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Critical Infrastructure Protection Jobs (NOW HIRING)

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Critical Infrastructure Protection Duty Location(s): Sacramento, CA Starting Salary Range: $42.00 per hour (starting), not to exceed 2,000 hours (no benefits) Open Date: May 27, 2026 Close Date: June ...

... protection/ mission assurance assessments. * Prepare information papers and reports to inform Flag ... Participate in and support critical infrastructure related conferences including those hosted by ...

... protected by applicable federal, state, or local law. As a Critical Infrastructure Engineer, you will play a pivotal part in ensuring 100% uptime and reliability across our data center operations.

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Critical Infrastructure Protection information

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$15

$28

$52

How much do critical infrastructure protection jobs pay per hour?

As of Jun 14, 2026, the average hourly pay for critical infrastructure protection in the United States is $28.01, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $21.88 and $30.29 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is critical infrastructure protection?

Critical infrastructure protection (CIP) involves identifying, assessing, and securing the systems and assets that are essential to a country's security, economy, public health, and safety. This includes sectors like energy, water, transportation, communications, and emergency services. CIP professionals work to prevent, detect, respond to, and recover from threats such as cyberattacks, terrorism, natural disasters, and other hazards that could disrupt vital operations. Their efforts help ensure that these critical services remain available and resilient in the face of various risks.

What is the difference between Critical Infrastructure Protection vs Cybersecurity Specialist?

AspectCritical Infrastructure ProtectionCybersecurity Specialist
Required CertificationsFEMA certifications, CISSP, CISACISSP, CEH, Security+
Work EnvironmentGovernment agencies, utilities, transportationPrivate companies, IT firms, corporate networks
Employer & Industry UsagePublic sector, critical infrastructure sectorsTech industry, finance, healthcare
Common Search & ComparisonYesYes

Critical Infrastructure Protection focuses on safeguarding essential services like energy, water, and transportation, often within government or public sectors. Cybersecurity Specialists primarily protect digital assets and networks across various industries. While both roles require security certifications and involve protecting organizational assets, their work environments and focus areas differ significantly.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive in Critical Infrastructure Protection, and why are they important?

To thrive in Critical Infrastructure Protection, you need expertise in risk assessment, cybersecurity, physical security strategies, and often a background in engineering or information technology. Familiarity with tools like SCADA systems, NIST cybersecurity frameworks, and relevant certifications such as CISSP or CISM is typically required. Strong problem-solving, crisis management, and effective communication skills help professionals anticipate threats and collaborate with diverse stakeholders. These competencies are vital for safeguarding essential services against cyber and physical threats, minimizing vulnerabilities, and ensuring public safety.

What are some common challenges faced by professionals working in Critical Infrastructure Protection, and how can they be addressed?

Professionals in Critical Infrastructure Protection often face challenges such as evolving cybersecurity threats, compliance with complex regulations, and coordinating with multiple stakeholders across public and private sectors. To address these, staying updated on the latest threat intelligence, fostering strong communication channels, and participating in regular training and simulation exercises are essential. Collaboration with local, state, and federal agencies, as well as private industry partners, also plays a key role in developing effective response strategies.
More about Critical Infrastructure Protection jobs
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What states have the most Critical Infrastructure Protection jobs? States with the most job openings for Critical Infrastructure Protection jobs include:
Critical Infrastructure Protection Internships

