2

Entry Level Counterintelligence Jobs in California

Entry Level Counterintelligence information

See California salary details

$12

$16

$21

How much do entry level counterintelligence jobs pay per hour?

As of Jul 6, 2026, the average hourly pay for entry level counterintelligence in California is $16.71, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $15.43 and $17.79 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What are entry level counterintelligence jobs?

Entry level counterintelligence jobs are positions within government agencies or private organizations focused on identifying and counteracting threats from foreign intelligence entities. These roles typically involve analyzing information, conducting background checks, supporting investigations, and helping protect sensitive information from espionage or insider threats. Entry-level professionals often assist more experienced agents and may be responsible for research, reporting, and administrative tasks as they gain experience in the field. A background in security, criminal justice, or international relations can be beneficial, and security clearance is often required.

What are some common challenges faced by entry-level counterintelligence professionals, and how can they be addressed?

Entry-level counterintelligence professionals often face challenges such as adapting to strict security protocols, managing sensitive information, and developing analytical skills to detect potential threats. Balancing the need for confidentiality with effective teamwork can also be demanding. These challenges are typically addressed through comprehensive training, mentorship from experienced colleagues, and ongoing professional development. Building strong communication skills and staying updated on current security trends can also help new professionals excel in this role.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as an Entry Level Counterintelligence professional, and why are they important?

To thrive as an Entry Level Counterintelligence professional, you need a bachelor's degree (often in criminal justice, international relations, or a related field), strong analytical abilities, and eligibility for a security clearance. Familiarity with intelligence-gathering tools, databases, and government reporting systems is typically required, and completing specialized training or certifications (such as those provided by federal agencies) is advantageous. Exceptional attention to detail, discretion, critical thinking, and strong interpersonal skills help individuals excel in sensitive environments. These skills and qualities are vital for protecting national security interests, detecting threats, and supporting effective intelligence operations.
What are the most commonly searched types of Counterintelligence jobs in California? The most popular types of Counterintelligence jobs in California are:
What cities in California are hiring for Entry Level Counterintelligence jobs? Cities in California with the most Entry Level Counterintelligence job openings:
SUPERVISORY INDUSTRIAL SECURITY SPECIALIST (FIELD OFFICE CHIEF)

SUPERVISORY INDUSTRIAL SECURITY SPECIALIST (FIELD OFFICE CHIEF)

Defense Counterintelligence and Security Agency

San Mateo, CA • On-site, Remote

$143K - $187K/yr

Full-time

Posted 10 days ago


Job description

Summary
DCSA's Industrial Security Office is looking for a Supervisory Industrial Security Specialist. In this role, you will be responsible for effectively Leading, Directing, Managing and Integrating Field Office operations within the assigned Area of Responsibility (AOR) including mission criteria and associated disciplines governed by the Industrial Security and Field Operations Directorates.
Learn more about this agency
Duties
Help
As a Field Office Chief, you will be responsible for effectively Leading, Directing, Managing and Integrating Field Office operations within the assigned Area of Responsibility (AOR) including various mission criteria and associated disciplines governed by the Industrial Security (IS) Directorate.
-Serve as the first-line supervisor for entry level through Senior Industrial Security Specialists.
-Interpret advanced principles, concepts, industrial security methodologies, use of Public Laws, Executive Law, Executive Orders, Regulations, Directives and Manuals pertaining to Industrial Security/NISP.
-Manage, monitor and evaluate complex oversight elements of Industrial Security, NISP implementation, risk mitigation strategies, and overall protection of classified information of all Cleared Defense Contractors (CDC) within the AOR relative to National Industrial Security Program (NISP) compliance and others associated with the DoD Arms, Ammunitions, and Explosives (AA&E) Program.
-Direct and manage actions associated with complex security violation investigations, DoD IG Investigations and other inquiries involving the loss, compromise or suspected compromise of classified information.
-Manage the conduct of security review/assessment actions to appropriately identify and record vulnerabilities or instances of non-compliance to determine the level of risk within a contractor's security program, and provide timely analysis and recommendations regarding countermeasures.
- Strategic short and long-term planning, execution of operational priorities and adjustments to accomplish the DCSA mission.
-Manage the evaluation of complex business structures to identify ownership, control and potential FOCI risks associated with Facility Security Clearance (FCL) determinations, maintenance, countermeasures, and oversight actions.
Requirements
Help
Conditions of employment
  • Must be a US citizen
  • Selective Service Requirement: Males born after 12-31-59 must be registered for Selective Service. For more information http://www.sss.gov
  • Resume and supporting documents received by 11:59PM EST will be considered
  • This is a Drug Testing designated position
  • Position is a (DCIPS) position in the Excepted Service under U.S.C. 1601
  • Work Schedule: Full Time
  • Overtime: Occasionally
  • Tour of Duty: Flexible
  • PCS (Permanent Change of Station): Not Authorized
  • Fair Labor Standards Act (FLSA): Exempt
  • Financial Disclosure: Not Required
  • Telework Eligibility: Supervisors may approve situational telework on a case-by-case, temporary basis for limited situations.
  • If selected, the incumbent must obtain and maintain appropriate security clearance as indicated in job announcement.
  • Incumbent is subject to a Counterintelligence-Scope Polygraph examination upon request by competent authority.
  • The incumbent is required to attain the Security Fundamentals Professional Certifications within two (2) years of entry on duty. Certification must be maintained in accordance with program rules.
  • Incumbent may be required to operate automotive, passenger vehicles in connection with the performance of duties. A valid drivers' license is required.
  • As required by 5 C.F.R. § 302.106., DLA will provide Section 508 conformant ICT to employees with disabilities.
  • All ICT interfaces with the public related to vacancy announcements and career transition opportunities must conform to the applicable requirements in the current ICT Standards and Guidelines (36 C.F.R. § 1194).

