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Force Protection Contractor Jobs in California (NOW HIRING)

SAIC

Tactical Senior Acquisition Lead

El Segundo, CA

... protected communications for our nation's warfighters. We seek technical individuals who will ... Demonstrated experience with Air Force contracting and Air Force financial management (standard FAR ...

KBR

Senior Software Systems Engineer

El Segundo, CA

You will interface and collaborate with SE&I team members, contractors, government civilians and ... We support the Space Force's acquisition of state of the art satellite communications systems ...

KBR

Network Engineer

El Segundo, CA

... Force). Coordinate closely with prime contractors, government program offices, DISA, and ... protected by federal, state, or local law.

BTAS

Senior Acquisition Lead

El Segundo, CA

$143K - $250K/yr

Highly knowledgeable in the fields of Air Force contracting and Air Force financial management ... protected by law.  BTAS is an E-Verify program participant.

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How much do force protection contractor jobs pay per hour?

As of Jun 13, 2026, the average hourly pay for force protection contractor in California is $19.07, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $17.07 and $20.87 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What are Force Protection Contractors?

Force Protection Contractors are security professionals hired by governments, military, or private organizations to provide protective services in high-risk or conflict zones. Their main responsibilities include safeguarding personnel, facilities, and assets against threats such as terrorism, espionage, and sabotage. They may conduct risk assessments, develop security protocols, and respond to emergencies. These contractors often have backgrounds in the military, law enforcement, or private security and must adhere to strict operational guidelines and ethical standards. Working as a Force Protection Contractor typically requires specialized training and the ability to operate effectively in challenging environments.

What is the difference between Force Protection Contractor vs Security Specialist?

AspectForce Protection ContractorSecurity Specialist
CredentialsSecurity clearance, military or law enforcement experience, certifications like CPP or PSPSecurity clearance, certifications like CPP or PSP often preferred
Work EnvironmentMilitary bases, conflict zones, government facilitiesCorporate offices, private security firms, event venues
Employer & IndustryGovernment agencies, defense contractors, military contractorsPrivate companies, security firms, corporate sectors

Force Protection Contractors focus on safeguarding military and government assets in high-risk environments, often requiring specialized training and clearances. Security Specialists typically work in corporate or private settings, providing security services in less hazardous environments. Both roles require security credentials but differ mainly in work environment and scope of protection.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a Force Protection Contractor, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Force Protection Contractor, you need a background in security operations, risk assessment, and often prior military or law enforcement experience, typically supported by relevant certifications like Security Clearance or SIA license. Familiarity with surveillance systems, access control technology, and incident reporting software is crucial for daily operations. Strong situational awareness, effective communication, and decision-making skills set you apart in high-pressure environments. These skills are essential to ensure the safety of personnel and assets, maintain compliance, and respond effectively to potential threats.

What are the typical challenges a Force Protection Contractor may face when working on overseas assignments?

Force Protection Contractors working overseas often encounter challenges such as adapting to rapidly changing security environments, navigating cultural differences, and maintaining constant vigilance in high-risk areas. The role requires strong situational awareness, effective communication with multinational teams, and the ability to implement security protocols under pressure. Additionally, contractors must be prepared for extended deployments and irregular work hours, which can impact work-life balance.
What are popular job titles related to Force Protection Contractor jobs in California? For Force Protection Contractor jobs in California, the most frequently searched job titles are:
What job categories do people searching Force Protection Contractor jobs in California look for? The top searched job categories for Force Protection Contractor jobs in California are:
Force Protection Contractor jobs near you
Infographic showing various Force Protection Contractor job openings in California as of June 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% Locum Tenens, 87% Full Time, 8% Part Time, and 4% Contract. Highlights an 91% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 8% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $39,668 per year, or $19.1 per hour.
Tactical Senior Acquisition Lead

Tactical Senior Acquisition Lead

Science Applications International Corporation

El Segundo, CA • On-site

Other

Posted 22 days ago

SAIC rating

7.8

Company rating: 7.8 out of 10

Based on 78 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

71st of 204 rated it services

Job description

SAIC is seeking a motivated and experienced Tactical Senior Acquisition Lead to join our team in El Segundo, CA. SAIC is sub-contractor on the Military Satellite Communications (MILSATCOM) Systems Engineering, Integration and Test (MSEIT) contract.

