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Defense Intelligence Jobs in California (NOW HIRING)

Zignal Labs

Intelligence Pipeline Analyst

San Francisco, CA · On-site +1

$90K - $120K/yr

About Zignal Labs At Zignal Labs, we operate at the forefront of AI-powered media intelligence and operational data analytics, supporting some of the most mission-critical defense, intelligence, and ...

BTAS

Intelligence Analyst

El Segundo, CA · On-site

$164K - $210K/yr

Intelligence Analyst LOCATION: El Segundo, CA REQUIRED SECURITY CLEARANCE: TS with SCI ... SSC/SZBC specializes in highly classified Space Domain Awareness (SDA) systems, Defensive and ...

Kyndryl

Director, Cyber Defense

Los Angeles, CA

$119K - $161K/yr

Direct the Cyber Threat Intelligence program and own the intelligence-to-defense loop: convert prioritized adversary intelligence into detection requirements, control coverage decisions, and changes ...

Leidos

Intelligence Analyst

Marysville, CA

$59K - $106K/yr

We're seeking Junior and Mid Level Multi-Intelligence Surveillance and Reconnaissance (ISR) All ... Provide expert insight into foreign military capabilities and defense issues while addressing ...

Leidos

Intelligence Analyst

Marysville, CA · On-site

$59K - $106K/yr

We're seeking Junior and Mid Level Multi-Intelligence Surveillance and Reconnaissance (ISR) All ... Provide expert insight into foreign military capabilities and defense issues while addressing ...

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All JobsDefense Intelligence JobsDefense Intelligence Jobs in California

Defense Intelligence information

See California salary details

$44.9K

$103.3K

$142.1K

How much do defense intelligence jobs pay per year?

As of Jul 28, 2026, the average yearly pay for defense intelligence in California is $103,273.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $92,800.00 and $116,900.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What are some common challenges faced in a Defense Intelligence role, and how can new hires effectively navigate them?

Professionals in Defense Intelligence often encounter challenges such as handling classified information securely, adapting to rapidly changing geopolitical situations, and synthesizing large volumes of complex data under tight deadlines. New hires can navigate these challenges by proactively seeking mentorship from experienced team members, staying current with ongoing training and best practices, and developing strong analytical and communication skills. Collaborating closely with multidisciplinary teams and maintaining a high level of professionalism are also essential for success in this role.

What is the difference between Defense Intelligence vs Intelligence Analyst?

AspectDefense IntelligenceIntelligence Analyst
Required CredentialsBachelor's degree, security clearance, specialized trainingBachelor's degree, security clearance, analytical skills
Work EnvironmentGovernment agencies, military settings, classified projectsGovernment agencies, private sector, consulting firms
Employer & IndustryDefense, military, intelligence agenciesGovernment, private sector, security firms
Common Search & ComparisonDefense Intelligence vs Intelligence Analyst

Defense Intelligence professionals focus on military and national security data, often working within government and defense agencies. Intelligence Analysts have a broader role, analyzing various intelligence data for multiple sectors, including government and private industries. While both roles require security clearances and analytical skills, Defense Intelligence positions are more specialized in military and defense contexts.

What is defense intelligence?

Defense intelligence refers to the collection, analysis, and dissemination of information related to military capabilities, intentions, and activities of foreign entities. Its primary purpose is to support national defense policy, military planning, and operations by providing timely and accurate intelligence. Professionals in this field work to identify threats, assess risks, and inform decision-makers within the defense sector. Defense intelligence encompasses a variety of disciplines, including signals intelligence, human intelligence, and geospatial intelligence.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive in Defense Intelligence, and why are they important?

Success in Defense Intelligence requires strong analytical skills, critical thinking, and a background in fields such as international relations, security studies, or political science, often supported by security clearance. Familiarity with intelligence analysis tools, geospatial software, and secure communication systems, as well as certifications like Certified Defense All-Source Analyst (CDASA), are commonly valued. Excellent attention to detail, discretion, and the ability to communicate complex information clearly are crucial soft skills. These competencies ensure accurate threat assessments, protect sensitive information, and support effective decision-making in national security operations.
What cities in California are hiring for Defense Intelligence jobs? Cities in California with the most Defense Intelligence job openings:
Defense Intelligence jobs near you
Infographic showing various Defense Intelligence job openings in California as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 84% Full Time, 8% Part Time, and 8% Contract. Highlights an 100% In-person job distribution, with an average salary of $103,273 per year, or $49.7 per hour.
Solution Architect - ArcGIS Enterprise (Defense & Intelligence)

Solution Architect - ArcGIS Enterprise (Defense & Intelligence)

Esri

Redlands, CA • On-site

$63.50 - $83.50/hr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Posted 6 days ago

