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Federal Background Investigator Jobs in Reston, VA

Constellis

Experienced Background Investigator

VA

POSITION SUMMARY Conduct federal investigations and prepare reports of investigations in compliance ... individual's background and character, in accordance with agency guidelines and instructions.

Constellis

Experienced Background Investigator

VA

POSITION SUMMARY Conduct federal investigations and prepare reports of investigations in compliance ... individual's background and character, in accordance with agency guidelines and instructions.

Constellis

Experienced Background Investigator

VA

POSITION SUMMARY Conduct federal investigations and prepare reports of investigations in compliance ... individual's background and character in accordance with agency guidelines and instructions.

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Federal Background Investigator information

See Reston, VA salary details

$33.3K

$78.4K

$136.3K

How much do federal background investigator jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 8, 2026, the average yearly pay for federal background investigator in Reston, VA is $78,364.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $54,600.00 and $102,500.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is a federal background investigator?

Federal Background Investigators are professionals responsible for conducting thorough investigations into individuals' backgrounds to determine their suitability for federal employment or security clearances. Their work involves interviewing subjects and references, reviewing records, and compiling detailed reports for government agencies. These investigations help ensure that individuals granted access to sensitive information or positions of trust meet strict standards for reliability, character, and trustworthiness.

What are some common challenges faced by federal background investigators during the investigation process?

Federal Background Investigators often encounter challenges such as locating and interviewing reluctant or hard-to-find subjects, managing tight deadlines for case completion, and navigating complex or incomplete records. Additionally, they must handle sensitive information with discretion and comply with strict federal guidelines and protocols. Success in this role requires strong organizational, communication, and analytical skills, as well as adaptability to varying work environments and evolving investigative requirements.

What is the difference between Federal Background Investigator vs Federal Security Specialist?

AspectFederal Background InvestigatorFederal Security Specialist
Required CredentialsBackground check experience, security clearanceSecurity clearance, security protocols
Work EnvironmentGovernment agencies, field investigationsSecurity screening, compliance roles
Employer & IndustryFederal agencies, investigations

Federal Background Investigators focus on conducting background checks and investigations for federal employment or security clearance purposes, often working in the field. Federal Security Specialists handle security screening, ensuring compliance with security protocols within federal agencies. While both roles require security clearance and involve security-related work, investigators primarily gather information, whereas specialists focus on security procedures and compliance.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a federal background investigator?

To thrive as a Federal Background Investigator, you need a solid understanding of investigative techniques, critical thinking, and a bachelor's degree or equivalent experience in criminal justice or a related field. Familiarity with specialized databases, case management systems, and compliance with federal guidelines is essential, and some roles may require a security clearance. Strong interpersonal skills, attention to detail, and the ability to communicate effectively are critical for conducting interviews and compiling accurate reports. These skills ensure thorough, unbiased investigations that maintain the integrity of federal hiring and security processes.

What does a federal background investigator do?

A federal background investigator performs in-depth research on individuals before hiring them to ensure the security and safety of the public. In this role, you work for a government agency and review potential government personnel and contractors. Your investigation responsibilities include following operations policies to verify provided information, interviewing friends and family, obtaining related documents from law enforcement and credit agencies, and providing a summary of your findings. Upon completing your duties, you offer a final recommendation on whether to give clearance or not. You often collaborate with technical specialists to obtain information.

More about Federal Background Investigator jobs
What are popular job titles related to Federal Background Investigator jobs in Reston, VA? For Federal Background Investigator jobs in Reston, VA, the most frequently searched job titles are:
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Federal Background Investigator jobs near you
Infographic showing various Federal Background Investigator job openings in Reston, VA as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 80% Full Time, 18% Part Time, and 1% Contract. Highlights an 96% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 3% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $78,364 per year, or $37.7 per hour.

