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Fbi Counterintelligence Jobs in California (NOW HIRING)

Fbi Counterintelligence information

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How much do fbi counterintelligence jobs pay per year?

As of Jul 26, 2026, the average yearly pay for fbi counterintelligence in California is $85,769.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $55,800.00 and $110,500.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive in the Fbi Counterintelligence position, and why are they important?

To thrive as an FBI Counterintelligence professional, you need a strong background in investigative techniques, national security issues, and a relevant degree such as criminal justice or international relations, often supported by prior law enforcement or military experience. Familiarity with surveillance technology, intelligence databases, and secure communication systems is also important, with security clearances and specialized training often required. Exceptional analytical thinking, discretion, and the ability to work effectively under pressure set candidates apart in this field. These competencies are critical for safeguarding sensitive information and effectively neutralizing foreign intelligence threats to national security.

What is the most elite unit in the FBI?

The FBI's most elite unit is often considered to be the Hostage Rescue Team (HRT), which specializes in counterterrorism, hostage rescue, and high-risk operations. Members of the HRT undergo rigorous training, including tactical skills, firearms, and close-quarters combat, and are selected from experienced special agents. This unit operates under the FBI's Critical Incident Response Group and is deployed for the most challenging missions.

How hard is it to become an FBI intelligence analyst?

Becoming an FBI intelligence analyst requires a bachelor's degree, often in criminal justice, political science, or related fields, along with relevant work experience or internships. Candidates must pass a thorough background check, polygraph, and medical exam, and typically need strong analytical skills, attention to detail, and proficiency with intelligence tools. The process is competitive and involves multiple stages of testing and interviews.

What do FBI counterintelligence agents do?

FBI counterintelligence agents investigate and prevent espionage, sabotage, and other threats to national security by identifying foreign intelligence operations and insider threats. They analyze intelligence data, conduct surveillance, and collaborate with other agencies, often requiring strong analytical skills and security clearances. Their work involves field operations, interviews, and the use of specialized tools to protect the United States from foreign adversaries.

What is an FBI Counterintelligence job?

An FBI Counterintelligence job involves identifying and neutralizing threats from foreign intelligence services and preventing espionage against the U.S. The role includes investigating spies, protecting classified information, and working with intelligence agencies to safeguard national security. Agents analyze intelligence, conduct surveillance, and develop strategies to counter foreign threats. This position requires a background in law enforcement, intelligence, or security, along with top secret clearance and specialized training.

What are some common challenges faced by FBI Counterintelligence professionals?

FBI Counterintelligence professionals often encounter challenges such as managing complex cases that require balancing confidentiality with coordination among multiple agencies. The work can involve rapidly shifting priorities as threats evolve and may require extended hours or travel to respond to urgent situations. Professionals in this field need to stay current with emerging technologies and tactics used by adversaries, which demands continuous learning. Despite these challenges, many find the work highly rewarding due to its direct impact on national security and the opportunity to collaborate with dedicated professionals.

How much do FBI counterintelligence agents make?

FBI counterintelligence agents typically earn between $60,000 and $120,000 annually, depending on experience, education, and rank. Entry-level agents start around the lower end of this range, with salaries increasing with seniority and specialized skills such as language proficiency or technical expertise.
What job categories do people searching Fbi Counterintelligence jobs in California look for? The top searched job categories for Fbi Counterintelligence jobs in California are:
Infographic showing various Fbi Counterintelligence job openings in California as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 100% Full Time. Highlights an 80% In-person, and 20% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $85,769 per year, or $41.2 per hour.
Industrial Security Manager 3 (Aeronautics Systems)

Industrial Security Manager 3 (Aeronautics Systems)

Northrop Grumman Corporation

Palmdale, CA • On-site

$18.75 - $22.50/hr

Full-time

Medical, Life, PTO

Posted 5 days ago


Northrop Grumman rating

8.2

Company rating: 8.2 out of 10

Based on 356 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

85th of 535 rated manufacturers


Job description

RELOCATION ASSISTANCE: Relocation assistance may be availableCLEARANCE REQUIRED FOR START: YesCLEARANCE TYPE: Top SecretTRAVEL: Yes, 25% of the TimeDescriptionAt Northrop Grumman, our employees have incredible opportunities to work on revolutionary systems that impact people's lives around the world today, and for generations to come. Our pioneering and inventive spirit has enabled us to be at the forefront of many technological advancements in our nation's history - from the first flight across the Atlantic Ocean, to stealth bombers, to landing on the moon. We look for people who have bold new ideas, courage and a pioneering spirit to join forces to invent the future, and have fun along the way. Our culture thrives on intellectual curiosity, cognitive diversity and bringing your whole self to work - and we have an insatiable drive to do what others think is impossible. Our employees are not only part of history, they're making history.

