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Freelance Open Source Intelligence Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Open Source Intelligence Investigator

Reston, VA ยท On-site

$48K - $48K/yr

Overview SOS International LLC (SOSi) is seeking an Open-Source Intelligence Investigator who will possess a sophisticated understanding of online social media and associated tradecraft and use that ...

Overview SOS International LLC (SOSi) is seeking an Open-Source Intelligence Investigator who will possess a sophisticated understanding of online social media and associated tradecraft and use that ...

Overview SOS International LLC (SOSi) is seeking an Open-Source Intelligence Investigator who will possess a sophisticated understanding of online social media and associated tradecraft and use that ...

The selected candidate will conduct open-source intelligence analysis, leveraging Mandarin Chinese language skills to evaluate global data sources and support mission-critical cyber operations. This ...

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How much do freelance open source intelligence jobs pay per hour?

As of Jun 19, 2026, the average hourly pay for freelance open source intelligence in the United States is $22.97, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $18.75 and $18.75 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What are some common challenges freelance Open Source Intelligence (OSINT) professionals face when working independently?

Freelance OSINT professionals often encounter challenges such as managing multiple client expectations, staying updated with rapidly evolving tools and techniques, and ensuring the ethical and legal use of open-source data. Unlike those working within larger organizations, freelancers may have limited access to premium resources or collaborative support, making self-motivation and continuous learning essential. Building a strong professional network and maintaining high standards of data security are also critical for long-term success in this field.

What is a Freelance Open Source Intelligence (OSINT) professional?

A Freelance Open Source Intelligence (OSINT) professional is an independent contractor who specializes in gathering, analyzing, and reporting publicly available information from online and offline sources. They use various tools and techniques to collect data from websites, social media, public records, and other open sources to support investigations, risk assessments, or research projects. Freelance OSINT experts often work with clients such as businesses, journalists, law enforcement agencies, or private individuals who need accurate and timely information for decision-making or security purposes.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a Freelance Open Source Intelligence (OSINT) Analyst, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Freelance Open Source Intelligence Analyst, you need strong analytical skills, proficiency in internet research, and a solid understanding of information security and privacy principles. Familiarity with OSINT tools such as Maltego, Recon-ng, and advanced search techniques, as well as relevant certifications like GIAC Cyber Threat Intelligence (GCTI), is typically expected. Attention to detail, critical thinking, and effective communication are crucial soft skills for synthesizing findings and presenting actionable intelligence. These skills ensure the ability to collect, verify, and report accurate intelligence while maintaining ethical standards and meeting client needs.

What is the difference between Freelance Open Source Intelligence vs Freelance Cybersecurity Analyst?

AspectFreelance Open Source IntelligenceFreelance Cybersecurity Analyst
CredentialsRelevant certifications like OSINT certifications, cybersecurity basicsCertifications such as CISSP, CEH, or CompTIA Security+
Work EnvironmentRemote, project-based, research-focusedRemote or on-site, security monitoring and analysis
Industry UsageIntelligence agencies, private firms, consultingIT firms, corporations, government agencies
Search & Comparison IntentUnderstanding open source research skillsAssessing security vulnerabilities and threats

While both roles involve technical expertise, Freelance Open Source Intelligence focuses on gathering and analyzing publicly available information, whereas Freelance Cybersecurity Analysts specialize in protecting systems from threats. The two roles often overlap but serve different primary objectives in the security and intelligence landscape.

What cities are hiring for Freelance Open Source Intelligence jobs? Cities with the most Freelance Open Source Intelligence job openings:
What are the most commonly searched types of Open Source Intelligence jobs? The most popular types of Open Source Intelligence jobs are:
What states have the most Freelance Open Source Intelligence jobs? States with the most job openings for Freelance Open Source Intelligence jobs include:
Infographic showing various Freelance Open Source Intelligence job openings in the United States as of June 2026, with employment types broken down into 100% Full Time. Highlights an 100% In-person job distribution, with an average salary of $47,772 per year, or $23 per hour.

Open Source Intelligence Investigator

SOSi

Reston, VA โ€ข On-site

$48K - $48K/yr

Full-time

Posted yesterday


Job description

Company Description
Founded in 1989, SOSi is among the largest private, founder-owned technology and services integrators in the defense and government services industry. We deliver tailored solutions, tested leadership, and trusted results to enable national security missions worldwide.
Job Description
Overview
SOS International LLC (SOSi) is seeking an Open-Source Intelligence Investigator who will possess a sophisticated understanding of online social media and associated tradecraft and use that expertise to produce in-depth analysis and other related analytical products for the customer. The analyst must have operational targeting experience, senior to expert-level technical/IT tradecraft; preferred familiarity with force protection, protective intelligence, CI or insider threat experience.
Essential Job Duties
  • Conduct online research using industry best practices for misattribution techniques, with a strong understanding of internet footprint/presence and digital fingerprints.
  • Consolidate research findings to augment and support ongoing protective intelligence efforts in client spaces, with a strong focus on essential targeting elements of information that enable follow-on actions
  • Leverage open-source collection techniques to provide reports.
  • Write protective intelligence assessments and respond appropriately to requests for information for dissemination to customer.
  • Produce intelligence products by researching, querying, and compiling information from large data sets.
  • Use advanced OSINT and social media collection and analysis techniques to support information requests concerning force protection, indications and warnings, counter threats, counterintelligence, and all source intelligence integration and assessments.
  • Assemble, analyze, and prioritize open-source material into protective intelligence and force protection assessments.
  • Prepare and present intelligence collection assessments and briefings to customers and advise key leadership of force protection concerns and provide timely Indications and Warnings that challenge current force protection postures.
  • Provide trends and analysis of social media landscape.
  • Provide consultation on how to leverage OSINT data and information, use specialized OSINT tools and services, and consult on the development of OSINT products.

Qualifications
Minimum Requirements
  • Active in-scope TS/SCI with Polygraph.
  • Fifteen years of relevant experience OR a SME level in a specific field.
  • Ability to brief protective intelligence packages to tactical and operational IC leadership.
  • Knowledge of targeting tools and methodologies used in the IC.
  • Experience with accessing, researching, and exploiting global and regional social media and digital platforms.
  • Knowledge of advanced Internet-based research, including Boolean logic, advanced research techniques, search engine and database resources, and Internet sources, including social media, social networking tools, and commercial and industry-based databases.
  • Ability to quickly process and organize large amounts of information and identify and assess items of greatest importance.
  • Keen understanding of Open-Source environment.
  • Strong understanding of Deep and Dark Web.
  • Strong understanding of how to use mobile applications.
  • Demonstrated comfort with information technology and multimedia software, including publishing and analytics tools.
  • Experience with Microsoft Office, including Word, Excel, and PowerPoint.

Preferred Qualifications
  • Bachelor's degree.
  • Familiarity with force protection, protective intelligence, CI or insider threat experience.
  • Fluency in a foreign language is desirable, but not required.

Additional Information
Work Environment
  • Hybrid work environment, with expectations to seamlessly work on a daily/weekly basis at customer site and corporate site to complete job duties as assigned.
  • Normal office working conditions with possible requirement to lift and/or move objects or packages of up to 25 lbs.
  • Periods of non-traditional working hours including consecutive nights or weekends when necessary (infrequent).

Working at SOSi
All interested individuals will receive consideration and will not be discriminated against for any reason.