Few hiring obstacles are as stubborn as the security clearance. Many jobs at defense contractors require one, and the process can take months or even years. For HX5 and its CEO, Margarita Howard, that delay shapes nearly every recruiting decision.

The wait puts defense firms at a disadvantage. Commercial technology companies can bring new hires on board immediately, and they often pay more. Both industries chase the same limited supply of engineers and scientists.

A Patience Gap

Generation Z feels that gap acutely. According to reporting in Home Business Magazine, many younger professionals grew up expecting fast technology and instant feedback. Government contracting moves deliberately, with regulatory requirements that cannot be rushed.

Howard acknowledges the difficulty, especially for highly specialized roles. Those positions demand technical skill, clearance eligibility, and specific expertise all at once, which makes qualified candidates rare.

HX5 operates at 90 government locations in 34 states with a staff of more than 1,000. The Florida-based firm supplies STEM support services to NASA and the Department of Defense.

Working Within the Rules

Howard cannot shorten the clearance process, so she focuses on what she can control. Flexibility is one lever. “Where it makes sense, we have implemented flexible work models, like hybrid work models, allowing some flexibility while maintaining very strict security standards in our environment,” she said.

Communication is another HX5 has adopted instant messaging, interactive project management, and updated workspace tools to suit younger staff.

Her hiring preference also helps Howard favors applicants with prior NASA or Defense Department experience, since that background differs sharply from commercial work. Candidates with that history already understand how federal programs operate.

The stakes are rising. ManpowerGroup’s 2024 research found that 71% of U.S. employers struggle to find skilled talent. For Margarita Howard, the clearance process is a fixed reality, and HX5’s job is to make the wait worth it. Read this article for related information.

Find more information about information about Howard on https://www.f6s.com/member/margarita-howard