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Entry Level Dea Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Expression

Junior Test Engineer (DEA)

Arlington, VA · On-site

The program is primarily onsite at DEA Headquarters. Key Responsibilities * Support the design and ... Pega certification, such as CSA, CSSA, or another applicable entry-level certification. * Exposure ...

Expression

Junior Test Engineer (DEA)

Arlington, VA · Hybrid

The program is primarily onsite at DEA Headquarters. Key Responsibilities * Support the design and ... Pega certification, such as CSA, CSSA, or another applicable entry-level certification. * Exposure ...

ATR Inc

Federal HR Administrative Assistant I

Arlington, VA · On-site

$21.25 - $28.25/hr

CEC is seeking an Administrative Assistant I to provide entry-level administrative and clerical support to DEA Human Resources offices. This role supports routine HR administrative tasks and record ...

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How much do entry level dea jobs pay per hour?

As of Sep 11, 2026, the average hourly pay for entry level dea in the United States is $17.46, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $15.62 and $18.99 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is an entry level DEA agent?

Entry level DEA positions are roles within the Drug Enforcement Administration designed for individuals starting their careers in federal law enforcement. These positions often include titles such as Special Agent Trainee, Diversion Investigator, or Intelligence Research Specialist. Entry level roles typically require a bachelor's degree and may involve a rigorous hiring process, including background checks, physical fitness tests, and training at the DEA Academy. These jobs focus on investigating and preventing drug-related crimes, supporting ongoing cases, and learning the fundamentals of DEA operations. Entry level DEA employees play an important role in supporting the agency’s mission to enforce controlled substance laws and regulations.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as an entry level DEA agent?

To thrive as an Entry Level DEA Agent, you generally need a bachelor's degree in criminal justice or a related field, strong analytical abilities, and U.S. citizenship. Familiarity with investigative tools, firearms handling, and law enforcement databases such as NCIC is typically required, along with completion of the DEA Basic Agent Training Academy. Exceptional attention to detail, integrity, adaptability, and strong communication skills help agents excel in high-pressure and sensitive situations. These competencies ensure agents can effectively enforce drug laws, conduct thorough investigations, and maintain public safety.

What are some typical challenges faced by entry level DEA agents and how are they supported in overcoming them?

Entry-level DEA agents often encounter challenges such as adapting to rigorous training, learning complex federal regulations, and managing the demands of field investigations. New agents are typically paired with experienced mentors and participate in structured on-the-job training to help them transition smoothly. The agency also offers resources like peer support groups and ongoing professional development to ensure that new agents can handle high-pressure situations and build their investigative skills.

What is the difference between Entry Level Dea vs Entry Level Pharmacist?

AspectEntry Level DeaEntry Level Pharmacist
Required CredentialsHigh school diploma or equivalent; DEA registration for handling controlled substancesDoctor of Pharmacy (PharmD) degree; state licensure
Work EnvironmentPharmaceutical warehouses, distribution centers, law enforcement agenciesCommunity pharmacies, hospitals, clinics
Employer & Industry UsagePharmaceutical companies, law enforcement, regulatory agenciesHealthcare facilities, retail pharmacies, hospitals
Common Search & Comparison IntentUnderstanding entry-level roles in drug regulation and distributionEntry-level pharmacy practice and patient care roles

While both roles involve working with medications, Entry Level Dea typically focuses on regulatory compliance and handling controlled substances, often in law enforcement or distribution settings. Entry Level Pharmacist involves direct patient care, medication dispensing, and clinical responsibilities. The main difference lies in their work environment, credentials, and industry focus.

How do you start working for the entry level DEA?

To start working as an entry-level DEA agent, candidates typically need a bachelor's degree, pass a background check, and complete the DEA's special agent training at the Federal Law Enforcement Training Center. Relevant skills include law enforcement, criminal justice, or related fields, and applicants must meet physical fitness requirements and be willing to work in various environments.
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Entry Level Dea jobs near you
Infographic showing various Entry Level Dea job openings in the United States as of September 2026, with employment types broken down into 2% Locum Tenens, 2% As Needed, 79% Full Time, 15% Part Time, and 2% Contract. Highlights an 96% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 3% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $36,327 per year, or $17.5 per hour.

