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Counterintelligence Agent Jobs in California (NOW HIRING)

Counterintelligence Agent information

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How much do counterintelligence agent jobs pay per hour?

As of Jun 10, 2026, the average hourly pay for counterintelligence agent in California is $15.89, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $14.23 and $17.07 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What are Counterintelligence Agents?

Counterintelligence Agents are professionals responsible for identifying, investigating, and preventing threats posed by foreign intelligence services or insider threats to national security. They work to detect espionage, sabotage, and other activities that could compromise sensitive information or operations. These agents conduct interviews, analyze intelligence data, monitor suspicious activities, and collaborate with other security agencies to safeguard classified information and protect national interests.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a Counterintelligence Agent, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Counterintelligence Agent, you need a background in criminal justice or security studies, strong analytical abilities, and often a security clearance. Familiarity with surveillance technologies, data analysis software, and intelligence-gathering systems is typically required, along with specialized counterintelligence training or certification. Exceptional interpersonal skills, critical thinking, and discretion are essential for building trust, assessing threats, and handling sensitive information. These skills and qualities are crucial for effectively identifying, preventing, and neutralizing threats to national security.

What is the difference between Counterintelligence Agent vs Security Specialist?

AspectCounterintelligence AgentSecurity Specialist
Required CredentialsClearance, background check, sometimes specialized trainingSecurity certifications, background check, training in security protocols
Work EnvironmentGovernment agencies, intelligence operations, fieldworkCorporate, government, or private security settings
Employer & IndustryIntelligence agencies, defense, national securityPrivate companies, government agencies, security firms
Common Search & ComparisonCounterintelligence Agent vs Security Specialist

While both roles focus on security, Counterintelligence Agents primarily work in intelligence and national security to detect and prevent espionage, often requiring security clearances. Security Specialists typically focus on protecting physical assets and personnel within various environments. The roles overlap in security protocols but differ in scope and operational context.

What are some common challenges faced by Counterintelligence Agents in their daily work?

Counterintelligence Agents often face the challenge of distinguishing between genuine threats and harmless activities, requiring strong analytical and decision-making skills. They must remain vigilant when handling sensitive information and collaborate closely with other security and intelligence professionals, often under time pressure and in high-stakes situations. Adapting quickly to evolving threats and maintaining strict confidentiality are essential for success in this dynamic and demanding role.
What are popular job titles related to Counterintelligence Agent jobs in California? For Counterintelligence Agent jobs in California, the most frequently searched job titles are:
What job categories do people searching Counterintelligence Agent jobs in California look for? The top searched job categories for Counterintelligence Agent jobs in California are:
Infographic showing various Counterintelligence Agent job openings in California as of June 2026, with employment types broken down into 17% Full Time, 50% Part Time, and 33% Contract. Highlights an 94% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 5% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $33,042 per year, or $15.9 per hour.
INTELLIGENCE RESEARCH SPECIALIST with Security Clearance

INTELLIGENCE RESEARCH SPECIALIST with Security Clearance

Department of the Air Force

El Segundo, CA

Other

Posted 4 days ago


Job description

Duties * Serves as a counterintelligence analyst on complex analysis and production activities. Information analyzed and produced generally requires the use of independent judgment and experience to develop new methods, approaches, and procedures. * Presents AFOSI capabilities to a variety of service, national, and coalition customers.

Provides PJ colleagues, DAF decisionmakers, and other customers intelligence information and analysis derived all available sources of intelligence to meet their information needs and maximize their effectiveness. Independently monitors and assesses intelligence activities and reporting mechanisms for information and products of value to assigned areas of responsibility. * Conducts complex analysis of multi-source intelligence.

Performs analysis and leads projects in support of AFOSI activities with rigorous analysis to evaluate and validate the significance of the information collected, extract and further disseminate relevant information from multiple sources, identify opportunities, provide guidance to agent and security specialists and coordinate actions within the intelligence and law enforcement communities. * Manages intelligence production, participates in the direction, coordination, review and evaluation of counterintelligence analysis activities within AFOSI, and coordinates those activities with DoD and national-level agencies. Manages intelligence production to satisfy customer requirements.

* Provides recommendations to functional authorities on counterintelligence issues for Agency leadership. Serves as an expert for an intelligence function, process, program, or system. Makes recommendations and defends to the Commander and AFOSI staff, decisions on operational policy matters; often required to make recommendations on committing AFOSI resources impacting future capabilities.

Requirements Conditions of employment * U.S. Citizenship Required * All new DCIPS employees are required to complete a two-year DCIPS trial period. * If authorized, PCS will be paid IAW JTR and AF Regulations.

If receiving an authorized PCS, you may be subject to completing/signing a CONUS agreement. More information on PCS requirements, may be found at: https://afciviliancareers.com/regulatory/ * This position is subject to provisions of the DoD Priority Placement Program * Must be registered for Selective Service, see Legal and Regulatory Guide * Employee may be required to work other than normal duty hours, to include evenings, weekends and/or holidays * Shift work and emergency overtime may be required * Employee must maintain current certifications * Disclosure of Political Appointments * Direct Deposit: All federal employees are required to have direct deposit * Advance in hire may be authorized if there is demonstrable proof provided on your resume * Recruitment Incentive may be authorized for this position * Relocation Incentive may be authorized for this position * Leave accrual may be authorized upon request * Depending on the type of position (competitive/excepted) you are selected for, you will be required to serve a 1-year probationary period OR 2-year trial period. * Upon completion of your probationary/trial period, your employment will be terminated unless you receive certification, in writing, that your continued employment advances the public interest.

