Security Associate Jobs
Security Associate jobs are open across corporate security, healthcare, financial services, retail, and government sectors, at every level from entry-level to senior associate and supervisor, with specializations in physical security, loss prevention, and information security. See the openings below and apply to the ones that match your experience.
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Showing 5 of 123+ Security Associate jobs
- 538528
- Arlington, Virginia
- VTNSI
- Research Faculty
- Vice President for Research
Job Description
With a presence in both Blacksburg and Washington D.C. metro areas, the Virginia Tech National Security Institute (VNTSI) serves dual missions of (1) performing cutting edge research and development for externally sponsored Department of War and Intelligence Community programs and (2) cultivating the next generation of national security workforce and thought leaders by engaging students in curricular, extracurricular, and research and development opportunities. As one of the fastest growing thematic research institutes at Virginia Tech, sponsors and collaborators benefit from VTNSI through both highly experienced student talent pipelines and senior technical leadership that addresses some of our nation’s greatest national security challenges and threats.
The Intelligent Systems Division (ISD), one of the three research divisions of VTNSI, is seeking a Research Associate or Research Scientist in Cyber Security to conduct research in cyber security and artificial intelligence. This is a research and development position based in Arlington, Virginia. ISD brings together researchers from computer science, systems engineering, statistics, mathematics, operations research and other related fields to develop interdisciplinary solutions to cutting-edge technological challenges. Successful candidates for this position will have relevant experience in cyber security and ideally artificial intelligence.
Specific responsibilities include the following:
1. Contributes to research conducted in ISD focused on cyber security, cyber operations, cyber analytics, and the intersection of those areas with other ISD research interests - including but not limited to data science, artificial intelligence, and systems engineering
2. Contributes to technical documents/presentations and peer-reviewed academic papers
3. At the Research Associate I and II levels, executes responsibilities that may include background research, coding protection mechanisms or attacks, data collection, analysis, documentation, and supporting project logistics
4. At the Research Scientist I and II levels, contributes to research design and execution, supervise and/or mentor technical staff in key technical areas, and participate in proposal development; opportunity to serve as either Co-PI or PI on small to moderate programs.
Required Qualifications
- US citizenship
- Active and ability to maintain a security clearance
- Education in Computer Science, Computer Engineering, Systems Engineering, Statistics, Data Science, Mathematics, or related discipline
o For Research Associate II, Master’s degree, Bachelor’s with 3 years post-degree experience
o Research Scientist I, Master’s degree, Bachelor’s with five years of post-degree experience
o Research Scientist II, Master’s degree with three years experience, Bachelor’s with five years post-degree experience, or doctoral degree.
- Experience with cyber security and cyber operations (including software, AI/ML, or autonomy)
- Demonstrated knowledge of networking fundamentals, network logs and telemetry, common cyber-attack types including malware, security concepts including access control and cryptography.
- Experience with artificial intelligence and machine learning.
- Proficiency in one or more programming languages such as Python, C++, C, etc.
- Demonstrated ability to work as a member of a team in executing research and/or development projects
- Evidence of high potential for excellence in research and development as demonstrated through academic study or experience
Preferred Qualifications
- Ability to obtain and maintain a TS/SCI clearance.
- Experience in cyber test, including network and penetration testing, malware analysis, or red teaming
- Experience in testing AI-enabled systems (including benchmarking, prompting, narratives, AI use in human workflows) and agentic AI (including assessing behavior and security, autonomous use of AI)
- Experience serving as PI/Co-PI on funding programs (preference for Research Scientist I and II)
- Experience with software development, cryptography, or software reverse engineering
- Experience with common machine learning software packages such as Tensor Flow, PyTorch, Hugging Face, etc.
