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Binary Exploitation Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Penetration Tester

Washington, DC · Hybrid

$130K - $145K/yr

Strong analytical skills and experience in firmware, binary exploitation, and embedded systems testing * Advanced knowledge of Software Defined Radio (SDR) and protocol reverse engineering * Active ...

Penetration Tester

Washington, DC · On-site

$130K - $145K/yr

Strong analytical skills and experience in firmware, binary exploitation, and embedded systems testing * Advanced knowledge of Software Defined Radio (SDR) and protocol reverse engineering * Active ...

... exploitation programs • Experience with binary analysis of software/firmware • Experience with disassembly tools, such as IDA Pro, Binary Ninja, or Ghidra • Proficiency in multiple Assembly ...

... exploitation programs • Experience with binary analysis of software/firmware • Experience with disassembly tools, such as IDA Pro, Binary Ninja, or Ghidra • Proficiency in multiple Assembly ...

... exploitation programs • Experience with binary analysis of software/firmware • Experience with disassembly tools, such as IDA Pro, Binary Ninja, or Ghidra • Proficiency in multiple Assembly ...

... exploitation programs • Experience with binary analysis of software/firmware • Experience with disassembly tools, such as IDA Pro, Binary Ninja, or Ghidra • Proficiency in multiple Assembly ...

... exploitation programs • Experience with binary analysis of software/firmware • Experience with disassembly tools, such as IDA Pro, Binary Ninja, or Ghidra • Proficiency in multiple Assembly ...

... exploitation programs • Experience with binary analysis of software/firmware • Experience with disassembly tools, such as IDA Pro, Binary Ninja, or Ghidra • Proficiency in multiple Assembly ...

... exploitation programs • Experience with binary analysis of software/firmware • Experience with disassembly tools, such as IDA Pro, Binary Ninja, or Ghidra • Proficiency in multiple Assembly ...

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Binary Exploitation information

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How much do binary exploitation jobs pay per hour?

As of Jul 22, 2026, the average hourly pay for binary exploitation in the United States is $26.79, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $16.35 and $28.37 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a Binary Exploitation Specialist, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Binary Exploitation Specialist, you need deep knowledge of operating systems, computer architecture, low-level programming (such as C and Assembly), and experience with reverse engineering, often supported by a degree in computer science or cybersecurity. Familiarity with tools like GDB, IDA Pro, Radare2, and certifications such as OSCP or GREM is highly valuable. Analytical thinking, persistence, and attention to detail are crucial soft skills for identifying vulnerabilities and devising novel exploits. These skills are vital for effectively discovering security flaws, developing mitigations, and protecting systems from real-world attacks.

What is the difference between Binary Exploitation vs Reverse Engineer?

AspectBinary ExploitationReverse Engineer
Required CredentialsKnowledge of vulnerabilities, exploit development, programming (C, Assembly)Understanding of software architecture, assembly, debugging skills
Work EnvironmentSecurity labs, penetration testing, CTF competitionsSoftware analysis, malware analysis, debugging environments
Industry UsageCybersecurity, penetration testing, bug bounty programsMalware analysis, software development, security research

Binary Exploitation and Reverse Engineering share overlapping skills like programming and understanding of low-level systems. However, Binary Exploitation focuses on identifying and exploiting vulnerabilities to gain control over systems, while Reverse Engineering involves analyzing software to understand its inner workings without necessarily exploiting it. Both roles are vital in cybersecurity but serve different purposes within security assessments and research.

What is binary exploitation?

Binary exploitation is a field within cybersecurity focused on finding and leveraging vulnerabilities in compiled software binaries to alter their intended behavior. This often involves analyzing how programs manage memory, handle user input, or interact with the operating system to identify flaws such as buffer overflows or use-after-free errors. Attackers use these techniques to gain unauthorized access, execute arbitrary code, or escalate privileges. Professionals in this field use a combination of reverse engineering, programming, and security analysis skills.

