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Federal Background Investigator Jobs in Rio Rancho, NM

TeleSolv Consulting

General Clerk III

Albuquerque, NM

$18.28/hr

... Trust Background investigation. This is an ONSITE position based in Albuquerque, NM. Department: Federal Services Employment Type: Full Time Location: Albuquerque, NM Workplace type: Onsite ...

Akicita Federal, LLC

Dental Hygienist

Albuquerque, NM

$110K - $115K/yr

Background Check: Must successfully complete a background investigation, including e-QIP, Indian Child Protection Act (P.L. 101-630), and character investigations. * Training: Must complete ...

Akicita Federal, LLC

Dental Hygienist

Rio Rancho, NM · On-site

$110K - $115K/yr

Must successfully complete a background investigation, including e-QIP, Indian Child Protection Act (P.L. 101-630), and character investigations. - Training: Must complete Information Systems ...

Akicita Federal, LLC

Dental Hygienist

Albuquerque, NM · On-site

$110K - $115K/yr

Must successfully complete a background investigation, including e-QIP, Indian Child Protection Act (P.L. 101-630), and character investigations. - Training: Must complete Information Systems ...

Akicita Federal, LLC

Dental Hygienist

Rio Rancho, NM · On-site

$110K - $115K/yr

Background Check: Must successfully complete a background investigation, including e-QIP, Indian Child Protection Act (P.L. 101-630), and character investigations. * Training: Must complete ...

Akicita Federal, LLC

Dental Hygienist

Albuquerque, NM · On-site

$110K - $115K/yr

Background Check: Must successfully complete a background investigation, including e-QIP, Indian Child Protection Act (P.L. 101-630), and character investigations. * Training: Must complete ...

ADC Ltd

IT Software Engineer II / III

Albuquerque, NM · On-site

$84K/yr

In addition to the completion of a federal background investigation and while in the process of obtaining a Top Secret Clearance, must be able to obtain an interim clearance and/or appropriate agency ...

adcltdnm

IT Software Engineer II / III

Albuquerque, NM · On-site

$91K - $124K/yr

In addition to the completion of a federal background investigation and while in the process of obtaining a Top Secret Clearance, must be able to obtain an interim clearance and/or appropriate agency ...

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All JobsFederal Background Investigator JobsFederal Background Investigator Jobs in Rio Rancho, NM

Federal Background Investigator information

See Rio Rancho, NM salary details

$28.9K

$67.9K

$118.1K

How much do federal background investigator jobs pay per year?

As of Jun 12, 2026, the average yearly pay for federal background investigator in Rio Rancho, NM is $67,935.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $47,300.00 and $88,800.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What are Federal Background Investigators?

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.

Is it hard to become a background investigator?

Becoming a federal background investigator typically requires a high school diploma or equivalent, with many positions preferring or requiring some college or related experience. The process involves passing a thorough background check, completing specialized training, and demonstrating strong attention to detail and communication skills; the difficulty varies based on individual qualifications and the agency's requirements.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a Federal Background Investigator, and why are they important?

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.

How to become a credentialed federal background investigator?

To become a credentialed federal background investigator, candidates typically need a bachelor's degree, relevant work experience, and must complete specialized training provided by the hiring agency. They must also pass a background check and may need to obtain security clearances, such as a Top Secret clearance, depending on the position. Ongoing training and adherence to agency protocols are required to maintain credentials.

What does a federal background investigator do?

A federal background investigator conducts detailed checks on individuals' criminal, employment, and personal history to assess their suitability for security clearances or government positions. They gather information through interviews, record reviews, and database searches, often working with law enforcement and other agencies to ensure thorough vetting. The role requires attention to detail, strong interviewing skills, and adherence to federal guidelines and procedures.

How much do DOD background investigators make?

Federal background investigators working for the Department of Defense typically earn between $50,000 and $80,000 annually, depending on experience, location, and level of clearance. They often perform detailed interviews, background checks, and document reviews as part of their duties.

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 the most commonly searched types of Federal Background Investigator jobs in Rio Rancho, NM? The most popular types of Federal Background Investigator jobs in Rio Rancho, NM are:
What are popular job titles related to Federal Background Investigator jobs in Rio Rancho, NM? For Federal Background Investigator jobs in Rio Rancho, NM, the most frequently searched job titles are:
What cities near Rio Rancho, NM are hiring for Federal Background Investigator jobs? Cities near Rio Rancho, NM with the most Federal Background Investigator job openings:
Federal Background Investigator jobs near you
Infographic showing various Federal Background Investigator job openings in Rio Rancho, NM as of June 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 74% Full Time, 24% Part Time, and 1% Contract. Highlights an 95% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 4% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $67,935 per year, or $32.7 per hour.
Cleared Senior/Principal, Cloud Solutions Architect -Enterprise Services, Hybrid