You will join a systems engineering team defining the next generation of space communication systems supporting US Space Force (USSF) satellite communications. You will support Systems Engineering & Integration (SE&I) activities in a multidisciplinary and collaborative environment. You will interface and collaborate with SE&I team members, contractors, government civilians and members of the USSF. You will lead and support several working groups responsible for leading technical discussion, resolve and identify risk, requirement gaps, developing briefings, writing, and tracking action items, and authoring meeting minutes.


The MILSATCOM Systems Engineering, Integration, and Test (MSEIT) effort provides leading edge Systems Engineering & Integration (SE&I) for the US Space Force's Space Systems Center (SSC). We support the Space Force's acquisition of state-of-the-art satellite communications systems, providing global security, survivability, and protected communications for our nation's warfighters. We seek technical individuals who will thrive in a highly collaborative work environment of small teams, using the most modern tools and methodologies to tackle the challenges of integrating complex space and ground communications systems.


Key Responsibilities: 

  • Provides expert advice to the Government Program Manager and Senior Space Force leadership regarding acquisition strategies, contracting, budgeting, and program execution.
  • Provides expertise in acquisition within the DoW to include Major Defense Acquisition Programs (MDAP) (ACAT 1 and 2) and Middle Tier Acquisitions (MTA) for Space vehicles and space control systems.
  • Offers strategic approaches for developing documentation required to support Defense Acquisition Boards.
  • Highly knowledgeable in developing and coordinating all activities and documentation required to support Request for Proposals (RFP), source selections, and Milestone Decisions to include Statements of Work (SOW), Compliance and Reference Lists (CRL), Data Rights, Contract Data Requirements Lists (CDRL), Clinger Cohen Act (CCA), and Acquisition Program Baseline (APB).
  • Demonstrated experience with Air Force contracting and Air Force financial management (standard FAR based contracts, Other Transactional Authority (OTA), and Indefinite Delivery/Indefinite Quantity (IDIQ) contracts).
  • Serves as team lead for acquisition and systems engineering professionals.
  • Supports ongoing and emerging program acquisitions.
  • Provides expertise in schedule management of DoW programs.
  • Serves as a strategic problem solver for the program office and refines acquisition strategies.
  • Identifies program execution issues and provides accompanying solution recommendations.
  • Drafts presentation materials, status briefings, and strategic communication inputs.
  • Performs analysis of program business cases and risk assessments.
  • Provides actionable recommendations to the Government Program Manager.
  • Develops and collaborates on acquisition planning briefings and documents (AoA, ASP, ASD, J&A, etc.).
  •  Lead (as requested) the development and collaboration on solicitation planning and execution documents (RFPs, SOWs, CDRLs, Incentive Plans, etc.).
  •  Drafts technical evaluations and functions as an advisor in Source Selections.
SAIC is a premier mission integrator focused on advancing the power of technology and innovation to serve and protect our world. Our robust portfolio of offerings across the defense, space, intelligence, and civilian markets includes secure high-end solutions in mission IT, enterprise IT, engineering services, and professional services. We integrate emerging technology, rapidly and securely, into mission critical operations that modernize and enable critical national imperatives.

We are approximately 23,000 strong; driven by mission, united by purpose, and inspired by opportunities. SAIC is an Equal Opportunity Employer. Headquartered in Reston, Virginia, SAIC has annual revenues of approximately $7.3 billion. For more information, visit saic.com. For ongoing news, please visit our newsroom.

Qualifications:

  • Ability to obtain and maintain a Secret clearance is required for this position.
  • Bachelor's degree in engineering, Computer Science, or related field.
  • 16 years of acquisition experience.
  • Demonstrated organization capability with ability to handle competing priorities.
  • Strong interpersonal skills, communication (oral and written), and presentation skills.
  • Demonstrated leadership, supervisory, or managerial experience.
  • Demonstrated ability to clearly articulate ideas, recommendations and options to customers, senior leaders, and stakeholders.
  • Proficient in Microsoft Office products (Word, Excel, PowerPoint).
     

Desired:

  • Master's degree.
  • Understands Program Management of ACAT I through ACAT III programs and MTA programs.
  • Previously served as an evaluator/advisor on at least one Source Selection.
  • Experience with Confluence and JIRA.
  • Certifications such as DAWIA/APDP Program Management Level III, Project Management Professional (PMP), PMP Program
  • Management Professional (PgMP), INCOSE CSEP/ESEP.
  • Experience with MILSATCOM, such as AEHF, EPS, WGS, Protected Tactical SATCOM and COMSATCOM.
  • Experience working with military or DoW civilian clients.

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