Security Specialist Jobs in California
Security Specialist jobs in California are in strong demand, with active hiring concentrated in defense contracting, technology, financial services, and government agencies, and openings ranging from entry-level security analysts through senior roles in threat intelligence and compliance. The largest hiring markets are Los Angeles, San Diego, and the San Francisco Bay Area, where employers like Northrop Grumman, Leidos, and Wells Fargo maintain significant California operations. The most sought-after specialties include cybersecurity, physical security management, and information assurance. Find a role that fits below and apply directly.
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Company Description
Join us and make YOUR mark on the World!
Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory (LLNL) has turned bold ideas into world-changing impact advancing science and technology to strengthen U.S. security and promote global stability.
Our mission spans four critical national security areas nuclear deterrence, threat preparedness, energy security, and multi-domain defense empowering teams to take on the toughest challenges of today and tomorrow. With a culture built on innovation and operational excellence, LLNL is a place where your expertise can make a real impact.
Job Description
We have an opening for a Service Operations Specialist to support the planning, coordination, and execution of readiness activities for Superblock Operations Management and other high-hazard projects. In this role, you will administer capabilities implementation processes, coordinate multidisciplinary activities, track deliverables, and prepare reports and documentation supporting Management Reviews, Contractor Assessments, and Federal Assessments. You will work with operations, facilities, ES&H, conduct of operations, engineering, project management, and other stakeholders to coordinate readiness activities and resolve complex issues. This position is in the Strategic Deterrence (SD) Directorate.
This position requires full-time on-site presence due to the nature of the work.
You will
- Coordinate startup and restart readiness activities in accordance with DOE O 425.1 and applicable Laboratory requirements.
- Develop and maintain readiness schedules, action-item trackers, milestone plans, and status reports.
- Coordinate planning meetings, readiness reviews, kickoff meetings, dry runs, interviews, and follow-up activities.
- Compile and organize Plans of Action, Readiness Review Board materials, lines of inquiry, criteria, schedules, and supporting documentation.
- Collect, validate, track, and organize objective evidence, including procedures, training records, test results, hazard analyses, maintenance records, and configuration documentation.
- Work with project schedulers and facility personnel to identify task dependencies, resource needs, schedule risks, and readiness milestones.
- Coordinate the availability, onboarding, and orientation of readiness review team members.
- Support assessment teams by coordinating access to documentation, scheduling interviews, tracking requests, and monitoring daily activities.
- Observe dry runs and operational demonstrations, document observations, and communicate opportunities for improvement.
- Track corrective actions associated with pre-start and post-start findings, including due dates, closure documentation, and verification status.
- Prepare summaries, dashboards, and management reports identifying readiness status, risks, trends, and recommended actions.
- Review procedures and program documents for completeness, consistency, and alignment with applicable requirements.
- Coordinate implementation activities associated with updates to Documented Safety Analyses, Technical Safety Requirements, and related safety-basis documents.
- Support readiness planning for upcoming systems and activities, including plutonium interface evaluations, AVLIS, and other startup or restart initiatives.
- Capture lessons learned and recommend process improvements to strengthen future readiness activities.
- Provide guidance, coordination, and informal mentoring to personnel participating in readiness preparation and assessment activities.
- Perform other duties as assigned.
Qualifications
- This position requires an active Department of Energy (DOE) Q-level clearance or active Top-Secret clearance issued by another U.S. government agency at the time of hire.
- Associate degree in a related field, or equivalent combination of education and relevant experience.
- Experience coordinating policies and procedure documentation.
- Ability to analyze data, prepare reports, and support recurring administrative and operational functions.
- Ability to coordinate with multiple stakeholders and manage several tasks at once.
- Experience with Documented Safety Analyses, Technical Safety Requirements, safety-basis documentation, or comparable high-hazard programs.
- Experience developing schedules, tracking deliverables and corrective actions, maintaining records and reports, and analyzing operational or planning information.
- Demonstrated ability to manage multiple priorities, resolve process issues, meet deadlines, and coordinate multidisciplinary activities across organizational boundaries.
- Strong written, verbal, analytical, and interpersonal communication skills, including the ability to summarize complex information and present recommendations to management.
Qualifications We Desire
- Experience supporting DOE O 425.1 startup or restart activities, including LMRs, CRAs, ORRs, or FRAs, at LLNL, a DOE/NNSA national laboratory, or a comparable high-hazard federal facility.
- Familiarity with Laboratory policies, procedures, regulations, and standards applicable to Superblock operations and Strategic Deterrence.
- Experience working with outside Regulatory Agencies.
- Experience using project management, scheduling, database, dashboard, or document-management tools to track readiness activities and report results.
- Experience developing performance measures, analyzing trends, recommending process improvements, and providing training, coordination, or mentoring to less-experienced personnel.
