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Counterintelligence Jobs in Austin, TX (NOW HIRING)

Threat Intelligence or Counterintelligence Analyst * Cyber Threat Hunt Analyst * Malware Reverse Engineer * Clearance: Current government security clearance or ability to obtain a security clearance ...

Threat Intelligence or Counterintelligence Analyst * Cyber Threat Hunting Analyst * Malware Reverse Engineer * Operational Technology Specialist, particularly in securing industrial control systems ...

Counterintelligence information

See Austin, TX salary details

$20.8K

$86.1K

$154.1K

How much do counterintelligence jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 29, 2026, the average yearly pay for counterintelligence in Austin, TX is $86,143.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $56,000.00 and $111,000.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

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 the qualifications to get a 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 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 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 are popular job titles related to Counterintelligence jobs in Austin, TX?

For Counterintelligence jobs in Austin, TX, the most frequently searched job titles are:

What job categories do people searching Counterintelligence jobs in Austin, TX look for?

The top searched job categories for Counterintelligence jobs in Austin, TX are:

What cities near Austin, TX are hiring for Counterintelligence jobs?

Cities near Austin, TX with the most Counterintelligence job openings:

Infographic showing various Counterintelligence job openings in Austin, TX as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 100% Full Time. Highlights an 100% In-person job distribution, with an average salary of $86,143 per year, or $41.4 per hour.

Security Spec Lead

Austin, TX

$116K - $151K/yr

Full-time

Posted 4 days ago


Job description

Job Posting End Date

09-05-2026

Please note the job posting will close on the day before the posting end date.

Job Summary

We are seeking a highly motivated Detection Engineer to join our Cybersecurity Intelligence and Defense team. The Detection Engineer will be responsible for designing, developing, tuning, and maintaining threat detection capabilities across enterprise environments. This role works closely with Threat Intelligence Analysts, Threat Hunters, Incident Responders, and Security Operations Center (SOC) personnel to identify emerging threats and improve the organization's ability to detect malicious activity.

Job Description

The ideal candidate possesses a strong understanding of adversary tactics, techniques, and procedures (TTPs), security monitoring technologies, and data analysis. This individual will play a critical role in advancing detection coverage, reducing false positives, and improving overall cyber resilience.

What you'll do:

Essential Job Functions & Tasks

  • Design, develop, test, and deploy security detections across SIEM, EDR, NDR, cloud, and other security platforms.

  • Translate threat intelligence and threat hunting findings into actionable detection content.

  • Create and maintain detection rules, correlation searches, behavioral analytics, and alerting mechanisms.

  • Tune existing detections to improve fidelity and reduce alert fatigue.

  • Map detections to the MITRE ATT&CK framework and identify coverage gaps.

  • Collaborate with Threat Hunting and Incident Response teams to improve detection effectiveness.

  • Develop use cases and detection strategies for emerging threats and adversary behaviors.

  • Analyze security telemetry from endpoints, networks, cloud environments, and identity providers.

  • Measure and report on detection performance, effectiveness, and coverage.

  • Support purple team exercises, tabletop exercises, and adversary emulation activities.

  • Maintain documentation, detection standards, and engineering processes.

  • Automate detection engineering workflows where appropriate.

Nice to have:

Licenses and Certifications:CSFA, GCCC, GCDA, GCED, GCFA, GCFE, GCIA, GCIH, GCIP, GCTI, GDAT, GICSP, GMON, GOSI, GREM, GRID, GSOM, GXPN, OSCP, OSEE, Treadstone Certified Threat Intelligence Analyst/Certified Threat Counterintelligence Analyst, CERT Incident Response Process Professional, CREST Certified Host Intrusion Analyst, CREST Certified Incident manager, CREST Certified malware Reverse Engineer, CREST Certified Network Intrusion Analyst, CREST Certified Threat Intelligence Manager
Experience:Demonstrable experience in one or more of the following disciplines:

  • Detection Engineer

  • Incident Response Analyst

  • CIRC/SOC Lead

  • Threat Intelligence or Counterintelligence Analyst

  • Cyber Threat Hunt Analyst

  • Malware Reverse Engineer

  • Clearance: Current government security clearance or ability to obtain a security clearance at a minimum of the Secret level.

What We're Looking For:

Education requirements are listed below:

  • Bachelor's degree OR Associates degree with 2 years relevant experience in system administration/help desk/security (cyber or physical) or NERC CIP compliance; OR High School Diploma/GED with 4 years relevant experience in IT system administration/help desk/security (cyber or physical); OR graduation from an approved Cyber Security Program; alternatively,may have non-degree qualifications (such as hands-on demonstrated ability in a technical interview/assessment).

Work Experience requirement listed below:

  • 7 or more years of Information Technology related experience; OR 5 or more years of security related experience, which may include military/government work experience in addition to any experience identified above; OR NERC-CIP compliance in addition to any experience identified above.

At AEP, we're more than just an energy company - we're a team of dedicated professionals committed to delivering safe, reliable, and innovative energy solutions. Guided by our mission to put the customer first, we strive to exceed expectations by listening, responding, and continuously improving the way we serve our communities. If you're passionate about making a meaningful impact and being part of a forward-thinking organization, this is the company for you!

Compensation Data

Compensation Grade:

SP20-009

Compensation Range:

$116,255.00 - $151,132.50

The Physical Demand Level for this job is: S - Sedentary Work: Exerting up to 10 pounds of force occasionally (Occasionally: activity or condition exists up to 1/3 of the time) and/or a negligible amount of force frequently. (Frequently: activity or condition exists from 1/3 to 2/3 of the time) to lift, carry, push, pull or otherwise move objects, including the human body. Sedentary work involves sitting most of the time but may involve walking or standing for brief periods of time. Jobs are sedentary if walking and standing are required only occasionally, and all other sedentary criteria are met.

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It is hereby reaffirmed that it is the policy of American Electric Power (AEP) to provide Equal Employment Opportunity in all respects of the employer-employee relationship including recruiting, hiring, upgrading and promotion, conditions and privileges of employment, company sponsored training programs, educational assistance, social and recreational programs, compensation, benefits, transfers, discipline, layoffs and termination of employment to all employees and applicants without discrimination because of race, color, religion, sex (including pregnancy, gender identity, and sexual orientation), national origin, age, veteran or military status, disability, genetic information, or any other basis prohibited by applicable law. When required by law, we might record certain information or applicants for employment may be invited to voluntarily disclose protected characteristics.