Defense Career Resources
Everything you need to know about defense industry careers in Huntsville. Clearance levels, salary data, top contractors, and essential terminology.
Security Clearance Levels
Understanding the different levels and what they mean
Sensitive but Unclassified (SBU) information
Any federal contractor or agency
Not technically a "clearance" but often required for government work
Confidential and Secret classified information
DoD contractors, federal agencies
Most common clearance level in defense industry
All levels up to Top Secret
DoD, Intelligence Community contractors
Requires Single Scope Background Investigation (SSBI)
Compartmented intelligence programs
Intelligence agencies, select DoD programs
SCI is an access, not a clearance level. Requires additional indoctrination.
Most sensitive programs
CIA, NSA, NRO, and select contractors
CI Poly (counterintelligence) or Full Scope/Lifestyle Poly
Important Notes
- • You cannot apply for a clearance yourself - an employer must sponsor you
- • Clearances are granted by the government, not the employer
- • Investigation timelines vary significantly based on workload and complexity
- • Having a clearance from one agency may transfer to another, but SCI access does not
Huntsville Salary Ranges
Estimated salary ranges by role and clearance level (2024)
| Role | No Clearance | Secret | Top Secret | TS/SCI |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Software Engineer | $85K-$120K | $95K-$135K | $110K-$160K | $125K-$180K |
| Systems Engineer | $80K-$115K | $90K-$130K | $105K-$155K | $120K-$175K |
| Cybersecurity Analyst | $75K-$110K | $85K-$125K | $100K-$150K | $115K-$170K |
| Program Manager | $95K-$140K | $105K-$155K | $120K-$180K | $135K-$200K |
| Intelligence Analyst | N/A | $70K-$95K | $85K-$120K | $100K-$145K |
| Data Scientist | $90K-$130K | $100K-$145K | $115K-$165K | $130K-$190K |
| Test Engineer | $70K-$100K | $80K-$115K | $95K-$135K | $105K-$150K |
| RF Engineer | $85K-$120K | $95K-$140K | $110K-$160K | $125K-$180K |
Ranges based on Huntsville market data for mid-level positions. Senior roles and specialized skills can exceed these ranges significantly. Cost of living in Huntsville is approximately 15-20% lower than DC metro area.
Top Defense Contractors in Huntsville
Major employers in the Huntsville defense market
Focus Areas: Missile Defense, Space Systems
Local Employees: 5,000+
Focus Areas: Missiles & Fire Control, Rotary & Mission Systems
Local Employees: 4,500+
Focus Areas: Space Launch System, Defense Systems
Local Employees: 3,000+
Focus Areas: Missile Systems, Intelligence & Space
Local Employees: 2,500+
Focus Areas: Electronic Systems, Intelligence
Local Employees: 1,500+
Focus Areas: IT Services, Engineering Services
Local Employees: 2,000+
Focus Areas: Defense Solutions, IT Modernization
Local Employees: 1,800+
Focus Areas: C4ISR, Information Technology
Local Employees: 1,200+
Focus Areas: Communications, Electronic Warfare
Local Employees: 1,500+
Focus Areas: Space, Missiles, Intelligence
Local Employees: 2,500+
Defense Industry Acronym Decoder
50+ essential terms explained
Resume Keywords by Specialty
Key terms to include in your resume for each field