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Physical Security Jobs in Virginia (NOW HIRING)

Physical Security Contract Manager

Reston, VA ยท On-site

$94K - $125K/yr

POSITION SUMMARY The Contract Manager is responsible for the overall management, direction, and performance of security operations under the contract. This position ensures compliance with all ...

Contractor Program Security Officer

Herndon, VA ยท On-site

$100K - $150K/yr

Support personnel security, physical security, document control, and classified networks. * Assist with building and maintaining classified secured areas. * Conduct regular security assessments and ...

Showing results 41-60

Physical Security information

See Virginia salary details

$13

$31

$55

How much do physical security jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 23, 2026, the average hourly pay for physical security in Virginia is $31.35, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $16.44 and $42.40 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is physical security?

Physical security refers to the measures and protocols put in place to protect people, property, and physical assets from unauthorized access, theft, vandalism, or other physical threats. This can include barriers like locks, fences, security guards, surveillance cameras, and access control systems. Physical security is crucial for preventing loss, ensuring safety, and supporting overall organizational security strategies. It often works in tandem with cybersecurity to provide comprehensive protection for companies and individuals.

What are physical security jobs?

Physical security jobs focus on providing security for people or facilities. The duties and responsibilities of someone who works in physical security include working to monitor surveillance equipment or guard a place or person. People in this profession are called security guards or security agents. Security consultants may review current security measures and practices and recommend a new alarm system or other security measures and strategies. A security engineer may design or plan a complete security system meant to protect and secure a building or area. A director of physical security oversees all security operations.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive in a physical security role, and why are they important?

Success in Physical Security requires knowledge of security protocols, risk assessment, and often a background in criminal justice or security-related certifications. Familiarity with surveillance systems, access control software, and alarm monitoring technology is commonly expected. Strong observational skills, integrity, and effective communication are crucial soft skills for identifying threats and collaborating with team members. These abilities are vital to protect people, property, and sensitive information from physical threats and breaches.

What are some typical challenges faced by professionals in physical security roles, and how can they be addressed?

Professionals in physical security roles often encounter challenges such as adapting to evolving security threats, managing access control effectively, and coordinating with multiple departments during emergencies. Staying updated on the latest security technologies and protocols is crucial to mitigate risks. Building strong communication skills and participating in regular training exercises can help address these challenges, while fostering close collaboration with IT, facilities, and emergency response teams enhances overall security preparedness.

What is the difference between Physical Security vs Security Guard?

AspectPhysical SecuritySecurity Guard
CertificationsSecurity certifications, sometimes specialized in physical securitySecurity guard licenses, state-specific
Work EnvironmentBuildings, facilities, event venues, often involves access controlPatrols, monitoring entrances, responding to incidents
Employer & IndustryCorporations, government, private security firmsSecurity companies, retail, corporate sites
Job FocusPreventing unauthorized access, safeguarding assetsMonitoring premises, maintaining safety, deterring threats

Physical Security encompasses a broad range of measures and roles aimed at protecting assets and facilities, often involving specialized systems and protocols. Security Guards are a key component of physical security, primarily responsible for patrolling, monitoring, and responding to security incidents. While both roles overlap, physical security professionals may also include security system installation and risk assessment, whereas security guards focus on on-site presence and immediate threat response.

What does physical security do?

Physical security involves protecting people, property, and assets from unauthorized access, theft, vandalism, and harm. It includes measures such as security personnel, access controls, surveillance systems, and safety protocols to maintain a secure environment. Security professionals often monitor premises, conduct inspections, and respond to incidents to ensure safety.

What is a physical security job?

A physical security job involves protecting people, property, and assets by monitoring premises, controlling access, and responding to security incidents. Common roles include security guards and patrol officers who may use tools like surveillance cameras and communication devices, often requiring certifications such as a security guard license. These jobs typically involve shift work and require vigilance and good observation skills.

What are the most commonly searched types of Physical Security jobs in Virginia?

The most popular types of Physical Security jobs in Virginia are:

What job categories do people searching Physical Security jobs in Virginia look for?

The top searched job categories for Physical Security jobs in Virginia are:

What cities in Virginia are hiring for Physical Security jobs?

Cities in Virginia with the most Physical Security job openings:

Infographic showing various Physical Security job openings in Virginia as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 71% Full Time, 24% Part Time, 1% Temporary, 2% Contract, and 1% Nights. Highlights an 97% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 2% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $65,208 per year, or $31.4 per hour.

Physical Security Risk & Compliance Analyst (TS/SCI #26-127) with Security Clearance

Strategic Analysis, Inc.

