Experienced Background Investigator

Peraton

. Conduct daily travel for in-person background investigations determining employment suitability for individuals requiring access to sensitive or classified U.S.

Posted 10/9/2026full-timeSeattle • Washington • United StatesMid-LevelSenior💰 $27 per hourWebsite

Core Competencies

Role fit

Core Competencies

Use this summary to align your resume positioning with the role.

Demonstrates expertise in conducting background investigations, including interviewing and record searches, while maintaining confidentiality and ethical standards. Proficient in organizational and communication skills, with the ability to work independently and collaboratively in a fast-paced environment.

Highest-signal resume keywords

Top Secret Eligible ClearanceFederal Background Investigative ExperienceExcellent Written And Verbal Communication SkillsIntermediate Typing SkillsOrganizational And Scheduling Skills

ATS Keywords

Tailor your resume

Applicant Tracking System Keywords

Tip: use these terms in your resume and cover letter to boost ATS matches.

Hard Skills

Background InvestigationRecord SearchesInterviewing SkillsTyping SkillsTranscription SkillsAttention To DetailFederal Investigator TrainingQuality MetricsTimeliness MetricsProduction Metrics

Soft Skills

Professional InteractionAdaptabilityIndependenceCollaborationConfidentiality

Tools & Technologies

Government-Issued Computer System

Certifications & Qualifications

Valid Driver's LicenseSufficient Motor Vehicle InsuranceNew Investigator Training

Industry Keywords

U.S. GovernmentSensitive InformationEthicsConfidentialityFederal Standards

About the role

Key responsibilities & impact

Conduct daily travel for in-person background investigations determining employment suitability for individuals requiring access to sensitive or classified U.S. Government information
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 obtained information clearly and concisely using a government-issued computer system
Work independently while collaborating with a team of investigators and a Field Manager
Maintain confidentiality, ethics, and integrity
Meet attendance and punctuality expectations
Pay close attention to detail during field work
Travel locally and outside the primary work area; local travel is approximately 15–20% of the work week

Requirements

What you’ll need

Must be able to obtain and maintain a Top Secret eligible clearance
U.S. citizenship
At minimum, High School diploma
1 year of specialized Federal Background Investigative experience within the last five years, with investigator training compliant with National Training Standards
3 years of general experience within the last five years and completion of “New Investigator” training
Valid driver's license and personal vehicle
Sufficient motor vehicle insurance
Daily local and outside-area travel as needed
Home office required
Must reside within 50 miles of Seattle city center
Ability to interact professionally with varied individuals and personalities
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 and computer skills; 40+ WPM recommended
Ability to speak for extended periods and hear sufficiently for in-person and telephone communication
Ability to record, read, and transcribe words and numbers accurately
Demonstrated metrics in quality, timeliness, and production
Ability to lift and move up to 10 pounds, climb stairs, walk extensively, stand for long periods, and drive in adverse or nighttime conditions
Professional attire required
Active federal background investigation with T5 adjudication preferred

Benefits

Comp & perks

Overtime eligibility may be available
Shift differential may be available
Discretionary bonus may be available
Temporary Duty Assignment opportunities several times per year, ranging from 14–30 days