Credentialed Background Investigator

Credentialed Background Investigator – Fredericksburg, VA Job Category: Service Contract Act Time Type: Full Time/1099 Minimum Clearance Required to Start: Top Secret Employee Type: Regular Percentage of Travel Required: Up to 25% Type of Travel: Continental US At ACI Federal, background investigation is more than research and reports—it’s an opportunity to lead by example, mentor junior investigators, and play a vital role in protecting national security. ACI Federal fosters a culture rooted in integrity, quality, and professional excellence. Our credentialed team has supported federal background investigations across all U.S. states and territories with reliability and pride. Opportunity As a Lead Background Investigator, you will:

• Conduct and oversee complex federal background investigations, ensuring compliance with all investigative standards and timeliness requirements.
• Serve as a mentor and resource for new and junior investigators, reviewing work for quality and providing coaching as needed.
• Collaborate with management on workload distribution and performance metrics for your region.
• Perform interviews (in-person, by phone, or via VTC) with subjects, references, and relevant contacts to assess character, reputation, and trustworthiness.
• Review records, documentation, and field notes to prepare comprehensive, high-quality Reports of Investigation (ROIs).
• Provide leadership and accountability on temporary duty assignments (TDYs) and across multiple contracts.
• Assist in the onboarding, field training, and performance evaluation of investigative team members.

Qualifications

Required:

• Current credential (or eligibility) under National Training Standards, with extensive recent experience conducting federal background investigations.
• Demonstrated track record of meeting or exceeding quality, timeliness, and productivity expectations.
• Bachelor’s degree or 5+ years of progressively responsible investigative experience, including leadership, coaching, or quality review duties.
• Active Top Secret Clearance based on a T5 investigation.
• Ability to maintain a favorable adjudication based on reinvestigation.
• Strong sense of mission, integrity, and professionalism.
• Valid driver’s license, reliable transportation, and willingness to travel locally and regionally as required.
• Home office setup with dependable high-speed internet.
• Physical capability to walk, sit, stand, type, or drive for extended periods.
• Advanced communication skills, including:
• Leading and guiding other professionals in high-stakes work
• Conducting sensitive or complex interviews
• Writing and reviewing clear, objective, and technically sound reports

Preferred:

• Prior experience as a team lead, senior investigator, or quality control reviewer
• Familiarity with DCSA case management systems and evolving contract requirements
• Previous experience training or mentoring investigative staff

What You Can Expect A Culture of Leadership and Integrity At ACI Federal, you'll lead by example—helping guide the next generation of investigators while fulfilling mission-critical national security work. A Role of Trust and Responsibility Your expertise will directly influence team performance and case quality. You’ll work in an environment that respects your judgment and leadership. A Focus on Advancement ACI Federal provides resources to support your continued growth, including professional development, team-building opportunities, and access to high-impact contracts.

Compensation and Benefits

Starting Annual Salary:$48,000-$62,000 (Approximately $23-$30/hour) Final salary may vary depending on location, experience, and credentials. Benefits include:

• Medical, dental, vision insurance
• 401(k) with company match
• Paid time off and holidays
• Life and disability insurance
• Training and leadership development resources

ACI Federal is an Equal Opportunity Employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, disability, protected veteran status, or other legally protected characteristics. Job Types: Full-time, Contract Pay: $48,000.00 - $62,000.00 per year Benefits:

• Dental insurance
• Health insurance
• Life insurance
• Paid time off
• Vision insurance

Security clearance:

• Top Secret (Required)

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