Booz Allen Hamilton Associate Offer
I am trying to get into federal contracting with companies that will be willing to sponsor me for Secret or TSC level clearance projects (> clearance means >more impactful projects means >pay). I believe I meet the requirements to clear those levels when sponsored. But this team only needs a Public trust level. This is the first company I applied for and completed full interview rounds with. I have not had any other rejections or offers. I have more interviews lined up for the next two weeks but will need to provide my answer before then. YOE 9 Server SWE, No clearance Current TC 120k, remote Base 110k Bonus 10k BAH Associate level with the Health team will sponsor me for Public trust clearance Fully remote. Base 130k Bonus ?? Could not get a concrete percentage range. Any thoughts on the offer? #engineering #software #swe #bah#clearance#boozallenhamilton#boozallen
Sign up at a smaller contractor or Lockheed on a project that actually requires a higher level clearance. BAH is a shithole and you won’t get your TS or TS/SCI unless you start on a project with them that requires it. Alternatively you can just work directly for NGA or some other 3 letter, take a short term pay hit but get your clearance and inside track knowledge, quit and get a very cushy offer with any gov contractor
You can definitely switch projects, it will just take a bit because you need to build relationships first and then wait for an opportunity after discussing a move with your career manager
$130k seems low. I turned down an offer at BAH for $130k as a Data Analyst last year.
I’m a Senior Associate (aka Senior Manager) on the Health account. There are no bonuses below the Senior Associate level. This could change in the future but I honestly wouldn’t bet on it. Also, Public Trust is not a clearance. It’s a suitability assessment based on a background check. Personally, $10k TC increase doesn’t seem worth the trouble of changing jobs but that’s just me.
Yeah public trust isn't a gateway to a better clearance. Might as well be a background check. Clearance overrated for pay unless you want to coast for your career. You'll have a decent WLB, a good salary if you don't compare to tech, and job security for the most part.
Unless your goal is getting clearance, 130k with 9 yoe is extremely low with the current market for swe.
I ended up rejecting the offer. Thank you everyone for your input.
What are the other companies? Anything that you think will match or beat the offer? Ordinarily I'd encourage to accept and renege, but if you're dead set on govt contracting, that's not such a good idea.