When it comes to hiring cleared professionals, one size doesn’t fit all. The ClearanceJobs database is home to one of the most diverse, specialized, and mission-critical talent pools in the nation. From seasoned defense contractors to cybersecurity wunderkinds just starting their careers, the candidates within our platform come from every corner of the cleared ecosystem. Here’s a look at the different types of candidates you can find in the ClearanceJobs database—and why they’re invaluable to employers across defense, intelligence, and national security sectors.
Veterans Transitioning to Civilian Roles
Many candidates in our database are military veterans bringing decades of experience, discipline, and mission-first focus. They often hold active clearances, including Secret, Top Secret, and TS/SCI, and possess a wide range of transferable skills—from logistics and leadership to IT and cybersecurity.
They are excellent candidates because they have proven in high-stakes environments, have a strong work ethic and adaptability, with a deep understanding of defense and intelligence operations.
Government Contractors with Cleared Experience
These professionals are currently or recently employed by top federal contractors or subcontractors. They’re often on the lookout for their next cleared project, whether CONUS or OCONUS, and they bring with them highly specialized experience in areas like systems integration, intelligence analysis, and project management.
What sets them apart:
- Clearance portability
- Domain-specific knowledge
- Experience working with multiple agencies
Cybersecurity Experts and Technologists
With cyber threats escalating, cybersecurity talent is among the most in-demand. ClearanceJobs features a strong population of cleared cybersecurity pros, software engineers, DevSecOps engineers, and network architects. Technical candidates on ClearanceJobs have the required compliant certifications (CISSP, CEH, Security+, etc.), experience securing classified systems, and clearance-backed trustworthiness in sensitive domains.
STEM Professionals Across All Levels
Engineers, data scientists, and technical project leads with clearances are essential to everything from missile defense systems to advanced AI modeling. Whether it’s an entry-level aerospace engineer or a senior nuclear physicist, ClearanceJobs has them.
Intelligence Analysts and Linguists
Professionals with backgrounds in human intelligence (HUMINT), signals intelligence (SIGINT), and geospatial intelligence (GEOINT) are another vital part of the ClearanceJobs community. Many bring foreign language fluency and are familiar with both field work and analytical tools.
Security and Law Enforcement Specialists
ClearanceJobs is home to many candidates with backgrounds in physical security, personnel security, investigations, and federal law enforcement. These professionals often bring badges, credentials, and mission-critical experience to roles in protective services or facility security.
Administrative and Program Support Staff
Behind every cleared mission is a network of program analysts, logistics coordinators, HR specialists, and executive assistants—many of whom require and maintain clearances to operate in secure facilities. Many cleared candidates in our network have broad agency experience, the ability to handle secure communications and materials, and a high level of professionalism and discretion.
Students and Entry-Level Candidates with Clearances
ClearanceJobs isn’t just for seasoned professionals. We also connect employers with students and early-career candidates holding interim or active clearances, often from internships or ROTC programs. These young professionals are eager to learn and grow into national security roles, and are building the next generation and tactics of workforces to come. They have fresh academic training and adaptability, are clearance-ready, saving employers time, and ideal for workforce development pipelines
The Outside the Norm – Cleared Medical Hiring Needs
There are cleared hiring needs for nurses and nurse practitioners, especially in roles supporting the Department of Defense (DoD), Veterans Affairs (VA), intelligence agencies, and federal contractors working in secure or classified environments. Military installations, embassies, or intelligence agency clinics may require personnel—nurses included—to have at least a Secret or Public Trust clearance, especially if they’re working near or with sensitive information.
The Downright Peculiar
Slapping together sandwiches or mopping the floors doesn’t sound like a national security risk, but in a Sensitive Compartmented Information Facility (SCIF) or overseas embassy, even the janitorial or cafeteria staff can need clearances. That’s because they operate in highly secure perimeters and often overhear… things.
Intelligence agencies also employ a variety of unique and creative roles, including disguise artists who specialize in creating realistic disguises. These roles may involve skills in areas like cosmetology, hairdressing, and sewing to craft believable disguises for undercover operations.
The talent on ClearanceJobs isn’t just diverse—it’s defense-ready. With advanced search filters, AI-powered matching, and a community tailored for national security, employers can easily find the right mix of expertise, clearance level, and mission alignment. Whether you’re hiring for a global defense program or a cybersecurity audit, the right candidate is already here.
Ready to find your next cleared hire?
Join the employers who already trust ClearanceJobs to connect with the best and brightest in national security.
THE CLEARED RECRUITING CHRONICLES:Â YOUR WEEKLY DoD RECRUITING TIPSÂ TO OUT COMPETE THE NEXT NATIONAL SECURITY STAFFER.
