Welding with Security Clearance?

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Hello everyone my name is Rick and I am new to this site, but not new to welding (although there are always new techiques and theories to learn). I have been in the trade for 7 years and counting and give all of my experience and education to my trade school Center of Applied Technology North located here in Maryland. I currently have a government issued Top Secret Security clearance with SCI and have been looking into different companies such as Northrup Grumman and Lockheed Martin to apply the clearance in the welding trade. Unfortunately, the jobs that are available are normally for computers and not so much skilled trade. Are there any members on here that have or know of any other companies (if any) that require or recommend a clearance in order to weld? I would really like to use the clearance with welding because it is my passion, especially stainless steel and aluminum TIG. I couldn't stand being behind a computer all day.  Thanks in advance for the advice and look forward to being on this site for a very long time! -Rick
Reply:Have you checked into some of the naval/sub bases, Electric Boat, etc?  Lockheed tried to get me through NASA a few months ago, but that was more for welding equipment operation.  How about BAE Systems up in York, PA?
Reply:You could try BWX Nuclear Fuels in Lynchburg, VA.  You would need to get a DOE clearance which is different, but you would find favor and an expedited DOE clearance since you already have the DOD clearance.  The Naval Nuclear program is a very good place for welders in terms of work environment, pay, and job security.
Reply:When I did sheetmetal, we had jobs to do that required security clearance. What you might try is putting a post on the websites where jobs are offered, preferrably one that deals with big companies. Also, you can send your resume targeted at companies who do service work for gov't installations, or companies like Raytheon, etc.I don't believe a company like Raytheon/ Boeing is a perfect solution, as they don't service the buildings and such. They build at their facilities, and then parts are assembled. Many times, security clearance is not an issue, because say a machinist won't even know what the part he is building does, or where it goes. Good luck.And then, after so much work...... you have it in your hand, and you look over to your side...... and the runner has run off. Leaving you holding the prize, wondering when the runner will return.
Reply:I'd check Lear services aka lear siegler or L3. Googler their websites and check all their branches. Your security clearence is only valid for who your working for now. Basically it's just a bunch of paperwork handled by your employer to get your clearence transfered. your clearence may be downgraded or pigeon holed if your new job does not require said clearence. Basically your clearence level never exceedes your need to have it.
Reply:Your clearance may be good only with certain facilities.  In my area, the nuke plants have clearances such as "L" and "Q", with "Q" being the highest.  Most likely, you have to have a company that will "hold" your clearance...which means you work for them, and they have work at the plant.
Reply:BTW, Babcock and Wilcox is a big company that does a lot of stuff that requires clearances.  That said, they often will contract out work, especially the construction and maintenance stuff.  You may need to get with some of the union halls in your area and see if they know what contractors are working in the govt facilities in your area.
Reply:I was Personnel Security Manager for 3rd ACR for 3 years and am not too sure this is a place you need to be talking about your clearance and especially your access (hint, hint secret squirrel). Most all of the non-intel type work I looked into when I got out didn't require that high a level of clearance, but keep in mind if you have that you are covered for anything else. About the only place you might find a welding job that would require it would be in R & D and those jobs are very difficult to get (ever heard of The Skunk Works and Area 51?). That clearance is only valid for 5 years and if it has been more than 5 years since your last update it is no longer valid and you start over just like you did after you enlisted. If you didn't have the job requiring it when you got out it was automatically suspended and will have to be reinstated at the employers request.The difference between art and craft is the quality of the workmanship. I am an artist.
Reply:Rick,Just check Indeed.com. I ran a couple of searches for you. It appears there are about 18 jobs or so that require a TS/SCI. http://www.indeed.com/jobs?q=welder+ts%2Fsci&l=http://www.indeed.com/jobs?q=welding+ts%2Fsci&l=Tnomalhttp://security-clearance-lawyer.comLast edited by Tnomal; 08-26-2008 at 12:37 AM.Reason: forgot to add something