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Signal Intelligence Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Peraton

Signals Intelligence SME (SIGINT SME)

Mclean, VA

$95K - $119K/yr

Have experience using specialized tools and software for signal processing and analysis. * Oversee, design, develop risk assessments toward anomalies or failures. * Ensure intelligence products are ...

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$45.5K

$104.6K

$144K

How much do signal intelligence jobs pay per year?

As of Jun 4, 2026, the average yearly pay for signal intelligence in the United States is $104,643.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $94,000.00 and $118,500.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a Signal Intelligence specialist, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Signal Intelligence specialist, you need strong analytical skills, attention to detail, and a background in electronics or computer science, often supported by military training or a relevant degree. Proficiency with signal analysis software, radio frequency (RF) systems, cryptographic tools, and sometimes certifications like CompTIA Security+ are commonly required. Exceptional problem-solving abilities, discretion, and effective communication are critical soft skills in this sensitive field. These competencies are essential for accurately interpreting complex data, ensuring security, and supporting critical decision-making in intelligence operations.

What are some common challenges faced by professionals working in Signal Intelligence roles?

Signal Intelligence professionals often encounter challenges related to rapidly evolving technology and encryption methods used by adversaries. Staying current with advancements in signal interception, analysis tools, and cybersecurity is essential to remain effective. Additionally, the role frequently requires collaboration across multidisciplinary teams, balancing strict confidentiality with the need to share insights for broader mission success. Adapting to high-pressure situations and extended hours during critical operations is also common in this field.

What is signal intelligence?

Signal intelligence, often abbreviated as SIGINT, is the process of collecting and analyzing electronic signals and communications from various sources to gather valuable information. This field plays a crucial role in national security, military operations, and intelligence agencies by intercepting radio, satellite, and other forms of electronic communications. Professionals in this area use specialized technology and methods to detect, interpret, and report on these signals to help inform strategic decisions. SIGINT can provide insights into the intentions, capabilities, and activities of potential adversaries.

What is the difference between Signal Intelligence vs Communications Analyst?

AspectSignal IntelligenceCommunications Analyst
Required CredentialsSecurity clearances, military or government intelligence trainingDegree in communications, IT, or related field; certifications vary
Work EnvironmentIntelligence agencies, military, government facilitiesCorporate, government, or military settings focusing on communication systems
Employer & Industry UsagePrimarily government and defense sectorsPublic and private sector organizations, including defense and corporate sectors
Common Search & Comparison IntentUnderstanding intelligence gathering methodsAnalyzing communication systems and data

Signal Intelligence involves collecting and analyzing intercepted signals for intelligence purposes, often within government or military contexts. Communications Analysts focus on managing, analyzing, and improving communication systems in various organizations. While both roles require technical knowledge, Signal Intelligence emphasizes intelligence gathering, whereas Communications Analysts concentrate on communication infrastructure and data analysis.

More about Signal Intelligence jobs
What cities are hiring for Signal Intelligence jobs? Cities with the most Signal Intelligence job openings:
What states have the most Signal Intelligence jobs? States with the most job openings for Signal Intelligence jobs include:
What job categories do people searching Signal Intelligence jobs look for? The top searched job categories for Signal Intelligence jobs are:
Signal Intelligence jobs near you
Infographic showing various Signal Intelligence job openings in the United States as of May 2026, with employment types broken down into 72% Full Time, 11% Part Time, and 17% Contract. Highlights an 87% Physical, 4% Hybrid, and 9% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $104,643 per year, or $50.3 per hour.

Signal Intelligence Analyst-Junior Level

Nwis

Sterling, VA • On-site

Full-time

Posted 22 days ago

Job description

Nightwing provides technically advanced full-spectrum cyber, data operations, systems integration and intelligence mission support services to meet our customers' most demanding challenges. Our capabilities include cyber space operations, cyber defense and resiliency, vulnerability research, ubiquitous technical surveillance, data intelligence, lifecycle mission enablement, and software modernization. Nightwing brings disruptive technologies, agility, and competitive offerings to customers in the intelligence community, defense, civil, and commercial markets.

Position Summary

Nightwing is seeking a highly motivated and technically skilled Signal Intelligence Analyst to support advanced mission operations in a dynamic and fast-paced environment. The ideal candidate willpossessstrong Linux systemexpertise, network protocol analysis experience, and an understanding of Signals Intelligence (SIGINT) operations and reporting. This role requires analytical problem-solving, scripting capability, and the ability to work with large datasets and complex networkedsystems.

CLEARANCE LEVEL-Top Secret/SCI with Polygraph

Key Responsibilities

  • Analyze and interpret signal data to support mission and operational requirements

  • Conduct network protocol analysis andidentifysignal structures and payload characteristics

  • Utilize Linux-based systems for data processing, analysis, troubleshooting, and automation

  • Develop andmaintainscripts to automate workflows, parsing, and system tasks

  • Support testing, troubleshooting, and debugging of client/server and web-based applications

  • Perform protocol and metadata analysis across multiple communication layers

  • Assistwith system monitoring, performance tuning, and operational support activities

  • Collaborate with cross-functional engineering and operational teams to resolve technical issues

  • Create technical documentation, reporting products, and operational summaries

Required Experience

  • Minimum of3 years of relevant professional experience

  • Experience with scripting languages such as Python or BASH

  • Extensive knowledge and experience using the Linux command line, withexpertisein the following:

  • Advanced file operations

  • Managing system services

  • Remotenavigation and file operation

  • Writing and debugging shell scripts (using BASH)

  • Basic system monitoring and performance tuning

  • Largedataset manipulation

  • Experience analyzing networking protocols using Wireshark

Desired Skills and Experience

  • Understanding of basic Signals Intelligence operations and reporting

  • Experience testing and debugging issues with Client/Server Web-based applications

  • Familiar with common configuration file formats: XML, JSON, YAML, etc.

  • Experience creating and maintaining Grafana dashboards

  • Advanced knowledge of OSI model, analyzing networking protocols using Wireshark, TRAILMAPPER

  • Identifyand describe the signal structure such as SDH, OTN, Ethernet

  • Identifyand describe the protocols in a signal such as: Ethernet IP/UDP/TCP, VLAN, MPLS,Pseudeowire

  • Understand the difference between content and metadata

  • Strong analytical and troubleshooting skills

  • Ability to work independently and within collaborative mission-focused teams

  • Excellent written and verbal communication skills

  • Detail-oriented with the ability to manage multiple priorities in operational environments

  • Experience supporting national security or intelligence community missions preferred

Education

  • Bachelor's Degree from an accredited college or university in:

  • Computer Science

  • Computer Engineering

  • Information Technology

  • Related engineering, technical, or scientific discipline

  • Four (4) years of relevant military and/or professional experience may be substituted in lieu of degree

At Nightwing, we value collaboration and teamwork. You'll have the opportunity to work alongside talented individuals who are passionate about what they do. Together, we'll leverage our collective expertise to drive innovation, solve complex problems, and deliver exceptional results for our clients.


Thank you for considering joining us as we embark on this new journey and shape the future of cybersecurity and intelligence together as part of the Nightwing team.

Nightwing is An Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action Employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability or veteran status, age or any other federally protected class.

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