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Counterintelligence Jobs in Illinois (NOW HIRING)

Filing Analyst - P&C

Chicago, IL · On-site

$60K - $85K/yr

This posting is for an existing vacancy. This is your opportunity to join AXIS Capital - a trusted global provider of specialty lines insurance and reinsurance. We stand apart for our outstanding ...

IL · On-site

Willingness to submit to a Counterintelligence polygraph Employee Benefits: * Competitive salary for well qualified applicants * 401(k) plan * Annual performance bonus * Certification and advanced ...

Deliver security awareness, insider threat, foreign travel, and counterintelligence training. * Maintain accurate training and compliance documentation. Physical Security & Secure Areas * Oversee ...

Security Manager

Itasca, IL · On-site

$50K - $65K/yr

Deliver security awareness, insider threat, foreign travel, and counterintelligence training. * Maintain accurate training and compliance documentation. Physical Security & Secure Areas * Oversee ...

Deliver security awareness, insider threat, foreign travel, and counterintelligence training. * Maintain accurate training and compliance documentation. Physical Security & Secure Areas * Oversee ...

Security Manager

Itasca, IL · On-site

$50K - $65K/yr

Deliver security awareness, insider threat, foreign travel, and counterintelligence training. * Maintain accurate training and compliance documentation. Physical Security & Secure Areas * Oversee ...

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Showing results 1-20

Counterintelligence information

See Illinois salary details

$20.4K

$84.2K

$150.7K

How much do counterintelligence jobs pay per year?

As of Jul 31, 2026, the average yearly pay for counterintelligence in Illinois is $84,215.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $54,700.00 and $108,500.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

Is 40 too old to join CIA?

Counterintelligence roles at the CIA do not have a strict maximum age limit, and candidates of diverse ages can qualify if they meet the necessary skills, background checks, and security clearance requirements. Age may be considered during the hiring process, but experience, education, and suitability are more important factors.

What are some common challenges faced by professionals in counterintelligence roles, and how can candidates prepare for them?

Counterintelligence professionals often encounter challenges such as rapidly evolving security threats, the need to analyze large volumes of sensitive information, and maintaining confidentiality under pressure. Adapting to new technologies and staying current with global security trends are also critical. Candidates can prepare by developing strong analytical skills, practicing discretion, and seeking training in cybersecurity and investigative techniques to stay ahead of potential adversaries.

What is the difference between Counterintelligence vs Intelligence Analyst?

AspectCounterintelligenceIntelligence Analyst
Required CredentialsSecurity clearances, specialized training in espionage and threat detectionSecurity clearances, analytical skills, often degrees in political science or related fields
Work EnvironmentGovernment agencies, intelligence community, field operationsOffice settings, data analysis, report writing
Employer & IndustryIntelligence agencies, defense, national securityGovernment agencies, military, private sector intelligence firms
Common Search & ComparisonFocuses on detecting and preventing espionage and threatsFocuses on analyzing intelligence data to inform decisions

While both roles are vital to national security, Counterintelligence primarily involves identifying and thwarting espionage threats, whereas Intelligence Analysts interpret data to support strategic decisions. They often work together but have distinct focuses within the intelligence community.

How much does counterintelligence pay?

Counterintelligence specialists typically earn between $60,000 and $120,000 annually, depending on experience, location, and security clearance level. Higher salaries are common for those with specialized skills, advanced certifications, or in senior roles within government agencies or private firms.

What is the job of counterintelligence?

Counterintelligence professionals work to detect, prevent, and neutralize espionage, sabotage, and other intelligence threats against their organization or country. They analyze security risks, conduct investigations, and implement security measures, often requiring knowledge of intelligence operations, security protocols, and relevant certifications. The role is critical in protecting national security and sensitive information.

What are the career paths in counterintelligence?

Career paths in counterintelligence typically include roles such as analyst, operations officer, and technical specialist within government agencies like the FBI, CIA, or NSA. Advancement often involves gaining specialized skills, security clearances, and experience in intelligence analysis, covert operations, or cybersecurity, leading to senior or managerial positions.

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

To thrive as a Counterintelligence Officer, you need a strong background in security protocols, threat analysis, and investigative techniques, typically supported by a relevant degree and security clearance. Familiarity with intelligence-gathering tools, surveillance technologies, and secure communication systems is essential. Exceptional analytical thinking, discretion, and interpersonal skills help build trust and effectively identify threats. These competencies are crucial for protecting sensitive information and ensuring national security.

What Are the Qualifications to Get Counterintelligence Job?

