News + Career Advice
Stay current on security-cleared job search tips, trends, and news.
NRO Jobs: Government vs. Contractor Paths in Space Intelligence
NRO jobs include direct government cadre positions and company positions supporting an NRO customer. The agency describes its civilian workforce as excepted service under the Defense Civilian Intelligence Personnel System, using GG grades and steps. A contractor supporting the sa… more
Overseas Contractor Compensation: Base Pay, Allowances, Housing, and Tax Questions
Government contractor jobs for veterans overseas need a component-by-component pay comparison. A headline annual package cannot tell you how much is guaranteed base pay, how much depends on hours or location, or what you must spend on housing and travel. Overseas employment also … more
Space Force Pay: Military Compensation vs. Civilian GS Roles
How much do Space Force jobs pay? For uniformed Guardians, basic pay depends on military pay grade and service time. Federal civilian pay follows the position's advertised pay system. For example, the 2026 Colorado Springs table lists GS-11, step 1 at $76,650 annually, including … more
Defense Program Manager Pay: Contract Size, Leadership Scope, and Location
The BLS median for project management specialists was $102,320 in May 2025, but that is a national, cross-industry benchmark, not a defense program manager salary. To judge a defense offer, first identify the employer, the work you would control, and the cost, schedule, customer,… more
Space Force Jobs for Civilians: How to Serve Without Enlisting
Space Force jobs for civilians have a separate application path: the service directs civilian candidates to Air Force Civilian Service, where recruiter contact depends on a match with their experience. You can pursue federal civilian work supporting space missions without enlisti… more