Experienced DHS Background Investigator - El Centro, CA

Peraton; El Centro (CA); On-site; USD 54,000 - 95,000; Full time

Job summary

Peraton is seeking an experienced DHS Background Investigator for the El Centro, CA area to support DHS Background Investigations. The role requires conducting in-person interviews, records checks, and reporting findings through a government system. Candidates must be DHS credentialed, a U.S.

citizen, and have a T5 adjudication or Top Secret eligibility. You must live within 30 miles of El Centro and be willing to travel 14–30 days per TDY while maintaining confidentiality and professional

Qualifications

• Must be currently credentialed on DHS.
• 4 years of general work experience and HS Diploma.
• Active federal background investigation with a T5 adjudication or Top Secret eligible clearance.
• U.S. citizenship required.
• Ability to work from home office and travel 14–30 days per TDY.
• Strong typing skills (40+ WPM) and multi-program accuracy.
• Excellent written English for detailed reports.

Responsibilities

• Travel daily for in-person background investigations to determine employment suitability.
• Schedule and conduct face-to-face interviews with subjects, neighbors, employers, and associates.
• Perform record searches at police, courts, educational and financial institutions, and facilities.
• Type and report findings in a government system clearly and concisely.
• Work independently and as part of a team under a Field Manager.
• Maintain confidentiality, ethics, and professional appearance.

Skills

DHS credentialed

U.S. citizenship

Typing 40+ WPM

Clear communication

Interview & report writing

Education

HS Diploma

NIT certification

Job description

Experienced DHS Background Investigator - El Centro, CA

Job Locations

US-CA-El Centro

Requisition ID

2026-166694

Position Category

Production

Clearance

RDG Clearance

Responsibilities

Peraton is seeking to fill a critical role for a full-time experienced background investigator near El Centro, CA specifically for our Department of Homeland Security (DHS) Background Investigations.

Applicants must reside within 30 miles of El Centro.

What you'll do:

The Investigator will be responsible for the following but not limited to:

• 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 CURRENTLY CREDENTIALED on DHS
• 4 years of general work experience and HS Diploma
• Must hold active federal background investigation with a T5 adjudication or Top Secret eligible clearance
• U.S. citizenship
• Active NTS (National Training Standards) certification from NIT (New Investigator Training)
• Home office required
• Temporary Duty Assignments (TDY)/remote travel ranging from 14 - 30 days away from home per TDY may be required
• Accurate and efficient typing capabilities (40+ WPM recommended) and ability to work within multiple computer programs concurrently
• 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
• Proficient grammar and writing skills in order to submit high quality reports with minimal or no errors
• Must be able to interact professionally with others, to write for long periods of time, meet expectations for attendance and punctuality, and able to pay attention to details while conducting fieldwork
• Maintain 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 sitting.
• A valid driver's license and full time usage of reliable transportation are required. Driving is an essential function of the job and Motor Vehicle Records may be checked as part of the hiring process or at any time during employment
• Required to carry sufficient motor vehicle insurance

Desired qualifications:

• Ability to interact with a variety of individuals and personalities professionally and effectively
• Ability to work in a fast-paced changing environment under remote supervision
• Excellent organizational, scheduling and prioritization skills
• Proficient writing and communication skills

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

$25.82 - 45.81

EEO

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