The primary qualifications for a counterintelligence job are a bachelor's degree and several years of experience. Some employers accept additional education in place of work experience, with a master's or doctorate in a relevant field being preferable. Also, most counterintelligence jobs require a top secret/sensitive compartmentalized information (TS/SCI) security clearance. Getting this security clearance requires employer sponsorship, an exhaustive background investigation, and several interviews. It can take more than a year to get this clearance, so some employers ask you to do other work while you wait. Fulfilling the duties and responsibilities of a counterintelligence job requires experience processing large amounts of data, attention to detail, and excellent analytical skills.

What is counterintelligence?

Counterintelligence refers to activities and strategies used by governments and organizations to detect, prevent, and neutralize espionage, sabotage, or other intelligence threats from foreign entities or hostile actors. Professionals working in counterintelligence focus on protecting sensitive information, identifying insider threats, and ensuring national security. Their work often involves surveillance, analysis, and collaboration with other security and intelligence agencies. Counterintelligence is crucial for maintaining the confidentiality and integrity of a nation's operations and interests.
What are popular job titles related to Counterintelligence jobs in Illinois? For Counterintelligence jobs in Illinois, the most frequently searched job titles are:
What job categories do people searching Counterintelligence jobs in Illinois look for? The top searched job categories for Counterintelligence jobs in Illinois are:
Infographic showing various Counterintelligence job openings in Illinois as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 89% Full Time, 5% Part Time, 1% Temporary, and 5% Contract. Highlights an 96% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 3% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $84,215 per year, or $40.5 per hour.

Investigations Specialist

Federal Aviation Administration

Des Plaines, IL • On-site

$64K - $119K/yr

Full-time

PTO

Posted 7 days ago


Federal Aviation Administration rating

8.0

Company rating: 8.0 out of 10

Based on 153 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

67th of 288 rated public sector bodies


Job description

Summary
This position is located within the Office of Security and Hazardous Materials Safety (ASH) and may be assigned to a geographical location under the purview of the Office of Investigations. The mission of ASH is to ensure aviation safety, support national security, and promote an efficient airspace system through the development and administration of policies and programs.
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Duties
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The incumbent serves as an Investigations Specialist in the Internal Investigations Division performing a mixture of routine, multiple, and varying assignments under the limited direction of a manager or more experienced specialist. Established policies/procedures provide guidance for most assignments but allow for some discretion to select the most appropriate approach. Incumbent applies their experience and detailed technical knowledge of investigative procedures, concepts, principles, and practices to conduct employee misconduct investigations in support of AXI. Typical duties include but are not limited to:
Conduct administrative investigations involving allegations of employee misconduct and violations of FAA and other federal policies and directives. Common allegations investigated include time and attendance misconduct or falsification, computer misuse, hostile work environment, sexual harassment, ethical allegations, security clearance investigations, and various employee arrests. Investigative duties may also include supporting cyber investigations, counterintelligence investigations, and insider threat matters.
The incumbent plans and scopes investigative complaints and requests, conducts interviews of complainants, witnesses, and subjects, to include union-represented Bargaining Unit employees; analyzes sources of information and evidence to prepare Reports of Investigation documenting investigative results and findings. Administers oaths or affirmations and takes signed sworn statements. Receives evidence and security material documents or property. As required, appears before grand juries or participates in other judicial and administrative proceedings. Typically receives guidance on selecting the most appropriate technique from the manager or more experienced technical specialist.
Duties and Responsibilities for the FV-I, to also include duties above:
Conduct administrative investigations involving allegations of employee misconduct and violations of FAA and other federal policies and directives. Common allegations investigated include time and attendance misconduct or falsification, computer misuse, hostile work environment, sexual harassment, ethical allegations, security clearance investigations, and various employee arrests. Investigative duties may also include supporting cyber investigations, counterintelligence investigations, and insider threat matters.
The incumbent plans and scopes investigative complaints and requests, conducts interviews of complainants, witnesses, and subjects, to include union-represented Bargaining Unit employees; analyzes sources of information and evidence to prepare Reports of Investigation documenting investigative results and findings. Administers oaths or affirmations and takes signed sworn statements. Receives evidence and security material documents or property. As required, appears before grand juries or participates in other judicial and administrative proceedings. Applies extensive analysis and makes independent decisions and recommendations regarding sensitive investigative matters.
Established policies/procedures will provide guidance for most assignments, but some allow considerable discretion to select the most appropriate approach or recommend new approaches. Assignments typically require solutions that are to be derived by interpreting and extrapolating from situations that were faced in the past. Provides recommendations to improve work processes. Provides guidance to lower-level technical staff on how to solve difficult technical issues. Resolves all but unique technical problems without the intervention of management or a more experienced technical specialist. Identifies and informs management of problems that require their input and/ or attention. Often develops and recommends techniques to address problem situations.
Requirements
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Conditions of employment
  • US Citizenship is required.
  • Selective Service Registration is required for males born after 12/31/1959.
  • Must submit an SF50 (See Required Documents).
  • Designated or Random Drug Testing required.