- Experience working in an academic environment
- Experience executing on research and/or development programs supporting the federal government
- Interest and/or experience working effectively with a diverse faculty, staff and student population
Exempt: Not eligible for overtime
Appointment Type
Restricted
Salary Information
- Research Associate I starting at $100,000; commensurate with experience
- Research Associate II starting at $125,000; commensurate with experience
- Research Scientist I starting at $150,000; commensurate with experience
- Research Scientist II starting at $175,000; commensurate with experience
Hours per week
40
Review Date
November 30, 2026
Additional Information
Due to the nature of our work, the successful candidates must be US citizens with an active security clearance.
The successful candidate will be required to have a criminal conviction check.
About Virginia Tech
Dedicated to its motto, Ut Prosim (That I May Serve), Virginia Tech pushes the boundaries of knowledge by taking a hands-on, transdisciplinary approach to preparing scholars to be leaders and problem-solvers. A comprehensive land-grant institution that enhances the quality of life in Virginia and throughout the world, Virginia Tech is an inclusive community dedicated to knowledge, discovery, and creativity. The university offers more than 280 majors to a diverse enrollment of more than 36,000 undergraduate, graduate, and professional students in eight undergraduate colleges, a school of medicine, a veterinary medicine college, Graduate School, and Honors College. The university has a significant presence across Virginia, including Blacksburg, the greater Washington, D.C. area, the Health Sciences and Technology Campus in Roanoke, sites in Newport News and Richmond, and numerous Extension offices and research institutes. A leading global research institution, Virginia Tech conducts more than $650 million in research annually.
Virginia Tech endorses and encourages participation in professional development opportunities and university shared governance. These valuable contributions to university shared governance provide important representation and perspective, along with opportunities for unique and impactful professional development.
Virginia Tech does not discriminate against employees, students, or applicants on the basis of age, color, disability, sex (including pregnancy), gender, gender identity, gender expression, genetic information, ethnicity or national origin, political affiliation, race, religion, sexual orientation, or military status, or otherwise discriminate against employees or applicants who inquire about, discuss, or disclose their compensation or the compensation of other employees or applicants, or on any other basis protected by law.
If you are an individual with a disability and desire an accommodation, please contact Alex Tuuri at alext3@vt.edu during regular business hours at least 10 business days prior to the event.
- 538528
- Arlington, Virginia
- VTNSI
- Research Faculty
- Vice President for Research
Job Description
With a presence in both Blacksburg and Washington D.C. metro areas, the Virginia Tech National Security Institute (VNTSI) serves dual missions of (1) performing cutting edge research and development for externally sponsored Department of War and Intelligence Community programs and (2) cultivating the next generation of national security workforce and thought leaders by engaging students in curricular, extracurricular, and research and development opportunities. As one of the fastest growing thematic research institutes at Virginia Tech, sponsors and collaborators benefit from VTNSI through both highly experienced student talent pipelines and senior technical leadership that addresses some of our nation’s greatest national security challenges and threats.
The Intelligent Systems Division (ISD), one of the three research divisions of VTNSI, is seeking a Research Associate or Research Scientist in Cyber Security to conduct research in cyber security and artificial intelligence. This is a research and development position based in Arlington, Virginia. ISD brings together researchers from computer science, systems engineering, statistics, mathematics, operations research and other related fields to develop interdisciplinary solutions to cutting-edge technological challenges. Successful candidates for this position will have relevant experience in cyber security and ideally artificial intelligence.
Specific responsibilities include the following:
1. Contributes to research conducted in ISD focused on cyber security, cyber operations, cyber analytics, and the intersection of those areas with other ISD research interests - including but not limited to data science, artificial intelligence, and systems engineering
2. Contributes to technical documents/presentations and peer-reviewed academic papers
3. At the Research Associate I and II levels, executes responsibilities that may include background research, coding protection mechanisms or attacks, data collection, analysis, documentation, and supporting project logistics
4. At the Research Scientist I and II levels, contributes to research design and execution, supervise and/or mentor technical staff in key technical areas, and participate in proposal development; opportunity to serve as either Co-PI or PI on small to moderate programs.
