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Remote Background Investigator Jobs in Reston, VA

10a Labs

Junior Cyber Investigator

Washington, DC · Remote

$80K - $105K/yr

... remote exploits, or offensive security operations * Familiarity with LLM systems and how AI ... Background in dark web monitoring, OSINT, or cross-platform threat analysis * Full professional ...

10a Labs

Principal Cyber Investigator

Washington, DC · On-site +1

$150K - $180K/yr

... remote exploits, or offensive security operations * Familiarity with LLM systems and how AI ... Background in dark web monitoring, OSINT, or cross-platform threat analysis * Experience building ...

10a Labs

Senior Cyber Investigator

Washington, DC · Remote

$114K - $140K/yr

... remote exploits, or offensive security operations * Strong ability to assess the real-world harm ... Background in dark web monitoring, OSINT, or cross-platform threat analysis * Experience scaling ...

American Oversight

Investigator

Washington, DC · On-site +1

$62K - $78K/yr

... background conversations with journalists, advocates, and allies. * Communicate proactively with ... Remote-first work environment * Medical, dental and vision insurance * Generous paid time off

American Oversight

Investigator

Washington, DC · Remote

$62K - $78K/yr

... background conversations with journalists, advocates, and allies. * Communicate proactively with ... Remote-first work environment * Medical, dental and vision insurance * Generous paid time off

ResolveSoft Inc

Be Seen First

Senior Lead Developer - Remote

Washington, DC · Remote

$120K - $130K/yr

Senior Lead Developer - Remote Position Summary The Senior Lead Developer is responsible for all ... Must hold or be eligible to obtain a Tier 2 (Moderate Risk) background investigation prior to ...

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All JobsBackground Investigator JobsRemote Background Investigator JobsRemote Background Investigator Jobs in Reston, VA

Remote Background Investigator information

See Reston, VA salary details

$32.2K

$74.1K

$120.5K

How much do remote background investigator jobs pay per year?

As of Jul 13, 2026, the average yearly pay for remote background investigator in Reston, VA is $74,109.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $52,800.00 and $89,800.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is the difference between Remote Background Investigator vs Remote Security Specialist?

AspectRemote Background InvestigatorRemote Security Specialist
Required CredentialsBackground check certifications, sometimes security clearancesSecurity certifications, such as CISSP or CISM
Work EnvironmentPrimarily remote, conducting interviews and researchRemote or on-site, focusing on security protocols and monitoring
Employer & Industry UsageUsed by government agencies, contractors, and private firms for background checksEmployed by security firms, corporations, or government for security management

The main difference is that Remote Background Investigators focus on conducting background checks and investigations remotely, while Remote Security Specialists handle security protocols and monitoring. Both roles may require security-related certifications and are often remote, but they serve different functions within the security and background screening industry.

What Does a Remote Background Investigator Do?

A remote background investigator collects information on people, businesses, or organizations. In a corporate or business setting, your responsibilities include performing a background check on employees and verifying their qualifications and references. If you work for a government agency, you investigate employees and contractors who are applying for security clearance. In addition to checking for a police record, you interview an applicant's previous employers, references, and colleagues. If your employer needs, you contact law enforcement or intelligence services to perform your duties. Other background investigators collect information about job applicants from social media or previous employers.

What are some common challenges faced by Remote Background Investigators, and how can they be managed?

Remote Background Investigators often contend with challenges such as building rapport and gathering thorough information without face-to-face interactions, managing large caseloads, and ensuring data security when working from various locations. To manage these, strong communication skills, meticulous organization, and adherence to secure digital protocols are essential. Collaborating closely with supervisors and team members via virtual meetings and utilizing case management software can also help investigators stay on track and maintain the quality of their work.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a Remote Background Investigator, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Remote Background Investigator, you need strong analytical abilities, attention to detail, and a background in criminal justice or a related field, often supported by a bachelor's degree. Familiarity with investigative databases, case management software, and secure communication systems is typically required. Excellent written communication, integrity, and the ability to work independently are standout soft skills in this role. These skills are crucial for conducting thorough, accurate investigations while maintaining confidentiality and meeting remote work demands.

What is a Remote Background Investigator?

A Remote Background Investigator is a professional who conducts background checks and investigations from a remote location, rather than working on-site. Their responsibilities typically include verifying employment history, education, criminal records, and other personal or professional details about individuals for employers or government agencies. They utilize online databases, conduct interviews via phone or video calls, and prepare detailed reports on their findings. This role requires strong attention to detail, discretion, and the ability to work independently with confidential information.
More about Remote Background Investigator jobs
What are the most commonly searched types of Background Investigator jobs in Reston, VA? The most popular types of Background Investigator jobs in Reston, VA are:
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What cities near Reston, VA are hiring for Remote Background Investigator jobs? Cities near Reston, VA with the most Remote Background Investigator job openings:
Remote Background Investigator jobs near you
Infographic showing various Remote Background Investigator job openings in Reston, VA as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 69% Full Time, and 31% Part Time. Highlights an 100% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $74,109 per year, or $35.6 per hour.

Junior Cyber Investigator

10a Labs

Washington, DC • Remote

$80K - $105K/yr

Other

Medical, Dental, Vision, Retirement, PTO

Posted 20 days ago

Job description

About the role:

Please note: this is a one-year position, with the potential for extension.

10a Labs' Investigations Team is looking for a Cyber Investigator to support high-volume exchange labeling and investigations across a range of cyber abuse areas. This role requires a solid foundation in cybersecurity and a keen ability to assess whether technical content poses real-world harm.

Investigations may involve exposure to harmful or disturbing content, including malicious code, exploit development, and content designed to facilitate cyberattacks.

In this role, you will:

  • Review and label AI-generated exchanges to assess whether content provides meaningful offensive cyber uplift, distinguishing it from legitimate security research
  • Query internal data sources using SQL and Python and cross-reference open-source information (OSINT) to support labeling decisions
  • Document and share investigative findings with internal stakeholders

Required Qualifications:

  • At least 1-3 years of experience in cybersecurity, Trust & Safety, national security, defense, intelligence, or law enforcement domains
  • Bachelor's degree in Computer Science, Information Security, or a related field, or equivalent practical experience
  • Foundational knowledge of cyber threat concepts, including one or more of the following: scaled data extraction, ransomware, local and remote exploits, or offensive security operations
  • Familiarity with LLM systems and how AI technology can be misused for cyber operations
  • Ability to assess the real-world harm potential of technical content, distinguishing offensive uplift from benign or educational security research
  • Strong SQL and Python proficiency for querying data and supporting investigations
  • Ability to rapidly context-switch across domains, modalities, and abuse areas in a fast-paced, ambiguous environment
  • Ability to clear an insider-threat background check

Preferred Qualifications:

  • Experience with threat intelligence frameworks such as MITRE ATT&CK
  • Background in dark web monitoring, OSINT, or cross-platform threat analysis
  • Full professional proficiency in Arabic, Chinese, Farsi, Portuguese, Russian, or Spanish
  • Relevant certifications such as CompTIA Security+, CEH, or OSCP

Compensation & Benefits:

  • Salary Range: $80K-$105K, depending on experience and location
  • Work Environment: Fully remote, U.S.-based
  • Health Benefits: Comprehensive health, dental, and vision coverage
  • Time Off: Generous PTO and paid holiday schedule
  • Retirement: 401(k) plan


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