To get a job at Area 51, apply through U.S. government contractors like EG&G, JT3, or defense agencies. You must be a U.S. citizen, hold or qualify for a high-level security clearance, and have experience in fields like engineering, aerospace, or the military. Every applicant must pass a background check and meet strict standards for secrecy, loyalty, and discretion.
What Is Area 51 and Who Works There?
Area 51 is a highly classified Air Force base located in southern Nevada, near Groom Lake. Officially part of the Nevada Test and Training Range, it’s operated by the U.S. Air Force and used for military projects, aircraft development, and weapons testing.
Most people working there are military personnel, engineers, scientists, and technicians—many with experience in aeronautical engineering or defense. Some are hand selected from elite programs or long-standing military careers. Contractors from major companies are also commonly employed at the facility, especially for specialized roles in technology and support services.
Despite conspiracy theories involving aliens or UFO sightings, the base’s real purpose centers on building and testing new aircraft, often decades ahead of public knowledge.
Can Civilians Work at Area 51?
Yes, civilians can work at Area 51—if they meet specific conditions. First and foremost, you must be a U.S. citizen. Second, you’ll need to qualify for a security clearance, which includes a full background check and a clean record.
Civilian roles range from engineering to logistics, cybersecurity, technical support, and intelligence. Many of these positions are filled through private defense companies contracted by the government, such as Lockheed Martin or Northrop Grumman.
The location is remote, so some employees are stationed nearby or commute via JANET Airlines, a private airline that operates out of Las Vegas’ McCarran International Airport to Homey Airport, the on-site landing strip at the base.
What Qualifications Do You Need?
Getting hired at Area 51 isn’t just about who you know—it’s about what you can do. Most applicants have advanced education in fields like aeronautical engineering, computer science, or physics. A degree in these areas is usually the minimum. In some cases, equivalent training and field experience in the military can count.
Requirements include:
- A clean record and U.S. citizenship
- A high-level security clearance (Top Secret or SCI)
- Practical knowledge of military systems, aircraft, or stealth technology
- The ability to work in isolated, remote locations
- A proven track record in engineering, analysis, or technical services
Candidates are also evaluated for how well they can operate under pressure and keep classified information completely confidential.
How to Apply for a Job at Area 51
There is no official “Area 51 job board,” but the jobs exist. Your best bet is to search for openings through:
- Government portals like USAJOBS.gov
- Defense contractor sites like Boeing, Raytheon, and Lockheed Martin
- Clearance-specific job boards like ClearanceJobs.com
When you apply:
- Focus your resume on relevant projects and training
- Highlight your security clearance level
- Tailor your cover letter to match the specific services required
- Show examples where you’ve handled classified information
Some applicants are hired directly by federal agencies like the CIA or Air Force, while others work through companies that are assigned long-term contracts. The competition is intense. Only a few candidates are assigned to work at the base, and even fewer know the full scope of the facility’s operations.
What Kinds of Jobs Exist at Area 51?
While you won’t see a listing labeled “Area 51 Engineer,” many roles lead there indirectly. Here are examples of jobs connected to the base:
- Test pilots evaluating experimental aircraft
- Engineers specializing in stealth systems and materials
- Logistics coordinators managing supplies and ground operations
- Intelligence analysts working on classified reconnaissance projects
Support roles also exist: technicians, facilities managers, and even food service workers are needed, but everyone, regardless of job, must qualify for and maintain their security clearance.
Employees are often stationed in remote housing, flown in via JANET Airlines, or transported by secure means from Las Vegas, which is about 83 miles away.
What’s the Clearance Process Like?
Getting a security clearance for Area 51 isn’t easy. It includes a thorough background check that examines your finances, travel history, family, and personal habits. Investigators speak to people from your past—teachers, coworkers, even ex-roommates.
To be cleared:
- You must be a U.S. citizen with no foreign allegiances
- You must not have criminal history or suspicious financial dealings
- You may be asked to take a polygraph test
- You’ll be required to sign a lifelong NDA
Once cleared, you’re briefed, assigned, and given access on a need-to-know basis. Clearances are re-evaluated regularly and can be revoked at any point.
What’s Life Like Working at Area 51?
Working at Area 51 isn’t glamorous—it’s grueling, secretive, and intensely controlled. The work is meaningful but isolating. You’ll be stationed in a remote desert facility, far from the public eye. You won’t be able to talk about your job, not even to your family.
On-site rules include:
- No personal electronics
- No cameras
- Strict transport schedules, usually via JANET Airlines
- Complete separation between projects and teams
Some call it a “once-in-a-lifetime opportunity.” Others call it a joke about never being able to say where they work. But everyone agrees—it takes dedication, patience, and a willingness to give up a public-facing career for something bigger.
Table: Summary of Area 51 Job Requirements
| Aspect | Details |
|---|
| Eligibility | Must be a U.S. citizen; non-citizens are not eligible |
| Education | Advanced degrees in engineering, physics, computer science, or math are preferred |
| Experience | Military, defense, or intelligence career history is helpful; internships with contractors are a plus |
| Security Clearance | Top Secret or SCI required; includes full background check, polygraph, and loyalty screening |
| Application | Apply through government or contractor channels; submit a resume showing relevant training, clearance, and project work |
| Networking | Knowing people in defense or with current clearances can improve access |
| Location | Living near Las Vegas may help, since transport to Homey Airport usually starts there |
| Unique Challenges | You’ll need patience, discretion, and top-tier skills. Most jobs are never publicly posted. Persistence matters. |
Questions We Get Asked Most About Getting a Job at Area 51
Can you apply directly to Area 51, or must you go through another agency?
No. All jobs are routed through military branches, government departments, or private companies with active contracts at the base.
What kind of background check is performed for Area 51 jobs?
The check includes everything—credit, travel, interviews with friends, family, and coworkers. A single red flag can block your clearance.
Are there non-technical roles at Area 51?
Yes. While most workers are engineers or tech specialists, some positions include logistics, food services, janitorial work, and administration. All still require a clearance.
Does living near Area 51 help?
It can. Living near Las Vegas or the Nevada Test Range makes transportation easier and increases availability for roles that may require last-minute assignments.
What’s the difference between military and contractor employees?
Military personnel are assigned directly through their branch. Contractors are hired for specialized services, often with different benefits or pay scales.
What happens if you talk about your work?
You can’t. Employees are legally bound to secrecy—even after leaving. Discussing classified information can result in arrest, fines, or prosecution under federal law.