Arlington, VA โ€ข On-site

Other

Re-posted 9 days ago


Job description

Strategic Analysis, Inc. is an Equal Opportunity Employer. Start Over with Job Search Returning Applicant?  Login Now If you need assistance or an accommodation while seeking employment with us, please email  or call: 703-527-5410. We will make a determination on your request for reasonable accommodation on a case-by-case basis. Physical Security Risk & Compliance Analyst (TS/SCI #26-127) Job Code:26-127
Location:Arlington, VA
FT/PT Status:Full Time
Required Clearance:Top Secret w/ CI Poly
Salary Range:$175k-$200k The Physical Security Risk & Compliance Analyst serves as a senior security professional responsible for evaluating, assessing, and strengthening the physical security posture of Special Access Programs (SAP), Sensitive Compartmented Information (SCI), and other classified facilities and operations. This position provides expert analysis of physical security programs by conducting inspections, compliance assessments, risk evaluations, and vulnerability analyses to ensure adherence to applicable government regulations, customer requirements, and industry best practices. Working collaboratively with government representatives, program managers, facility personnel, security professionals, engineers, and contractors, the analyst identifies physical security risks, develops mitigation strategies, and supports continuous compliance efforts to protect classified personnel, facilities, information, and assets. Responsibilities:  โ€ข     Conduct comprehensive physical security compliance reviews, inspections, assessments, and vulnerability evaluations of Special Access Program Facilities (SAPFs), Sensitive Compartmented Information Facilities (SCIFs), and other classified facilities.
โ€ข     Evaluate physical security programs for compliance with applicable government regulations, customer requirements, accreditation standards, and organizational security policies.
โ€ข     Assess facility security measures including perimeter protection, intrusion detection systems (IDS), electronic security systems (ESS), access control systems (ACS/PACS), video surveillance, locking hardware, barriers, and protective technologies.
โ€ข     Perform physical security risk assessments and vulnerability analyses to identify deficiencies, evaluate threats, and recommend practical mitigation strategies.
โ€ข     Prepare comprehensive inspection reports, executive summaries, risk assessments, corrective action plans, and compliance documentation.
โ€ข     Advise leadership, program managers, facility managers, and security personnel regarding physical security requirements, inspection readiness, accreditation support, and risk management.
โ€ข     Evaluate corrective actions to ensure identified deficiencies have been effectively resolved and documented.
โ€ข     Conduct security incident reviews involving physical security violations, facility compromises, or protection failures and recommend corrective measures.
โ€ข     Interpret and apply government security directives, customer guidance, and contractual security requirements to support consistent physical security compliance.
โ€ข     Develop, revise, and maintain physical security policies, standard operating procedures, inspection checklists, and risk assessment methodologies.
โ€ข     Support security engineering initiatives involving electronic security systems, access control technologies, alarm systems, surveillance systems, and facility protection upgrades.
โ€ข     Analyze physical security trends, inspection metrics, recurring deficiencies, and program performance to recommend continuous improvement initiatives.
โ€ข     Present inspection findings, risk assessments, and compliance briefings to executive leadership, customers, and security stakeholders.
โ€ข     Collaborate with personnel security, information security, industrial security, cybersecurity, and facility management personnel to support integrated security programs.
โ€ข     Support facility accreditation, reaccreditation, and continuous compliance activities for classified environments. Required Qualifications:  โ€ข     Active TS/SCI with current CI Poly or ability to pass
โ€ข     7+ years of progressively responsible experience in the following areas:
o       Supporting physical security programs within classified or controlled environments.
o       Conducting physical security inspections, compliance reviews, vulnerability assessments, or security audits.
o       Performing physical security risk analysis and developing mitigation recommendations.
o       Evaluating electronic security systems, intrusion detection systems, access control systems, surveillance systems, or other protective technologies.
o       Preparing formal inspection reports, executive briefings, and corrective action documentation.
โ€ข     Demonstrated experience interpreting and applying government security policies, physical security standards, and customer requirements.
โ€ข     Strong analytical, investigative, organizational, and communication skills.
โ€ข     Ability to independently manage multiple assessments while interacting effectively with executive leadership and customers. Education & Experience:  One of the following is required:
โ€ข     Bachelorโ€™s degree in Criminal Justice, Homeland Security, Security Management, Engineering, Intelligence Studies, Business Administration, or a related field; OR
โ€ข     Associate degree with additional directly related experience; OR
โ€ข     Completion of military, government, or industry security training programs with progressively responsible experience supporting physical security programs; OR
โ€ข     An equivalent combination of education, specialized training, professional certifications, and directly related experience.
Relevant government security training, military education, industry certifications, and demonstrated experience may be substituted for a formal degree.
  Strategic Analysis, Inc. is an Equal Opportunity employer and is committed to non-discrimination in employment. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religions, sex (including pregnancy, sexual orientation, or gender identity), national origin, disability (physical or mental), age (40 or older), protected veteran status, genetic information (including family medical history) or any other characteristic protected by law. This policy includes but is not limited to the following employment actions: recruitment, hiring, firing, promotion, demotion, compensation, fringe benefits, training, mentoring and sponsorship programs.