When it comes to hiring in national security, one of the challenges is the security clearance process. But even for regular staff hiring, employers who need to run a background check on new hires are running into problems. A process that should only take a few days has been going longer due to hiccups with the FBI and the Bureau of Criminal Investigation (BCI). It can be hard enough to find a candidate, but a background check shouldn’t take as long as a full background investigation, but that is what employers are finding lately, with some employers complaining of a 30-60 day wait. A 60-day wait can feel like a full blown security clearance process for a Secret clearance. From computer system outages to communication struggles, many employers are getting frustrated at the extended hiring process timeline, due to the background check issues.
Steve Irwin, press secretary for the Ohio Attorney General’s Office, which oversees the Bureau of Criminal Investigation, said BCI is “currently upgrading its decades-old fingerprint identification system with a new state-of-the-art system that is increasing the speed of background checks.”
Layoffs Impacting the Cleared Industry
| CEVA Logistics |
CEVA Logistics announced 87 layoffs at their Carrolton, TX facility. Layoffs will take place by November 9. The global company has over 1,000 facilities and 78,000 employees. In the notice filed with the Texas Workforce Commission, CEVA Logistics notes that a change in a contract with a defense contractor led to the layoffs. |
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Hiring impacting the Cleared Industry
| Northrop Grumman | Another company is expanding in Huntsville, AL – Northrop Grumman. As part of their work on the Air Force’s Ground Based Strategic Deterrent program, Northrop Grumman has been hiring for different positions, particularly engineers, and they have plans to open a new facility in Research Park.
“I’m thrilled that Northrop Grumman will be building on its already large presence in Huntsville while also advancing a strategic national defense priority,” Gov. Kay Ivey said. “By selecting Alabama’s ‘Rocket City,’ Northrop Grumman has picked the ideal location to carry out this important national security mission, and the company’s growth plans represent welcome news for Huntsville and for all of the state.” With about 2,000 employees already in Huntsville, the project has the potential to add another 500. |
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Cleared Employer at Work: CISA
Federal agencies like CISA know they need professionals with a cross section of experience in order to be successful. Help Defend Today, Secure Tomorrow. Find job opportunities.
Opportunity to Watch
With cyber positions continually in-demand, colleges and universities in the Northeast have united to get Generation Z connected with leading employers. The University of New Haven and its Connecticut Institute of Technology are hosting the Connecticut Regional Cybersecurity and Tech Virtual Expo on October 26. The event is co-sponsored by Google and the Connecticut Career Consortium. The virtual event offers opportunities for employers like, Lockheed Martin, NSA, Raytheon, and Electric Boat to connect with students and discuss open opportunities.
“Technology-related positions are some of the fastest-growing opportunities in the world, with cybersecurity leading the way,” said Matt Caporale, executive director of the University of New Haven’s Career Development Center and president of the Connecticut Career Consortium. “It is currently estimated that there are more than one million open cybersecurity positions right now globally.
“As we see regularly in the news, cyberattacks on businesses, education, and governments have dramatic and wide-ranging impacts on personal privacy, global finances, and trust in our institutions,” Caporale continued. “The talent need in this area is immense, and the University of New Haven and the state of Connecticut are stepping up to provide the industry with the talent needed to secure our global networks. As evidenced by Google sponsoring this career fair, Connecticut is positioned to become a leader in producing technology and cybersecurity talent.”
“From a career-readiness and outcomes perspective, it sends a positive message to all of our stakeholders – students, faculty, staff, and external partners – that we are preparing an outstanding pool of talent worthy of a top-echelon, Fortune 100 recognition. I hope this Google sponsorship is the beginning a long-lasting trend,” added Marcus Paca, assistant director of employer relations for the University of New Haven’s Career Development Center.
