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Background Researcher Jobs in Virginia (NOW HIRING)

Steely

Senior SATCOM Researcher

Reston, VA · On-site

$225K - $250K/yr

Experience as a security researcher with demonstrated background in reverse engineering of hardware, decompiling/disassembly of embedded code, and protocol analysis * Must have significant direct ...

Web Business Solutions Inc.

Research Assistant

Quantico, VA · On-site

$20.75 - $28.50/hr

... background information and methodology sections. * Manage data entry and ensure the accuracy and integrity of data collected throughout the research process. * Prepare summaries and reports based on ...

Web Business Solutions Inc.

Research Assistant

Quantico, VA · On-site

$20.75 - $28.50/hr

... background information and methodology sections. * Manage data entry and ensure the accuracy and integrity of data collected throughout the research process. * Prepare summaries and reports based on ...

Web Business Solutions

Research Assistant

Quantico, VA · On-site

$52 - $72/hr

... background information and methodology sections. * Manage data entry and ensure the accuracy and integrity of data collected throughout the research process. * Prepare summaries and reports based on ...

Web Business Solutions

Research Analyst

Quantico, VA · On-site

$70 - $100/hr

Job purpose The Research Analyst provides institutional research, assessment, planning, survey ... Minimum Tier 1 background investigation and Government-access eligibility are required; an active ...

Web Business Solutions Inc

Research Analyst

Quantico, VA · On-site

$70 - $100/hr

Job purposeThe Research Analyst provides institutional research, assessment, planning, survey ... Minimum Tier 1 background investigation and Government-access eligibility are required; an active ...

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Showing results 41-60

All JobsBackground Researcher JobsBackground Researcher Jobs in Virginia

Background Researcher information

See Virginia salary details

$29.7K

$112.1K

$163.1K

How much do background researcher jobs pay per year?

As of Sep 4, 2026, the average yearly pay for background researcher in Virginia is $112,132.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $66,400.00 and $152,700.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What does a background researcher do?

A Background Researcher is responsible for gathering, verifying, and analyzing information about individuals, organizations, or topics to support decision-making, due diligence, or investigative processes. Their work often involves checking public records, media reports, social media, and other databases to ensure the accuracy and reliability of the information provided. Background Researchers are commonly employed in industries such as journalism, law, corporate hiring, and security services, where accurate background information is crucial. They must possess strong analytical skills, attention to detail, and a commitment to ethical research practices.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a background researcher?

To thrive as a Background Researcher, you need strong analytical skills, attention to detail, and a background in research or investigative fields, often supported by a relevant degree. Familiarity with online databases, public records systems, and research management tools is typically required. Excellent written communication, discretion, and persistence help you stand out in gathering and reporting sensitive information. These skills ensure thorough, accurate, and ethical background checks, which are crucial for informed decision-making in hiring, security, or due diligence processes.

How does a background researcher typically collaborate with other departments during the research process?

Background Researchers frequently work closely with departments such as editorial, legal, and production. They gather, verify, and organize information based on requests from these teams to ensure accuracy and compliance in content or reporting. Regular communication and clear documentation are crucial, as researchers must provide timely updates and adapt to shifting project priorities. This collaborative dynamic helps maintain high standards of credibility and efficiency in the final output.

What is the difference between Background Researcher vs Data Analyst?

AspectBackground ResearcherData Analyst
Required CredentialsBachelor's degree in social sciences, research methods, or related fieldsBachelor's or higher in statistics, mathematics, or data science
Work EnvironmentResearch firms, government agencies, academic institutionsCorporate, finance, healthcare, or tech industries
Employer & Industry UsageUsed for gathering background info, verifying facts, and supporting investigationsUsed for interpreting data, creating reports, and informing business decisions
Common Search & Comparison IntentUnderstanding research roles, job requirements, and career pathsComparing data analysis skills, tools, and job functions

While both roles involve working with information, a Background Researcher focuses on collecting and verifying background information for investigations or research projects. In contrast, a Data Analyst interprets data sets to generate insights and support decision-making. Both roles require analytical skills and research abilities but serve different purposes within organizations.

What are popular job titles related to Background Researcher jobs in Virginia?

For Background Researcher jobs in Virginia, the most frequently searched job titles are:

What job categories do people searching Background Researcher jobs in Virginia look for?

The top searched job categories for Background Researcher jobs in Virginia are:

Background Researcher jobs near you
Infographic showing various Background Researcher job openings in Virginia as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 71% Full Time, 25% Part Time, 2% Contract, and 1% Nights. Highlights an 95% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 4% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $112,132 per year, or $53.9 per hour.

Senior Principal Cybersecurity Researcher

Two Six Technologies

Arlington, VA • On-site

Full-time

Re-posted 16 days ago

Job description

Overview of Opportunity 

Two Six Technologies is actively seeking a Senior Principal Cybersecurity Researcher to join our Trusted Electronics & Effects team. The team comprises intellectual individuals passionate about reverse engineering, vulnerability research, and low-level programming. The team is growing and looking for someone with an advanced technical background who has an understanding of how to solve complex challenges and inspire creativity to address a wide range of difficult problems. If you have a passion for uncovering deep-seated software flaws and developing innovative mitigation strategies, our team wants to talk to you!

What you will do 

  • Direct the planning and execution of high-visibility, mission-critical programs, providing expert technical leadership and innovation in reverse engineering (RE) and vulnerability research (VR).
  • Tackle complex problems with no known solutions, demonstrating a high degree of creativity while mentoring a team of technical experts to foster growth and knowledge-sharing.
  • Author authoritative technical reports, white papers, and proposals that clearly convey research findings and cybersecurity solutions to both technical and business stakeholders.
  • Exert a leadership presence across the company, contributing to strategy development and ensuring customer satisfaction by delivering cutting-edge solutions aligned with national security requirements.

What you will need (basic qualifications)

  • Demonstrated expertise in advanced cybersecurity research concepts typically acquired in a similar technical role.
  • Expert-level proficiency in two or more of the following: low-level programming (C/C++, Assembly) and the use of industry-standard disassemblers and decompilers, binary re-hosting frameworks to enable dynamic analysis, and building custom greybox/blackbox fuzzing harnesses.
  • Proven experience in vulnerability research (VR), including attack surface triage, identifying vulnerabilities, and developing proof-of-concept exploits to demonstrate security impact.
  • Extensive experience in technical mentorship and training, with a history of providing thorough solutions to complex problems and guiding less experienced team members.
  • Experience leading complex technical projects in reverse engineering/vulnerability research (RE/VR) or R&D for National Security customers.
  • Experience delivering highquality technical documentation-such as vulnerability research and findings, industry white papers, and competitive proposals-that distills complex cybersecurity concepts for diverse audiences.
  • Experience in a client-facing technical role, demonstrating strong communication and stakeholder management skills.
  • Active Top Secret clearance and willingness to obtain and maintain an SCI clearance.

Nice to have (preferred)

  • Master's or PhD in Computer Science, Engineering, or a related field.
  • Familiarity with embedded systems binary reverse engineering (e.g., ARM/MIPS/PPC arch, RTOS, Linux, Baremetal) or cryptographic design principles.
  • Experience in trusted computing design and implementation principles.
  • Experience with digital signals (e.g., UART, JTAG, SPI, I2C) or network protocol analysis.
  • Experience with accelerated RE/VR tools that speed up discovery, analysis, and validation.
  • Recognized standing within the external technical community, including experience in publishing articles or speaking at external engagements.

Security Clearance:

  • Active Top Secret clearance and willingness to obtain and maintain an SCI clearance.

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