Getting your Security Clearance
Overview
Most positions at Constant Advancement requires a security clearance of varying levels.
If you’re new to the clearance process, we made this guide to help walk you through what to expect and if clearance is right for you.
If you’re a right fit for us, we help you every step of the way to get cleared.
COMMON TYPES
LEVEL
Confidential
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PROCESSING TIME
1–12 months
LEVEL
Secret
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PROCESSING TIME
12-36+ months
LEVEL
Top Secret/ SCI
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AVG PROCESSING TIME
12-36+ months
The 6 steps to getting cleared.
Not every process is the same and we do not have full purview into what happens or why you may or may not get your clearance. This guide is meant to help paint the general picture as we’ve seen it to help bring clarity to the process.
1
Apply to a Role
The first step is starting the conversation. To get a clearance, you must be sponsored by us or another cleared provider in our industry. Apply and let’s see if you’re a good fit.
2
Offer Extended
Once we find the right role for you, we’ll start the clearance process. We’ll walk you through all the steps in a more robust way and prepare you for what’s to come. We’re with you every step of the way.
3
Forms & Background Check
With our help, you’ll complete a Standard Form 86, a U.S. government questionnaire used to initiate background investigations for national security clearances. This is to first check and make sure you’re who you say you are.
4
Interview & Adjudication
Next begins the investigation process to see if you have what it takes to get a security clearance. Investigators may conduct interviews with you and your references. The waiting game begins. Why? It’s government work. You just have to trust the process.
5
Polygraph (if required)
For certain roles (especially SCI), a polygraph exam may be part of the process. We’ll help you prepare and understand what to expect when going through it. If you want to build work that protects this nation, then you have to be willing to put in the work to get there.
6
Clearance Granted
After a waiting period of up to 3 years, your clearance is granted and you’ll be onboarded to a secure project. During this waiting period, you can either work at your current job, intern with us, or work on classified work with us if the position is available.
Understanding your odds of success.
Getting approved for clearance isn’t easy, but not impossible. 4.2 Million Americans have one and 70% of the candidates that go through the process have made it in our experience.
4M
4M Americans have clearances
Does a Security Clearance Expire?
Your U.S. security clearance will remin valid as long as you:
Actively work in a cleared role.
Don’t go more than 2 years without using it
Complete periodic reinvestigations every 5, 10, or 15 years depending on the clearance type. Subject to change.
What disqualifies you from getting a clearance?
We are not always told why someone does not get approved, but the most common issues could include:
Major unresolved debt or bankruptcy
Criminal convictions
Ongoing illegal drug use
Unreported foreign contacts or dual citizenship
CONSTANT ADVANCEMENT
CONSTANT ADVANCEMENT
Open Positions
We constantly have positions added, so if you don’t see something that sparks your interest, email contact@constantadvancement.com with your resume and we’ll get you on the list.
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Onsite, Virginia — Clearance Required 🔒
Our developers design and maintain the digital interfaces that connect critical systems and users with clarity and precision.
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Onsite, Virginia — Clearance Required 🔒
Every line of code is tested before release. Testers verify that deployments meet required reliability and performance standards through structured, repeatable testing. Their work helps ensure mission-critical software functions as expected in real-world conditions.
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Onsite, Virginia — Clearance Required 🔒
Project managers at Constant Advancement are responsible for coordinating teams and driving project execution. They manage schedules, dependencies, and communication across technical disciplines to ensure work is delivered as planned. The role requires attention to detail, follow-through, and the ability to manage complex requirements in a structured environment.
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Onsite, Virginia — Clearance Required 🔒
Cybersecurity experts are responsible for protecting systems, networks, and data from unauthorized access and threats. They monitor for vulnerabilities, implement security controls, and respond to incidents to ensure systems remain secure and operational.
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Onsite, Virginia — Clearance Required 🔒
Start your career in the cleared arena with one of the top companies. Interns support active initiatives, execute assigned tasks, and gain exposure to real-world systems and workflows under standard operational oversight.
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Get on our radar for future positions at Constant Advancement. We have new openings frequently.
Frequently Asked
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Constant Advancement is an elite team of TS cleared and uncleared engineers, building advanced solutions out of Virginia.
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Yes. We’ve historically hired for high-clearance roles (TS/SCI), but we now have opportunities for uncleared candidates, especially in engineering and product roles under new programs.
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Any role with clearance requires on-site work due to the nature of what we do. We work hard to accommodate flexible scheduling wherever possible. We do offer a few uncleared positions that offer remote flexibility.
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We offer some of the most competitive salaries in the industry + benefits including:
100% health, dental, and vision coverage
5–6 weeks of paid time off
401(k) with 6% match + profit sharing
Life insurance and disability coverage
Pet insurance, gym membership reimbursements, and major life event bonuses
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We’re a high-standard, high-reward culture. People here take pride in their work, support one another, and leave politics at the door. We’ve built a team that values flexibility, respect, and real impact.
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You’ll be surrounded by experienced engineers, technical leaders, and mission-driven professionals. Many team members have 10+ years of cleared experience and care deeply about mentoring and collaboration.
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See our available positions and apply. We constantly have new positions opening up, so feel free to reach out even if you don’t see a role that suits you.
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Not always, but the short answer is yes. Follow this guide for how the process works.