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Open Source Targeter

Open Source Targeters conduct internet research and analysis on relevant targets while leveraging advanced tools, datasets and methodologies to further covert operations and provide operational leads.
  • Full-Time
  • $69,287 - $122,459*
  • *Higher starting salary possible depending on experience level
  • Bachelor’s Degree
  • Foreign Language Bonus Eligible
  • Opportunities for domestic and foreign travel are possible
Express Interest

Agency-wide Requirements

All applicants must be:

  • U.S. citizens (dual U.S. citizens also eligible)
  • At least 18 years of age
  • Willing to move to the Washington, DC area
  • Able to complete security and medical evaluations
  • Registered for the Selective Service

About the Job

As an Open Source Targeter at CIA, you will focus on the analysis and exploitation of publicly available information to drive successful human, technical, or blended operations that advance intelligence objectives and generate operational leads. Open Source Targeters are investigative, pragmatic, and operationally driven. You will serve frequently as an expert in technical or topical domains, geographic areas, and/or foreign language who work with other specialists to solve complex problems, collect key information, and produce foreign intelligence to disrupt threats and promote CIA’s mission priorities.

You will support the initiation of cutting edge operations on a range of priorities by applying specialized tradecraft, tools, and data. Open Source Targeters work to develop innovative digital solutions to solve complex challenges on elusive targets and communicate these solutions and findings to non-technical partners.

Opportunities may exist for domestic and foreign travel, technical and specialized training, and broadening assignments in other CIA offices.

Who You’ll Work With

At the Central Intelligence Agency (CIA), we recognize our Nation’s strength comes from the diversity of its people. People from a broad range of backgrounds and viewpoints work at CIA, and our diverse teams are the reason we can keep our country safe.

Read more about diversity and inclusion

What You’ll Get

Our benefits support every aspect of a working professional’s life, including health and wellness, time off, family, finances, and continuing education. Our programs include highly sought-after government health benefits, flexible schedules, sick leave, and childcare. In some cases, we also offer sign-on incentives and cover moving expenses if you relocate.

As a CIA employee, you’ll also get the satisfaction of knowing your work is part of something bigger than yourself. Our work is driven by one mission: to keep our Nation safe. Every day is an opportunity to enhance U.S. national security.

Learn more about working at CIA

Minimum Qualifications

  • Bachelor’s Degree from an accredited institution, preferably in one of the following disciplines:
    • International Affairs/Relations
    • Political Science
    • National Security Studies
    • Library Science
    • STEM
    • Journalism
    • Terrorism Studies
  • At least a 3.0 GPA on a 4-point scale preferred
  • And/or at least 5 years’ professional experience working in the following areas:
    • Targeting Specialist/Analysis
    • Cryptologic Language Analysis
    • International Affairs/Relations
    • Political Science
    • Library Science
    • National Security Studies
    • STEM
    • Terrorism Studies
  • Demonstrated foreign language proficiency
  • Strong critical thinking skills; advanced research skills; excellent analytic abilities
  • Works well independently and in a team environment
  • Inquisitive and investigative
  • Action-oriented and results-driven
  • Ability to communicate with technical and non-technical mission partners
  • Ability to navigate traditional media, the Internet, and social media environments
  • Ability to meet the minimum requirements for joining CIA, including U.S. citizenship and a background investigation

Desired Qualifications

  • Previous Intelligence Community experience
  • Experience with programming and algorithmic techniques
  • Socio-Political Experience of specific geographical regions
  • Counter-proliferation, counter-terrorism, counter-narcotics background
  • Cyber/Digital Acumen
  • Experience using methodologies or models to identify trends, patterns, relationships, and/or anomalies within large datasets