Northrop Grumman (NG) is seeking anIndustrial Security Manager 3 to lead and manage the sector-wide investigations, insider threat, and counterintelligence program for the Aeronautics Systems Sector. As a key member of the centralized NG Investigations, Insider Threat, and Counterintelligence Team, this role has primary responsibility for that sector while also enabling and supporting aligned investigative and insider threat efforts across the company. The role reports directly to the Corporate Director of Investigations and Insider Threat and serves as a principal advisor to the Aeronautics Sector Senior Security Director, as well as other sector and company leadership. This position is located in Palmdale, CA, and due to the dynamic environment and size of both the sector and the company, domestic and international travel is required.

Primary Responsibilities:

Sector & Enterprise Leadership

  • Provide sector-wide leadership for investigations, insider threat, and counterintelligence activities, set priorities and ensure effective allocation of investigative and analytic resources.

  • Serve as an enterprise leader and thought partner by helping to shape and implement policies, procedures, workflows, initiatives, and cross-sector teaming efforts.

  • Develop and maintain procedures, operating standards, and investigative protocols.

  • Track program performance using key metrics and preparing reports, dashboards, and executive summaries.

  • Recommend improvements which enhance operational effectiveness, regulatory compliance, and customer service.

  • Maintain well-established liaison relationships in the investigations, insider threat, and counterintelligence arenas with law enforcement, prosecutorial agencies, and the intelligence community, such as DCSA, FBI, AFOSI, and NCIS.

Enterprise Investigations

  • Manage the corporate investigations program for the sector, including allegations of insider threat activity, counterintelligence concerns, workplace violence, fraud, misconduct, theft, policy violations, and other security-related incidents.

  • Lead and oversee investigators and case work to ensure fair, objective, legally defensible investigations and compliance with government, customer, and corporate policies, procedures, and practices.

  • Conduct and oversee insider threat and counterintelligence investigations consistent with applicable government and corporate protocols.

  • Collaborate with internal and external stakeholders for investigations and operations.

  • Review investigative findings, ensure appropriate documentation and evidence preservation, and recommend corrective and preventive actions.

  • Monitor metrics and trends to identify systemic risks, emerging issues, and opportunities for continuous improvement.

Insider Threat & Risk Management

  • Lead and administer the sector's Insider Threat Program, while helping to shape and inform the company's overall insider threat program through data, gap and trend analysis, and operational insights.

  • Monitor and analyze security incidents and investigative trends to identify emerging risks, including insider threats.

  • Develop and implement strategies to address potential threats, risks, and vulnerabilities.

Security & Compliance

  • Oversee investigations of security complaints and compliance concerns while ensuring consistent application of company policies, procedures, and standards.

  • Interpret, apply, and ensure adherence to federal security regulations that govern company operations, including the National Industrial Security Program Operating Manual (NISPOM), DOD Manual 5205.07 Special Access Program Security Manual, Federal Acquisition Regulations (FAR), and other applicable directives.

  • Monitor regulatory changes and assist with updates to policies, procedures, and compliance programs.

Training & Awareness

  • Develop and deliver security education and awareness, and implement corporate investigations, insider threat, and counterintelligence programs across cleared and uncleared facilities.

Stakeholder & Agency Partnerships

  • Build collaborative relationships across the sector and company to ensure aligned decision-making and consistent execution.

  • Partner closely with Ethics, Labor and Employment, Employee Relations, Cybersecurity, Human Resources, Legal, Compliance, security counterparts, business leaders, and relevant government agencies (e.g., DCSA) to identify and mitigate company risks and insider threats, strengthen compliance, and protect company assets.

  • Coordinate information sharing between internal stakeholders and external law enforcement and government entities to support security investigations and broader security objectives, partnering with Legal as appropriate.

  • Support government reporting requirements and regulatory inquiries, in coordination with internal stakeholders and government partners.

People Leadership

  • Build, lead, and develop a high-performing team responsible for investigations, insider threat, and counterintelligence.

  • Lead, mentor, and develop team members fostering a culture of integrity, accountability, collaboration, and continuous improvement.

  • Model and promote a selfstarter culture grounded in uncompromising integrity and ethical behavior in all activities.

