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Protective Operations Jobs (NOW HIRING)

SAIC

Space Protection Operations Engineer

Fort Belvoir, VA · On-site

$160K - $200K/yr

ORA_ON_SITE Description SAIC is seeking a Space Protection Operations Engineer to join the Air Force, Space, and Intelligence Business Group providing systems engineering and technical advisory ...

SAIC

Space Protection Operations Engineer

Fort Belvoir, VA · On-site

$78K - $106K/yr

SAIC is seeking a Space Protection Operations Engineer to join the Air Force, Space, and Intelligence Business Group providing systems engineering and technical advisory services to a rapidly ...

EDGEWORTH SECURITY

Executive Protection Agent

Malibu, CA · On-site

$35/hr

Participate in recurring protective operations training, to include emergency medical, vehicle operations, surveillance detection, and firearms proficiencies. * Operate vehicles, including EV's, golf ...

Sandisk

Director, Protective Services

Milpitas, CA · On-site

... operations. With our global reach, we ensure the global supply chain has access to the Flash memory ... We are seeking an experienced security leader to lead protective services within our Global ...

CC Services

Law Enforcement Officer

Atlanta, GA

$75K - $139K/yr

Provide protective security services for high-profile facilities and operations * Support executive and dignitary movement coordination * Assist with security operations during major events and ...

ijetconnect

Embedded Program Manager

Minneapolis, MN

The EPM manages embedded personnel, supports executive protection and security operations, and coordinates directly with client stakeholders to maintain a high standard of service delivery. The ideal ...

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Protective Operations information

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How much do protective operations jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 17, 2026, the average hourly pay for protective operations in the United States is $24.20, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $19.23 and $27.40 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is protective operations?

Protective Operations refer to the specialized security services designed to safeguard individuals, such as dignitaries, executives, or other high-profile persons, from potential threats like physical harm, kidnapping, or harassment. These operations involve risk assessment, advance planning, secure transportation, and close personal protection. Personnel involved in Protective Operations are trained in threat detection, emergency response, and defensive tactics to ensure the safety of their clients in various environments.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive in protective operations, and why are they important?

To thrive in Protective Operations, you need expertise in threat assessment, physical security, defensive tactics, and often a background in law enforcement or military service. Familiarity with surveillance systems, communications equipment, and certifications such as Executive Protection or firearms training are typically required. Exceptional situational awareness, discretion, and strong decision-making under pressure distinguish top professionals in this field. These skills are critical to ensuring the safety of clients and effectively managing risks in high-stakes environments.

What are the typical challenges faced by professionals in protective operations, and how can they be managed effectively?

Professionals in Protective Operations often face challenges such as rapidly changing threat environments, high-stress situations, and the need for constant vigilance. Managing these challenges effectively requires strong situational awareness, ongoing training in defensive tactics, and excellent communication skills to coordinate with team members and clients. Building trust within the team and maintaining flexibility in operational planning are also crucial for adapting to unforeseen risks. Continual professional development and debriefings after assignments help teams refine strategies and improve future performance.

What is the difference between Protective Operations vs Security Guard?

AspectProtective OperationsSecurity Guard
Required CredentialsSecurity certifications, training in protective tacticsBasic security training, sometimes licensing
Work EnvironmentHigh-risk areas, close protection, event securityBuilding patrols, access control, surveillance
Employer & Industry UsagePrivate security firms, government agencies, corporate securityCommercial buildings, retail stores, residential complexes

Protective Operations involves specialized security tasks such as close protection and risk assessment, often requiring advanced training and certifications. Security Guards typically focus on monitoring premises and controlling access. While both roles aim to ensure safety, Protective Operations is more proactive and strategic, whereas Security Guards perform more routine security functions.

How do I become a protective operations officer?

To become a protective operations officer, candidates typically need a background in security, law enforcement, or military service, along with relevant training in protective tactics and threat assessment. Certifications such as Close Protection or Executive Protection training are often required, and strong communication, situational awareness, and physical fitness are essential. Many roles also require a security clearance or background check depending on the employer and assignment.
More about Protective Operations jobs

What job categories do people searching Protective Operations jobs look for?

The top searched job categories for Protective Operations jobs are:

Protective Operations jobs near you
Infographic showing various Protective Operations job openings in the United States as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 84% Full Time, 11% Part Time, 1% Temporary, 2% Contract, and 1% Nights. Highlights an 94% Physical, 2% Hybrid, and 4% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $50,344 per year, or $24.2 per hour.

Space Protection Operations Engineer

SAIC

Fort Belvoir, VA • Hybrid

$160K - $200K/yr

Full-time

Re-posted 23 days ago

SAIC rating

7.9

Company rating: 7.9 out of 10

Based on 79 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

79th of 224 rated it services

Job description

Job ID: 2612920

Location: Fort Belvoir, VA, US

Date Posted: 2026-07-21

Category: Engineering and Sciences

Subcategory: Systems Engineer

Schedule: Full-Time

Shift: Day Job

Travel: Yes - 25% of the time

Minimum Clearance Required: TS.SCI_wPoly

Clearance Level Must Be Able to Obtain: None

Potential for Remote Work: ORA_ON_SITE


Description

SAIC is seeking a Space Protection Operations Engineer to join the Air Force, Space, and Intelligence Business Group providing systems engineering and technical advisory services to a rapidly expanding Government Intelligence Community (IC) customer. The customer is developing the next generation of space and ground systems, architectures, and hardware and software solutions. This position may require weekly travel to other locations in the Washington, DC metro area.   


The Space Protection Operations Engineer will serve as the subject matter expert (SME) and System Program Office (SPO) representative coordinating with end user operators, the developer, and other stakeholders for the deployment of new protection capabilities into space operations. The Space Protection Operations Engineer is the SPO’s on-site agent for user-engagement with operators of a space protection system and will collaborate with site users and SMEs within the SPO home office to support system testing, transition to operations planning, user/operator training, Operations and Maintenance (O&M) planning and Deficiency Report (DR) management, and be the focal point for representing SPO equities to the site’s Operations stakeholders.


The Space Protection Operations Engineer responsibilities include, but are not limited to:
•    Provides space protection operations mission expertise to acquisition managers and software engineers in the development of tools that provide operators Indications and Warning against Space threats.
•    Elicits system capability needs and user interface/experience (UI/UX) preferences from operational users.
•    Collaborates with software developers to inform/guide mission application enhancements. 
•    Manages the transition of new capabilities and software deliveries to operations. 
•    Leads the review and coordination of system documentation and training materials. 
•    Evaluates developer solutions, guides software deployment activities, and assesses software patches/fixes.

Qualifications

 Required:
•    Bachelor’s and 9 or more years of experience; master’s and 7 or more years of experience; PhD and 4 or more years of experience.  Extensive experience may be considered in lieu of degree.
•    Active Top Secret/SCI clearance with Poly.
•    Experience in Intel Community or Department of War space acquisitions or mission operations.
•    Experience deploying and sustaining software within a 24/7 operations center or similar environment.
•    Knowledge of agile software development principles.
 

Desired:
•    Experience with DevOps, including continuous integration and continuous delivery/deployment (CI/CD).
•    Experience in Space Protection operations and familiarity with protection technologies.
•    Experience authoring operator-related or software deployment documentation.
•    Experience in Space system testing, simulation, and modeling environments.
•    Knowledge of the fundamentals of orbital mechanics and orbit determination.

Target salary range: $160,001 - $200,000. The estimate displayed represents the typical salary range for this position based on experience and other factors.

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