Experienced Background Investigator - El Cajon, CA

Peraton; El Cajon (CA); On-site; USD 39,000 - 41,000; Full time

Job summary

Peraton seeks an experienced background investigator for a full-time role near El Cajon, CA. Applicants must reside within 50 miles of the city center.

The position involves daily in-person investigations, scheduling interviews, and performing record searches across multiple agencies. You will report findings in a government system while upholding strict confidentiality and professional standards.

Qualifications

• Must have Top Secret eligible clearance; Active federal background investigation with a T5 adjudication is preferred.
• U.S. citizenship.
• High School diploma minimum.
• 1 year of federal background investigative experience (last five years).
• 3 years of general investigative experience (military, law enforcement, or investigative functions) within the last 5 years and completion of "New Investigator" training.
• A valid driver's license and a personal vehicle.
• Daily travel required locally and outside of primary work area.
• Home office required.
• Must reside within the stated mileage requirement posted in job description.

Responsibilities

• Travel daily when conducting in person background investigations for employment suitability.
• Schedule and conduct face-to-face interviews with subjects, neighbors, employers and friends.
• Perform record searches at police agencies, courthouses, educational and financial institutions, and medical/mental health facilities.
• Type and report all information in a government system.
• Work independently and as part of a team with a Field Manager.
• Maintain confidentiality, ethics and integrity in all duties.
• Professional attire required.
• Physical requirements: lift up to 10 pounds, stairs, extensive walking, long standing, and night driving.

Skills

Communication skills

Typing 40+ WPM

Professional demeanor

Teamwork

Education

High School diploma

Job description

Experienced Background Investigator - El Cajon, CA

Job Locations: US-CA-El Cajon

Requisition ID: 2026-171170

Position Category: Production

Clearance: RDG Clearance

Responsibilities

Peraton is seeking to fill a critical role for a full-time experienced background investigator near El Cajon, CA. Applicants must reside within 50 miles of the city center of El Cajon.

• Travel daily when conducting in person background investigations for the purpose of determining employment suitability of persons who require access to sensitive or classified U.S. Government information
• Investigators will schedule and conduct face-to-face interviews throughout their designated area with the subject and their neighbors, employers, and friends
• Investigators will also perform record searches at police agencies, courthouses, educational and financial institutions, and medical/mental health facilities
• Investigators are required to type and report all obtained information in a clear and concise report on a government issued computer system
• Working independently while also a member of a team of Investigators and with a Field Manager
• Interact professionally with others, write for long periods of time, meet expectations for attendance and punctuality, and be able to pay attention to details while conducting field work
• Maintain a high level of confidentiality, ethics, and integrity
• Professional attire required
• Must be able to lift and move up to 10 pounds, climb stairs, walk extensively, endure long periods of standing and drive in adverse and/or night conditions

Qualifications

Required Qualifications

• Must be able to obtain and maintain a Top Secret eligible clearance; Active federal background investigation with a T5 adjudication is preferred
• U.S. citizenship
• At minimum, High School diploma
• 1 year of specialized Federal Background Investigative experience (where investigator training compliant with National Training Standards took place) within the last five (5) years
• 3 years of general experience (i.e. military, local, state or federal law enforcement or investigative functions) within the last 5 years and Completion of "New Investigator" training
• A valid driver's license and a personal vehicle
• Required to carry sufficient motor vehicle insurance, specifics of which will be provided
• Daily travel required locally and outside of primary work area, as needed
• Home office required
• Must reside within the stated mileage requirement posted in job description

Additional Qualifications

• Ability to interact with a variety of individuals and personalities professionally and effectively
• Ability to work in a fast-paced changing environment with limited supervision
• Excellent organizational, scheduling and prioritization skills
• Exceptional written and verbal communication skills
• Intermediate typing (40+ WPM recommended) and computer skills
• Must be able to speak for extended periods of time and hear sufficiently to communicate in person and over the phone; record, read and transcribe words and numbers with a high degree of accuracy
• Demonstrated metrics in quality, timeliness, and production
• Travel required locally and outside of primary work area. Local travel consists of approximately 15-20% of work week.
• Temporary Duty Assignments opportunities several times per year ranging from 14 - 30 days

Relocation assistance is not available for this position.

#EXPBI #RDG

Peraton Overview

Peraton is a next-generation national security company that drives missions of consequence spanning the globe and extending to the farthest reaches of the galaxy. As the world's leading mission capability integrator and transformative enterprise IT provider, we deliver trusted, highly differentiated solutions and technologies to protect our nation and allies. Peraton operates at the critical nexus between traditional and nontraditional threats across all domains: land, sea, space, air, and cyberspace. The company serves as a valued partner to essential government agencies and supports every branch of the U.S. armed forces. Each day, our employees do the can't be done by solving the most daunting challenges facing our customers. Visit peraton.com to learn how we're keeping people around the world safe and secure.

Target Salary Range

The rate / range per hour below represents the typical salary range for this position. Salary is determined by various factors, including but not limited to, the scope and responsibilities of the position, the individual's experience, education, knowledge, skills, and competencies, as well as geographic location and business and contract considerations. Depending on the position, employees may be eligible for overtime, shift differential, and a discretionary bonus in addition to base pay.

SCA / Union / Intern Rate or Range

$29.00

EEO

EEO: Equal opportunity employer, including disability and protected veterans, or other characteristics protected by law.