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Associate Exploitation Analyst Jobs in Chicago, IL

OCC

Associate Principal, Cyber Defense

Chicago, IL · On-site

The Tier 2 analyst plays a critical role in maintaining the security posture of the organization by ... Familiarity with computer network exploitation and network attack methodologies while maintaining ...

OCC

Associate Principal, Cyber Defense

Chicago, IL

The Tier 2 analyst plays a critical role in maintaining the security posture of the organization by ... Familiarity with computer network exploitation and network attack methodologies while maintaining ...

All JobsAssociate Exploitation Analyst JobsAssociate Exploitation Analyst Jobs in Chicago, IL

Associate Exploitation Analyst information

See Chicago, IL salary details

$29.9K

$75.9K

$129.3K

How much do associate exploitation analyst jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 6, 2026, the average yearly pay for associate exploitation analyst in Chicago, IL is $75,874.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $57,700.00 and $84,000.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as an associate exploitation analyst?

To thrive as an Associate Exploitation Analyst, you need a solid grounding in computer science, cybersecurity principles, and analytical problem-solving, often supported by a relevant degree or equivalent experience. Familiarity with network analysis tools, penetration testing software, scripting languages, and certifications like CompTIA Security+ or CEH is usually required. Attention to detail, critical thinking, and strong communication skills are vital soft skills for success in this role. These competencies are essential for identifying vulnerabilities, effectively analyzing threats, and communicating findings to safeguard organizational assets.

What is an associate exploitation analyst?

Associate Exploitation Analysts are entry-level professionals who analyze and interpret digital data to support intelligence or cybersecurity operations. They often work with complex datasets to identify threats, vulnerabilities, or patterns relevant to national security or organizational interests. Their duties may include processing intercepted communications, supporting cyber defense initiatives, and producing reports for decision-makers. This role typically requires strong analytical skills, attention to detail, and a foundation in information technology or intelligence analysis.

What is the difference between Associate Exploitation Analyst vs Cybersecurity Analyst?

AspectAssociate Exploitation AnalystCybersecurity Analyst
CredentialsTypically requires a degree in cybersecurity, computer science, or related fields; certifications like CompTIA Security+ or CEH are commonSimilar credentials; often holds certifications such as CISSP, Security+, or CEH
Work EnvironmentPrimarily in security operations centers, conducting vulnerability assessments and exploitation testingIn various settings including SOCs, focusing on threat detection, incident response, and security monitoring
Employer & Industry UsageUsed by cybersecurity firms, government agencies, and large corporations for penetration testing and vulnerability analysisWidely employed across industries for protecting digital assets and managing security risks

The Associate Exploitation Analyst and Cybersecurity Analyst roles share similar credentials and work environments, often overlapping in security testing and threat management. However, the Exploitation Analyst focuses more on testing vulnerabilities through exploitation techniques, while the Cybersecurity Analyst emphasizes monitoring, detection, and response to security threats.

What are some common challenges faced by associate exploitation analysts in their daily work?

Associate Exploitation Analysts often encounter challenges such as analyzing large volumes of complex data under tight deadlines and ensuring accuracy in their assessments. They must stay updated on rapidly evolving cyber threats and adapt to new tools and technologies. Collaboration with cross-functional teams, including intelligence and cybersecurity professionals, is essential to effectively identify, assess, and mitigate threats. Balancing the need for thorough analysis with the urgency of providing timely intelligence can be demanding, but it also offers valuable opportunities for skill development.
What are the most commonly searched types of Exploitation Analyst jobs in Chicago, IL? The most popular types of Exploitation Analyst jobs in Chicago, IL are:
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Associate Exploitation Analyst jobs near you

Sr Assoc, Cyber Sec AI Threat Defense

Northern Trust

Naperville, IL • On-site

$88K - $151K/yr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Re-posted 3 days ago

Northern Trust rating

8.2

Company rating: 8.2 out of 10

Based on 27 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

Job description

About Northern Trust:

Northern Trust, a Fortune 500 company, is a globally recognized, award-winning financial institution that has been in continuous operation since 1889.

Northern Trust is proud to provide innovative financial services and guidance to the world's most successful individuals, families, and institutions by remaining true to our enduring principles of service, expertise, and integrity. With more than 130 years of financial experience and over 22,000 partners, we serve the world's most sophisticated clients using leading technology and exceptional service.

The AI Threat Defense Analyst, Senior Associate is responsible for:

Key responsibilities:

  • Continuously research new and emerging vulnerabilities, misconfigurations, or attack patterns that relate to AI.
  • Assess vulnerabilities/threats based on severity, exploitability, and business impact.
  • Conduct proactive exploitation assessments, PoC to validate whether known vulnerabilities in our environment are exploitable before adversaries confirm it for us and pitch gap analysis
  • Build and maintain AI-specific threat profile - mapping TTPs and known exploitation timelines.
  • Partner with Purple team for validation of emerging attack techniques/vulnerabilities through testing, proof-of-concept development, where possible.
  • Work with threat hunting to proactive hunt against our own environment, based on Early identification of exploitation signs and exposure windows shortens our mean time to respond and reduces potential blast radius.

Qualifications

  • 3+ years of cybersecurity experience with demonstrated leadership in threat management, incident response, or security operations.
  • Strong understanding of modern adversary TTPs, including AI-enabled threats, automation abuse, and emerging attack techniques.
  • Some development experience in Java, C++, C#, Powershell or Python.

Salary Range:

$88,900 - 151,100 USD

Salary range is a good faith estimate of base pay. Northern Trust provides a comprehensive benefits package including retirement benefits (401k and pension), health and welfare benefits (medical, dental, vision, spending accounts and disability), paid time off, parental and caregiver leave, life & accident insurance, and other voluntary and well-being benefits. Northern Trust also provides a discretionary bonus program that may include an equity component.

Working with Us:

As a Northern Trust partner, greater achievements await. You will be part of a flexible and collaborative work culture in an organization where financial strength and stability is an asset that emboldens us to explore new ideas.

Movement within the organization is encouraged, senior leaders are accessible, and you can take pride in working for a company committed to assisting the communities we serve!Join a workplace with a greater purpose.

We'd love to learn more about how your interests and experience could be a fit with one of the world's most admired and sustainable companies! Build your career with us andapply today.#MadeForGreater

Reasonable accommodation

Northern Trust is committed to working with and providing reasonable accommodations to individuals with disabilities. If you need a reasonable accommodation for any part of the employment process, please email our HR Service Center at MyHRHelp@ntrs.com.


We hope you're excited about the role and the opportunity to work with us. We value an inclusive workplace and understand flexibility means different things to different people.

Apply today and talk to us about your flexible working requirements and together we can achieve greater.

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