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Defense Analyst Jobs in California (NOW HIRING)

Jobot

Defense Attorney

Irvine, CA · Remote

$140K - $200K/yr

Personal Injury Defense Attorney This Jobot Job is hosted by: Sharon Brown Are you a fit? Easy ... analytical and problem-solving abilities, with a keen attention to detail. 7. Excellent ...

Darbas, LLC

Insurance Defense Attorney

Malibu, CA · On-site

This role involves managing a diverse caseload of insurance defense matters, including personal ... Analyze complex legal and factual issues and develop case strategies * Communicate with clients ...

Darbas, LLC

Insurance Defense Attorney

Los Angeles, CA · On-site

This role involves managing a diverse caseload of insurance defense matters, including personal ... Analyze complex legal and factual issues and develop case strategies * Communicate with clients ...

Darbas, LLC

Insurance Defense Attorney

Los Angeles, CA · On-site

This role involves managing a diverse caseload of insurance defense matters, including personal ... Analyze complex legal and factual issues and develop case strategies * Communicate with clients ...

Darbas, LLC

Insurance Defense Attorney

Malibu, CA · On-site +1

This role involves managing a diverse caseload of insurance defense matters, including personal ... Analyze complex legal and factual issues and develop case strategies * Communicate with clients ...

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All JobsDefense Analyst JobsDefense Analyst Jobs in California

Defense Analyst information

See California salary details

$32.8K

$103.9K

$167.4K

How much do defense analyst jobs pay per year?

As of Sep 3, 2026, the average yearly pay for defense analyst in California is $103,866.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $75,400.00 and $126,320.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is a defense analyst?

A Defense Analyst is a professional who assesses military strategies, defense policies, and security issues to inform government agencies, military organizations, or private sector clients. They analyze data, monitor global events, and evaluate potential threats to national security. Defense Analysts often provide recommendations on defense spending, operational planning, and risk management. Their work is crucial in shaping effective defense strategies and supporting decision-makers in maintaining national safety.

What does a defense analyst do?

A defense analyst works on issues related to the military, public safety, and security. You can find employment with the Department of Defense, the military, a private consulting firm, or another government agency. Your duties in this career can vary widely depending on where you work. In a Department of Defense job, your responsibilities often involve analyzing military operations or assessing threats. You can also study issues related to law enforcement or criminal justice, cybersecurity, or national security. While working for a government agency like the Transportation Security Administration (TSA), you would study operations and suggest operational improvements.

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

To thrive as a Defense Analyst, you need strong analytical skills, a background in political science or security studies, and often a security clearance. Familiarity with intelligence analysis software, data visualization tools, and classified information systems is typically required. Excellent written communication, critical thinking, and teamwork skills help you interpret complex data and collaborate effectively. These competencies are crucial for providing actionable insights that inform national security decision-making.

What are some of the common challenges faced by defense analysts in balancing classified information handling with collaborative work?

Defense Analysts often work with sensitive or classified information, which can present challenges when collaborating with colleagues, both within their team and across departments. Strict protocols must be followed to ensure data security, which may limit how and what information can be shared. This can require creative problem-solving and strong communication skills to convey analysis without breaching confidentiality. Successful Defense Analysts are adept at navigating these restrictions while still contributing valuable insights to collaborative projects.

What is the difference between Defense Analyst vs Intelligence Analyst?

AspectDefense AnalystIntelligence Analyst
Required CredentialsBachelor's degree in security, defense, or related fields; often requires security clearanceBachelor's degree in security, intelligence, or related fields; may also require security clearance
Work EnvironmentGovernment agencies, defense contractors, military settingsIntelligence agencies, government departments, military
Employer & Industry UsagePrimarily defense and military sectorsIntelligence agencies, national security sectors

Defense Analysts and Intelligence Analysts share similar educational backgrounds and often require security clearances. While Defense Analysts focus on military strategies, defense systems, and policy analysis, Intelligence Analysts concentrate on gathering and interpreting intelligence data to support national security. Both roles operate within government and defense sectors, but their specific focus areas differ, making them distinct yet related careers.

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Defense Analyst jobs near you
Infographic showing various Defense Analyst job openings in California as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 90% Full Time, 7% Part Time, 2% Contract, and 1% Nights. Highlights an 92% Physical, 3% Hybrid, and 5% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $103,866 per year, or $49.9 per hour.

CCR- L Research Staff Member

Institute for Defense Analyses

La Jolla, CA • On-site

Full-time

Re-posted 25 days ago

Job description

Job Summary:
The Institute for Defense Analyses is a non-profit corporation that focuses on collaborative research in mathematics and related fields. They are seeking a member for their research staff who will engage in high-performance implementations of mathematical algorithms and practical machine learning and data analysis.
Responsibilities:
• ...
Qualifications:
Required:
• US citizenship is required.
• Employment is contingent on obtaining an appropriate security clearance (which we will sponsor).
Preferred:
• A PhD in mathematics, statistics, computer science, or a related field
Company:
Institute for Defense Analyses is an organization that offers security and science policy questions objective analysis services. Founded in 1956, the company is headquartered in Alexandria, USA, with a team of 1001-5000 employees. The company is currently Late Stage.

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