Qualifications
To view the complete OPM qualification standard for the Group Coverage Qualification Standard for General Inspection, Investigation, Enforcement, and Compliance Series, 1801, please refer to:
https://www.opm.gov/policy-data-oversight/classification-qualifications/general-schedule-qualification-standards/1800/general-inspection-investigation-enforcement-and-compliance-series-1801/
To qualify for this position at the H-band: you must demonstrate in your application that you possess at least one year of specialized experience equivalent to FV-G / FG/GS-5/7/9. Specialized experience is experience that has equipped you with the particular knowledge, skills, and abilities to perform successfully the duties of the position.
Specialized experience includes: Experience conducting diverse administrative investigations, investigations of a sensitive nature, and completing written investigative reports.
OR
3 years of progressively higher level graduate education leading to a Ph.D. degree or Ph.D. or equivalent doctoral degree directly related.
To qualify for this position at the I-band: you must demonstrate in your application that you possess at least one year of specialized experience equivalent to FV-H / FG/GS-10/11/12. Specialized experience is experience that has equipped you with the particular knowledge, skills, and abilities to perform successfully the duties of the position.
Specialized experience includes: Experience conducting complex and diverse civil, administrative and/or regulatory investigations, investigations of a sensitive nature, and independently completing written investigative reports.
Applicants should include examples of specialized experience in their work history.
Qualifications must be met by the closing date of this vacancy announcement.
Eligible applicants meeting the minimum qualification requirements and selective factor(s), if applicable, may be further evaluated on the Knowledge, Skills and Abilities (KSA) listed in the announcement. Based on this evaluation, applicants will be placed in one of the following categories: score order, category grouping, or alphabetical order and referred to the selecting official for consideration.
All, some, or none may be interviewed.
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Make sure your resume includes detailed information to support your qualifications and answers to the job questionnaire.
Additional information
We may use this vacancy to fill other similar vacant positions.
Position may be subject to a background investigation.
A one-year probationary period may be required.
The person selected for this position may be required to file a financial disclosure statement within 30 days of entry on duty. FAA policy limits certain outside employment and financial investments in aviation-related companies. www.faa.gov/jobs/workinghere/financial-disclosure-requirements
Leave Enhancement: FAA organizations may offer enhanced annual leave accrual to newly appointed or reappointed employees. In order to receive consideration for such a benefit, applicants' prior non-Federal service or active duty uniformed service must directly relate to the duties of the position to which appointed. Granting enhanced annual leave is at the sole discretion of the hiring organization, and granting such benefit is not an entitlement nor guaranteed to any newly hired employee.
This position is covered by the Department of Transportation's Drug and Alcohol Testing Program. Any applicant tentatively selected for this position will be subject to pre-employment or pre-appointment drug screening. Persons occupying a "testing designated position (TDP)" will be subject to random drug and/or alcohol testing.
As a part of the Federal-Wide Hiring Reform Initiative (streamlining the hiring process), the FAA is committed to eliminating the use of the Knowledge, Skills and Ability (KSA) narratives from the initial application in the hiring process for all announcements. Therefore, as an applicant for this announcement, you are NOT required to provide a narrative response in the text box listed below each KSA.
In lieu of providing a KSA narrative response in the text box listed below each Knowledge, Skills and Abilities (KSA), in your work history, please include information that provides specific examples of how you meet the response level or answer you chose for each KSA. Your work history examples should be specific and clearly reflect the highest level of ability. Your KSA answers will be evaluated further to validate whether the level that you selected is appropriate based on the work history and experience you provided. Your answers may be adjusted by a Human Resource Specialist as appropriate.
Current/Former Federal employees must submit an SF-50.
Selection may be at the H-band or I-band.
This is not a bargaining unit position.
Links to Important Information: Locality Pay, COLA
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Candidates should be committed to improving the efficiency of the Federal government, passionate about the ideals of our American republic, and committed to upholding the rule of law and the United States Constitution.
Benefits
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A career with the U.S. government provides employees with a comprehensive benefits package. As a federal employee, you and your family will have access to a range of benefits that are designed to make your federal career very rewarding. Opens in a new windowLearn more about federal benefits.
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Eligibility for benefits depends on the type of position you hold and whether your position is full-time, part-time or intermittent. Contact the hiring agency for more information on the specific benefits offered.

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