r/clearancejobs

Hey all, I’m looking for exceptional reverse engineers (software and firmware) for the top cyber R&D lab in the US.

> Hybrid FTE roles in MA, 3 days/week on-site
> US citizens only, active or previous clearance
> If you have an FSP, MD opportunities possible
> $165-225K base + full relo + funded pension + rich benefits + 401k match + con allowance

Flat org, startup-y culture, high-caliber peer group. Tons of cool projects involving AI-powered exploit research and capability dev, from critical infrastructure to UAVs to space. Help us take cyber deterrence to the next level.

DM me for details and a direct intro. Thanks!

I'm trying to get a gauge of the pay landscape for FSP cleared software engineers or cyber roles in the Northern Virginia area. Don't want to doxx myself but I'm currently a FSP cleared mid level SWE at Microsoft. Pay is decent compared to the few roles I had been in previously but the work is just so unmotivating and unrewarding compared to basically anything in the cleared space that I have done. Current TC is about 250k from base/bonus/rsu/clearance + free insurance + 50% 401k match + unlimited pto (which I do abuse) + 2 days WFH.

I'm looking for a change of pace but I don't want to take a huge pay cut to do something more exciting. Are my only options moving around big tech? I'd like to stay in the cleared space because I always found the work exciting and meaningful but in a Microsoft CTJ role this unfortunately is not the case. I am not averse to ditching my phone and hiding in a SCIF 5 days a week, FWIW.

/(privileged) rant

Edit: 6 yoe

Planning to have a Sec+, Net+ and cyber sec certs in about a year under my belt. I am a reserve officer for the Corps and communications officer. I have looked into companies such as Deloitte and EY for starters. I have been advised to take on management roles when I am finished with personal development tour. How does a O-2 match up with today’s job search? I don’t know where to begin and have looked into some roles, preferably making around the 120-180k range or is that unreasonable?

I am in cognizant since 8 months I am 2025 graduate I want to get good package as this package is very low to survive in teir 1 city so should I prepare to switch for it job or should prepare for gov job?

I think DC probably has the most. but are there decent options in NY as well?

I know previously they were paying a good amount but what about in 2026? On linkedin i see the salary base is around 175k for DC area. Whats the total comp average for someone with CI poly?

How long after an interview do you know if you’re gonna be offered the position leidos. Long story short I had an interview almost 3 weeks ago and online it says still in process. this job would be a dream come true for me because I get to stay at home with my children and work from home.

Seeking work

Hey everyone,

I’m currently Active Duty Air Force (Security Forces) and will be separating from the military in about 2 months after about 7 years of service. I’m originally from the Chicago area and my family and I are planning on moving back, so I’ve started looking into job opportunities around Chicago and the surrounding suburbs. I'm also looking into remote jobs. I'm currently stationed at Scott AFB IL.

My background includes:

• U.S. Air Force Security Forces experience

• Dispatcher/BDOC experience

• Supervisory/leadership experience

• I have my Security clearance.

• I am considering going to the Air Force Reserves.

• I'm Currently finishing my Bachelor’s in Information Technology at Arizona State University with one class remaining. Goal is to graduate by end of this year.

• I only have Hands-on experience with networking, AWS/cloud labs, troubleshooting, and security-related projects

• I am Interested in IT support, cybersecurity, networking, help desk, remote work, government roles, law enforcement, corporate security, or similar fields.

• I am also working on my CompTIA Security+ but since I'm close to separating I'll have to wait until the reserves hopefully can pay for my cert.

I’m open to different career paths while I transition out of the military. I’m especially interested in opportunities that value military experience and I am always eager to learn.

I’m also still trying to decide exactly where we’ll settle down. My family wants to stay in the Chicago radius probably no more than 50 minutes away. I'm also applied at Great Lakes Naval Base but no luck just yet.

If anyone has recommendations for:

• Companies hiring veterans
• Good IT/help desk entry-level opportunities
• Government or union jobs
• Police departments/security roles
• Remote-friendly companies
• Recruiters/temp agencies worth contacting
• Good suburbs for families

…I’d really appreciate the advice.

Thanks everyone.

I am graduating in June with a degree in Computer Science. I have secret clearance from a previous internship. I've been seriously applying since November and have only heard back <10 times, out of 300-400 applications if I had to guess. Half ghosted after first contact. Currently located on the west coast but honestly open to move anywhere at this point. My professional and project experience lean towards SWE and DevOps.

I feel like I'm doing something wrong and I am open to any suggestions.

Are there any program that I should look into for new grad software adjacent roles?

Are recruiters worth reaching out to? What's the best way to approach?

Is my response rate normal for these types of positions?

Are the jobs I'm applying to actually hiring?

Are their any cleared jobs hiring for entry level or career transition friendly

I am on active duty E4 still waiting for my Separation order. I recently got my Bachelors in Business managment.I Having applied to management roles (including Lockheed Martin, RTX, and Boeing) to no avail. I have 2 dependent and I need to secure a decent job utilizing my clearance. Any recommendation would be appreciated.