  • Establish team priorities, assign work, and monitor workload, quality, and performance.

  • Support workforce planning, hiring, onboarding, performance management, and employee development.

  • Represent the team effectively with senior leadership and other stakeholders through clear briefings, written reports, and executive-ready communications.

  • Demonstrate strong interpersonal skills and a highly collaborative, team-oriented leadership style, with the ability to build trust, influence without authority, and work effectively across diverse stakeholder groups.

Basic Qualifications:

  • Bachelor's degree and 10 years of relevant experience outlined below OR Master's degree and 8 years of relevant experience outlined below.

  • Candidates must have a current U.S. Government Top Secret level security clearance, and must have the ability to obtain, and maintain both SCI and Special Access Program access. Candidates must be willing to undergo polygraph and extensive background checks for clearance and access eligibility.

  • Must have at least 8 years experience in one or more of the following areas: law enforcement, insider threat, counterintelligence, security, compliance, or risk management.

  • Must have at least 8 years of experience leading and managing investigations in support of national security or national industrial security programs, including regulatory and/or security compliance matters.

  • Must have at least 8 years of people leadership and/or program management experience.

  • Demonstrated high level of integrity, sound judgment, and discretion in handling sensitive and confidential matters.

  • Strong knowledge of investigative methodologies, insider threat, counterintelligence, and risk management principles.

  • Significant experience conducting workplace investigations and subject/witness/victim interviews, with a proven ability to read behavioral indicators, build rapport, and elicit relevant information.

  • Excellent communication, leadership, analytical, and decision-making skills.

Preferred Qualifications:

  • Preferred advanced degree (e.g., Master's in Criminal Justice, Intelligence, Strategic Intelligence, Homeland Security, Security Studies, Business, Law, or a related field).

  • Preferred equivalencies include successful completion of one or more of the following, with a certificate or transcript provided upon application:

    • Federal Law Enforcement Training Center's (FLETC) Criminal Investigator Training Program (CITP), or

    • An equivalent federal training program (e.g., FBI, DEA, or U.S. Postal Inspection Service).

  • Program management experience, including budgeting, reporting, and strategic planning.

  • Demonstrated understanding of security requirements supporting dynamic business units that execute high-value contracts across a broad US Government customer base.

  • Knowledge of processes related to program security, industrial security requirements, supply chain security, workplace violence prevention, security awareness, asset protection, and ITAR/export related security measures.

  • Experience with NISPOM, FAR, and other federal security regulations, including interpreting, applying, and ensuring adherence to these requirements in the context of security investigations, insider threat, and counterintelligence.

Primary Level Salary Range: $159,500.00 - $239,300.00The above salary range represents a general guideline; however, Northrop Grumman considers a number of factors when determining base salary offers such as the scope and responsibilities of the position and the candidate's experience, education, skills and current market conditions.Depending on the position, employees may be eligible for overtime, shift differential, and a discretionary bonus in addition to base pay. Annual bonuses are designed to reward individual contributions as well as allow employees to share in company results. Employees in Vice President or Director positions may be eligible for Long Term Incentives. In addition, Northrop Grumman provides a variety of benefits including health insurance coverage, life and disability insurance, savings plan, Company paid holidays and paid time off (PTO) for vacation and/or personal business.The application period for the job is estimated to be 20 days from the job posting date. However, this timeline may be shortened or extended depending on business needs and the availability of qualified candidates.Northrop Grumman is an Equal Opportunity Employer, making decisions without regard to race, color, religion, creed, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, marital status, national origin, age, veteran status, disability, or any other protected class. For our complete EEO and pay transparency statement, please visit http://www.northropgrumman.com/EEO. U.S. Citizenship is required for all positions with a government clearance and certain other restricted positions.

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About Northrop Grumman

Sourced by ZipRecruiter

At Northrop Grumman, our employees have incredible opportunities to work on revolutionary systems that impact people's lives around the world today, and for generations to come. Our pioneering and inventive spirit has enabled us to be at the forefront of many technological advancements in our nation's history - from the first flight across the Atlantic Ocean, to stealth bombers, to landing on the moon. We look for people who have bold new ideas, courage and a pioneering spirit to join forces to invent the future, and have fun along the way. Our culture thrives on intellectual curiosity, cognitive diversity and bringing your whole self to work - and we have an insatiable drive to do what others think is impossible.

Industry

Space research administration

Company size

10,000+ Employees

Headquarters location

Falls Church, VA, US

Year founded

1939