With 2014 already well underway, employment projections show increasingly high demand for cleared careers across the nation. Compilations from Gartner, U.S. News and World Report and the Department of Labor all cite specific technology careers as the top earning fields, and they’re equally heavy with opportunity as the world moves further into the digital era.
Software developers
It still ranks as the number one field, with a projected growth of more than 22 percent for at least the next 10 years. Computer applications are an evolution in progress, and software developers are the ones responsible for writing code from scratch, modifying existing software and creating ideas to answer technology needs that meet changing demands and specifications. Cleared professionals need look no further than wherever they want to live. Currently, opportunities for cleared software developers extend from STG, Inc. at Fort Bragg, to Morfologica in Reston, Raytheon in Arlington, Camber Corporation in San Diego and Pragmatics in Illinois.
As for pay, salaries for cleared professionals are generally higher than for the general workforce, whose median income is about $90,000. A clearance can boost the salary in the defense sector to well over six figures. In addition to previous training and a clearance, those with the best chance of landing these jobs have a bachelor’s degree. However, the ability to demonstrate knowledge of new programming through training and coursework can pitch a candidate into a better position to be hired.
Computer systems analysts
The need for personnel who understand how computer systems interact and how information processes flow is only growing. Professionals trained in configuring software, hardware, networks and applying new technologies based on an organization’s needs will continue to be in demand, and that goes double for defense. Cleared computer systems analysts have great prospects at Dynamics Research Corporation, Raytheon in Huntsville, TASC, Inc., in Colorado Springs and Centurum in Charleston, S. Car., to name a few.
Over the next ten years, job growth in this field is estimated to jump almost 25 percent. Cleared analysts with a degree in computer sciences and a master’s degree in business can earn six figure salaries. But even without college degrees, a clearance along with seasoned technical skills and the ability to collaborate well in teams can mean salaries of $80,000 and above.
Web developers
The combination of technical skills and artistry is already in demand, and more so for those who bring a clearance. Military and defense organizations operate with websites, but this field is about much more than creating them. Websites aren’t static. They morph with the organization, meaning there is ongoing need for skilled professionals to update, redesign and add new programs and features. Cleared web developers are required to collaborate with teams, design sites targeting specific users, and are responsible for coding, programming languages, layout, functionality and user-friendly, navigable specifications. E-commerce is one of the main drivers for the projected 20 percent growth in this field, a space in which defense contractors already reside and government agencies continue to gravitate.
Open opportunities for cleared web developers include Blue Star Software in Annapolis, Northstrat and Centra Technology in Washington, D.C., Raytheon in Sterling and Fulcrum IT in Tampa. While median salaries are around $70,000 to $80,000, military experience, a bachelor’s degree and a clearance can mean a six figure income. Other assets that can replace degrees include web development and webmaster certifications, and newer skills like mobile applications development.
Information security analysts
This is big business in defense. The last decade has seen an exponential growth in cyber security jobs focused on keeping sensitive information and systems safe. Basic requirements for information security analysts center on monitoring information. But the bigger demand centers on detecting security breaches, risk assessments, identifying vulnerable processes and proactive defense planning, encryption and other safeguards. Those working in government agencies must also be familiar with security regulations.
The job growth in this field is projected to be close to 40 percent in the next eight years, with the largest pool of jobs in the D.C. region due to demand in government. Cleared information security analysts earn around $80,000 to $100,000. Most hiring managers want a degree in computer sciences or engineering, and those with a master’s degree generally get the most offers. However, training in network security, cyber threats and certifications are sometimes substituted.
Good places to look right now include Paladin Consulting in Reston, Parsons in Springfield, Va., TASC in San Antonio and San Diego, and Northrop Grumman at Fort Belvoir.
Database administrators
Although the growth projection is lower than most IT fields, database administrator jobs are still expected to increase by 15 percent in the next eight years. General requirements include the ability to implement security measures throughout organization’s processes, manage and organize storage in an increasingly complex infrastructure, and ensure operational efficiency, integration and maintenance.
So who’s hiring? Currently, Three Saints Bay in El Paso, Unisys in Arlington, Va., Exelis in Herndon, Fulcrum IT in D.C., TASC in Charlottesville and San Antonio, and Agilex in Reston.
Because databases operate on a 24/7 basis, most administrators work a little more than 40 hours a week, earning salaries that average $80,000, and grow up to $120,000 for those with degrees and career specific certifications.
