Security Jobs/Companies

I see that most questions here have to do with a US citizen finding a job in the UK- and I am no different.  Anyone have any advise for someone specifcally looking to identify UK (or US w/UK offices) defense or security companies?  I have found a few on my own, but I know more are out there....

thanks

Hi Bobcat,

I work for a company that does defense work. I'm currently working on a military satellite communications project.   It's kind of difficult to get jobs in the sector especially if you're not a citizen.

When I saw my position advertised it never mentioned security clearance otherwise I would never have applied.  I received a response and was told I had to be security cleared.   Obviously as an American citizen, I did not have British security clearance.    By chance I responded to their email saying that had I realized I would never have applied in the first placed but as you can tell by this response I rambled even further telling them that my husband is in the Royal Navy, etc.  Amazingly enough I received a reponse from them requesting an interview.  They said that since my husband was in the Forces that I would prove to show some loyalty to the country, etc, etc.   To make a long story short, I was interviewed and offered the position.   I've been cleared on the British side but they are still waiting for a response from the US. Until they receive a response from them I have to have an escort in certain areas of our site and if I go up and check on the Ground Stations and then there are certain areas I cannot go in at all.   

My point is that it is possible to get work in this sector here but it's not easy.   As with every job if you specialize in something your chances are better.   Also if you're in the states and not even here yet and do not have any sort of visa then I would say your chances are very small at best.

I'm not sure if this was the sort of answer you were looking for.  If you want to know anything else let me know.

Maureen

You might want to set up an automatic search and alert at http://www.jobsearch.co.uk

Jim

thanks maureen- although your story drives home the point that it won't be easy, it also shows that its possible.  i do have specialist experience, but i am having a tough time even identifying companies in the UK that do the type of work i do here in the states...let alone trying to actually line-up an interview.  I will keep looking, but thanks for you advise and if you can think of anything else please pass it along.

Bobcat,

What is your skill? What is your immigration status?

I don't know maybe I can help in some way.

Maureen

It is too expensive for an individual to acquire, but maybe your company subscribes to Jane's World Defence Industry, http://jwdi.janes.com/

Jim

jim and maureen-
thank you both....Jim, I will see if my company does get jane's defence- there is a good change that they do.
Maureen- I am a security and vulnerablity analyst.  As far as immigration status goes, I have no work visa yet...my timeline is to come to the UK in early summer, so right now I am trying to ID compaines that may be able to sponsor me to come over...should several weeks go by with no luck, I will then begin to explore securing a work visa on my own (but that won't be easy).

Bobcat,

Look into Paradigm Services or Serco Aerospace and Defence.   Have you looked into any contractual work for companies protecting American interests overseas?   I'm sure you have but just throwing it out there. 

What makes you want to move to the UK?

Maureen

Maureen-
thanks again.  so far, i have been trying to ID US companies protecting american interests overseas- seems to be the most relevant work for me and the best way to get a work visa.  Identifying UK companies such as the 2 you provided is another tract I am pursuing- and I will definately look at these two.

I am coming to the UK because my girlfriend is beginning a grad program there