Talent Acquisition Specialist with Security Clearance

About the role

Build and maintain talent pipelines for current and future defense program needs, with highly cleared talent (up to TS SCI w/Full Scope Poly).

Partner with program managers and hiring leaders to understand workforce requirements, skill gaps, and upcoming contract demands.

Develop sourcing strategies tailored to defense contracting, including outreach to cleared communities, veteran networks, and niche technical talent pools.

Screen, interview, and evaluate candidates for technical proficiency, cultural alignment, and contract fit.

Manage candidate experience from initial contact through offer acceptance, ensuring timely communication and a professional process.

Partner with Human Resources and Program Operations to ensure smooth onboarding post offer acceptance

Support proposal recruiting efforts, including rapid sourcing, contingent offers, and labor category alignment.

Maintain accurate and compliant documentation within the ATS and ensure adherence to OFCCP, EEO, and federal contracting requirements.

Represent the company at hiring events, job fairs, and industry networking opportunities.

Provide market intelligence to leadership on compensation trends, clearance availability, and competitive hiring conditions.

Responsibilities

• Build and maintain talent pipelines for current and future defense program needs, with highly cleared talent (up to TS SCI w/Full Scope Poly)
• Partner with program managers and hiring leaders to understand workforce requirements, skill gaps, and upcoming contract demands.
• Develop sourcing strategies tailored to defense contracting, including outreach to cleared communities, veteran networks, and niche technical talent pools.
• Screens, interviews, and evaluates candidates for technical proficiency, cultural alignment, and contract fit.
• Manage candidate experience from initial contact through offer acceptance, ensuring timely communication and a professional process.
• Partner with Human Resources and Program Operations to ensure smooth onboarding post offer acceptance
• Support proposal recruiting efforts, including rapid sourcing, contingent offers, and labor category alignment.
• Maintain accurate and compliant documentation within the ATS and ensure adherence to OFCCP, EEO, and federal contracting requirements.
• Represent the company at hiring events, job fairs, and industry networking opportunities.
• Provide market intelligence to leadership on compensation trends, clearance availability, and competitive hiring conditions.

Qualifications

• 3-5+ years of full-cycle recruiting experience, with at least 2 years supporting Defense Government Contractors.
• Demonstrated success hiring for agencies such as DISA, DLA, DTRA, USTRANSCOM, DHA, or similar DOD customers.
• Experience recruiting for a mix of technical and functional roles, including: IT & Infrastructure, Cybersecurity (RMF, ISSO/ISSM, SOC, etc.), OT/ICS, Acquisition & Contracting, Mission Support Service (budget/finance/PMO).
• Strong understanding of federal contracting environments, labor categories, and proposal recruiting.
• Ability to source and engage cleared candidates (Secret, TS, TS/SCI, Poly).
• Excellent communication, relationship-building, and stakeholder-management skills.
• Proficiency with ATS platforms and sourcing tools (LinkedIn Recruiter, ClearanceJobs, etc.).
• Must be able to work onsite in Reston, VA several days per week.

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience supporting a contractor of similar size (300-1,000 FTEs).
• Familiarity with DOD skill frameworks and contract types (IDIQ, BPA, CPFF, T&M).
• Prior experience with high-volume or surge recruiting for proposals or contract transitions.
• SHRM-CP, PHR, or AIRS certifications.

Benefits

• Medical, Dental, and Vision Plans (PPO & HSA options available)
• Flexible Spending Accounts (Health Care & Dependent Care FSA)
• Health Savings Account (HSA)
• 401(k) with matching contributions
• Roth
• Qualified Transportation Expense with matching contributions
• Short Term Disability
• Long Term Disability
• Life and Accidental Death & Dismemberment
• Basic & Voluntary Life Insurance
• Wellness Program
• PTO
• 11 Holidays
• Professional Development Reimbursement

Salary

$75-115k, but flexible on either end for the right candidate