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Information Security Associate Jobs in California

Jobtailor

Data Security Administrator

Commerce, CA · On-site

$80 - $110/hr

Bachelor's degree in computer science, Information Technology, Cybersecurity, or related field * Associate degree may be acceptable with experience * 2-4 years in IT security or systems ...

Implify Inc

RSA Archer - GRC -PCON

Torrance, CA · On-site

At least 11 years of experience with IT Security Skills Preferred At least 5 years of experience in Business Process Consulting, problem definition, Architecture/Design /Detailing of Processes At ...

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Information Security Associate information

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$36K

$81.7K

$159.9K

How much do information security associate jobs pay per year?

As of Sep 7, 2026, the average yearly pay for information security associate in California is $81,733.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $53,300.00 and $94,200.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is an information security associate?

Information Security Associates are professionals responsible for helping protect an organization’s computer systems and data from cyber threats and unauthorized access. They assist with monitoring security systems, responding to incidents, conducting risk assessments, and ensuring compliance with security policies and regulations. Their role is crucial in supporting the organization's overall cybersecurity posture and often involves working with IT teams to implement protective measures and educate staff about security best practices.

What does an information security associate do?

The job duties of an information security associate include working to develop and implement an information security program for a company, agency, or organization. Your responsibilities in this career may include working to monitor security procedures and working with various departments to ensure secure communications and data storage and limit any risks to the company’s information. You perform internal audits to test for compliance with the information security practices that you develop. You also analyze current information security procedures to look for evidence of external threats and cyber crime or to define other areas of vulnerability.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as an information security associate, and why are they important?

To thrive as an Information Security Associate, you need a solid understanding of cybersecurity principles, risk assessment, and network security, typically backed by a degree in computer science or a related field. Familiarity with security tools such as SIEM systems, firewalls, and certifications like CompTIA Security+ or CISSP are commonly required. Strong analytical thinking, attention to detail, and effective communication help you collaborate with teams and respond to security incidents efficiently. These skills are crucial for proactively identifying threats, protecting organizational assets, and ensuring regulatory compliance in an evolving threat landscape.

What are some common challenges faced by information security associates when working with cross-functional teams?

Information Security Associates often collaborate with departments such as IT, legal, and operations to implement security protocols. One common challenge is bridging the knowledge gap between technical security concepts and non-technical team members. This can require strong communication and interpersonal skills to ensure security policies are understood and followed organization-wide. Additionally, balancing security requirements with business needs may require negotiation and creative problem-solving to maintain both security and productivity.

What is the difference between Information Security Associate vs Cybersecurity Analyst?

AspectInformation Security AssociateCybersecurity Analyst
CertificationsCompTIA Security+, CISSP (entry-level)CompTIA Security+, CISSP, CEH
Work EnvironmentCorporate security teams, IT departmentsSecurity operations centers, IT security teams
Employer & Industry UsageBusinesses across industries, government agenciesOrganizations with dedicated security operations
Common Search/ComparisonYesYes

While both roles focus on protecting information systems, an Information Security Associate typically supports security initiatives, assists with policy implementation, and monitors security alerts. A Cybersecurity Analyst often takes a more active role in analyzing threats, responding to incidents, and conducting security assessments. The roles overlap in certifications and work environments, but the Cybersecurity Analyst usually has more technical responsibilities and a deeper focus on threat analysis.

More about Information Security Associate jobs

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Information Security Associate jobs near you
Infographic showing various Information Security Associate job openings in California as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 69% Full Time, 25% Part Time, and 5% Contract. Highlights an 92% Physical, 3% Hybrid, and 5% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $81,733 per year, or $39.3 per hour.

Associate AI Security Resident

RAND Corporation

Santa Monica, CA • On-site, Remote

Full-time

Medical, Life, PTO

This job post has expired today. Applications are no longer accepted.

Job description

Job Type:

Term (Fixed Term)
Job Description

Overview

RAND's Center on AI, Security, and Technology (CAST), part of the Global and Emerging Risks (GER) Division conducts cutting-edge research on transformative, high-impact technologies-including artificial intelligence and biotechnology-to shape policies that protect global security and advance the public good.

Your work will address key questions related to securing AI systems, understanding their cyber capabilities, and examining their policy implications. You will be responsible for leading complex projects that span technical research, policy analysis, and infrastructure development. For example, you might lead projects to develop AI-specific threat models, build software tools for AI cyber capability evaluations, or identify critical areas for new security R&D. Your work will inform analysis delivered to senior government and industry leaders.

