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Spy Agent Jobs in California (NOW HIRING)

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Spy Agent information

See California salary details

$19.1K

$53.4K

$99.9K

How much do spy agent jobs pay per year?

As of Sep 7, 2026, the average yearly pay for spy agent in California is $53,386.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $31,335.00 and $75,890.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is a spy agent?

Spy agents, also known as intelligence officers or secret agents, are professionals who collect, analyze, and disseminate information that is vital to a nation's security. They work for government intelligence agencies and often operate undercover to gather intelligence on foreign governments, organizations, or individuals. Their work may involve surveillance, recruiting sources, and using advanced technology to intercept communications. Spy agents play a crucial role in preventing threats such as terrorism, cyberattacks, and espionage. Due to the sensitive nature of their work, their identities and activities are typically classified.

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

To thrive as a Spy Agent, you need expertise in intelligence gathering, foreign languages, analytical thinking, and a background in criminal justice, law enforcement, or military service. Familiarity with surveillance technology, secure communications systems, and potentially security clearance certifications are typically required. Exceptional soft skills include adaptability, discretion, emotional intelligence, and strong interpersonal communication. These skills are vital for effectively gathering intelligence, maintaining operational security, and executing missions in high-risk, dynamic environments.

What are some common challenges faced by spy agents in their daily work?

Spy agents often face the challenge of balancing confidentiality with effective teamwork, as sensitive information must be shared only with trusted colleagues. They also operate under high-pressure situations, requiring quick decision-making and adaptability in rapidly changing environments. Additionally, maintaining cover identities and managing the psychological stress of covert work are common hurdles. Success in this role depends on resilience, discretion, and strong communication skills.

What is the difference between Spy Agent vs Security Guard?

AspectSpy AgentSecurity Guard
CredentialsBackground checks, sometimes specialized trainingBasic security training, licensing varies by location
Work EnvironmentCovert operations, often undercover, varied locationsPhysical security at premises, fixed locations
Employer & IndustryIntelligence agencies, private firms, governmentPrivate security companies, businesses, events
Search & Comparison IntentYesYes

While both Spy Agents and Security Guards focus on security, Spy Agents operate covertly, often undercover, and require specialized skills and background checks. Security Guards provide visible physical security at specific locations, with more straightforward credentials. The roles differ mainly in their methods and environments, but both serve protective functions within security-related industries.

Are there real spy agent jobs?

Yes, spy agent jobs exist within government agencies such as intelligence services, where professionals conduct covert operations, gather intelligence, and analyze information. These roles typically require specialized training, security clearances, and skills in surveillance, communication, and analysis.

What does a spy agent do?

A spy agent gathers intelligence by conducting surveillance, infiltrating organizations, and collecting information covertly. They often use specialized tools, maintain strict confidentiality, and may require security clearances or training in espionage techniques. Their work supports national security, law enforcement, or corporate interests.

What are popular job titles related to Spy Agent jobs in California?

For Spy Agent jobs in California, the most frequently searched job titles are:

What job categories do people searching Spy Agent jobs in California look for?

The top searched job categories for Spy Agent jobs in California are:

Spy Agent jobs near you
Infographic showing various Spy Agent job openings in California as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 87% Full Time, 9% Part Time, and 4% Contract. Highlights an 83% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 16% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $53,386 per year, or $25.7 per hour.

AESA Radar Engineer

Decision Technologies

Port Hueneme, CA • On-site

Other

Retirement

Re-posted 28 days ago

Job description

Join a dynamic company, Decision Technologies, Inc., that specializes in technical support services and engineering consultancy. We have extensive experience developing RF Systems and Missile Sensors, production transition, quality and reliability assessment, test and evaluation, and logistics support. At Decision Technologies, we believe in matching our capabilities to the needs of our customers, and we are looking for a qualified Radar Engineer to join our experienced team. Your role will be integral to providing exceptional support and leadership in our core competencies.


