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Open Source Research Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Chenega Corporation

Senior Research Analyst

Washington, DC · On-site

$85 - $115/hr

The Senior Research Analyst will provide expertise in open-source media monitoring and analysis, provide qualitative and quantitative analyses of open-source research findings, consolidate and assess ...

MANTECH

Open Source Intelligence Analyst

Sterling, VA · On-site

Provide Collection research, analysis and recommendations regarding liaison efforts with ... Conduct Open Source Intelligence (OSINT) Analysis, reporting, and other OSINT products as required ...

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$21K

$99.8K

$180.5K

How much do open source research jobs pay per year?

As of Sep 6, 2026, the average yearly pay for open source research in the United States is $99,750.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $55,000.00 and $140,000.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is an open source research?

An Open Source Research job involves gathering, analyzing, and interpreting publicly available data to support decision-making, investigations, or intelligence efforts. This can include examining online publications, social media, government records, and other freely accessible sources. Professionals in this field may work in cybersecurity, journalism, law enforcement, or corporate intelligence. Strong analytical skills, attention to detail, and an understanding of digital tools are essential for success in this role.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive in open source research?

To thrive in Open Source Research, you need strong analytical abilities, attention to detail, and a background in research methodologies, typically supported by a degree in international relations, intelligence studies, or a related field. Familiarity with research databases, online investigative tools, and sometimes certifications like OSINT (Open Source Intelligence) training are valuable. Effective communication, critical thinking, and perseverance are essential soft skills to excel in this field. These skills ensure accurate collection, assessment, and presentation of publicly available information for informed decision-making.

What are some of the typical challenges faced by professionals in open source research roles?

Professionals in open source research often encounter challenges such as verifying the authenticity and credibility of information found online, managing large volumes of data, and keeping up with rapidly evolving digital tools and platforms. They may need to navigate language barriers, misinformation, and changing privacy regulations depending on the geographic focus of their research. The work can require a careful balance between thorough investigation and timely reporting. To succeed, researchers often collaborate with analysts, subject matter experts, and cross-functional teams to ensure findings are actionable and reliable.

What cities are hiring for Open Source Research jobs?

Cities with the most Open Source Research job openings:

What are the most commonly searched types of Open Source Research jobs?

The most popular types of Open Source Research jobs are:

What states have the most Open Source Research jobs?

States with the most job openings for Open Source Research jobs include:

What job categories do people searching Open Source Research jobs look for?

The top searched job categories for Open Source Research jobs are:

Open Source Research jobs near you
Infographic showing various Open Source Research job openings in the United States as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 78% Full Time, 18% Part Time, and 3% Contract. Highlights an 92% Physical, 2% Hybrid, and 6% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $99,750 per year, or $48 per hour.

Open Source Research Specialist II - Night Shift

Agile Defense

Rosslyn, VA • On-site

$80K - $90K/yr

Other

Medical, Life, Retirement, PTO

Posted 4 days ago

Job description

About Agile Defense
 
At Agile Defense we know that action defines the outcome and new challenges require new solutions. That’s why we always look to the future and embrace change with an unmovable spirit and the courage to build for what comes next.
 
Our vision is to bring adaptive innovation to support our nation's most important missions through the seamless integration of advanced technologies, elite minds, and unparalleled agility—leveraging a foundation of speed, flexibility, and ingenuity to strengthen and protect our nation’s vital interests.

Requisition #: 1821
Job Title: Open Source Research Specialist II
Location: Rosslyn, VA
Clearance Level: Secret Clearance Required to Start
 
Job Description
Agile Defense is looking for an Open Source Monitoring Specialist to support a federal law enforcement client. Open Source Intelligence Program focused on detecting threats to specific people, locations, and events. As an Open Source Monitoring Specialist, you will use Boolean logic, automated search tools, and other research skills to find potential threats in social media, news sites, forums, and other sources. The threats you find will be used by security and law enforcement personnel worldwide to increase the safety of specific people, locations, and events. Shift work required for night shift is from 6:00pm-6:15am, 4-days on/4-days off.
 
  • Assists in collecting, analyzing, and interpreting intelligence from various sources to support security and operational objectives.
  • Conducts basic research, compiles reports, and identifies emerging trends or threats under supervision.
  • Supports intelligence briefings and contributes to risk and threat assessments.
Education and Background
  • Bachelor's Degree and at least 4 year of relevant experience or at least 7 years of relevant experience without a degree. Relevant experience includes any positions that required advanced online research or other investigative techniques. 
Required Skills
  • Foundational knowledge of intelligence analysis methodologies. 
  • Strong ability to communicate effectively and succinctly, both verbally and in writing
  • Ability to write clearly and concisely
  • Ability to clearly summarize information in writing
  • Knowledge of internet-based research, including Boolean logic
  • Knowledge of machine language translation methods
  • Demonstrated ability to learn new software
  • Ability to establish liaison and interact effectively with individuals at all levels 
Preferred Skills
  • Knowledge of popular and fringe social media platforms
  • Completed Open Source Intelligence or advanced internet research training course 
Working Conditions
Typical Office Environment
In addition, Agile Defense invests in its employees beyond just compensation.  Agile’s benefits offerings include, dependent upon position, Health Insurance, Life Insurance, Paid Time Off, Holiday Pay, short-term and long-term Disability, Retirement and Learning and Development opportunities as well as other optional benefit elections.

Our Core Values
 
Employees of Agile Defense are our number one priority, and the importance we place on our culture here is fundamental. Our culture is alive and evolving, but it always stays true to its roots. Here, you are valued as a family member, and we believe that we can accomplish great things together. Agile Defense has been highly successful in the past few years due to our employees and the culture we create together. 
 
What makes us Agile? We call it the 6Hs, the values that define our culture and guide everything we do. Together, these values infuse vibrancy, integrity, and a tireless work ethic into advancing the most important national security and critical civilian missions. It's how we show up every day. It's who we are.
 
  • Happy - Be Infectious. Happiness multiplies and creates a positive and connected environment where motivation and satisfaction have an outsized effect on everything we do.
  • Helpful - Be Supportive. Being helpful is the foundation of teamwork, resulting in a supportive atmosphere where collaboration flourishes, and collective success is celebrated.
  • Honest - Be Trustworthy. Honesty serves as our compass, ensuring transparent communication and ethical conduct, essential to who we are and the complex domains we support.
  • Humble - Be Grounded. Success is not achieved alone, humility ensures a culture of mutual respect, encouraging open communication, and a willingness to learn from one another and take on any task.
  • Hungry - Be Eager. Our hunger for excellence drives an insatiable appetite for innovation and continuous improvement, propelling us forward in the face of new and unprecedented challenges.
  • Hustle - Be Driven. Hustle is reflected in our relentless work ethic, where we are each committed to going above and beyond to advance the mission and achieve success.
 
Equal Opportunity Employer/Protected Veterans/Individuals with Disabilities

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.