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Government Security Jobs (NOW HIRING)

The individual will work closely with Government Security Representatives, construction managers, project personnel, and FGS leadership while supporting multiple concurrent projects across the ONI ...

Contract Security Officer

Chantilly, VA · On-site

$170K - $205K/yr

About the Role Redhorse transforms the way government uses data and technology. To support our most sensitive Intelligence Community (IC) mission partners, we are seeking a Contract Security Officer ...

New

The individual will work closely with Government Security Representatives, construction managers, project personnel, and FGS leadership while supporting multiple concurrent projects across the ONI ...

The individual will work closely with Government Security Representatives, construction managers, project personnel, and FGS leadership while supporting multiple concurrent projects across the ONI ...

The individual will work closely with Government Security Representatives, construction managers, project personnel, and FGS leadership while supporting multiple concurrent projects across the ONI ...

Must have strong working knowledge of NISPOM requirements and related government security regulations. * Must be seasoned and fully proficient in the use of DCSA systems and processes at the time of ...

New

This position partners with program leadership, engineering teams, and government stakeholders to manage security processes, documentation, and training that support day-to-day mission execution.

This position partners with program leadership, engineering teams, and government stakeholders to manage security processes, documentation, and training that support day-to-day mission execution.

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Government Security information

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How much do government security jobs pay per hour?

As of Jul 12, 2026, the average hourly pay for government security in the United States is $19.03, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $15.38 and $18.75 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

Is it hard to get hired by Homeland Security?

Getting hired for a government security position typically involves a competitive process that includes background checks, security clearances, and relevant experience or education. Candidates often need to pass written exams, interviews, and sometimes physical or medical assessments, making the hiring process rigorous but transparent for qualified applicants.

What is government security?

Government security refers to the protection of a nation's critical assets, personnel, and information from threats such as espionage, terrorism, cyberattacks, and other forms of unauthorized access or harm. Professionals in government security work to ensure the safety and integrity of government operations, data, and infrastructure. This field can encompass physical security, cybersecurity, intelligence gathering, and emergency preparedness. Government security roles exist at various levels, including federal, state, and local agencies, and often require a strong understanding of laws, regulations, and security protocols.

What are some common challenges faced by professionals in government security roles, and how are they typically addressed?

Professionals in government security often encounter challenges such as rapidly evolving cyber threats, the need to comply with strict regulatory standards, and balancing transparency with confidentiality. These challenges are typically addressed through ongoing training, collaboration with other agencies, and the implementation of advanced security technologies. Teamwork and communication are essential, as security staff regularly coordinate with IT, law enforcement, and policy-makers to ensure comprehensive protection and swift incident response.

What type of security gets paid the most?

In government security roles, positions such as security directors, cybersecurity specialists, and intelligence analysts tend to have the highest salaries. These roles often require advanced certifications, specialized skills, and experience, and may involve working in high-stakes environments or with sensitive information.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive in Government Security, and why are they important?

To thrive in Government Security, you need a solid understanding of risk management, security protocols, and relevant laws, often supported by a degree in criminal justice, security studies, or a related field. Familiarity with security management systems, surveillance technologies, and certifications such as Certified Protection Professional (CPP) or Security Clearance are typically required. Strong analytical thinking, discretion, and effective communication skills help professionals respond to threats and work collaboratively with various agencies. These skills and qualifications are crucial for protecting sensitive information, ensuring public safety, and maintaining compliance with government regulations.

What Are Government Security Jobs?

There are a vast amount of government security jobs available to you. However, regardless of the role, you exclusively work in the Federal Protective Services department. Your duties in this field are to conduct an analysis of threats, assess levels of risk, and protect federal agencies and individuals. You utilize today’s latest Department of Defense (DoD) programs as you investigate alleged crimes and suspicious activities. You also work with advanced technology security systems in government facilities during your investigations. This means you need a high-level security clearance. Other duties may include aiding law enforcement in counterintelligence, working in cybersecurity, or overseeing other security officers.

What is the difference between Government Security vs Security Guard?

AspectGovernment SecuritySecurity Guard
Required CredentialsSecurity clearances, specialized training, certificationsBasic security training, sometimes licensing
Work EnvironmentGovernment buildings, military facilities, sensitive sitesRetail stores, offices, private properties
Employer & Industry UsageGovernment agencies, military, law enforcementPrivate security companies, businesses

Government Security roles typically require specialized credentials and involve working in sensitive or high-security environments for government agencies. Security Guards generally perform routine security tasks in commercial or private settings with less stringent credential requirements. Both roles focus on safety and security, but Government Security positions often demand higher qualifications and security clearances.

How much do federal security officers make?

Federal security officers typically earn an average salary of around $40,000 to $50,000 per year, depending on experience, location, and specific agency. They often require security clearances and may work shifts that include nights and weekends. Salaries can vary based on the level of responsibility and specialized training.

Is security a federal government job?