* The selectee must undergo an internal background investigation by AFOSI and must be approved for duty by the Commander of AFOSI or the Commander's designated representative(s). * Incumbent is subject to psychological screening/polygraph testing as an inherent primary requirement of their position. * Mobility is a condition of employment.

The employee must sign an Air Force-wide mobility agreement. * Overtime may be required as workload demands and in some cases with no-notice due to urgency of time-sensitive matters. Periodic shift work may be required if assigned as a watch-standing analyst.

Qualifications This is a GG-13 position in the Defense Civilian Intelligence Personnel System (DCIPS). The GG-13 duties for the "Professional" work category are at the "Senior" work level and are equivalent to those at the GS-13 level. The selectee's salary will be set within the grade equivalent to a GS/GG grade based on the selectee's qualifications in relation to the job.

In order to qualify, you must meet the specialized experience requirements described in the Office of Personnel Management (OPM) Qualification Standards for General Schedule Positions, Administrative and Management Positions. EXPERIENCE REQUIRED: Your resume must reflect the quality level of experience which demonstrates the possession of the knowledge, skills, abilities, and competencies necessary for successful job performance required for this position. Examples of creditable experience include Extensive knowledge of technology protection mission areas (RDA, SCRM, DCI, CPI and CFIUS).

Extensive knowledge of the concepts governing the DoD counterintelligence mission and FIE/adversary collections, operations, investigations, and analysis. Extensive knowledge of a wide range of counterintelligence research and collection methods, techniques, and practices to use multi-source intelligence information systems to capture data in order to make recommendations in developing intelligence capabilities and threat assessments. Note: Creditable experience may include previous military experience, experience gained in the private sector, or experience gained in another government agency.

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS AND ABILITIES (KSAs): Your qualifications will be evaluated on the basis of your level of knowledge, skills, abilities and/or competencies in the following areas: 1. Knowledge of analytic tradecraft standards, sourcing requirements, information-sharing standards, and protection guidance. Knowledge of a wide range of intelligence research and collection methods, techniques, and practices to use multi-source intelligence information systems to capture data in order to make recommendations in developing intelligence capabilities and threat assessments.

To include advanced analytical principles, concepts, and methods to produce detail analyses of complex information/situations attained from multiple sources, to include database manipulation. 2. Knowledge of the interplay of geographical, political, military, economic, and industrial forces in various regions of the world, as well as FIE and other adversary capabilities against technology mission protection areas that may be directed against DAF, DoD, and other U.S.

resources. Knowledge of the national intelligence community, Joint, DoD structure, organizations, and mission/functions, inter-relationships and operations. 3.

Advanced skill in conducting unbiased, difficult research; identifying appropriate available systems/data sources; developing source directed requirements and completing collection evaluations; and producing collection requirements and assessments that answer specific tasks to link and leverage agency capabilities and to develop new methods, approaches, or procedures. 4. Advanced skill in communicating effectively with others, both orally and in writing, in working out solutions to problems or questions related to the work, writing clear and concise intelligence products, and delivering independent written and verbal presentations to senior level audiences for decision-making purposes.

5. Ability to maintain control of classified material, quickly assimilate disparate data, render knowledgeable and accurate assessments of the implication of such data, and make decisions, estimates, and recommendations under conditions of urgency and pressure based on mature judgment and experience and present and/or defend a position effectively. 6.

Ability in conducting unbiased semi-complex to complex research and analysis utilizing a managed attribution platform, tools, applications, and personas while keeping in compliance with mandatory sensitive activity guidance. CONDITIONS OF EMPLOYMENT CONTINUED: * Must be able to obtain and maintain a Top Secret, Sensitive Compartmented Information (SCI) Security Clearance. This position is designated Special Sensitive and requires eligibility for access to Sensitive Compartmented Information (SCI), other intelligence-related Special Sensitive information, or involvement in Top Secret Special Access Programs (SAP) to fully perform the duties and responsibilities of the position.

A non-disclosure agreement must be signed. * This position has been designated by the Air Force as a Testing Designated Position (TDP) under the Air Force Civilian Drug Demand Reduction Program. Employee must pass initial and periodic short notice drug testing.

Illegal drug use by employees in sensitive positions presents a clear threat to the mission of the Air Force, national security, and public safety. * Work may occasionally require travel away from the normal duty station on military or commercial aircraft/vehicle to conferences, meetings, or functions away from the duty office/location. Travel may include overnight stays.

PART-TIME OR UNPAID EXPERIENCE: Credit will be given for appropriate unpaid and or part-time work. You must clearly identify the duties and responsibilities in each position held and the total number of hours per week. VOLUNTEER WORK EXPERIENCE: Refers to paid and unpaid experience, including volunteer work done through National Service Programs (i.e., Peace Corps, AmeriCorps) and other organizations (e.g., professional; philanthropic; religious; spiritual; community; student and social).

Volunteer work helps build critical competencies, knowledge and skills that can provide valuable training and experience that translates directly to paid employment. You will receive credit for all qualifying experience, including volunteer experience. Education ADDITIONAL INFORMATION: This position is a Defense Civilian Intelligence Personnel Systems (DCIPS) position implemented under Section 504, T