Critical Infrastructure Protection Internships

Idaho National Laboratory

Idaho Falls, ID • On-site

$28K - $33K/yr

Internship

Posted 16 days ago


Idaho National Laboratory rating

8.8

Company rating: 8.8 out of 10

Based on 16 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

12th of 103 rated laboratories


Job description

Idaho National Laboratory University/College Internships-Critical Infrastructure
Typical Degree Programs Sought Include: (Physical and Cyber, Electrical Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, Computer Science for Network, Encryption, Signal Propagation, Vulnerabilities, Data Analysis, GIS, Geophysical Studies, Risk, Economics, Emergency Preparedness, Infrastructure Protection, and Systems Engineering)
Please note that if you are interested in other INL internship categories in addition to this one, you will need to complete the application for each of those categories as well. Most of the information you provide while completing the initial application carries over to your new applications. You will have to review your previously submitted information in each step, ensure it is complete and then click the submit button on the final step.
The Opportunity:
Internships at Idaho National Laboratory
Idaho National Laboratory (INL) hosts over 300 undergraduate and graduate students each year to support INL's mission. Opportunities for interns at INL range from nuclear engineering to cybersecurity and include non-scientific positions in various operations and business disciplines.
Join INL's team and find your exceptional educational experience in a real-world work environment. INL offers a unique opportunity to learn, collaborate, innovate and conduct research with top researchers and professionals.
The Deliverables:
Interns will spend the first week of their assignment working with their mentor to outline their work scope and to secure resources for a successful internship. For the next several weeks, the mentor will provide considerable program assistance and guidance to the intern. In addition to regular activities, interns are invited to attend weekly seminars, tours and community events designed with career development in mind. Completion of a final project is highly recommended and can be completed through a variety of mediums - a traditional poster, electronic presentation or video.
The Process:
Through this single application, you are considered for all internship projects related to INL Critical Infrastructure Protection to include wireless technologies (Wireless Technologies) and electric grid protection (Electrical Grid Protection). Simply complete the application questions which will help us identify what knowledge and experience you already have that may be related to the preferred qualifications for each individual internship project. It is common for applicants to receive consideration for multiple projects at varying times throughout the process. Mentors will make direct contact with applicants who meet their project qualifications to share the specific details of the project. On average, INL plans for approximately 300 internships each year. Most internships provide flexibility with start and end dates to account for varying university term schedules. We encourage early applications to increase the number of opportunities available to you.
The Projects:
Internship projects will focus on the critical infrastructure protection. This may include projects in wireless services or electrical grid protection. Below are examples of the type of projects a student may work on:
  • Support the research and work associated with interconnections and interdependencies of systems, such as communications, power distribution and transportation infrastructure so help government agencies and industry recognize potential vulnerabilities and mitigations to protect critical infrastructure.
  • Support research associated with resilience which is the notion of complex system being able to recover and continue operating through disruptive, manmade or natural events.
  • Support INL personnel and projects which are leading efforts in standards committees and special interest groups regarding wireless innovation; public safety and disaster recovery communications; spectrum sharing research databases and formats; and security vulnerabilities in commercial wireless systems.

Required Qualifications:
All Internship Candidates Must:
  • Have the ability to pass a background check
  • Possess a minimum overall 3.0 Grade Point Average (GPA)
  • Complete this application, which is used to place students based on their academic interests, coursework, knowledge and communication skills
  • Enrolled full time student status at an accredited college or university (undergraduate, graduate, PhD).

Note: Many INL community college interns are hired through the U.S. Department of Energy's Community College Internship Program. We recommend you also apply to DOE's Internship Program at http://science.energy.gov/wdts/cci/
Helpful Tips to Prepare You for Your INL Internship Application:
  1. Current resume or Curriculum Vitae (CV)
  2. Unofficial Transcripts (include current and completed degree programs)
  3. Current class schedule and number of credits

Recommendations:
  • Work with your career center to develop a resume or CV that is functional (this is your opportunity for a first impression)
  • Review the INL website and learn more about our business and research programs and how they could enrich your degree plan https://www.inl.gov/
  • Ask your professors if they have collaborated on INL research programs and seek their permission to list them as a reference
  • Review the INL Academic Partnerships web site for valuable information on our internship programs https://www.inl.gov/inl-initiatives/education/

Internship Programs Specialists:
Ali Josephson (ali.josephson@inl.gov) Brian Rucks (brian.rucks@inl.gov)
Delisa Rogers (delisa.rogers@inl.gov) Myken Johnson (myken.johnson@inl.gov) Thomas Steele (thomas.steele@inl.gov)
Equal Employment Opportunity
Idaho National Laboratory (INL) is an Equal Employment Opportunity (EEO) employer. It is the policy of INL to provide equal employment opportunities to all qualified applicants without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, age, protected veteran or disabled status, or genetic information.

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About Idaho National Laboratory

Sourced by ZipRecruiter

Idaho National Laboratory is a leading multi-disciplinary national laboratory dedicated to supporting the U.S. Department of Energy's missions in nuclear and energy research, science, and national defence. Located in Idaho Falls, ID, US, it operates under the management of Battelle Energy Alliance. Since its inception in 1949, the lab has remained at the forefront of nuclear energy innovations and advancements, providing critical scientific and technological inputs to support national priorities. Guided by its commitment to excellence, innovative research, collaborative partnerships, and integrity, the lab continues to play a vital role in driving America's nuclear and energy future.

Industry

Scientific research and development services

Company size

5,001 - 10,000 Employees

Headquarters location

Idaho Falls, ID, US

Year founded

1949

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