Qualifications
The experience described in your resume will be evaluated and screened from the Office of Personnel Management's (OPMs) basic qualifications requirements. See: https://www.opm.gov/policy-data-oversight/classification-qualifications/general-schedule-qualification-standards/0000/security-administration-series-0080/ for OPM qualification standards, competencies and specialized experience needed to perform the duties of the position as described in the MAJOR DUTIES and QUALIFICATIONS sections of this announcement by 07/07/2026
Applicant must have directly applicable experience that demonstrates the possession of the knowledge, skills, abilities and competencies necessary for immediate success in the position. Qualifying experience may have been acquired in any public or private sector job, but will clearly demonstrate past experience in the application of the particular competencies/knowledge, skills and abilities necessary to successfully perform the duties of the position.
You must have specialized experience sufficient to demonstrate that you have acquired all the competencies necessary to perform at a level equivalent in difficulty, responsibility, and complexity to the next lower grade GS/GG-14 in the Federal service and are prepared to take on greater responsibility.
Generally, this would include one year or more of such specialized experience.
Specialized experience for this position includes:
Managing implementation of the National Industrial Security Program (NISP), utilizing laws, regulations, policies, operational principles, and concepts associated with Industrial Security, Counterintelligence, Arms, Ammunition & Explosives (AA&E), Compliance, and Investigation to provide security oversight of contractor facilities;
Adapting leadership style to a variety of situations to lead, influence, motivate, prioritize activity, monitor progress, and challenge individuals;
Making sound, well-informed, and objective decisions while considering the impact and implications to National Security and recommending in depth changes and corrections for a more effective and compliant program;
Overseeing conduct of surveys and security vulnerability assessments at contractor facilities that have considerable classified contract involvement and complexity of such is often enhanced by extensive foreign control and involvement.
Specifically you will be evaluated on the following competencies:
1.Knowledge of the DCSA mission, function and operations including policies, procedures, rules and regulations.
2.Ability to lead, influence, motivate and challenge others. Capacity to adapt leadership style to a variety of situations.
3.Determine objectives, set and adjust priorities based on National Security Interest. Monitor progress, evaluate outcomes to improve efficiency and effectiveness. Instill public trust while accomplishing the mission. Holds self and others accountable for measurable high-quality, timely, and cost-effective results. Complies with established control systems and rules.
4.Proficiency with laws, regulations, policies, operational principles and concepts associated with Industrial Security, Counterintelligence, AA&E, Compliance, Investigation and Public Safety.
5.Ability to make sound, well-informed, and objective decisions while considering the impact and implications to National Security.
Education
Substitution of education may not be used in lieu of specialized experience for this grade level.
Additional information
VETERANS PREFERENCE/CURRENT OR FORMER FEDERAL
In accordance with DoD Instruction 1400.25, Volume 2005, veterans preference is not required to be applied when considering candidates with prior Federal competitive or excepted service who have completed a probationary or trial period and have not been separated for cause. Therefore, veterans preference will not be applied to applicants with current federal service, or former federal civilian service meeting the above criteria.
Re-employed Annuitant: This position does not meet criteria for re-employed annuitant. The DoD criteria for hiring Re-employed Annuitants can be found at: https://www.esd.whs.mil/Portals/54/Documents/DD/issuances/140025/1400.25-V300.pdf
Applicants selected from this announcement may be required to serve a two-year trial period.
If selected, Federal employees currently serving in the competitive service must acknowledge that they will voluntarily leave the competitive service by accepting an offer of employment for a DCIPS excepted service positions.
If selected, non-DCIPS candidates must acknowledge in writing that the position they have been selected for is in the excepted service and covered by DCIPS.
All Defense Intelligence positions under the Defense Civilian Intelligence Personnel System (DCIPS) are in the excepted service by specific statue, 10 U.S.C. 1601. This position is in the excepted service and does not confer competitive status.
For more information on the DCIPS occupational structure click here.
For more information about career advancement in DCIPS click here.
This position is subject to an initial drug screening, and random testing thereafter. A negative drug test result must be received by HR within 30 calendar days after the EOD (i.e., start date). The selectee's inability successfully pass; or refusal to conduct the test may result in: 1) the tentative or FJO being withdrawn during the recruitment process; or 2) subsequently being removed from Federal service for failure to meet a condition of employment.
You may be required to sign a "Drug Test Statement of Understanding" if you are selected for this position.
Expand Hide additional information
Candidates should be committed to improving the efficiency of the Federal government, passionate about the ideals of our American republic, and committed to upholding the rule of law and the United States Constitution.
Benefits
Help
A career with the U.S. government provides employees with a comprehensive benefits package. As a federal employee, you and your family will have access to a range of benefits that are designed to make your federal career very rewarding. Opens in a new windowLearn more about federal benefits.
Review our benefits
Eligibility for benefits depends on the type of position you hold and whether your position is full-time, part-time or intermittent. Contact the hiring agency for more information on the specific benefits offered.