Karen A.

About Karen A.

I’m a results-driven recruiter with deep experience in both federal and private sector…

Experience

1. Technical Recruiter Cleared Space & Defense Programs

   CACI International Inc

   Aug 2022 — Present

   As part of CACI’s recruiting team, I support national security and aerospace programs that require cleared, high-impact technical talent. I focus on hiring engineers, developers, and analysts for some of the most sensitive and mission-driven work in the U.S. space domain—including programs under Space Command, NRO, and NASA.Programs supported include: • Space Domain Awareness (SDA): real-time object tracking and space threat detection • CrossBeam® & Optical Comms: secure free-space laser communications for DoD and NASA missions • Resilient PNT & Navigation Warfare: systems operating in GPS-denied environments • NASA Human Spaceflight: robotics, software, and mission support for Johnson Space CenterRoles hired: • RF & Systems Engineers • Optical/Photonics Engineers • Software Developers (C++, Python, MATLAB) • FPGA, Embedded & GNC Specialists • Cybersecurity & Cloud Infrastructure Engineers • Simulation & Robotics Engineers for astronaut trainingHighlights: • Hired 75+ TS/SCI-cleared professionals with high close rates across highly competitive roles • Maintained a 90% offer acceptance rate for cleared technical hires • Reduced time-to-fill for key roles to 32 days • Partnered with program managers, FSOs, and security to ensure compliance across all phases • Sourced through ClearanceJobs, LinkedIn Recruiter, referrals, GitHub, and IC networks • Built talent pipelines from defense, aerospace, and academic research communitiesThis work has given me a deep appreciation for the people behind the mission—engineers, analysts, and developers who move the needle on national security and space innovation every day.