Required Qualifications
- US citizenship
- Active and ability to maintain a security clearance
- Education in Computer Science, Computer Engineering, Systems Engineering, Statistics, Data Science, Mathematics, or related discipline
o For Research Associate II, Master’s degree, Bachelor’s with 3 years post-degree experience
o Research Scientist I, Master’s degree, Bachelor’s with five years of post-degree experience
o Research Scientist II, Master’s degree with three years experience, Bachelor’s with five years post-degree experience, or doctoral degree.
- Experience with cyber security and cyber operations (including software, AI/ML, or autonomy)
- Demonstrated knowledge of networking fundamentals, network logs and telemetry, common cyber-attack types including malware, security concepts including access control and cryptography.
- Experience with artificial intelligence and machine learning.
- Proficiency in one or more programming languages such as Python, C++, C, etc.
- Demonstrated ability to work as a member of a team in executing research and/or development projects
- Evidence of high potential for excellence in research and development as demonstrated through academic study or experience
Preferred Qualifications
- Ability to obtain and maintain a TS/SCI clearance.
- Experience in cyber test, including network and penetration testing, malware analysis, or red teaming
- Experience in testing AI-enabled systems (including benchmarking, prompting, narratives, AI use in human workflows) and agentic AI (including assessing behavior and security, autonomous use of AI)
- Experience serving as PI/Co-PI on funding programs (preference for Research Scientist I and II)
- Experience with software development, cryptography, or software reverse engineering
- Experience with common machine learning software packages such as Tensor Flow, PyTorch, Hugging Face, etc.
- Experience working in an academic environment
- Experience executing on research and/or development programs supporting the federal government
- Interest and/or experience working effectively with a diverse faculty, staff and student population
Exempt: Not eligible for overtime
Appointment Type
Restricted
Salary Information
- Research Associate I starting at $100,000; commensurate with experience
- Research Associate II starting at $125,000; commensurate with experience
- Research Scientist I starting at $150,000; commensurate with experience
- Research Scientist II starting at $175,000; commensurate with experience
Hours per week
40
Review Date
November 30, 2026
Additional Information
Due to the nature of our work, the successful candidates must be US citizens with an active security clearance.
The successful candidate will be required to have a criminal conviction check.
About Virginia Tech
Dedicated to its motto, Ut Prosim (That I May Serve), Virginia Tech pushes the boundaries of knowledge by taking a hands-on, transdisciplinary approach to preparing scholars to be leaders and problem-solvers. A comprehensive land-grant institution that enhances the quality of life in Virginia and throughout the world, Virginia Tech is an inclusive community dedicated to knowledge, discovery, and creativity. The university offers more than 280 majors to a diverse enrollment of more than 36,000 undergraduate, graduate, and professional students in eight undergraduate colleges, a school of medicine, a veterinary medicine college, Graduate School, and Honors College. The university has a significant presence across Virginia, including Blacksburg, the greater Washington, D.C. area, the Health Sciences and Technology Campus in Roanoke, sites in Newport News and Richmond, and numerous Extension offices and research institutes. A leading global research institution, Virginia Tech conducts more than $650 million in research annually.
Virginia Tech endorses and encourages participation in professional development opportunities and university shared governance. These valuable contributions to university shared governance provide important representation and perspective, along with opportunities for unique and impactful professional development.
Virginia Tech does not discriminate against employees, students, or applicants on the basis of age, color, disability, sex (including pregnancy), gender, gender identity, gender expression, genetic information, ethnicity or national origin, political affiliation, race, religion, sexual orientation, or military status, or otherwise discriminate against employees or applicants who inquire about, discuss, or disclose their compensation or the compensation of other employees or applicants, or on any other basis protected by law.
If you are an individual with a disability and desire an accommodation, please contact Alex Tuuri at alext3@vt.edu during regular business hours at least 10 business days prior to the event.
