Are you a cleared professional who wants a new role in Northern Virginia? Then mark December 9, 2026 on your calendar. ClearanceJobs will host an in-person hiring event in Chantilly, Virginia. It is built for people who hold an active security clearance. The ClearanceJobs Chantilly career fair puts you face to face with recruiters and hiring managers who need cleared talent.
This guide covers what you need to know. You will learn the date, time, and location details. Next, you will see how to register, which employers are listed, and what jobs to expect. Additionally, you will find simple tips for preparing, for the day itself, and for the follow-up after the event. Let’s get started.
Event Overview at a Glance
Before we go deeper, here is a quick snapshot. The details below come from the official ClearanceJobs event listings. However, organizers can update plans, so always check the official page before you go.
| Detail | Information |
| Event name | Chantilly, VA In-Person Event |
| Organizer | ClearanceJobs Career Events |
| Date | Wednesday, December 9, 2026 |
| Time | 1:00 pm to 4:00 pm EDT (main listing) |
| Format | In-person career fair |
| City | Chantilly, Virginia |
| Venue | Not yet announced at the time of writing |
| Who should attend | Job seekers with an active security clearance |
Please note one small difference. Most listings show a 1:00 pm start. However, one page shows a 12:00 pm start. Therefore, plan to arrive early and confirm the final hours on the official registration page.
Why This Career Fair Matters for Cleared Professionals
A cleared job search works differently from a standard one. Employers often need to fill roles fast. They also face a small pool of qualified people. As a result, they like events where every attendee already holds a clearance.
ClearanceJobs runs more than 20 career events each year across the country. Its events bring together government contractors, federal agencies, and cleared talent. Because of that focus, you skip the long wait that often comes with online applications. Instead, you talk to a real person in a few minutes.
Here are the main benefits of attending:
- You meet recruiters and hiring managers in person.
- You hear about open roles that may not be posted yet.
- You can ask direct questions about clearance level, location, and pay.
- You learn which skills employers want right now.
- You grow your professional network in one afternoon.
Moreover, Chantilly sits in one of the busiest defense and intelligence regions in the country. Many contractors have offices nearby. That makes this stop a smart choice for anyone who wants to work close to home.
Who Can Attend the Event
The rules are simple, and they matter. ClearanceJobs states that attendees need an active or current federal security clearance. In other words, you must be able to prove your clearance status. If you do not hold a clearance, this event is not the right fit.
The event suits many kinds of people, including:
- Professionals with a Secret, Top Secret, or TS/SCI clearance
- Candidates who hold a polygraph, such as a counterintelligence or full-scope poly
- Military veterans who are moving into civilian careers
- Contractors who want a new employer or a new contract
- Mid-career and senior experts who want a leadership role
Additionally, many employers prefer candidates with a current investigation date. A lapsed clearance may limit your options. Therefore, check your status before you register.
How to Register for the ClearanceJobs Chantilly Career Fair
Registration is the first step, and it takes only a few minutes. Follow the process below.
Step-by-Step Registration
- Visit the official ClearanceJobs career events page and find the Chantilly, VA In-Person Event.
- Create a free ClearanceJobs account if you do not have one. If you already have one, log in.
- Update your profile with your clearance level, skills, and location.
- Upload a fresh resume.
- Complete the event registration form.
- Print your pre-registration slip and keep it with your papers.
ClearanceJobs advises candidates to bring the printed slip to the event. It also asks you to bring several copies of your resume. Consequently, add these items to your checklist now.
Cost and Deadlines
The organizer’s job seeker pages do not state a fee in the sources we reviewed. In the past, similar events cost candidates nothing. Even so, check the registration page for the latest cost. In addition, register early. Early sign-ups give employers time to review your profile before the event. Some recruiters even reach out in advance.
Hiring Companies to Expect
The official event page lists participating companies as they confirm. At the time of writing, Amentum appears on the employer listing. In addition, KBR has posted its own event page for the Chantilly stop. Other employers may join as the date gets closer.
Because the list changes, check the official page often. Registered job seekers can also view the employer list inside the event platform once it opens.