At Decision Technologies, we value our employees and offer a competitive salary and benefits package, including 401K, Flexible Spending Accounts, and Short and Long-Term Disability. As a growing company, we are committed to providing advancement opportunities and Tuition Reimbursement, ensuring our employees have the support they need to thrive in their careers.


We seek qualified AESA Radar Engineers to join our team, with the option to work in Bath, ME., Port Hueneme, CA., or Pascagoula, MS.


Position Description:

The candidate will play a crucial role in supporting the Naval Surface Warfare Center, Port Hueneme Division (NSWC PHD) In-Service Engineering Agent (ISEA), providing radar engineering for the development, testing, evaluation, manufacturing, fielding, and supportability for the AN/SPY-6(V) Family of Radars programs. They will be the ISEA's Subject Matter Expert for the radar as part of the development, ship integration, and fielding of the radar in all applicable ship classes. The candidate's contributions will be instrumental in the introduction and evaluation of new functions and capabilities into the fleet, and they will sometimes perform direct fleet support, documenting results of maintenance, troubleshooting, and problem-resolution actions accomplished while onboard.

MUST HAVE AN ACTIVE SECRET SECURITY CLEARANCE


Responsibilities and Duties:

  • Work directly with the Original Equipment Manufacturer (OEM), evaluating system design for performance, maintenance, and supportability; and providing engineering evaluation and recommendations for the development of radar modifications/upgrades and providing engineering oversight on behalf of the Navy customer
  • Perform System Engineering functions for system development and fielding
  • Support engineering efforts related to design, testing, and analysis of modifications and support fleet introduction of new capabilities
  • Perform land-based and underway testing and analysis of radar system performance and provide hands-on training for shipboard maintenance technicians and operators
  • Assist in the development of Ship Installation Drawings (SIDs) and Ship Alteration Records (SAR), which reflect system installation plans and configurations
  • Support technical documentation development and modifications required as a result of system changes and improvements
  • Assist in ship integration planning and combat system interface development and testing
  • Perform post-installation System Operational Verification Test (SOVT)


Required Qualifications and Skills:

  • Bachelor of Science degree in engineering, mathematics, or physics
  • Practical experience in performing engineering design, test and evaluation, and supportability analysis for any of the following systems: Dual Band Radar (DBR), SPY-1/6/7, THAAD/TYP-2, Sea-Based X-Band Radar (SBX), SPQ-11, TPY-4, LTAMDS, G/ATOR, Sentinel A4
  • Practical experience in design requirements, technical documentation development, fielding, and testing of AESA radar systems
  • Experience in test and evaluation and data analysis for AESA radar systems
  • Experience with the development of technical documentation, technical reports, and documenting engineering activities.
  • Practical experience with Navy weapon system development under the DoD Acquisition Process of DOD Directive 5000.01
  • Working knowledge of Change Requests & Engineering Change Proposals.
  • Familiarity with Reliability Engineering, Supply Support, Manning, Training, Configuration Management, and Test Equipment
  • High-quality interpersonal and communication (oral and written) skills
  • Personal computer skills (competent with MS Office applications


Desired Qualifications and Skills:

  • Familiarity with the use of MATLAB for system modeling
  • Familiarity with US Navy radar installation processes
  • Familiarity with US Navy underway operations


Travel Requirements:

  • Availability to travel up to 30% during a calendar year to support ship visits, test events, and programmatic meetings

Compensation at Decision Technologies, Inc., is determined by various factors, including, but not limited to, location, the individual's particular combination of education, knowledge, skills, competencies, and experience, contract-specific affordability, and organizational requirements.


Decision Technologies, Inc. provides equal employment opportunities to all employees and applicants for employment and prohibits discrimination and harassment of any type without regard to race, color, religion, age, sex, national origin, disability status, genetics, protected veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, or any other characteristic protected by federal, state, or local laws.


This policy applies to all terms and conditions of employment, including recruiting, hiring, placement, promotion, termination, layoff, recall, transfer, leaves of absence, compensation, and training.

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