Pay Range
$113,400 - $138,888 annually
This is the lowest to highest salary we in good faith believe we would pay for this role at the time of this posting. An employee’s position within the salary range will be based on several factors including, but not limited to, specific competencies, relevant education, qualifications, certifications, experience, skills, seniority, geographic location, performance, and business or organizational needs.
Additional Information
#LI-Onsite
Position Information
This is a Career Indefinite position, open to Lab employees and external candidates.
Why Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory?
- Included in 2026 Best Places to Work by Glassdoor!
- Flexible Benefits Package
- 401(k)
- Relocation Assistance
- Education Reimbursement Program
- Flexible schedules (*depending on project needs)
- Our values - visit https://www.llnl.gov/inclusion/our-values
Security Clearance
This position requires an active Department of Energy (DOE) Q-level clearance or active Top Secret clearance issued by another U.S. government agency at time of hire.
Pre-Employment Drug Test
External applicant(s) selected for this position must pass a post-offer, pre-employment drug test. This includes testing for use of marijuana as Federal Law applies to us as a Federal Contractor.
Wireless and Medical Devices
Per the Department of Energy (DOE), Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory must meet certain restrictions with the use and/or possession of mobile devices in Limited Areas. Depending on your job duties, you may be required to work in a Limited Area where you are not permitted to have a personal and/or laboratory mobile device in your possession. This includes, but not limited to cell phones, tablets, fitness devices, wireless headphones, and other Bluetooth/wireless enabled devices.
If you use a medical device, which pairs with a mobile device, you must still follow the rules concerning the mobile device in individual sections within Limited Areas. Sensitive Compartmented Information Facilities require separate approval. Hearing aids without wireless capabilities or wireless that has been disabled are allowed in Limited Areas, Secure Space and Transit/Buffer Space within buildings.
Pre-Placement Medical Exam
A job related pre-placement medical examination may be required.
How to identify fake job advertisements
Please be aware of recruitment scams where people or entities are misusing the name of Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory (LLNL) to post fake job advertisements. LLNL never extends an offer without a personal interview and will never charge a fee for joining our company. All current job openings are displayed on the Career Page under “Find Your Job” of our website. If you have encountered a job posting or have been approached with a job offer that you suspect may be fraudulent, we strongly recommend you do not respond.
To learn more about recruitment scams: https://www.llnl.gov/sites/www/files/2023-05/LLNL-Job-Fraud-Statement-Updated-4.26.23.pdf
Equal Employment Opportunity
We are an equal opportunity employer that is committed to providing all with a work environment free of discrimination and harassment. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, marital status, national origin, ancestry, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, disability, medical condition, pregnancy, protected veteran status, age, citizenship, or any other characteristic protected by applicable laws.
Reasonable Accommodation
Our goal is to create an accessible and inclusive experience for all candidates applying and interviewing at the Laboratory. If you need a reasonable accommodation during the application or the recruiting process, please use our online form to submit a request.
California Privacy Notice
The California Consumer Privacy Act (CCPA) grants privacy rights to all California residents. The law also entitles job applicants, employees, and non-employee workers to be notified of what personal information LLNL collects and for what purpose. The Employee Privacy Notice can be accessed here.
Company Description
Join us and make YOUR mark on the World!
Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory (LLNL) has turned bold ideas into world-changing impact advancing science and technology to strengthen U.S. security and promote global stability.
Our mission spans four critical national security areas nuclear deterrence, threat preparedness, energy security, and multi-domain defense empowering teams to take on the toughest challenges of today and tomorrow. With a culture built on innovation and operational excellence, LLNL is a place where your expertise can make a real impact.
Job Description
We have an opening for a Service Operations Specialist to support the planning, coordination, and execution of readiness activities for Superblock Operations Management and other high-hazard projects. In this role, you will administer capabilities implementation processes, coordinate multidisciplinary activities, track deliverables, and prepare reports and documentation supporting Management Reviews, Contractor Assessments, and Federal Assessments. You will work with operations, facilities, ES&H, conduct of operations, engineering, project management, and other stakeholders to coordinate readiness activities and resolve complex issues. This position is in the Strategic Deterrence (SD) Directorate.
This position requires full-time on-site presence due to the nature of the work.
You will
- Coordinate startup and restart readiness activities in accordance with DOE O 425.1 and applicable Laboratory requirements.
- Develop and maintain readiness schedules, action-item trackers, milestone plans, and status reports.
- Coordinate planning meetings, readiness reviews, kickoff meetings, dry runs, interviews, and follow-up activities.
- Compile and organize Plans of Action, Readiness Review Board materials, lines of inquiry, criteria, schedules, and supporting documentation.
