Security Specialist Jobs in Washington
Security Specialist jobs in Washington are in strong demand, with the state's concentration of federal agencies, defense contractors, major technology firms, and critical infrastructure operators driving consistent openings at every level from entry-level security analyst through senior security architect. The most active hiring metros are Seattle, Tacoma, and the Olympia-Bellevue corridor, where employers like Boeing, Microsoft, and Joint Base Lewis-McChord's supporting contractor ecosystem maintain large and ongoing security workforces. Cybersecurity, physical security operations, and cleared information assurance are the most in-demand specialties across the state. Find a role that fits below and apply directly.
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Responsibilities and Qualifications:
This job contributes to REI’s success by executing our day-to-to physical security strategy at distribution center and/or headquarters locations by providing robust security services along with exceptional customer service. This position utilizes various physical security tools and systems, including access control, intrusion alarm, and CCTV systems. They conduct day-to-day operational support of different security infrastructures at REI locations. They are the primary facilitators of REI’s emergency procedures and will take a leadership role in managing and partnering with the appropriate parties through such situations. They promote a safe workplace which includes but is not limited to: conducting trailer/container checks, facility/property patrols, equipment checks and other security related tasks. They are proactive problem solvers either directly or through facilitation and engagement of internal customers as appropriate. Models and acts in accordance with REI’s guiding values and mission.
Your Planning & Navigating Requirements (the plans the job is responsible for creating and executing, and how the job ensures they are implemented)
- Monitors, maintains, and responds to alarms within the camera, access control and alarm systems and collaborates with the appropriate internal and external partners to resolve the situation.
- Responds to both emergency and non-emergency situations, provides security support, and helps to coordinate the response of other internal and external teams.
- Documents and reports information to the appropriate internal and external partner in accordance with company and department policies and procedures.
- Log in all visitors, contractors and vendors and issue badges as required.
- Inspect and check in and out trailers and containers
- Enforces access control ID badge policy by monitoring employee use. Issues temporary and day-use badges and removes/grants access for lost/misplaced access control ID badges per company policy.
- Operate a hand-held radio, cell phone or other communication devices as needed.
- Makes regular and consistent patrols in and around the REI location, checking for unsafe conditions, hazards, security violations, and unauthorized persons.
- Maintain proficiency in emergency response procedures
- Serve as a leader in emergency situations, participate in site emergency response team, coordinate evacuations and accounting for employees
- 24/7 operations allow for flexible work schedule, but may require working nights, weekends and holidays. Regular attendance and punctuality is required.
- Other duties as assigned.
2-Way Communication (the contacts needed inside and/or outside the Company to accomplish the job)
Reason For Contact
Frequency
Supervisor, Security and/or Manager
To receive guidance and direction; updates on performance, and given feedback and coaching to enhance personal development. Provide insight/suggestions to improve security practices
Daily, as needed
Security Team (Peers)
Problem Solving, Training, Planning, Communication
Daily, as needed
All REI Associates
Enforce, educate, and engage the population in policy compliance
Daily
Visitors & Vendors
First-class customer service, enforce, educate, and engage in policy compliance
Daily
The 10+ Essentials (the minimum knowledge, skills and abilities necessary to perform the job)
Required
Preferred
2+ years of security experience, including CCTV usage, in a warehouse setting with a national brand (or equivalent experience)
X
Current state issued Guard Card or ability to obtain state issued Guard Card within 90 days of employment (based on individual state requirements).
X
Ability to apply effective analytical and critical thinking skills, solve problems independently and as part of a team.
X
Experience with Microsoft Word, Excel, Outlook, PowerPoint, Internet, and Access Control Systems.
X
Demonstrated ability to effectively convey knowledge, information, and skills to others through in-person and virtual sessions.
X
Strong interpersonal and writing skills; ability to interact well and build rapport with individuals at all levels within and outside the organization.
X
CPR/First Aid/AED certified or ability to obtain certifications within first 30 days
X
Actively participates and collaborates with others on one's own team and across REI for the achievement of business goals.
X
Flexible in one's viewpoints and positions in order to support the direction taken by others at REI.
X
Uses business knowledge, innovative thinking, and sound judgment in the solution of problems or the pursuit of business opportunities.
