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Military Security Contractor Jobs in California (NOW HIRING)

anduril

Contractor Special Security Officer

El Segundo, CA · On-site

$17 - $20.25/hr

Contractor Special Security Officer El Segundo, California, United States Anduril Industries is a ... S. and allied military capabilities with advanced technology. By bringing the expertise, technology ...

anduril

Contractor Special Security Officer

Costa Mesa, CA · On-site

$17 - $20.25/hr

Contractor Special Security Officer Costa Mesa, California, United States Anduril Industries is a ... S. and allied military capabilities with advanced technology. By bringing the expertise, technology ...

SpaceX

Lead Security Officer

Palo Alto, CA

$21.25 - $25.75/hr

High school diploma or equivalency certificate. * 5+ years of experience in the military, law enforcement, overseas security contracting, or advanced corporate security realm. * 1+ years of ...

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Military Security Contractor information

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How much do military security contractor jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 26, 2026, the average hourly pay for military security contractor in California is $25.64, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $18.03 and $28.94 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is a military security contractor?

Military security contractors are private individuals or companies hired to provide security services in conflict zones, military bases, or other high-risk environments. They may protect personnel, secure facilities, escort convoys, or support military operations, often working alongside armed forces but as civilians. These contractors are typically former military or law enforcement professionals and are governed by specific legal regulations depending on the country or contract. Their roles can vary widely, but their primary focus is to ensure safety and manage security risks in challenging environments.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a military security contractor, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Military Security Contractor, you need experience in security operations, weapons handling, tactical training, and often a military or law enforcement background. Proficiency with communications equipment, surveillance technology, and certifications such as a Private Security Contractor License or relevant firearms permits are typically required. Strong situational awareness, teamwork, and the ability to remain calm under pressure are vital soft skills for this role. These skills and qualifications are crucial to ensure the safety of personnel and assets in high-risk environments while maintaining operational effectiveness.

What are some common challenges faced by military security contractors working abroad?

Military Security Contractors working overseas often encounter challenges such as adapting to rapidly changing security environments, managing cultural and language differences, and maintaining communication with both military personnel and local authorities. The role frequently involves long hours, strict protocols, and the need to remain vigilant under high-pressure situations. Contractors also need to be prepared for logistical issues, including limited resources and the complexities of working in remote or unstable regions.

What is the difference between Military Security Contractor vs Private Security Guard?

AspectMilitary Security ContractorPrivate Security Guard
CredentialsMilitary or specialized security certifications, firearms trainingSecurity guard license, basic training
Work EnvironmentHigh-risk areas, conflict zones, military basesCommercial properties, events, residential areas
Employer & IndustryDefense contractors, government agenciesPrivate security firms, businesses

Military Security Contractors typically have advanced training, work in high-risk environments, and are employed by defense or government agencies. Private Security Guards focus on protecting property and people in less hazardous settings, working for private firms or businesses. The roles differ mainly in scope, environment, and required credentials, though both provide security services.

What are popular job titles related to Military Security Contractor jobs in California?

For Military Security Contractor jobs in California, the most frequently searched job titles are:

What job categories do people searching Military Security Contractor jobs in California look for?

The top searched job categories for Military Security Contractor jobs in California are:

What cities in California are hiring for Military Security Contractor jobs?

Cities in California with the most Military Security Contractor job openings:

Military Security Contractor jobs near you
Infographic showing various Military Security Contractor job openings in California as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 82% Full Time, 14% Part Time, and 4% Contract. Highlights an 92% Physical, 3% Hybrid, and 5% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $53,329 per year, or $25.6 per hour.

Assistant Facilities Security Officer (AFSO)

Berriehill Research

Santa Barbara, CA

$75K - $90K/yr

Full-time

Posted 11 days ago

Job description

The Strategic Operations, Analysis and Research (SOAR) of Applied Research Associates, Inc. (ARA) is seeking a highly motivated and organized Assistant Facilities Security Officer (AFSO) to join our security program in support of U.S. Department of War programs in Santa Barbara, CA. The right candidate will have previous experience as an FSO, AFSO, CPSO, Security Manager or military security manager. This person should have experience working with federal / government agencies or defense contractors.  The qualified candidate must have an active DoD security clearance at the Secret level and must be able to obtain a Top-Secret clearance.

Essential Functions:

  • Assist with security in-processing for all new employees including orientation for company policies and clearance application submissions for uncleared employees
  • Submit visit access requests (VARs) using Defense Information Systems for Security (DISS)
  • Assist with performing status checks on current investigations, determining upcoming reinvestigations dates, and relaying the information back to the employee
  • Assisting the Facilities Security Officer (FSO) with conducting security self-inspections, physical security surveys, and threat/vulnerability assessments.
  • Assist FSO with document control, inventory, and safeguarding of documents
  • Assist the FSO with conducting and presenting security presentations to staff members
  • Security Education: track and ensure trainings are current
  • COMSEC: administer COMSEC account including single secure phone

Required Qualifications:

  • High school diploma and 6-8 years of related experience OR a Bachelor’s degree with 0-2 years of experience
  • Must have an active Secret security clearance and must be able to obtain a Top-Secret clearance
  • Proficiency with Microsoft Office Suite software
  • Experience working with federal/government agencies or defense contractors
  • Ability to work independently and follow through on assignments
  • Ability to multi-task and work successfully in a fast-paced environment
  • Ability to communicate in a professional manner

Preferred Qualifications:

  • Top Secret clearance
  • Bachelor's degree or equivalent and five to seven years of related experience.  Experience can consist of any time spent as an FSO, AFSO, CPSO, Security Manager, or military security manager
  • Previous working knowledge of DISS and SF86s
  • Previous working knowledge of NBIS
  • Previous working knowledge of DD254s
  • Working experience with Access Commander

 

Compensation & Benefits: Pay Ranges: From $75,000.00 - $90,000.00 per year based on years of experience, degree and any special skills and knowledge that you may bring to the position. We mostly reserve the upper half of our compensation bands for internal growth. During all call with one of our recruiters or hiring managers, they can further clarify the salary range and total compensation. ARA offers competitive benefits that address our employees’ needs now and in the future. Learn more about each of our benefits at https://www.ara.com/benefits/

 

COMPANY INFORMATION:

Applied Research Associates, Inc. is an employee-owned international research and engineering company recognized for providing technically superior solutions to complex and challenging problems in the physical sciences. The company, founded in Albuquerque, NM, in 1979, currently employs over 2000 professionals. ARA offices throughout the United States and Canada provide a broad range of technical expertise in defense technologies, civil technologies, computer software and simulation, systems analysis, environmental technologies, and testing and measurement. The corporation also provides sophisticated technical products for environmental site characterization, pavement analysis, and robotics.

At ARA, employees are our greatest assets. The corporation realizes that employee ownership fosters greater creativity and initiative along with higher performance and customer satisfaction levels. ARA gives its employees the tools, training, and opportunities to take more active roles as owners. The culture is challenging; innovation and experimentation are the norm. Employees are eligible for contributions which not only add to the company’s success, but also their own through the Employee Stock Ownership Plan (ESOP). The motto, “Engineering and Science for Fun and Profit” sums up the ARA experience. For additional information and an opportunity to join this unique workplace, please visit our website at www.ara.com.

Please apply at www.careers.ara.com for the ­­­Assistant Facility Security Officer (AFSO) position.

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