- Collect, validate, track, and organize objective evidence, including procedures, training records, test results, hazard analyses, maintenance records, and configuration documentation.
- Work with project schedulers and facility personnel to identify task dependencies, resource needs, schedule risks, and readiness milestones.
- Coordinate the availability, onboarding, and orientation of readiness review team members.
- Support assessment teams by coordinating access to documentation, scheduling interviews, tracking requests, and monitoring daily activities.
- Observe dry runs and operational demonstrations, document observations, and communicate opportunities for improvement.
- Track corrective actions associated with pre-start and post-start findings, including due dates, closure documentation, and verification status.
- Prepare summaries, dashboards, and management reports identifying readiness status, risks, trends, and recommended actions.
- Review procedures and program documents for completeness, consistency, and alignment with applicable requirements.
- Coordinate implementation activities associated with updates to Documented Safety Analyses, Technical Safety Requirements, and related safety-basis documents.
- Support readiness planning for upcoming systems and activities, including plutonium interface evaluations, AVLIS, and other startup or restart initiatives.
- Capture lessons learned and recommend process improvements to strengthen future readiness activities.
- Provide guidance, coordination, and informal mentoring to personnel participating in readiness preparation and assessment activities.
- Perform other duties as assigned.
Qualifications
- This position requires an active Department of Energy (DOE) Q-level clearance or active Top-Secret clearance issued by another U.S. government agency at the time of hire.
- Associate degree in a related field, or equivalent combination of education and relevant experience.
- Experience coordinating policies and procedure documentation.
- Ability to analyze data, prepare reports, and support recurring administrative and operational functions.
- Ability to coordinate with multiple stakeholders and manage several tasks at once.
- Experience with Documented Safety Analyses, Technical Safety Requirements, safety-basis documentation, or comparable high-hazard programs.
- Experience developing schedules, tracking deliverables and corrective actions, maintaining records and reports, and analyzing operational or planning information.
- Demonstrated ability to manage multiple priorities, resolve process issues, meet deadlines, and coordinate multidisciplinary activities across organizational boundaries.
- Strong written, verbal, analytical, and interpersonal communication skills, including the ability to summarize complex information and present recommendations to management.
Qualifications We Desire
- Experience supporting DOE O 425.1 startup or restart activities, including LMRs, CRAs, ORRs, or FRAs, at LLNL, a DOE/NNSA national laboratory, or a comparable high-hazard federal facility.
- Familiarity with Laboratory policies, procedures, regulations, and standards applicable to Superblock operations and Strategic Deterrence.
- Experience working with outside Regulatory Agencies.
- Experience using project management, scheduling, database, dashboard, or document-management tools to track readiness activities and report results.
- Experience developing performance measures, analyzing trends, recommending process improvements, and providing training, coordination, or mentoring to less-experienced personnel.
Pay Range
$113,400 - $138,888 annually
This is the lowest to highest salary we in good faith believe we would pay for this role at the time of this posting. An employee’s position within the salary range will be based on several factors including, but not limited to, specific competencies, relevant education, qualifications, certifications, experience, skills, seniority, geographic location, performance, and business or organizational needs.
Additional Information
#LI-Onsite
Position Information
This is a Career Indefinite position, open to Lab employees and external candidates.
Why Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory?
- Included in 2026 Best Places to Work by Glassdoor!
- Flexible Benefits Package
- 401(k)
- Relocation Assistance
- Education Reimbursement Program
- Flexible schedules (*depending on project needs)
- Our values - visit https://www.llnl.gov/inclusion/our-values
Security Clearance
This position requires an active Department of Energy (DOE) Q-level clearance or active Top Secret clearance issued by another U.S. government agency at time of hire.
Pre-Employment Drug Test
External applicant(s) selected for this position must pass a post-offer, pre-employment drug test. This includes testing for use of marijuana as Federal Law applies to us as a Federal Contractor.
Wireless and Medical Devices
Per the Department of Energy (DOE), Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory must meet certain restrictions with the use and/or possession of mobile devices in Limited Areas. Depending on your job duties, you may be required to work in a Limited Area where you are not permitted to have a personal and/or laboratory mobile device in your possession. This includes, but not limited to cell phones, tablets, fitness devices, wireless headphones, and other Bluetooth/wireless enabled devices.
If you use a medical device, which pairs with a mobile device, you must still follow the rules concerning the mobile device in individual sections within Limited Areas. Sensitive Compartmented Information Facilities require separate approval. Hearing aids without wireless capabilities or wireless that has been disabled are allowed in Limited Areas, Secure Space and Transit/Buffer Space within buildings.
Pre-Placement Medical Exam
A job related pre-placement medical examination may be required.