X
Consolidates information from various sources including feedback from others to reach sound decisions.
X
Considers the ultimate impact of decisions and actions on internal and external customers.
X
Works smart by setting effective work goals, establishing priorities, and planning well in order to produce quality work.
X
Executes effectively by using resources efficiently, meeting deadlines, and keeping others informed of work plans and progress toward goals.
X
Clearly conveys and accurately receives information by a variety of methods and in various situations.
X
Builds rapport with all kinds of people inside and outside the organization.
X
Acts upon opportunities and involves and influences others in the accomplishment of worthwhile organizational goals.
X
Challenges the status quo, champions change and influences others to change.
X
Physical Requirements
Closing:
Pay Transparency
See All 22 Security Specialist Jobs in Washington
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Find Security Specialist JobsSecurity Specialist Jobs by City in Washington
Where Washington roles are concentrated, by current openings.
Security Specialist Job Market in Washington
A snapshot from current Washington openings, updated as new roles post.
Who's Hiring



Top Industries Hiring
- Retail
- Insurance
- Technology & Software
- E-Commerce & Online Marketplaces
What Washington Employers Look For
The qualifications that appear most often in security specialist jobs across Washington.
- Active Washington State Security Guard License issued by the Washington Department of Licensing
- Relevant certification such as CompTIA Security+, CISSP, or Certified Protection Professional
- Experience with physical security systems, access control, or CCTV monitoring platforms
- Ability to pass a thorough background check and meet federal or state suitability standards
- Strong written and verbal communication skills for incident documentation and reporting
- Knowledge of NIST cybersecurity frameworks or physical security industry standards
Security Specialist Jobs in Washington: Frequently Asked Questions
How do you become a security specialist in Washington?
The path depends on whether you are pursuing physical security or cybersecurity work. Physical security roles in Washington typically require a Security Guard License from the Washington State Department of Licensing, which involves a background check, fingerprinting, and state-approved training. Cybersecurity roles generally require a relevant degree in information technology or computer science combined with certifications such as CompTIA Security+ or CISSP, which Washington employers consistently list as minimum qualifications.
How much do security specialists make in Washington?
Security specialists in Washington earn a median of about $100,360 a year, based on May 2025 Bureau of Labor Statistics wage data, ranging from around $63,360 for the lowest 10% to over $166,820 for the top 10%. Pay rises with experience, specialty, and employer.
Which companies hire security specialists in Washington?
Employers hiring security specialists in Washington right now include Target, Amazon, and Gavin de Becker & Associates, based on current listings on Migrate Mate as of October 2026. Washington's large defense contractor presence and major technology headquarters create a particularly broad range of openings, from cleared government support roles to enterprise cybersecurity positions.
Which Washington cities have the most security specialist jobs?
Seattle, Tacoma, and Bellevue are the Washington cities with the most security specialist openings. Seattle drives the largest share of postings through its concentration of technology companies and financial institutions, while Tacoma and surrounding Pierce County benefit from proximity to Joint Base Lewis-McChord and the dense network of defense and government contractors that operate near the installation.
Are there remote security specialist jobs in Washington?
Yes, but they vary significantly by specialty. About 50% of security specialist openings tied to Washington are remote or hybrid as of October 2026, with most flexibility concentrated in cybersecurity, risk analysis, and compliance roles rather than physical security or on-site operations positions, which require a consistent in-person presence.
How can I get hired as a security specialist in Washington with little or no experience?
The most realistic entry path is obtaining a Washington State Security Guard License through the Department of Licensing, which has no prior experience requirement and opens doors to associate-level physical security roles at hospitals, universities, and large campus employers across Seattle and the Puget Sound region. From there, lateral moves into security operations center analyst positions at technology firms or government contractors are common. Pairing the license with a CompTIA Security+ certification substantially strengthens applications for entry-level cybersecurity roles at Washington employers.
Where can I find and apply to security specialist jobs in Washington?
You can find and apply to security specialist jobs in Washington on Migrate Mate, which lists current openings from employers actively hiring across the state. Find roles that fit your background and apply directly to the ones that match.
See All 22 Security Specialist Jobs in Washington
Find roles in Washington that match your experience and apply in just a few clicks.
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