AI is everywhere in national security—but “AI careers” don’t all look the same. In this ClearanceJobs webinar, Lindy Kyzer (ClearanceJobs) sat down with Darrell Eplee (Amentum) and Gerald Auger (Simply Cyber) to break down what recruiters mean when they say they want “cleared AI talent,” and how candidates can realistically pivot into the space.
Darrell explained that AI is one of the fastest-growing segments in the cleared market, and many roles are evolving—not just brand-new “AI engineer” jobs. Traditional IT, intel, systems engineering, and program roles are increasingly expected to incorporate automation, machine learning concepts, and AI-enabled workflows, especially in high-side environments where security constraints shape what tools can be used. The key isn’t chasing hype—it’s showing you understand the mission, the environment, and how to apply AI responsibly.
Gerald emphasized that AI is becoming as foundational as the internet: regardless of job function, most professionals will need baseline fluency in using AI tools to work more efficiently and securely. That security piece matters—particularly for cleared professionals—because putting sensitive or proprietary information into public AI tools can create real risk. Candidates should be prepared for interview questions about AI usage and compliance with company policies.
A major theme was qualifications: the government is still defining requirements, and many job postings list AI experience as preferred rather than required. That creates opportunity. Candidates can stand out by demonstrating practical AI usage and, most importantly, outcomes—time saved, processes improved, accuracy increased, or better decision support—not just tool names and buzzwords.
The panel also tackled the entry-level concern. The takeaway: roles aren’t disappearing overnight, but expectations are shifting. Employers may use AI to augment teams and reduce backfill, meaning entry-level workers increasingly need to use AI tools effectively from day one.
For resumes, the advice was clear: keywords may get you noticed, but proof gets you hired. Use AI to refine your resume—not to mass-produce a generic one—and be ready to explain how you applied AI in real workflows.
