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Defense Security Service Jobs (NOW HIRING)

System High Corp

Program Security Representative

Chantilly, VA · On-site

$17.50 - $20.50/hr

Communicate effectively with other Service /Agency program security staffs including, but not limited to, the Defense Security Service (DSS), Army, Navy, Marine Corps, Air Force, Department of Energy ...

Navstar

Program Security Representative Jobs

Chantilly, VA · On-site

$17.50 - $20.50/hr

Communicate effectively with other Service /Agency program security staffs including, but not limited to, the Defense Security Service (DSS), Army, Navy, Marine Corps, Air Force, Department of Energy ...

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How much do defense security service jobs pay per hour?

As of Jul 7, 2026, the average hourly pay for defense security service in the United States is $36.60, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $24.04 and $40.38 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is the Defense Security Service and what does it do?

The Defense Security Service (DSS) was a United States Department of Defense agency responsible for safeguarding classified information and supporting national security. Its primary functions included overseeing the security of defense contractors, conducting background investigations, and providing security education. In 2019, DSS was reorganized and renamed as the Defense Counterintelligence and Security Agency (DCSA). The agency continues to play a vital role in protecting U.S. defense interests by ensuring that sensitive information remains secure.

What is a typical NSA salary?

The Defense Security Service, which supports the NSA, offers salaries that vary based on experience, education, and security clearance level. Entry-level positions often start around $50,000 to $70,000 annually, with experienced professionals earning over $100,000. Salaries are complemented by benefits such as health insurance, retirement plans, and opportunities for career advancement.

Is it hard to get hired at the NSA?

Getting hired at the NSA for security-related roles, such as Defense Security Service positions, can be competitive due to strict background checks, security clearances, and specialized skills. Candidates typically need a strong educational background, relevant experience, and must pass thorough vetting processes, including polygraph exams and security interviews.

What is the highest paying security job?

In the field of defense security, senior security managers, security directors, and specialized roles such as security consultants or cybersecurity experts tend to have the highest salaries. These positions often require extensive experience, advanced certifications, and leadership responsibilities, with salaries varying based on organization and location.

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

To thrive in the Defense Security Service (now known as the Defense Counterintelligence and Security Agency), you need a background in security, counterintelligence, or related fields, often supported by a relevant degree and security clearance. Familiarity with federal security regulations, background investigation systems, and risk assessment tools is essential. Strong analytical thinking, attention to detail, discretion, and effective communication are critical soft skills in this role. These skills and qualifications ensure the protection of national security information and assets by enabling thorough vetting and risk mitigation.

What does the defense security service do?

The Defense Security Service (DSS) is responsible for overseeing the security of classified information and defense-related facilities. It conducts background checks, manages security clearances, and ensures compliance with government security standards to protect national security interests.

What are some common challenges faced by professionals working in the Defense Security Service, and how can they effectively address them?

Professionals in the Defense Security Service (DSS) often face challenges such as navigating complex security clearance processes, staying updated on evolving security regulations, and balancing the protection of classified information with operational needs. Successfully addressing these challenges requires continuous training on compliance protocols, strong attention to detail, and effective communication with both internal teams and external partners. Building a network within the security community and seeking mentorship can also help DSS professionals stay informed and advance in their careers.
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What job categories do people searching Defense Security Service jobs look for? The top searched job categories for Defense Security Service jobs are:
Defense Security Service jobs near you
Infographic showing various Defense Security Service job openings in the United States as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 94% Full Time, 3% Part Time, 2% Contract, and 1% Nights. Highlights an 91% Physical, 2% Hybrid, and 7% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $76,122 per year, or $36.6 per hour.
Manufacturing Engineer (DRT)

Manufacturing Engineer (DRT)

Thales Defense & Security, Inc.

Germantown, MD • On-site

$74K - $95K/yr

Other

Medical, Retirement, PTO

Posted 6 days ago

Job description

Thales Defense & Security, Inc. (TDSI) Headquartered in Clarksburg, MD, is a U.S. company that has been serving domestic and international defense Air, Land and Sea domains for 60+ years. With over 1,000 employees, TDSI and its four subsidiaries (Advanced Acoustic Concepts, Digital Receiver Technology, Tampa Microwave, and Trusted Cyber Technologies), supports U.S. Joint Services, special operations forces and multi-national partners with a variety of communication, visualization, signal intelligence/electronic warfare, and sensor/sonar capabilities. TDSI's key technologies include tactical handheld radios, expeditionary satellite terminals, helmet-mounted displays, optics and target recognition capability, advanced radars, undersea sensing and missile systems. Lives depend on what we do!

 

Top Benefits (Subject to terms of applicable policies/plans)

  • Competitive Salary
  • Yearly Incentive Compensation Plan
  • Medical insurance for self and eligible family members
  • Generous 401(k) program- up to 7% company contribution and 100% immediate vesting
  • Tuition Reimbursement
  • Paid wellness, vacation, and holiday leave
  • Paid maternity, paternity, and parental leave
  • 9/80 Work Schedule (every other Friday off)

Thales Defense & Security, Inc. has an opening for a Manufacturing Engineer to support the production floor in the Digital Receiver Technology (DRT) electronics factory. This position is located in the Germantown office and reports to the Manufacturing Engineering Manager.  

Responsibilities

  • Performs hands-on troubleshooting and root-cause analysis of digital, analog, and RF PCB assemblies.
  • Supports production test teams with failure analysis, corrective actions, and process improvements.
  • Analyzes production data and recommends improvements to yield, cycle time, and process stability.
  • Develops, optimizes, and documents manufacturing processes, test methods, and work instructions.
  • Collaborates with design engineering to resolve manufacturability issues and support new product introduction (NPI).
  • Supports configuration control, test equipment, fixtures, and calibration needs.
  • Maintains a high ethical standard of practice, including compliance with all company procedures.

Qualifications

The requirements listed below are representative of the knowledge, skill, and/or ability required. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions

  • U.S. Citizenship required. Applicants selected may be subject to a government security investigation and must meet eligibility requirements for access to classified information.
  • 4+ Years Engineering experience in an electronics manufacturing environment.
  • Associate's or Bachelor's degree in Engineering (Electrical, Manufacturing, Mechanical) preferred, or equivalent experience.
  • Ability to interpret schematics, PCB layouts, bills of materials, and test reports.
  • Familiarity with RF test equipment (spectrum analyzer, network analyzer, signal generator).
  • Strong analytical, communication, and crossfunctional collaboration skills.
  • Ability to comply with all Company guidelines, policies, procedures and embrace Company Core Values. 

Preferred Skills

  • Experience troubleshooting digital and RF/mixedsignal PCB assemblies.
  • Understanding of electronics manufacturing processes.

The annualized pay range for this role is $ 99,600 - $ 127,650 USD along with a target incentive compensation plan (ICP) of 5%. The pay range provided is a good faith estimate representative of the experience level for the role described above.  TDSI considers several factors when extending an offer, including but not limited to, the role, function and associated responsibilities, a candidate's work experience, location, education/training, and key skills.

For specific questions about this job posting, candidates may contact talent acquisition at careers@thalesdsi.com.

Thales Defense & Security, Inc. is committed to non-discrimination as applicable under federal, state and local laws. We are an E-Verify Employer.

If you need an accommodation or assistance in order to apply for a position with Thales Defense & Security, Inc., please call Human Resources at 240-864-7000.

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