Cleared Senior/Principal, Cloud Solutions Architect -Enterprise Services, Hybrid

Sandia

Albuquerque, NM • On-site

$117K - $235K/yr

Full-time

Medical, Retirement, PTO

Posted 6 days ago

Job description

About Sandia
Sandia National Laboratories is the nation's premier science and engineering lab for national security and technology innovation, with teams of specialists focused on cutting-edge work in a broad array of areas. Some of the main reasons we love our jobs:
  • Challenging work with amazing impact that contributes to security, peace, and freedom worldwide
  • Extraordinary co-workers
  • Some of the best tools, equipment, and research facilities in the world
  • Career advancement and enrichment opportunities
  • Flexible work arrangements for many positions include 9/80 (work 80 hours every two weeks, with every other Friday off) and 4/10 (work 4 ten-hour days each week) compressed workweeks, part-time work, and telecommuting (a mix of onsite work and working from home)
  • Generous vacation, strong medical and other benefits, competitive 401k, learning opportunities, relocation assistance and amenities aimed at creating a solid work/life balance*

World-changing technologies. Life-changing careers. Learn more about Sandia at: http://www.sandia.gov
*These benefits vary by job classification.
What Your Job Will Be Like
Bridge the gap between engineering and operations, leading a dedicated team of engineers to ensure optimal platform uptime, performance, and cost-efficiency. You will act as the primary escalation point for operational incidents while driving the long-term automation and modernization of our Azure hybrid cloud environment.
*The selected applicant can work a combination of onsite and offsite work. The selected applicant must live within a reasonable distance for commuting to the assigned work location when necessary.
Salary Range
$117,500 - $235,700
*Salary range is estimated, and actual salary will be determined after consideration of the selected candidate's experience and qualifications, and application of any approved geographic salary differential.
Qualifications We Require
  • Bachelor's degree in Computer Science, Information Technology, or Cybersecurity or related field; or equivalent relevant experience or education; Plus 5 years of relevant IT experience.
  • DOE Q security clearance or DOD equivalent required to start.

Qualifications We Desire
  • Bridge the gap between engineering and operations, leading a dedicated team of engineers to ensure optimal platform uptime, performance, and cost-efficiency. You will act as the primary escalation point for operational incidents while driving the long-term automation and modernization of our Azure hybrid cloud environment.
  • Over 5 years of experience in IT infrastructure and DevOps, including 3+ years in technical leadership or management roles.
  • Advanced hands-on expertise with public cloud platforms (preferably Azure) and private cloud using Azure Stack.
  • Proficient in Infrastructure as Code (IaC) tools, specifically Bicep, and scripting languages such as Python and Azure CLI.
  • Holds AZ-900 (Azure Fundamentals) and ITIL certifications; Azure DevOps Engineer Expert certification preferred.
  • Knowledgeable in FinOps frameworks, budgeting tools, and DevSecOps best practices including compliance and identity access management.
  • Experienced with modern CI/CD tools like GitHub Actions, GitLab CI, and Jenkins.
  • Strong understanding of ITIL/service management frameworks, operational/security tool evaluation, and implementation.
  • Familiar with service utilization metrics, Microsoft 365, networking, security, cloud infrastructure, and backup solutions.

About Our Team
Enterprise Cloud Services leads the R&D, implementation, operations and management of world-class Enterprise Cloud Infrastructure, Platforms and Services while providing IT Modernization leadership to Cloud-Native practices.
Posting Duration
This posting will be open for application submissions for a minimum of three (3) calendar days, including the 'posting date'. Sandia reserves the right to extend the posting date at any time.
Security Clearance
Position requires a Department of Energy (DOE) Q security clearance to start, or equivalent active security clearance with another U.S. government agency (e.g., DOD). Sandia is required by DOE directive to conduct a pre-employment drug test and background review that includes checks of personal references, credit, law enforcement records, and employment/education verifications. Applicants for employment need to be able to maintain a DOE Q-level security clearance, which requires U.S. citizenship. If you hold more than one citizenship (i.e., of the U.S. and another country), your ability to obtain a security clearance may be impacted.
Applicants offered employment with Sandia are subject to a federal background investigation to meet the requirements for access to classified information or matter if the duties of the position require a DOE security clearance. Substance abuse or illegal drug use, falsification of information, criminal activity, serious misconduct or other indicators of untrustworthiness can cause a clearance to be denied or terminated by DOE, resulting in the inability to perform the duties assigned and subsequent termination of employment.
EEO
All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, age, disability, or veteran status and any other protected class under state or federal law.
NNSA Requirements for MedPEDs
If you have a Medical Portable Electronic Device (MedPED), such as a pacemaker, defibrillator, drug-releasing pump, hearing aids, or diagnostic equipment and other equipment for measuring, monitoring, and recording body functions such as heartbeat and brain waves, if employed by Sandia National Laboratories you may be required to comply with NNSA security requirements for MedPEDs.
If you have a MedPED and you are selected for an on-site interview at Sandia National Laboratories, there may be additional steps necessary to ensure compliance with NNSA security requirements prior to the interview date.

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