ZipRecruiter

Log In

1

Security Operator Jobs in California (NOW HIRING)

MANTECH

Acquisition Security Analyst

El Segundo, CA · Hybrid

Writing, reviewing, and editing critical security documentation, including Security Classification Guides (SCG), Exposure Contingency Plans (ECP), Managed Access Plans (MAP), Security Operating ...

MANTECH

Acquisition Security Analyst

El Segundo, CA · Hybrid

Writing, reviewing, and editing critical security documentation, including Security Classification Guides (SCG), Exposure Contingency Plans (ECP), Managed Access Plans (MAP), Security Operating ...

MANTECH

Acquisition Security Analyst

El Segundo, CA · Hybrid

Writing, reviewing, and editing critical security documentation, including Security Classification Guides (SCG), Exposure Contingency Plans (ECP), Managed Access Plans (MAP), Security Operating ...

Allied Universal

GSOC Operator

Pleasanton, CA · On-site

$29.70/hr

Elevate your security career with Allied Universal Enhanced Protection Services, a global leader in ... security operatives, x-ray screeners, and security consultants. * $29.70 per hour * Hours are ...

BAE Systems USA

Security Specialist

San Diego, CA

$67K - $114K/yr

Develop and implement security plans and procedures utilizing the new 32 CFR Part 117 National Industrial Security Operating Manual (NISPOM) as well as any other specific programmatic instruction ...

next page

Showing results 1-20

All JobsSecurity Operator JobsSecurity Operator Jobs in California

Security Operator information

See California salary details

$7

$19

$28

How much do security operator jobs pay per hour?

As of Jun 16, 2026, the average hourly pay for security operator in California is $19.57, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $17.07 and $21.11 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What does a security operator do?

A security operator monitors and patrols premises to prevent theft, vandalism, and unauthorized access. They may use surveillance systems, perform security checks, and respond to incidents, often working in shifts and requiring knowledge of safety procedures and security protocols.

What is a Security Operator?

A Security Operator is a professional responsible for monitoring and protecting an organization's assets, people, and information from security threats. Their duties often include surveillance, responding to alarms or incidents, and coordinating with emergency services if necessary. Security Operators may work in control rooms, using technology such as CCTV, access control systems, and communication tools to maintain situational awareness. They play a crucial role in ensuring the safety and security of facilities, employees, and visitors.

What jobs pay $2000 a day?

Some high-paying security operator roles, such as executive security or specialized security consultants, can pay around $2,000 per day, especially for experienced professionals with advanced certifications and skills. These positions often require extensive experience, security clearances, and the ability to operate in high-risk environments or handle sensitive information.

What is the highest paying security job?

The highest paying security jobs are often executive security roles such as Chief Security Officer or security consultants with specialized expertise in cybersecurity or risk management. These positions typically require extensive experience, advanced certifications, and leadership skills, and they can offer salaries exceeding six figures annually.

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

To thrive as a Security Operator, you need a solid understanding of security protocols, surveillance techniques, and incident response, often backed by relevant certifications such as CompTIA Security+ or SIA licensing. Familiarity with security monitoring systems, CCTV, access control software, and incident reporting tools is typically required. Attention to detail, composure under pressure, and effective communication are standout soft skills in this role. These abilities are critical to swiftly detecting and managing security threats, ensuring the safety of people and property.

What are some typical challenges Security Operators face during their shifts, and how are they addressed?

Security Operators often encounter challenges such as responding to simultaneous security alerts, managing access control for multiple sites, and maintaining clear communication during high-pressure incidents. To address these challenges, operators rely on well-defined protocols, regular training, and close collaboration with on-site security teams. Utilizing advanced security monitoring systems and maintaining detailed incident logs also help ensure efficient response and continuous improvement.

What job makes $10,000 a month without a degree?