Security Associate Jobs by Experience Level
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Find Security Associate JobsSecurity Associate Job Market
Who's Hiring
Top Industries Hiring
- Technology & Software
- Banking & Financial Services
- Electronics & Hardware
- Construction & Real Estate
- Investment & Asset Management
What Employers Look For
The qualifications that appear most often in security associate jobs.
- High school diploma or GED required by most employers
- Valid state security guard license or registration where required
- One or more years of experience in security, law enforcement, or military
- Proficiency with CCTV systems, access control software, and incident reporting tools
- CPR, First Aid, and AED certification preferred or required
- Strong verbal communication and conflict de-escalation skills
Tips for Your Security Associate Job Search
Tailor your resume to each sector
Security associate roles in healthcare have different priorities than those in retail or finance. Reframe your bullet points to match each employer's context, whether that's patient safety protocols, inventory shrinkage reduction, or access control compliance.
List every relevant certification you hold
Certifications like CPR, First Aid, CCTV operation, and Security Industry Association credentials move your application past initial screening. Put them in a dedicated section near the top of your resume so hiring managers spot them immediately.
Apply early to roles that fit
Migrate Mate lists security associate openings from across the United States in one place, so you can find roles that match your experience level and specialization and apply directly to each listing without sorting through unrelated results.
Highlight incident report writing skills
Many security associate postings screen for written communication because accurate incident documentation is a daily responsibility. Add a brief example to your resume showing you've written formal reports, logs, or escalation notices in a previous role.
Prepare for scenario-based interview questions
Interviewers for security associate roles commonly walk through real situations, like how you'd handle a trespasser, a medical emergency, or a suspicious package. Practice structured responses that name the action you took, not just the outcome you wanted.
Negotiate shift differentials, not just base pay
Security associate compensation often varies significantly by shift. When you reach the offer stage, ask specifically about night and weekend differential rates and holiday pay, since those additions can meaningfully change your total annual earnings.
Security Associate Jobs: Frequently Asked Questions
Which companies are hiring the most security associates?
The companies hiring the most security associates right now include Navy Federal Credit Union, JPMorganChase, and Options Clearing Corporation, with the largest share of openings in Virginia, California, and New York, based on current listings on Migrate Mate as of November 2026. Healthcare systems, large retailers, and financial institutions consistently post the highest volumes of security associate roles year-round.
How many security associate jobs are remote?
About 64% of security associate openings are fully remote or hybrid as of November 2026, reflecting that most positions require an on-site physical presence. Remote opportunities tend to be concentrated in information security monitoring roles, alarm center operations, and security coordination positions that do not require a patrol or access control presence.
How do you become a security associate?
Start by obtaining your state's required security guard registration or license, which typically involves a background check, a training course, and an exam. Earning CPR and First Aid certification strengthens your application. Apply to entry-level positions in sectors like retail, healthcare, or corporate facilities, where employers routinely hire candidates with limited formal experience and provide on-site training.
Can you get hired as a security associate with no experience?
Yes, many employers hire security associates with no prior security experience, particularly in retail loss prevention, residential properties, and event venues. Employers in those settings value a clean background check, strong communication skills, and a professional demeanor over prior experience. Completing a state guard training course and earning CPR certification before applying gives you a concrete advantage over candidates who have neither.
What does the security associate interview process look like?
Most security associate interviews involve a phone screening followed by one in-person or video interview. Interviewers typically ask situational questions about how you'd respond to common incidents, verify your licensing and certification status, and confirm your availability for required shifts. Some employers in healthcare or finance add a background check and drug screening as a final step before extending an offer.
Where can I find and apply to security associate jobs?
You can find and apply to security associate jobs on Migrate Mate, which lists current openings from employers across the United States. Search for roles that match your experience level, preferred sector, and location, then apply directly to each listing from the same place without being redirected to unrelated results.
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Find roles that match your experience and apply in just a few clicks.
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