In general, ClearanceJobs events attract these kinds of employers:
| Employer Type | What They Usually Seek |
| Defense contractors | Engineers, analysts, program managers |
| Intelligence support firms | Intelligence analysts, linguists, mission support |
| Cybersecurity companies | Security engineers, penetration testers, incident responders |
| IT and cloud providers | System administrators, cloud engineers, developers |
| Federal agencies | Specialists in security, operations, and technology |
| Engineering and space firms | Systems engineers, signal processing experts, test engineers |
To be clear, this table shows common patterns. It does not promise that any specific company will attend. Therefore, treat it as a planning tool, not a final list.
Jobs You May Find at the Event
Cleared roles cover a wide range of fields. Chantilly employers often support space, intelligence, defense, and cyber missions. As a result, you can expect a mix of technical and non-technical openings.
Technology and Cyber Roles
IT remains the largest category at most cleared career events. You may see openings for:
- Cybersecurity analysts and engineers
- Network engineers and system administrators
- Software developers and DevOps engineers
- Cloud architects
- Data scientists and AI specialists
Engineering and Technical Roles
Engineering jobs are strong in the Chantilly area. Typical roles include:
- Systems engineers
- Electrical and mechanical engineers
- Signal processing and radar engineers
- Satellite and ground system engineers
- Test and integration engineers
Intelligence and Mission Support Roles
Some employers bring roles that support national security missions directly. These may include:
- All-source and geospatial intelligence analysts
- Counterintelligence specialists
- Program and project managers
- Security officers and facility security staff
- Logistics and contract specialists
Typical Salary Ranges
Pay depends on clearance, skills, and experience. The table below shows rough ranges only. Actual offers vary by employer and contract.
| Role Category | Rough Annual Pay Range |
| Entry-level technical roles | $60,000 to $90,000 |
| Mid-level analysts and engineers | $90,000 to $140,000 |
| Senior engineers and architects | $140,000 to $200,000 or more |
| Program and project managers | $120,000 to $190,000 |
Notably, a higher clearance and a polygraph often raise your value. Therefore, mention both clearly when you meet recruiters.
How to Prepare Before the Event
Good preparation separates strong candidates from the crowd. Fortunately, you can finish most tasks in one weekend.
Update Your Resume
Keep your resume short and clear. Aim for one or two pages. List your clearance level at the top, along with the date of your last investigation if you know it. Then add your key skills, your most recent roles, and measurable results. For example, write that you cut system downtime by 30 percent.
In addition, tailor your resume to the roles you want. A cyber resume should look different from a program management resume. Print at least ten copies on clean paper.
Research Employers
Once the employer list appears, study it. Visit each company’s career page. Read their job postings. Then pick your top five targets. This step helps you ask smart questions and shows real interest.
Practice Your Introduction
You will have only a minute or two with each recruiter. So, prepare a short pitch. It should cover four points:
- Your name and clearance level
- Your main skills and years of experience
- The type of role you want
- Your location preferences
Say it out loud a few times. As a result, you will sound calm and confident on the day.
Pack the Right Items
Use this checklist:
- Printed pre-registration slip
- Ten or more resume copies
- Business cards
- A pen and a small notebook
- A government-issued photo ID
- A professional folder or portfolio
- Water and a few mints
Tips for the Day of the Event
The event runs about three hours. Therefore, use your time well.
Dress and Arrive the Right Way
Wear business attire. A suit or a neat blazer works well. Business casual may suit some tech employers, but a polished look is the safer choice. Also, wear comfortable shoes because you will stand for a long time.
Arrive early. First, you avoid long lines. Second, recruiters have more energy at the start. Finally, you can scan the room and plan your route.
Work the Room
Start with your top targets. Greet each recruiter with a smile and a firm handshake. Share your pitch, then ask open questions such as:
- What clearance level does this team need?
- Is the role on site, hybrid, or remote?
- Which programs or customers does the team support?
- What does the hiring process look like?
- When do you plan to fill the role?
After your top targets, visit a few other booths. You may find a role you did not expect. Additionally, take brief notes after each chat. Write down the recruiter’s name, the role, and any next step.
