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Counterintelligence Jobs in Birmingham, AL (NOW HIRING)

Counterintelligence information

See Birmingham, AL salary details

$19.7K

$81.4K

$145.7K

How much do counterintelligence jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 15, 2026, the average yearly pay for counterintelligence in Birmingham, AL is $81,448.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $53,000.00 and $105,000.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

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.

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 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 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 Birmingham, AL?

For Counterintelligence jobs in Birmingham, AL, the most frequently searched job titles are:

What job categories do people searching Counterintelligence jobs in Birmingham, AL look for?

The top searched job categories for Counterintelligence jobs in Birmingham, AL are:

Infographic showing various Counterintelligence job openings in Birmingham, AL as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 88% Full Time, 9% Part Time, 1% Temporary, and 2% Contract. Highlights an 90% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 9% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $81,448 per year, or $39.2 per hour.

Information Systems Security Officer

Kratos Defense

Birmingham, AL

Full-time

Posted 18 days ago


Kratos Defense & Security Solutions rating

7.8

Company rating: 7.8 out of 10

Based on 10 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz


Job description

GENERAL JOB SUMMARY:

The Information Systems Security Officer is responsible for the day-to-day operations and support of classified information systems. This position will report to the Information Security Operations Manager/ISSM on all aspects of classified information system security operation. This position will augment the Information Security and Information Technology staff supporting unclassified corporate networks and systems.

ESSENTIAL JOB FUNCTIONS:

  • Serve as an Information Systems Security Officer (ISSO) for Kratos KSRE Inc Birmingham.
  • Implement the risk management framework for classified systems, typically following the Defense Counterintelligence Security Agency (DCSA), DAAG or JSIG process and supporting communications with cognizant security authorities.
  • Serve as the primary resource for classified systems.
  • Produce and maintain Body of Evidence (BoE) documentation to include risk assessments, System Security Plan (SSP's) and Plan of Action and Milestones (POA&M's).
  • Maintain the day-to-day security posture and continuous monitoring for all systems, including patching and updates.
  • Serve as a member of the Change Control Board (CCB).
  • Assist Information Security team in unclassified security operations, including continuous monitoring, incident response, and vulnerability management.
  • Assist Information Technology team in unclassified services functions.

Other Job Functions

  • Other duties as assigned.

SUPERVISORY RESPONSIBILITY: No supervisory responsibilities.


KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS AND ABILITIES REQUIRED:

  • Thorough understanding of US Government (specifically DoD) IS security policies.
  • Strong communication skills, strong critical thinking and problem-solving skills; self-motivated with ability to effectively prioritize multiple projects; ability to work with people in a team environment and deal effectively with changing project priorities.
  • Ability to manage time, make sound decisions, take independent action, analyze problems and provide focused solutions.
  • High degree of attention to detail.
  • Must have active in-scope TOP SECRET clearance and be able to obtain and maintain access to Sensitive Compartmented Information (SCI) and/or any necessary Special Access Programs (SAP).
  • DoDM 8140/DoD 8570 approved (Technician Level 2-3) certification required within 6 months of hire.

EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE:

  • U.S. Secret Clearance required. Associate degree (IT discipline preferred).
  • 5+ years of experience in Information Technology (IT) in a classified environment, or 3+ years of experience as an ISSM/ISSO in government/industrial security or an intelligence career field.
  • Knowledge of technical standards relating to information system security; experience administering Windows and Linux operating systems, experience with large-scale server systems, thin client architecture, system virtualization and other related peripherals.
  • Experience with Certification and Authorization requirements as outlined in the NISPOM, RMF for DoD IT, ICD 503, JSIG/JAFAN & NIST RMF.

WORK ENVIROMENT / PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS:

This position is required to work predominately in an office setting.

Physical Demands

  • Ability to perform work utilizing a computer for extended periods of time.
  • Ability to sit for extended periods of time without being able to leave the work area Ability to stand for extended periods of time without being able to leave the work area Ability to climb stairs in performing the work.
  • Ability to walk for reasonable distances in performing the work.


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