Top Secret Clearance Recruiting & Staffing
Engineers, cyber specialists and program staff with active Top Secret clearances, for contracts where a new investigation would blow the schedule.
Top Secret at a glance
- Investigation: Tier 5, based on the SF-86
- Ongoing checks: Continuous vetting enrollment
- Often paired with: SCI access or a polygraph, depending on the program
- Typical roles: Systems and cyber engineers, program managers, analysts, communications specialists
What a Top Secret Clearance Means for Hiring
A Top Secret clearance is eligibility to access information that could cause exceptionally grave damage to national security if disclosed. It requires a Tier 5 investigation, which takes considerably longer than a Secret investigation, so hiring someone who already holds TS is usually the only way to meet a near-term start date.
| Top Secret quick facts | |
|---|---|
| Investigation | Tier 5, based on the SF-86 |
| Ongoing checks | Continuous vetting enrollment |
| Often paired with | SCI access or a polygraph, depending on the program |
| Typical roles | Systems and cyber engineers, program managers, analysts, communications specialists |
| Main hiring risk | Long investigation times for anyone not already cleared |
TS Without SCI Is Its Own Market
Many TS requirements sit in DoD, DHS and civilian programs that never need SCI. Those roles compete for the same people as intelligence community jobs, which often pay more. Winning those candidates means selling the mission, the stability of the contract and a realistic career path, not just the salary.
We prepare candidates for that conversation honestly, so the people who accept your offer still show up on day one.
Plan for the Clearance Timeline
If you cannot find a TS holder, the alternative is sponsoring a new investigation, which can take many months. We help you decide early which positions must be filled by current TS holders and which can wait for sponsorship, so your capture plan and transition plan reflect reality.
How We Handle Top Secret Searches
Confirm the requirement
TS only, TS with SCI, or TS with polygraph, from the DD-254 and PWS.
Target current holders
Search networks of people with active or current TS eligibility.
Sell the role
Mission, contract stability and growth, presented honestly.
Close and onboard
Offer support and FSO coordination through the start date.
Cleared recruitment by clearance level
Part of our cleared recruitment & staffing service, run by the same team that covers every stage of the contract.
Top Secret FAQs
How long does a new Top Secret investigation take?
What is the difference between Top Secret and TS/SCI?
Can you staff a full TS team for a recompete transition?
Do you recruit outside the Washington, DC area?
Tell Us Who You Need to Hire
A senior consultant will reply within one business day. Prefer to talk now? Book a 30-minute call.