I’m very new to this. I’m a software engineer by trade and have been both an individual contributor and in management role for quite some time, I’m really tired of big tech companies and have always felt working for government can be very meaningful even though there are stereotypes associated with it. People probably asked very similar questions before, but I’m wondering if I can get some advice what is the best way to find such jobs and get interview, especially those require clearance (I don’t have it but I assume shouldn’t be hard to get one).
Thanks in advance.
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If you’re looking to move into government work, the key is understanding that you can’t usually get a clearance on your own—it has to be sponsored by a federal agency or contractor as part of a job offer. While agencies often prefer candidates who already have clearance, many defense contractors and certain government programs will hire “clearable” candidates with strong technical backgrounds. Focus your search on organizations known for sponsoring clearances—such as the DoD, NSA, CIA, DHS, NASA, and major contractors like Lockheed Martin, Raytheon, Northrop Grumman, Booz Allen Hamilton, and Leidos—and use targeted job boards like USAJOBS.gov and ClearanceJobs.com (for searching job lists, you have to have an active clearance to create a profile). Tailor your resume to emphasize work with sensitive data, security, or regulated environments, and highlight qualities like trustworthiness and stability. Networking is essential!!! attend industry events, join professional groups, and connect with recruiters who specialize in federal or defense hiring. If you land a sponsored role, expect to complete the SF-86 form, undergo a background check, and wait several months for approval - sometimes quick for an interim! - but once you have clearance, your career opportunities in government tech will expand significantly. Also, try for a lower secret first if you can - helpdesk is a great optionn to get your foot in the door.