You will communicate the results of your work to both technical and non-technical audiences through quick-turnaround policy briefs and detailed written research products. A recent example of one of our research products is the Securing AI Model Weights report, which explored protecting frontier AI models from theft and misuse.

This position is structured as a three-year appointment with options to renew and explore opportunities for longer-term employment at RAND thereafter.

RAND's reputation for excellence is built on our commitment to high-quality, rigorous analysis and objectivity. As an Associate AI Security Resident, you'll maintain that excellence while engaging with some of the most pressing challenges of our time.

Qualifications

All research positions at RAND require excellent analytic skills; the ability to communicate clearly and effectively, both orally and in writing; the ability to work effectively as a member of a multi-disciplinary team; and a strong commitment to RAND's core values of quality and objectivity.

Required:

  • Technical experience in security engineering, software engineering, firmware engineering, hardware engineering, or related fields

  • Technical management experience, including leading cross-functional teams, managing project budgets, and mentoring and developing team members

  • Demonstrated ability to successfully lead complex projects to completion

  • Proficiency in Python, Java, C/C++, or other popular programming languages

  • Ability to develop rigorous and comprehensive threat models and identify potential system vulnerabilities

  • Excellent communication skills, both written and verbal, tailored to technical and non-technical audiences

  • Ability to reason about policy options given different technical considerations

  • Ability to work effectively in a collaborative, multidisciplinary environment

  • Fluency with MS Office suite

Preferred:

  • Graduate of the Computer Network Operations Development Program (CNODP), Remote Interactive Operator Training (RIOT), Future Operator Readiness Growth and Enrichment (FORGE), or equivalent experience

  • Experience with red team operations or offensive cyber capabilities development

  • Understanding of advanced persistent threat (APT) tactics, techniques, and procedures (TTPs) and experience with defending against them

  • Ability to think creatively about offensive and/or defensive techniques and strategies, beyond compliance with existing regulations

  • Familiarity with U.S. cybersecurity agencies, authorities, and policy development processes

  • Experience working in or with government on cybersecurity policy

  • Experience with advising non-technical stakeholders on security topics

  • Familiarity with the AI/ML hardware stack (e.g., GPUs, TPUs, data center design)

  • Familiarity with the AI/ML software stack (e.g., CUDA, PyTorch, TensorFlow, Ray)

  • Experience working on AI research, ML model training, or model deployment

  • Experience with securing AI systems

Education Requirements

RAND is hiring multiple Visiting AI Security Residents at associate I and associate II levels of experience. Minimum education requirements at the associate I level include:

A BS in Computer Science, Computer Engineering, Electrical Engineering, Cybersecurity, Information Security, Information Technology, Mathematics, Applied Mathematics, Physics, Applied Physics, Engineering Physics, Artificial Intelligence, Machine Learning, Engineering and Public Policy, Technology and Policy, National Security Policy, Policy Analysis, Political Science, International Relations, or similar AND 1 year AI-focused real-world experience is required.

OR

A Master's degree in the fields listed above is required.

Security Clearance

Ability to obtain and maintain a U.S. government clearance is preferred but not required.

Location

We are hiring for this position in San Francisco, CA, Washington, DC; Santa Monica, CA; Pittsburgh, PA; and Boston, MA. We offer a hybrid work arrangement, combining work from home and on-site options. Fully remote work within the US, along with US visa support, will also be considered.

Writing or Code Sample

Either a writing sample or a code sample is required for this position. This sample can use a recent, previously written paper or technical report (e.g., journal article, master's thesis or paper written for coursework, research project, technical analysis, briefings), or source code showing technical expertise in relevant domains.

Term

This position is a three-year term appointment with a possibility of renewal, alongside options for longer term employment.

Salary Range:

Visiting Technical Associate I = $90,400 - $134,400

Visiting Technical Associate II = $121,700 - $176,500

RAND considers a variety of factors when formulating an offer, including but not limited to, the specific role and associated responsibilities; a candidate's work experience, education/training, skills, expertise; and internal equity.Successful candidates will be offered employment in a specific title, as determined by the candidate's education and experience. The salary range includes base pay plus RAND's sabbatic pay (which provides additional compensation above base pay when vacation is taken). In addition, RAND provides strong benefits including health insurance coverage, life and disability insurance, savings plan, paid time-off and more.

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