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National Security Jobs in Silver Spring, MD (NOW HIRING)

Palisade Research

National Security Expert

Washington, DC · On-site

$140 - $180/hr

Palisade Research is hiring a National Security Expert in Washington, DC to help the national security community understand and respond to AI risks by developing policy and capability recommendations ...

New

Aisafety

AI and National Security Lead

Washington, DC · On-site

$133.87 - $210/hr

The AI & National Security Lead will report directly to the Head of US Policy. Job Duties * Analyze and raise awareness on how AI interacts with US national security concerns, particularly nuclear ...

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National Security information

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How much do national security jobs pay per hour?

As of Sep 3, 2026, the average hourly pay for national security in Silver Spring, MD is $26.86, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $18.89 and $30.34 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is a national security job?

National security jobs are roles focused on protecting a nation's interests, people, and critical infrastructure from threats such as terrorism, espionage, cyberattacks, and natural disasters. These positions can be found in government agencies like the Department of Homeland Security, Department of Defense, intelligence agencies, as well as private sector organizations that support national defense. Job duties can range from intelligence analysis and cybersecurity to emergency management and law enforcement. Professionals in these roles play a key role in maintaining public safety and national stability.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive in a national security role?

To thrive in a National Security role, you need strong analytical skills, a deep understanding of security policies, and typically a relevant degree in international relations, political science, or criminal justice. Familiarity with intelligence analysis software, surveillance technologies, and sometimes security clearances or certifications like CISSP are often required. Outstanding judgment, discretion, and the ability to communicate effectively in high-pressure situations are vital soft skills. These qualifications ensure the ability to assess threats, protect sensitive information, and support national interests.

What are some common challenges faced by professionals working in national security roles?

Professionals in national security often navigate complex challenges such as rapidly evolving threats, the need for quick decision-making under pressure, and balancing sensitive information with transparency requirements. Collaboration across agencies and departments is essential, which can introduce coordination hurdles and communication barriers. Additionally, adapting to technological advancements and ensuring continual professional development are critical to staying effective in this dynamic field.

What is the difference between National Security vs Intelligence Analyst?

AspectNational SecurityIntelligence Analyst
Required CredentialsSecurity clearances, relevant degrees (e.g., political science, security studies)Security clearances, degrees in intelligence, security, or related fields
Work EnvironmentGovernment agencies, military, defense contractorsIntelligence agencies, government departments, military
Employer & IndustryFederal government, defense, homeland securityIntelligence agencies, military, law enforcement
Common Search & ComparisonFocuses on national safety, policy, and defense strategiesFocuses on analyzing intelligence data, threat assessment

National Security professionals oversee broad safety and defense policies, while Intelligence Analysts focus on analyzing data to identify threats. Both roles require security clearances and often work within government agencies, but their specific functions differ in scope and daily tasks.

How hard is it to get a job in national security?

Securing a job in national security typically requires relevant education, such as a degree in security, intelligence, or related fields, along with security clearances that involve background checks. Competition can be high, and candidates often need specialized skills, experience, or certifications, such as cybersecurity or language proficiency, depending on the role.

What are careers in national security?

Careers in national security include roles such as intelligence analysts, security officers, cybersecurity specialists, and defense strategists. These jobs often require security clearances, strong analytical skills, and knowledge of government agencies or military operations, and may involve working in government, military, or private sector organizations.

What are the most commonly searched types of Security jobs in Silver Spring, MD?

The most popular types of Security jobs in Silver Spring, MD are:

What cities near Silver Spring, MD are hiring for National Security jobs?

Cities near Silver Spring, MD with the most National Security job openings:

National Security jobs near you
Infographic showing various National Security job openings in Silver Spring, MD as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 77% Full Time, 18% Part Time, and 4% Contract. Highlights an 93% Physical, 2% Hybrid, and 5% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $55,862 per year, or $26.9 per hour.

National Security Expert

Palisade Research

Washington, DC • On-site

$140 - $180/hr

Other

Medical, Dental, PTO

Posted 2 days ago

New

Job description

Palisade Research is hiring a National Security Expert in Washington, DC to help the national security community understand and respond to AI risks by developing policy and capability recommendations and advocating for them across government, media, and the nonprofit sector.

Palisade's mission is to help people and institutions build the understanding needed to avoid permanent disempowerment by strategic AI agents.

Description

About us: Palisade's mission is to help people and institutions build the understanding needed to avoid permanent disempowerment by strategic AI agents.

We believe that organizations in and around the national security community are increasingly tackling challenges around these risks – not just more-well-understood AI risks like the scope of lethal autonomous weapons deployments – and that they need to understand them to do their missions well. We need your help to make that case to national security experts and help them navigate this deeply-uncertain, exponentially-accelerating threat environment.

Responsibilities:

  • Support our head of policy. He has some background in national security contracting, and held a clearance for a while, so understands some parts of the national security world well, but does not have as much recent experience "inside the building" (for any building you care to name) and is eager to grow our team with someone with more recent experiences there
  • Develop recommendations for the national security community; these recommendations might include both policy as well as recommendations for how to better use national security capabilities and resources to protect against AI risks
  • Demonstrate exceptional judgement about when to use, or not to use, your trusted relationships in the national security community; share our policy perspectives with friends and former colleagues with sensitivity and discretion
  • Advocate for our policy recommendations with the government, media, and the non-profit community

Desired qualifications:

We expect that a successful candidate will have many, but not all, of these qualifications. Please apply for this role even if you are not sure if you meet them. In particular, if you are a motivated individual who cares about AI policy but is transitioning from another field, please DO apply.

  • Familiarity with AI national security risks, particularly:
    • Loss of control to powerful AI systems
    • Recursive self-improvement
    • Catastrophic misuse
    • The rapid and exponential pace of AI capabilities growth
  • An intelligence community, defense, regulatory, or academic background demonstrating expertise in national security
  • A willingness to dive in and get things done – a successful employee in this role must be comfortable with a project-based approach where key deliverables might change every few months
  • Understanding of DC policy processes, communities, and mechanisms, such as "how does the PDB get written, and why does it matter?" or "how does the Department of War make key recommendations to the President?" (We’re aware that many roles in the national security community define themselves as not doing policy themselves, and instead doing things like providing analytic insights to or carrying out the direction of policymakers. You do not have to have previously been in a role with “policy” specifically in the title to be eligible for this opportunity.)

Details of position:

  • Based in Washington, DC with occasional travel to our Berkeley home office or other locations as required
  • Full-time salaried employment; either hybrid or full-time in-person work
  • Salary: $140K to $180K per year, dependent on experience
  • Benefits: Comprehensive health, dental, and long-term disability coverage, unlimited PTO
  • Reports to our Head of Policy, Dave Kasten
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