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Security Associate Jobs in Washington, DC (NOW HIRING)

Network Security Engineer

Annapolis, MD · On-site

$103K - $141K/yr

Associate degree. * Active certifications as follows: * Palo Alto Networks Certified Network Security Administrator (PCNSA) Certification or Palo Alto Networks Network Security Professional ...

Showing results 21-40

Security Associate information

See Washington, DC salary details

$12

$23

$59

How much do security associate jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 6, 2026, the average hourly pay for security associate in Washington, DC is $23.42, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $17.98 and $25.05 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a security associate, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Security Associate, you need a strong understanding of security protocols, incident response, and surveillance, often supported by a high school diploma or equivalent and sometimes security certification. Familiarity with CCTV systems, access control software, and incident reporting tools is typically required. Exceptional observation skills, attention to detail, and the ability to remain calm under pressure are vital soft skills in this role. These skills are important to effectively protect people and property, respond to emergencies, and ensure a safe environment.

What situations might a security associate encounter during a typical shift, and how are they expected to respond?

As a Security Associate, you may encounter various situations such as unauthorized access attempts, minor disturbances, lost property, or safety hazards. You are expected to assess each situation calmly, follow established protocols, and communicate effectively with both team members and the public. Quick decision-making and clear reporting are essential, as is collaborating with law enforcement or emergency services when necessary. Regular training helps you stay prepared for diverse scenarios, ensuring the safety and security of the premises.

What is the difference between Security Associate vs Security Guard?

AspectSecurity AssociateSecurity Guard
CredentialsTypically requires a security license or certification, sometimes basic trainingOften requires a security license or certification, similar training
Work EnvironmentIndoor and outdoor settings, including retail, corporate, and event venuesPrimarily on-site at specific locations like malls, buildings, or events
Employer & IndustryEmployers include retail stores, corporate offices, and event organizersEmployers include malls, private properties, and security firms

Security Associates and Security Guards often share similar credentials and work environments, focusing on safety and surveillance. The main difference lies in their roles' scope; Security Associates may have more customer interaction and perform additional duties like monitoring systems, while Security Guards typically focus on patrol and access control. Both roles are essential for security in various settings.

What is a security associate?

Security Associates are professionals responsible for ensuring the safety and security of people, property, and information within an organization or facility. Their duties often include monitoring surveillance equipment, patrolling premises, controlling access points, and responding to incidents or emergencies. Security Associates may also perform checks, write reports, and assist law enforcement when necessary. The role requires attention to detail, good communication skills, and the ability to respond quickly and effectively to potential security threats.
What are the most commonly searched types of Security jobs in Washington, DC? The most popular types of Security jobs in Washington, DC are:
Infographic showing various Security Associate job openings in Washington, DC as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 79% Full Time, 17% Part Time, and 4% Contract. Highlights an 92% Physical, 3% Hybrid, and 5% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $48,716 per year, or $23.4 per hour.