A security operator typically does not earn $10,000 a month without specialized experience or certifications. High-paying roles in security, such as cybersecurity specialists or security consultants, can reach that level, but they usually require relevant skills, training, or industry certifications rather than just a job title. Most roles paying this amount involve technical expertise or managerial responsibilities.

What is the difference between Security Operator vs Security Guard?

AspectSecurity OperatorSecurity Guard
Required CredentialsSecurity license, training certificationsSecurity license, basic training
Work EnvironmentMonitoring systems, patrolling, access controlPatrolling premises, guarding property
Employer & Industry UsageSecurity companies, corporate facilitiesRetail stores, malls, private properties
Common Search & ComparisonYesYes

Security Operators typically focus on monitoring security systems and controlling access, requiring specialized training. Security Guards often perform patrols and physical guarding duties. Both roles require security licenses and are employed in similar environments, but Security Operators tend to work more with technology-based security measures.

What are popular job titles related to Security Operator jobs in California? For Security Operator jobs in California, the most frequently searched job titles are:
What job categories do people searching Security Operator jobs in California look for? The top searched job categories for Security Operator jobs in California are:
Security Operator jobs near you
Infographic showing various Security Operator job openings in California as of June 2026, with employment types broken down into 68% Full Time, 19% Part Time, and 13% Nights. Highlights an 100% In-person job distribution, with an average salary of $40,704 per year, or $19.6 per hour.
Security Software Engineer, Applied Computing (Starshield)

Security Software Engineer, Applied Computing (Starshield)

SpaceX

Hawthorne, CA • On-site

Full-time

Posted 11 days ago

SpaceX rating

8.7

Company rating: 8.7 out of 10

Based on 144 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

13th of 60 rated aerospace companies

Job description

Job Summary:
SpaceX is actively developing technologies to enable human life on Mars and is seeking a Security Software Engineer for their Starshield project. The role involves leveraging AI to automate security-related efforts, ensuring safe AI integration, and building security-critical systems for national security applications.
Responsibilities:
• Design and build security-critical agents for Starshield that automate network and systems defense
• Leverage AI to discover and fix security issues in Starshield infrastructure and systems
• Provide guidance and perform testing of AI integrations into new and existing Starshield systems
• Identify new areas of the program where meaningful security improvements can be gained via automation and AI
• Maintain existing production systems and improve security posture via both direct implementation and recommendations to other teams
Qualifications:
Required:
• Bachelor's degree in computer science or another STEM discipline; OR 2+ years of professional experience in security software development in lieu of a degree
• Experience with one or more software development languages (i.e. Python, C++, Golang)
• Experience designing and implementing security solutions for operating systems, distributed systems, or other enterprise/large-scale infrastructure
• Experience designing and implementing solutions with LLMs, LLM-based agents, or adjacent AI topics
Preferred:
• Demonstrated ability to deal with ambiguity, learn quickly, problem solve, and take ownership of the end result
• Understanding of core security engineering topics: cryptography, authentication, network security, operating system security
• Experience designing, prompting, and securing agents that can perform long-running autonomous tasks
• Experience red-teaming/penetration-testing LLMs, including prompt injection, jailbreaking, and data exfiltration
• Experience deploying and managing LLMs, including infrastructure and maintenance to ensure reliable, scalable operation
• Experience contributing security improvements to complex systems
• Flexibility, communicating clearly, and establishing and maintaining productive working relationships with other engineering teams
• Excellent communication skills, both written and verbal
• Ability to work both independently and in a team
• Advanced degree in a technical or engineering discipline
• Active Top Secret, Top Secret SCI, or DOE Level Q clearance
Company:
SpaceX develops and operates rockets, satellite networks, and AI infrastructure including launch, connectivity, and cloud services. Founded in 2002, the company is headquartered in Hawthorne, USA, with a team of 1001-5000 employees. The company is currently Late Stage.

What SpaceX employees say

Pay

Benefits

Hours and flexibility

Workplace

Get the full story on Breakroom

Apply