Experienced Background Investigator

Constellis

Fairfax, VA • On-site

Full-time

Re-posted 2 days ago

Constellis rating

7.2

Company rating: 7.2 out of 10

Based on 45 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

39th of 116 rated security

Job description

POSITION SUMMARY
Conduct federal investigations and prepare reports of investigations in compliance with Federal Investigative Standards, all laws, and other required federal agency regulations. Work cases throughout the geographic area of responsibility and travel to various places of employment, residence and education institutions.
HOURLY RATE
Actual compensation will be determined based on factors including relevant experience, education, and contract requirements.
RESPONSIBILITIES
  • Conduct in-person, one-on-one subject interviews to obtain factual information about the individual's background and character, in accordance with agency guidelines and instructions.
  • Obtain factual information from a variety of personal and record sources to produce a report of investigation that contains all pertinent facts of an individual's background and character in accordance with agency guidelines and instructions.
  • Travel throughout the geographic area of responsibility to conduct investigations at various places of employment, residence, and education institutions as cases are assigned.
  • Must be willing to travel in and around assigned location within 30-50 miles (or more) as needed
  • Engage in dialogue on a regular basis with managers and representatives at contractor facilities, various U. S. Government organizations, and law enforcement agencies to develop and maintain effective and cooperative working relationships.
  • Adapt to changing situations and environments as they occur and be able to interact with people from all walks of life and socioeconomic levels.
  • Demonstrate strong verbal and written communications skills and exhibit professional demeanor in all situations.
  • Work load based on availability of cases in geographic area.
  • Some voluntary, temporary duty assignments in other areas of the country (typically 2-4 weeks at a time) are possible.
  • Other duties as required.
  • Work is typically based in the investigator's home office as well as in the investigator's personal vehicle traveling to various field locations to conduct interviews. Coverage area varies and could include some extended drives. Work hours vary depending on availability of leads and do not always fall within normal business hours, to include potential weekend hours or third-shift appointments.
  • Work is typically based in the investigator's home office as well as in the investigator's personal vehicle traveling to various field locations to conduct interviews. Coverage area varies and could include some extended drives. Work hours vary depending on availability of leads and do not always fall within normal business hours, to include potential weekend hours or third-shift appointments.

QUALIFICATIONS
  • U.S. Citizenship;
  • H.S. Diploma or equivalent;
  • Minimum of 1 year within the last five (5) years of investigations experience at the federal, state, or local level of government;
  • Must have some Federal Investigator Standards (FIS) Experience;
  • Reliable personal vehicle, valid driver's license, and satisfactory driving record;
  • Willing to travel on temporary duty assignments as needed (by car or plane);
  • Successfully pass all required training;
  • Ability to solve practical problems and deal with a variety of concrete variables in situations where only limited standardization exists;
  • Ability to interpret a variety of instructions furnished in oral, written, diagram, or schedule form;
  • Ability to read, analyze, and interpret professional journals, technical procedures, or governmental regulations;
  • Ability to write reports and business correspondence;
  • Ability to work in a MS Window based operating environment, including proficiency with Microsoft Office (Word, Excel, PowerPoint), Internet and E-mail;
  • Current (within the last 2 years) Single Scope Background Investigation (SSBI) or active Secret level security clearance based on an SSBI and able to obtain the required security clearance.
  • Requires intermittent standing, writing/typing, walking, sitting, and driving throughout the workday, and may include for multiple hours.
  • Requires intermittent standing, writing/typing, walking, sitting, and driving throughout the workday, and may include for multiple hours.

DESIRED EXPERIENCE AND EDUCATION:
  • Office of Personnel Management investigator training.
  • Prior background investigations experience supporting government contracts.
  • Associate or Bachelor degree in Criminal Justice or a related field.
  • Current Top Secret clearance.

BENEFITS
Constellis offers a comprehensive, total rewards package that includes competitive compensation and a flexible benefits package that reflects its commitment to creating a diverse and supportive workplace.
Equal Opportunity Employer
Race/Color/Sex/Sexual Orientation/Gender Identity/Disability/Vet

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