Associate Wireless Security Engineer with Security Clearance

MITRE Corporation

Fairfax, VA • On-site

$89K - $111K/yr

Other

Re-posted 21 days ago


MITRE Corporation rating

8.2

Company rating: 8.2 out of 10

Based on 8 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

153rd of 441 rated engineering


Job description

Why choose between doing meaningful work and having a fulfilling life? At MITRE, you can have both. That's because MITRE people are committed to tackling our nation's toughest challenges-and we're committed to the long-term well-being of our employees. MITRE is different from most technology companies. We are a not-for-profit corporation chartered to work for the public interest, with no commercial conflicts to influence what we do. The R&D centers we operate for the government create lasting impact in fields as diverse as cybersecurity, healthcare, aviation, defense, and enterprise transformation. We're making a difference every day-working for a safer, healthier, and more secure nation and world. Our workplace reflects our values. We offer competitive benefits, exceptional professional development opportunities for career growth, and a culture of innovation that embraces adaptability, collaboration, technical excellence, and people in partnership. If this sounds like the choice you want to make, then choose MITRE - and make a difference with us. Department Summary: MITRE's Electronic Systems Security department is seeking to hire talented and creative engineers with a focus on embedded wireless systems and protocols to support advanced research and development projects of national significance. Qualified candidates will join a department with deep technical expertise across many embedded security disciplines including software vulnerability research and reverse engineering, hardware reverse engineering, secure computing, and implementation security. This multi-disciplinary wireless security team applies deep understanding of advanced wireless network technologies, including 5G cellular, to instrument, analyze, and evaluate wireless technologies through hands-on experimentation and prototype development. Roles and Responsibilities: Engineers in this role will develop and apply their technical expertise to: * Research and develop new approaches and countermeasures for emerging security threats to wireless systems
* Design and build prototypes to demonstrate advanced capabilities
* Perform hands-on functional and security assessments of wireless systems and implementations
* Develop software for interfacing with and controlling lab equipment for data collection, measurement, and analysis
* Work as part of a multi-disciplinary team of engineers Minimum Qualifications: * BS degree in Electrical or Computer Engineering, Computer Science, or similar field with less than 1 year of related experience * Must be US citizen capable of obtaining and maintaining a DoD Secret security clearance
* Experience with software design in languages such as Python, C/C++, or Rust for PCs and embedded systems
* Familiarity with foundational communications, networking, and/or signal processing concepts
* Effective oral and written communication skills Preferred Qualifications: * MS, or PhD degree in Electrical or Computer Engineering, Computer Science, or similar field
* Familiarity and/or experience with one or more of the following technical areas:
* Software development practices including design and code reviews, testing and regression, revision control, and user documentation
* Software-defined radio usage
* Networking and/or wireless communications protocol stack(s)
* Cryptography and security concepts such as key-agreement protocols, authentication, encryption, etc.
* System security assessment: e.g., protocol reverse engineering, vulnerability discovery/assessment
* AI model development / training This requisition requires the candidate to have a minimum of the following clearance(s):
None This requisition requires the hired candidate to have or obtain, within one year from the date of hire, the following clearance(s):
Secret Salary compensation range and midpoint:
$89,200 - $111,500 - $133,800 Annual Work Location Type:
Onsite It is unlawful in Massachusetts to require or administer a lie detector test as a condition of employment or continued employment. An employer who violates this law shall be subject to criminal penalties and civil liability. Commitment to Non-Discrimination All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to disability, status as a protected veteran or any other status protected by applicable federal, state, local or international law. MITRE intends to maintain a website that is fully accessible to all individuals. If you are unable to search or apply for jobs and would like to request a reasonable accommodation for any part of MITRE's employment process, please email for general support and for intern positions. This service is for individuals requiring reasonable accommodation requests. Please note that vendor solicitations will not receive a reply. Benefits information may be found here . Copyright © 1997-2026, The MITRE Corporation. All rights reserved. MITRE is a registered trademark of The MITRE Corporation. Material on this site may be copied and distributed with permission only.

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About MITRE

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Why choose between doing meaningful work and having a fulfilling life? At MITRE, you can have both. That's because MITRE people are committed to tackling our nation's toughest challenges-and we're committed to the long-term well-being of our employees. MITRE is different from most technology companies. We are a not-for-profit corporation chartered to work for the public interest, with no commercial conflicts to influence what we do. The R&D centers we operate for the government create lasting impact in fields as diverse as cybersecurity, healthcare, aviation, defense, and enterprise transformation. We're making a difference every day-working for a safer, healthier, and more secure nation and world. Our workplace reflects our values. We offer competitive benefits, exceptional professional development opportunities, and a culture of innovation that embraces diversity, inclusion, flexibility, collaboration, and career growth. If this sounds like the choice you want to make, then choose MITRE-and make a difference with us. MITRE is a trusted operator of federally funded research and development centers and we're on a mission to make the world a safer place-for all of humanity, today and in the future. To deliver on our mission, we need the world's best talent and leaders-groundbreakers and partnership-builders on a global scale in areas like healthcare, artificial intelligence, critical infrastructure resiliency, pandemic management, and cybersecurity. In return, we have the privilege of backing you with thousands of technical experts in diverse fields, a culture of innovation and knowledge sharing, access to data and resources uniquely available to MITRE through our wide-ranging partnerships across government, industry and academia.

Industry

It services

Company size

5,001 - 10,000 Employees

Headquarters location

McLean, VA, US

Year founded

1958

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