Cleared roles in tech

Question

I am a new grad planning on starting as a SWE 1 at a large defense contractor (i.e. Lockheed, Northrop, etc) next year. I am told that I will be getting a secret clearance for the position. My goal is to eventually transition into big tech after 2-3 years, and I am currently looking at cleared positions at MSFT/AWS in particular. From what I understand, most of these roles require TS/SCI clearance or TS with polygraph. Is it difficult to go from secret to TS level clearance? What does the process of switching from defense to cleared roles in tech look like?

CyberConsult · Accepted Answer

Feel free to message me.

I started off in the DoD/IC cleared space in tech about 16 years ago. Mainly working for large defense contractors, Northrop, General Dynamics, Lockheed, etc.). I transitioned out a few years back, and worked directly for AWS in the cleared space for 2 years (AWS National Security).

I left AWS and now work for Oracle in the cleared space and was offered a position at Google Public Sector (cleared role) before accepting the Oracle position.

Is it difficult to transition into big tech, yes. Is it even more difficult to transfer to big tech in the cleared space, yes it is.

While big tech may offer some Secret cleared positions within the DoD, the demand for TS/SCI with a full scope poly, is in far greater demand.

Daftmind · Answer

I don't have personal experience making the switch from defense to cleared roles in larger tech companies, but based on the experience of some of my colleagues/friends, it seems fairly straightforward. I think the biggest headache might be trying to get the clearance transferred.

Otherwise, it's also not super difficult to go from Secret to TS level clearance but the process is super involved and the TS clearance process is way more in depth, so just be prepared for that. It can take a while as well, like multiple months.

wittywaters · Answer

The hardest part of going from secret is getting someone willing to sponsor you for it. A lot of places want it but are either unwilling or can’t. It really depends on the company and the requirements of the contract they are supporting. For example some work may allow for a Secret to start with some work that can be done while waiting on the TS. Others may not allow any work to be done without a TS.

Jupiter1303 · Answer

I left the British Army in July with high level clearances; I moved into consultancy and still maintain my clearance with the work I do for defence now.I’ve just accepted a role at Google which requires my clearances so I’ll let you know how the clearance transfer goes there.

Cleared roles in tech

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