science challenges. While we are dedicated to solving complex challenges and pioneering new technologies, what makes us truly outstanding is our culture. We offer a vibrant, welcoming atmosphere where you can bring your authentic self to work, continue to grow, and build strong connections with inspiring teammates. At APL, we celebrate our differences of perspectives and encourage creativity and bold, new ideas. Our employees enjoy generous benefits, including a robust education assistance program, unparalleled retirement contributions, and a healthy work/life balance. APL's campus is located in the Baltimore-Washington metro area. Learn more about our career opportunities at https://www.jhuapl.edu/careers. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, creed, color, religion, sex, gender identity or expression, sexual orientation, national origin, age, physical or mental disability, genetic information, veteran status, occupation, marital or familial status, political opinion, personal appearance, or any other characteristic protected by applicable law. APL is committed to providing reasonable accommodation to individuals of all abilities, including those with disabilities. If you require a reasonable accommodation to participate in any part of the hiring process, please contact . The referenced pay range is based on JHU APL's good faith belief at the time of posting. Actual compensation may vary based on factors such as geographic location, work experience, market conditions, education/training and skill level with consideration for internal parity. For salaried employees scheduled to work less than 40 hours per week, annual salary will be prorated based on the number of hours worked. APL may offer bonuses or other forms of compensation per internal policy and/or contractual designation. Additional compensation may be provided in the form of a sign-on bonus, relocation benefits, locality allowance or discretionary payments for exceptional performance. APL provides eligible staff with a comprehensive benefits package including retirement plans, paid time off, medical, dental, vision, life insurance, short-term disability, long-term disability, flexible spending accounts, education assistance, and training and development. Applications are accepted on a rolling basis. Minimum Rate $100,000 Annually Maximum Rate $245,000 Annually