Esri rating

9.6

Company rating: 9.6 out of 10

Based on 14 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

8th of 245 rated software companies

Job description

Overview
Join Esri`s Professional Services team and lead the design of mission critical geospatial solutions supporting Defense and Intelligence operations.
As a Solution Architect, you will partner directly with mission focused organizations to architect, integrate, and deliver enterprise ArcGIS solutions across complex, secure environments. You will translate operational and technical requirements into scalable system architectures that support high impact workflows, advanced analytics, and real world decision making.
You will serve as a trusted advisor, guiding customers on architecture strategy, system design, and implementation approaches while ensuring solutions are secure, scalable, and aligned to mission needs.
This role offers the opportunity to shape how geospatial platforms are architected and deployed in environments where performance, integration, and mission impact are critical.
Esri has a Relocation Assistance Program and can provide support with relocating to the Redlands, CA area for this position.
Responsibilities
  • Design and implement innovative and impactful ArcGIS platform-based strategies and solutions to meet unique and complex Professional Services customer requirements
  • Define business continuity for both on premise and cloud deployments following industry standards for security, governance, publication strategy and custom application architecture
  • Define best practices for deploying ArcGIS platform and design systems, including integration to non-Esri platforms, to meet business needs
  • Translate customer system requirements into software architecture and design specifications
  • Exercising excellent judgement, advise customers on innovative, effective, and creative solutions using Esri technology and content to help them make better decisions
  • Recommend relevant strategies, architectures, and solutions and work with customers to prepare Esri software implementation and migration strategies
  • Work closely and actively with Professional Services customers and partners to identify, design, and certify key GIS workflows for the ArcGIS enterprise platform and non-Esri platforms
  • Develop organizational level multi-year IT/GIS strategies to assist with technology change and budgetary planning
  • Act as a mentor and provide guidance to colleagues with less experience and other technical staff
  • Act as a lead, and empower the team by strategically leading all stages of the implementation process through mentoring, active coaching, review and aligning of budgets and portfolios, risk management and personnel management efforts

Requirements
  • 8+ years of professional experience in GIS platform architecture and solution design
  • Experience designing and integrating high-performance computing, cloud, and edge-native architecture
  • Knowledge implementing zero trust, cross domain services, and securing classified networks
  • Professional experience architecting, implementing, and administrating enterprise IT-GIS solutions/systems that leverage the ArcGIS Enterprise platform (desktop, server, and online)
  • Demonstrated experience in platform architecture, solution design, project envisioning, planning, developing and deployment
  • Experience with Oracle; Microsoft SQL, and/or other RDBMS and Windows, Linux, and/or other server environments
  • Programming and scripting experience with Python, JavaScript, and/or HTML5 (modern web frameworks)
  • Knowledge of integration of other enterprise systems (such as ERP, EAM, CRM, SCM)
  • Experience with current technology implementation patterns including service-oriented architectures and cloud hybrid configurations
  • Ability to clearly communicate technical ideas to customers, executives, other technical staff or non-technical staff
  • US Citizenship with Active or Current (within 2 years) Top Secret Security Clearance with SCI eligibility
  • Bachelor's degree in Computer Science, Mathematics, Geographic Information Systems (GIS) or related STEM field

Recommended Qualifications
  • Certification for AWS Certified Solution Architect or MCSE Cloud Platform and Infrastructure or equivalent
  • CompTIA Security + certification
  • Master's degree in Computer Science, Mathematics, Geographic Information Systems (GIS) or related STEM field

#LI-SS2
#LI-Onsite
Total Rewards
Esri's competitive total rewards strategy includes industry-leading health and welfare benefits: medical, dental, vision, basic and supplemental life insurance for employees (and their families), 401(k) and profit-sharing programs, minimum accrual of 80 hours of vacation leave, twelve paid holidays throughout the calendar year, and opportunities for personal and professional growth. Base salary is one component of our total rewards strategy. Compensation decisions and the base range for this role take into account many factors including but not limited to skill sets; experience and training; licensure and certifications; and other business and organizational needs.
A reasonable estimate of the base salary range is
$120,640-$197,600 USD
The Company
At Esri, diversity is more than just a word on a map. When employees of different experiences, perspectives, backgrounds, and cultures come together, we are more innovative and ultimately a better place to work. We believe in having a diverse workforce that is unified under our mission of creating positive global change. We understand that diversity, equity, and inclusion is not a destination but an ongoing process. We are committed to the continuation of learning, growing, and changing our workplace so every employee can contribute to their life's best work. Our commitment to these principles extends to the global communities we serve by creating positive change with GIS technology. For more information on Esri's Racial Equity and Social Justice initiatives, please visit our website here.
If you don't meet all of the preferred qualifications for this position, we encourage you to still apply!
Esri is an equal opportunity employer (EOE) and all qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability status, protected veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by law. If you need reasonable accommodation for any part of the employment process, please email askcareers@esri.com and let us know the nature of your request and your contact information. Please note that only those inquiries concerning a request for reasonable accommodation will be responded to from this e-mail address.
Esri Privacy Esri takes our responsibility to protect your privacy seriously. We are committed to respecting your privacy by providing transparency in how we acquire and use your information, giving you control of your information and preferences, and holding ourselves to the highest national and international standards, including CCPA and GDPR compliance.

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Benefits

Hours and flexibility

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About ESRI

Sourced by ZipRecruiter

Our passion for improving quality of life through geography is at the heart of everything we do. Esri's geographic information system (GIS) technology inspires and enables governments, universities, and businesses worldwide to save money, lives, and our environment through a deeper understanding of the changing world around them.

Industry

Scientific research and development services

Company size

1,001 - 5,000 Employees

Headquarters location

Redlands, CA, US

Year founded

1969

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