How to identify fake job advertisements
Please be aware of recruitment scams where people or entities are misusing the name of Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory (LLNL) to post fake job advertisements. LLNL never extends an offer without a personal interview and will never charge a fee for joining our company. All current job openings are displayed on the Career Page under “Find Your Job” of our website. If you have encountered a job posting or have been approached with a job offer that you suspect may be fraudulent, we strongly recommend you do not respond.
To learn more about recruitment scams: https://www.llnl.gov/sites/www/files/2023-05/LLNL-Job-Fraud-Statement-Updated-4.26.23.pdf
Equal Employment Opportunity
We are an equal opportunity employer that is committed to providing all with a work environment free of discrimination and harassment. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, marital status, national origin, ancestry, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, disability, medical condition, pregnancy, protected veteran status, age, citizenship, or any other characteristic protected by applicable laws.
Reasonable Accommodation
Our goal is to create an accessible and inclusive experience for all candidates applying and interviewing at the Laboratory. If you need a reasonable accommodation during the application or the recruiting process, please use our online form to submit a request.
California Privacy Notice
The California Consumer Privacy Act (CCPA) grants privacy rights to all California residents. The law also entitles job applicants, employees, and non-employee workers to be notified of what personal information LLNL collects and for what purpose. The Employee Privacy Notice can be accessed here.
See All 139+ Security Specialist Jobs in California
Find roles in California that match your experience and apply in just a few clicks.
Find Security Specialist JobsSecurity Specialist Jobs by City in California
Where California roles are concentrated, by current openings.
Security Specialist Job Market in California
A snapshot from current California openings, updated as new roles post.
Who's Hiring
- Target53
- Security Industry Specialists9
- Gavin de Becker & Associates8
- ARMADA5
- JT44
Top Industries Hiring
- Technology & Software
- Retail
- Manufacturing
- Staffing & Recruiting
- E-Commerce & Online Marketplaces
What California Employers Look For
The qualifications that appear most often in security specialist jobs across California.
- Active California BSIS (Bureau of Security and Investigative Services) Guard Card or relevant BSIS registration
- Associate or bachelor's degree in criminal justice, cybersecurity, or a related field
- Relevant certification such as CompTIA Security+, CISSP, or CPP (Certified Protection Professional)
- Demonstrated experience conducting risk assessments, incident response, or security investigations
- Familiarity with California workplace safety regulations and security compliance requirements
- Strong written communication skills for producing security reports, logs, and documentation
Security Specialist Jobs in California: Frequently Asked Questions
How do you become a security specialist in California?
The most direct path is obtaining the appropriate registration from the California Bureau of Security and Investigative Services, which oversees security personnel licensing in the state. Physical and proprietary security roles typically require a BSIS Guard Card, while management-level positions often call for a BSIS Qualified Manager certificate. Cybersecurity-focused roles generally require a degree in information technology or a related field, plus industry certifications such as CompTIA Security+ or CISSP, without a BSIS credential.
How much do security specialists make in California?
Security specialists in California earn a median of about $87,570 a year, based on May 2025 Bureau of Labor Statistics wage data, ranging from around $46,410 for the lowest 10% to over $169,160 for the top 10%. Pay rises with experience, specialty, and employer.
Which companies hire security specialists in California?
Employers hiring security specialists in California right now include Target, Security Industry Specialists, and Gavin de Becker & Associates, based on current listings on Migrate Mate as of August 2026. California's concentration of defense contractors, major financial institutions, and large technology campuses means demand for both physical and cybersecurity specialists remains steady across the state.
Which California cities have the most security specialist jobs?
The cities with the most security specialist openings in California are Los Angeles, San Diego, and Port Hueneme. This distribution reflects Los Angeles's dense mix of entertainment, finance, and government facilities, San Diego's large defense and military contractor presence, and the Bay Area's concentration of technology companies requiring cybersecurity and information assurance professionals.
Are there remote security specialist jobs in California?
Yes, but they are limited, since a significant portion of security specialist work is hands-on and site-specific. About 32% of security specialist openings tied to California are remote or hybrid as of August 2026, and those positions are concentrated in cybersecurity, threat analysis, and compliance roles rather than physical security or facilities-based positions.
How can I get hired as a security specialist in California with little or no experience?
The most realistic entry point is obtaining a BSIS Guard Card and applying for security officer or security associate roles at large California employers such as Allied Universal, Securitas, or major hospital systems and university campuses. These organizations regularly hire candidates without prior experience and promote into specialist roles internally. Pairing your Guard Card with a CompTIA Security+ certification strengthens your candidacy for roles that bridge physical and information security responsibilities.
Where can I find and apply to security specialist jobs in California?
You can find and apply to security specialist jobs in California on Migrate Mate, which lists current California openings across industries and metro areas. Find the roles that fit your background and apply directly to the ones that match.
See All 139+ Security Specialist Jobs in California
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