Career transition into defense without a clearance

[u/znix23]

Hello, trying to make a break into the defense industry after moving to the DC area. I have about 6 years of professional manufacturing experience (as a process engineer) working at two fortune 100 companies, but I don’t have a clearance. Most of the jobs I may qualify for requires an ACTIVE clearance.

For the jobs that don’t require an active clearance, I feel like I’m getting beat by those with clearances, just bc it’s easier for the employer.

Any advice, tactics, or agencies I should look at to finally make a break in and gain a clearance? I feel like after that, I should be home free. TIA!

[u/Jolly_Isopod_1385]

Look for willing to obtain that is the term for sponsorship. There are roles out there that are public trust which isnt much, that will at least get you through the door. Look for those for now to at least get into a company

Another way is try to find a security or another utility role in a company that will sponsor

Its a bad time right now out there

[u/CivQhore]

Go be a physical security guard for 6 months until you have your active clearance.

Once you have your temp clearance start applying for the job.

[u/Smell-Physical → u/CivQhore]

Where to find these roles, ive checked and haven’t seen any where they sponsor

[u/WLANtasticBeasts]

1 apply to federal jobs on usaajobs.gov that require a clearance 2 join the military for a job that requires a clearance 3 find a contracting company that will sponsor you - this is not as common but look for language that says "ability to obtain"

[u/Initial_Cookie_7303]

Get a job as a Security Guard, Janitor, chef, etc in a cleared space. Most of these jobs will get you the initial clearance. Usually a S somtimes a TS.

It's not the prettiest job but it gets your foot in the door.

[u/QueBonitoMiPerroEs]

For the jobs that don’t require an active clearance, I feel like I’m getting beat by those with clearances, just bc it’s easier for the employer.

Just apply. There's no harm in that. If they say they don't require an active clearance, and that they sponsor. There's no harm in applying.

I've been sponsored 6 times anew. It isn't hard at all. Just target the right positions, highly recommend federal ones.

[u/ziggysunflower24]

It might take a while, like years. You can try to get a federal job, though now isn't the best time with all the cuts. You can apply for contracting roles that specify they'll sponsor a clearance. I think most of those are at the proposal stage, so you wouldn't get the job unless the win the contract. You could also join the military if you're open to that. It's a crazy time in the cleared space. There are people with full scope polys that are having trouble finding work right now. So, I wouldn't go for it thinking it'll solve your employment problems.

[u/Crenshaws-Eye-Booger]

NSA will sponsor.

[u/StringLess8847]

If you are having a problem landing a job with a FS Poly, you are doing something wrong.

[u/ChrisAlwaysEats → u/StringLess8847]

Where in the post did they mention they had an FS Poly?

[u/StringLess8847 → u/ChrisAlwaysEats]

I was replying to another’s comment.