Defence
Tech Recruitment

Security clearances are one of the most significant factors affecting timeline in Defence IT recruitment. Baseline clearances can typically be processed within weeks to a couple of months, while NV1 and NV2 clearances can take anywhere from several months to over a year, depending on the candidate’s background and current AGSVA processing volumes. For this reason, we strongly recommend prioritising candidates who already hold an active clearance at the required level. Our team factors clearance timelines into every search from the outset to avoid costly delays.

Yes, and this is usually the most efficient path. We maintain an active network of IT professionals who already hold current Baseline, NV1, and NV2 clearances across disciplines including cyber security, network engineering, systems administration, and cloud engineering. Before putting any cleared candidate forward, we verify their clearance level and status to ensure they meet your specific requirements. Sourcing pre-cleared talent significantly reduces time-to-hire and removes the uncertainty of waiting on the vetting process.

Both. Contract arrangements are common in Defence given the project-based nature of much of the work, and many cleared IT professionals actively prefer contracting for the flexibility and higher daily rates it offers. Permanent recruitment suits core team roles where continuity and long-term clearance investment are priorities. Many of our Defence clients use a blend of both, and we can advise on the right mix for your situation.

It depends on your project timelines. If time permits, the sponsoring organisation can initiate a clearance application for a strong candidate, and we can help facilitate that process. We work with clients to assess whether a candidate’s background makes them a realistic clearance prospect, reducing the risk of a failed sponsorship. Where waiting isn’t feasible, we focus the search on candidates with existing clearances. Our team can advise based on your clearance level requirement, start date, and current market availability.

Yes, and meaningfully so. Beyond standard public sector compliance requirements, Defence IT adds complexity around security clearances, citizenship requirements, and the sensitivity of the work involved. All candidates must be Australian citizens, many roles require NV1 or NV2 rather than Baseline, and the vetting process is considerably more intensive. The talent pool is narrower as a result, and some roles carry on-site requirements that limit remote flexibility. Our specialists understand these requirements in depth and are experienced in navigating the added rigour that Defence mandates bring.

Yes. Clicks is on several Preferred Supplier Panels for Australian Defence and related national security agencies, and we have a strong track record placing IT professionals across the sector. Our Canberra team has particularly deep connections across the Defence and national security community.

Both. We have specialist sourcing teams across every relevant technology vertical including cyber security, network engineering, systems engineering, cloud, and software development. This means we can run parallel searches across multiple roles at the same time. For team builds, we take the time to understand your operating model and clearance requirements before we start, so that the people we place work well together, not just individually.

Cleared IT talent moves differently to the broader market. Many don’t apply through job boards at all and instead move through trusted networks and referrals. We draw on our Defence-focused consultants, over 30 years of relationships in the sector and a database of more than 200,000 pre-qualified IT professionals, a significant portion of whom hold or have previously held clearances. Our team can give you a realistic picture of cleared talent availability for your specific requirements before you engage.

Yes. Cleared IT professionals typically command a premium over equivalent non-cleared roles, reflecting the smaller talent pool and additional obligations involved. Our IT Salary & Rates Guide covers over 200 roles including common Defence positions such as security engineers, network engineers, and security consultants. We can also provide a tailored Defence IT salary guide on request. Just get in touch with our team to discuss.