Security jobs can be found in both federal and non-federal sectors. Federal security positions often require security clearances and may involve agencies like the Department of Homeland Security or the FBI, while private security roles are typically employed by private companies or organizations. The specific requirements and responsibilities vary depending on the employer and the level of security involved.
What cities are hiring for Government Security jobs? Cities with the most Government Security job openings:
What are the most commonly searched types of Government Security jobs? The most popular types of Government Security jobs are:
What states have the most Government Security jobs? States with the most job openings for Government Security jobs include:
Infographic showing various Government Security job openings in the United States as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 90% Full Time, 8% Part Time, and 2% Contract. Highlights an 91% Physical, 2% Hybrid, and 7% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $39,591 per year, or $19 per hour.
Contract Security Officer

Contract Security Officer

Redhorse Corporation

Chantilly, VA • On-site

$170K - $205K/yr

Full-time

Posted 26 days ago


Job description

About the Organization
Now is a great time to join Redhorse Corporation. We are a solution-driven company delivering data insights and technology solutions to customers with missions critical to U.S. national interests. We’re looking for thoughtful, skilled professionals who thrive as trusted partners building technology-agnostic solutions and want to apply their talents supporting customers with difficult and important mission sets.

About the Role

Redhorse transforms the way government uses data and technology. To support our most sensitive Intelligence Community (IC) mission partners, we are seeking a Contract Security Officer (CSO) with an active Full Scope Poly (FSP). 

Unlike a traditional corporate security role, this position is mission-embedded. You will serve as a strategic security partner directly supporting the customer’s operational environment. You will be the primary bridge between technical mission teams and government security authorities, ensuring that security protocols act as an enabler—not a barrier—to delivering innovative digital solutions. Your work will directly impact the speed and security at which our IC customers can deploy critical capabilities. 

Key Responsibilities
  • Mission Integration: Serve as the primary security advisor to Government Program Managers (GPMs) and technical leads, ensuring security requirements are integrated into the earliest stages of mission planning. 
  • Customer Liaison: Act as the direct point of contact between Redhorse mission teams and the Government Security Office to expedite clearances, program access, and facility authorizations. 
  • Personnel Security (PERSEC) Acceleration: Manage the full lifecycle of mission-critical personnel security actions, including SCI processing and Full Scope Polygraph coordination, specifically tailored to the customer's priority mission sets. 
  • Operational Security (OPSEC): Develop and implement mission-specific OPSEC plans to protect sensitive customer activities, methodologies, and technical implementations. 
  • SCIF & Facility Management: Provide expert oversight of customer-designated Sensitive Compartmented Information Facilities (SCIFs), ensuring physical security, access control, and technical security standards meet ICD 705 requirements. 
  • Contractual Security Advisory: Interpret and implement DD254 requirements for specific mission contracts, providing guidance on classification levels and handling instructions for unique mission data. 
  • Security Education for Mission Teams: Deliver targeted Security Education, Training, and Awareness (SETA) briefings that address the specific threats and vulnerabilities associated with the customer’s technical environment. 
  • Incident Response & Reporting: Lead the investigation and reporting of security incidents within the customer’s program space, coordinating closely with government oversight bodies to mitigate risks to national security. 
  • Audit & Inspection Readiness: Ensure the customer’s program area remains in a constant state of inspection readiness for government-led security reviews.
Required Qualifications
  • Active Top Secret/SCI clearance with a Full Scope Polygraph (FSP) is required. 
  • 5+ years of experience in industrial or government security, with a focus on supporting embedded mission operations within the IC. 
  • Deep expertise in IC security standards, specifically ICD 704, ICD 705, and the NISPOM Rule (32 CFR Part 117). 
  • High proficiency in IC-specific systems: Detailed experience with Scattered Castles, DISS, and agency-specific security portals. 
  • Customer-Facing Experience: Demonstrated experience supporting security operations directly for the IC customers. 
  • Exceptional Communication: Ability to brief and advise government executive leadership and senior technical staff on complex security risks. 
  • Agile Problem Solving: Proven ability to find compliant solutions to complex security challenges that arise during technical mission execution. 
Desired Qualifications
  • Certified CSSO (Contract Support Security Officer) or equivalent government security certification. 
  • Technical Familiarity: Understanding of the Risk Management Framework (RMF) to better support ISSMs/ISSOs in securing mission-critical IT systems. 
  • Project Management Skills: Ability to track multiple moving parts of a mission security program simultaneously. 
The salary range provided for this position represents the anticipated base salary for successful candidates. Actual compensation will be determined based on a variety of factors, including relevant experience, education, certifications, skills, security clearance level, geographic location, market conditions, and internal equity. In addition to base salary, eligible employees may participate in Redhorse's comprehensive benefits programs and may be eligible for performance-based or other incentive compensation, where applicable.
 
Redhorse Corporation is an equal opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment and will not be discriminated against on the basis of race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, veteran status, disability, or any other protected class.
 
If you are a qualified individual with a disability or a disabled veteran, you may request a reasonable accommodation if you are unable or limited in your ability to access job openings or apply for a job on this site as a result of your disability. You can request reasonable accommodations by contacting Talent Acquisition at Talent-Acquisition@redhorsecorp.com
 
Redhorse Corporation shall, in its discretion, modify or adjust the position to meet Redhorse’s changing needs. This job description is not a contract and may be adjusted as deemed appropriate in Redhorse’s sole discretion.

We may use artificial intelligence (AI) tools to support parts of the hiring process, such as reviewing applications, analyzing resumes, or assessing responses and identifying potential inconsistencies or verification signals in application materials based on available information. These tools assist our recruitment team but do not replace human judgment. Final hiring decisions are ultimately made by humans. If you would like more information about how your data is processed, please contact us.