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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 Jul 5, 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 95% Full Time, 3% Part Time, and 2% Contract. Highlights an 91% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 8% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $33,042 per year, or $15.9 per hour.
Facility Security Officer

Facility Security Officer

RAND Corporation

Santa Monica, CA • On-site

Full-time

Medical, Life, PTO

Posted 14 days ago


Job description

Job Type:
Regular
Overview
Under the direction of the Manager, Division Security and Corporate Facility Security Officer, this position entails a comprehensive range of security responsibilities.
This role is required under the National Industrial Security Program as identified in the 32 CFR Part 117.7 (b) (3) (NISPOM Rule). The role involves implementing security policies and procedures related to government classified information, personnel security, physical security, operational security, and facility safety. The ideal candidate must possess an in-depth working knowledge of the NISPOM Rule, DoDM 5200.01 Volumes 1-4 and other pertinent government regulations. This position requires the ability to make independent decisions and effectively interface with senior leadership at RAND, as well as government officials.
The candidate must demonstrate the capability to perform job functions autonomously with minimal oversight, ensuring the highest standards of security and compliance are maintained.
The FSO acts as the Site Security Manager with the responsibility to oversee and implement security protocols at their specific location, bring security resources from all security departments together to maintain security compliance and safety for the employee population.
Duties and Responsibilities
  • Responsible for managing programs and procedures for handling classified and/or proprietary materials, documents, Education and Awareness and equipment, update and maintain Foreign Ownership, Control and Influence filing on the SF 328 FOCI Company disclosure Statement, manage the DD Form 254 Contract Security requirements lifecycle, to include reviewing, drafting the form and requesting approvals from government COR's and Prime contracts.
  • Provide Sub Contractors with the accurate DD for 254's for all classified sub-contracts Expert knowledge or awareness and adherence to government policies or regulations governing security suitability and eligibility, such as Federal Investigative Standards (FIS), Executive Orders (E.O.) 12968, 13526, and 10450, 32CFR Part 117 NISPOM Rule, Intelligence Community Directive (ICD), Security Executive Agent Directives (SEADs), the ICD704 and or other guidelines to make the appropriate adjudication recommendations.
  • Maintain accurate listing of Key management personnel and clearances for the Board of Trustees.
  • Responsible for leading and interacting with DCSA industrial security representatives and Department of Defense sponsors on annual assessments, inspections, reviews, investigations, open storage request and other reportable issues to ensure compliance in accordance with NISPOM Rule.
  • Maintain accuracy of the DD form 441 Security Agreement and the DD form 441-1 Appendage to Department of Defense Security Agreement.
  • Act as site security manager, responsible for the protection of the facility and the individuals and establishing relationships with local law enforcement partners (FBI, Homeland Security, local Police), provide Security training in accordance with the NISPOM Rule.
  • Work as part of the COMSEC team (classified and unclassified) to assure compliance in accordance with NSA COMSEC regulations.
  • Accountability, destruction and transfer of classified material.
  • Tracks trend data, draft incident reports, and produce incident reports and maintain monthly metrics reports
  • Coordinate with the ISSM (Information System Security Manager) to ensure all classified IT systems comply with DAAPM requirements.
  • Expert Knowledge of the Security clearance process. Assist with processing personnel security information via DISS and ensure that security personnel records are accurate and complete. Conduct clearance briefings.
  • Perform other team member duties and projects, as required.

Basic Qualifications
  • Must have working knowledge of National Background Investigation System (NBIS), Defense Information System for Security (DISS), National Information Security System (NISS), a variety of computer software applications in word processing, spreadsheets, database, presentation software (MS Word, Excel, Access, PowerPoint), and Outlook.
  • Very good written and oral communication skills, and strong organizational skills.
  • Expert Knowledge of the 32 CFR Part 117, International Traffic in Arms Regulation, SEAD 3 Directive, DoDM 5200.01 Volume 1-4, ICD 503, 704 and 705 and the 705 Tech Spec.
  • Must be a Certified Facility Security Officer by Defense Counterintelligence and Security Agency.
  • Must have completed training regarding Facility Security Officer for possessing facilities, Intro to Insider Threat, and Civil Liberties in insider threat cases.
  • Prefer an Industrial Security Professional (ISP) Certification.

Must have experience with the following:
  • COMSEC Custodian with expert knowledge of COMSEC and Keying regulations
  • Completing the SF 328 Foreign Ownership Control and Interest and knowledge of change requirements
  • Creating and managing the DD form 254's
  • Participating and implementing an Insider Threat Program
  • Documenting Standard Processes and Procedures
  • Use of SIMS database

Must have ability to:
  • Discreetly handle sensitive information.
  • Multi-task in a fast-paced environment.
  • To have a strong attention to detail.
  • Pass a background check.

Education
  • High School diploma or GED required.
  • BS/BA degree preferred.

Experience
  • With a Bachelor's degree, at least 8 years of experience in industrial security is required.
  • With a High School diploma of GED, at least 12 years of experience in industrial security is required.

Security Clearance
Must hold active clearance or must meet eligibility requirements for access to U.S. government classified information.
Location
This position will be in the RAND Santa Monica office requiring a presence of 5 days per week, Monday - Friday 8:00am - 5:00pm.
Positions Open
One
Salary Range:$102,800 - $156,500
RAND considers a variety of factors when formulating an offer, including but not limited to, the specific role and associated responsibilities; a candidate's work experience, education/training, skills, expertise; and internal equity. The salary range includes base pay plus RAND's sabbatic pay (which provides additional compensation above base pay when vacation is taken). In addition, RAND provides strong benefits including health insurance coverage, life and disability insurance, savings plan, paid time-off and more.
Equal Opportunity Employer