Junior Test Engineer (DEA)

Arlington, VA • On-site

Expression Networks
IT Services • 51 - 200 employees
Learn more about Expression Networksexternal

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Posted 18 days ago

Job description

Expression is seeking a Junior Test Engineer to support the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) Investigative Case and Data Ecosystem (ICDE) modernization effort. The program is focused on delivering a modern, secure, user-friendly investigative and case management ecosystem supporting DEA's law enforcement, investigative, forensic, and intelligence communities.
The Junior Test Engineer will work with developers, business analysts, and experienced QA professionals to support functional testing of Pega applications and related system capabilities. This early-career position will help validate functionality against requirements and user stories, document defects, maintain test artifacts, and contribute to quality throughout the Agile software development lifecycle.
Clearance: Top Secret clearance required and willingness to pursue SCI.
Location: Arlington, VA. The program is primarily onsite at DEA Headquarters.
Key Responsibilities
  • Support the design and execution of functional test cases for Pega applications by following established testing guidelines and workflows.
  • Work closely with developers, business analysts, and senior QA team members to understand requirements, user stories, and acceptance criteria.
  • Assist with validating system functionality against documented requirements to confirm expected system behavior.
  • Execute functional and regression tests and accurately document test results.
  • Help identify and document software defects and collaborate with engineering teams to follow issues through resolution and retesting.
  • Participate in test-planning activities by providing input on test scope and helping estimate testing effort under guidance.
  • Maintain and update test documentation, including regression test cases, test results, testing checklists, and supporting QA artifacts.
  • Support User Acceptance Testing and other system validation activities as assigned.
  • Participate in Agile ceremonies, including stand-ups, sprint planning, sprint reviews, and retrospectives.
  • Support testing throughout development iterations and help ensure testing activities align with sprint requirements.
  • Collaborate with cross-functional teams to promote quality standards throughout the software development lifecycle.
  • Review and analyze test results and escalate potential risks, defects, or issues to senior QA team members for evaluation.
  • Assist with testing system workflows, integrations, and user-facing functionality.

Required Qualifications
  • Bachelor's degree in computer science or related fields and 1 year of professional experience.
  • Exposure to or foundational understanding of Pega testing concepts or Pega functional testing tools through coursework, training, internships, or professional experience.
  • Basic understanding of Quality Assurance principles, including test-case creation, defect reporting, functional testing, and regression testing.
  • Ability to read and interpret requirements or user stories and translate them into clear test steps.
  • Familiarity with Agile development methodologies such as Scrum or Kanban through coursework, internships, or previous roles.
  • Strong written and verbal communication skills.
  • Ability to clearly document issues, defects, test results, and testing outcomes.
  • Experience with or knowledge of common test-management or defect-tracking tools such as Jira or Azure DevOps.

Preferred Qualifications
  • Pega certification, such as CSA, CSSA, or another applicable entry-level certification.
  • Exposure to automated testing tools for Pega applications, such as PegaUnit or Selenium for Pega UI.
  • Familiarity with Agile-focused testing methodologies, including Scrum, SAFe, or hybrid environments.
  • Interest in or basic exposure to test-automation or hybrid-testing frameworks.
  • Awareness of CI/CD concepts and how software testing integrates into automated delivery pipelines.
  • Exposure to testing Federal Government or other complex enterprise applications.

Benefits:
Expression offers competitive salaries and benefits, such as:
  • 401k matching
  • PPO and HDHP medical/dental/vision insurance
  • Education reimbursement up to $10,000/yr
  • Complimentary life insurance
  • Generous PTO and 11 days of holiday leave
  • Onsite gym facility
  • Commuter Benefits Plan
  • In-office Cold Brew Coffee

About Expression:
Founded in 1997 and headquartered in Washington DC, Expression provides data fusion, data analytics, AI/ML, software engineering, information technology, and electromagnetic spectrum management solutions to the U.S. Department of Defense, Department of State, and national security community. Expression's culture focuses on creating immediate and sustainable value for our clients via agile delivery of tailored solutions built through constant engagement with our clients. Expression was ranked #1 on the Washington Technology 2018's Fast 50 list of fastest-growing small business Government contractors and a Top 20 Big Data Solutions Provider by CIO Review.
We make sure to provide everyone with the tools and opportunities to grow while working on some of the newest technologies in the industry. We get excited about celebrating our professionals' milestones, accomplishments, promotions, overcoming challenges, and many other aspects that make an engaging collaborative environment.
Equal Opportunity Employer/Veterans/Disabled
Expression is an Equal Opportunity Employer. If you require a reasonable accommodation during the application or interview process, please submit your request to our Human Resources department through the application portal.

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