Avoid Common Mistakes
Many candidates repeat the same errors. Avoid these:
- Sharing sensitive or classified details about past work
- Handing out a resume without any conversation
- Speaking badly about a former employer
- Spending too long at one booth
- Forgetting to ask for a business card
Remember, never discuss classified information. Speak about your work in general terms only.
Follow Up After the Fair
The event does not end when you leave the room. In fact, follow-up often decides who gets an interview.
Within 24 hours, send a short thank-you email to each recruiter you met. Mention one detail from your talk. Attach your resume again. Then apply online for any role the recruiter named. Many employers ask for a formal application, even after a strong conversation.
Next, connect with the recruiters on a professional networking site. Add a brief note to remind them who you are. Finally, track every contact in a simple spreadsheet. Include the date, the role, and your next step. If you hear nothing after a week, send a polite reminder.
Getting to Chantilly and Planning Your Visit
The organizer has not yet posted the venue address. Therefore, watch the official page for updates. Chantilly lies in western Fairfax County, close to Washington Dulles International Airport. Major roads such as Route 28, Route 50, and Interstate 66 serve the area.
Once the venue appears, plan these details:
- Check the parking options and any fees.
- Allow extra time for traffic, since Northern Virginia roads get busy in the afternoon.
- Map your route a day early.
- Bring a few dollars or a card for parking, just in case.
If you travel from out of town, look for hotels near the airport. In addition, December weather can bring rain or snow. So, check the forecast before you leave.
Other Ways to Meet Cleared Employers
What if you cannot attend in person? Fortunately, you have other options. ClearanceJobs also hosts virtual career fairs. One virtual event is listed for December 15, 2026, from 1:00 pm to 4:00 pm EDT. Virtual fairs let you chat with recruiters from home. They also suit people who live far from Virginia.
However, in-person events give you a stronger personal connection. Recruiters remember faces. Therefore, attend in person if you can, and use virtual events as a backup.
Conclusion
The ClearanceJobs Chantilly career fair on December 9, 2026 offers a rare chance to meet cleared employers face to face. The event runs about three hours, and the main listing shows a 1:00 pm to 4:00 pm EDT schedule. You need an active security clearance to attend, so confirm your status first.
To succeed, register early, update your resume, and research the employers. Next, practice your pitch and pack your documents. On the day, dress well, arrive early, and talk to your top targets first. Afterward, send thank-you notes within 24 hours and apply online for the roles you discussed.
Finally, keep checking the official page. The venue and the employer list are still developing. With smart preparation, you can turn one afternoon into your next big career move.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. When is the ClearanceJobs Chantilly in-person career fair in 2026?
It takes place on Wednesday, December 9, 2026. The main listing shows a time of 1:00 pm to 4:00 pm EDT.
2. Where will the event take place?
The event takes place in Chantilly, Virginia. The organizer had not announced the exact venue at the time of writing. Check the official event page for updates.
3. Do I need a security clearance to attend?
Yes. ClearanceJobs says attendees must hold an active or current federal security clearance.
4. How do I register?
Visit the official ClearanceJobs career events page, open the Chantilly listing, log in or create an account, and complete the registration form. Then print your pre-registration slip.
5. Is the career fair free for job seekers?
The sources we reviewed do not list a candidate fee. Similar events cost nothing in the past. Please confirm on the registration page.
6. Which companies will attend?
Amentum appears on the employer listing, and KBR has posted an event page for Chantilly. More employers may join, so check the official page for the latest list.
7. What should I bring?
Bring your printed registration slip, several copies of your resume, business cards, a pen, a notebook, and a photo ID.
8. What should I wear?
Wear business attire. A suit or a neat blazer is a safe choice. Comfortable shoes also help.
9. What types of jobs will be available?
Expect roles in cybersecurity, IT, engineering, intelligence analysis, program management, and security operations. The exact mix depends on the employers who attend.
10. Can I attend a virtual event instead?
Yes. ClearanceJobs lists a virtual career fair on December 15, 2026, from 1:00 pm to 4:00 pm EDT. Check the official site to register.