What are some common challenges faced by professionals working in binary exploitation roles?

Professionals in binary exploitation often encounter challenges such as reverse engineering complex binaries, bypassing modern security mechanisms like ASLR and DEP, and staying updated with evolving exploit mitigation techniques. The work can involve significant problem-solving and persistence, as each target binary may require unique approaches. Additionally, collaboration with security researchers and developers is common, especially when disclosing vulnerabilities or working to patch exploited systems.
More about Binary Exploitation jobs
What cities are hiring for Binary Exploitation jobs? Cities with the most Binary Exploitation job openings:
What states have the most Binary Exploitation jobs? States with the most job openings for Binary Exploitation jobs include:
Infographic showing various Binary Exploitation job openings in the United States as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 100% Full Time. Highlights an 83% In-person, and 17% Hybrid job distribution, with an average salary of $55,723 per year, or $26.8 per hour.
Penetration Tester

Penetration Tester

Dark Wolf Solutions

Washington, DC • Hybrid

$130K - $145K/yr

Other

Re-posted 24 days ago


Job description

Dark Wolf is actively seeking an experienced Penetration Tester to join our innovative team. This individual will play a critical role in assessing and enhancing the security of various products, including hardware, software, and embedded systems. This role demands a deep understanding of penetration testing methodologies and advanced exploit development, focusing on identifying and mitigating vulnerabilities across a wide range of technologies. As a Junior Product and Hardware Security Penetration Tester, you will have the chance to work on cutting-edge technologies and contribute to the enhancement of security across a wide range of products. If you possess a strong background in penetration testing and a passion for cybersecurity, we encourage you to apply for this pivotal role. This position is set to be supported in a hybrid work environment out of the DC Metro area. Key responsibilities include, but are not limited to:

  • Conducting comprehensive penetration testing on hardware, software, and network components.
  • Performing advanced vulnerability scanning and assessments on all components.
  • Performing a Cybersecurity evaluation of the product under test to identify vulnerabilities that would negatively impact the Confidentiality, Integrity, or Availability of system data or functionality.
  • Analyzing software, firmware, hardware, and/or RF components within the system.
  • Opining on the impact and level of effort required to exploit the identified vulnerabilities as well as providing information on a high-level remediation strategy.
  • Developing and executing exploits and proof-of-concept (PoC) attacks to demonstrate the impact of identified vulnerabilities.
  • Analyzing and reverse engineering firmware and embedded systems to identify security weaknesses.
  • Testing and assessing the security of secure boot processes and Trusted Execution Environments (TEE).
  • Conducting web application security assessments, focusing on OWASP Top Ten vulnerabilities and API security testing.
  • Performing manual verification of vulnerabilities, assessing their risk and exploitability.
  • Engaging in wireless and RF security testing, including penetration testing on Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, and Zigbee networks.
  • Utilizing Software Defined Radio (SDR) for protocol reverse engineering and testing.
  • Reporting detailed findings, documenting case details, and providing actionable recommendations for remediation to enhance product security based on system analysis.
  • Planning and executing full-scale, cross-domain vulnerability assessments, network penetration testing, and phishing/social engineering campaigns.
Required Qualifications:
  • Bachelor's degree in Cybersecurity, Information Technology, Computer Engineering, or a related field
  • Minimum of 2+ years' experience in three or more specific areas to include: intelligence analysis, network engineering, networking security, penetration testing, red team operations, hardware engineering, software engineering, exploit development, reverse engineering, vulnerability assessment, physical security assessments, or social engineering
  • Proficiency with cloud technology and deployments across Amazon Web Services (AWS), Microsoft Azure, and Google Cloud Platform (GCP)
  • Proficiency in the testing and assessment of mobile operating systems, embedded systems, and/or IoT devices
  • Experience in drafting reports, documenting case details, and summarizing findings and recommendations based on system analysis
  • Experience performing advanced vulnerability scanning and assessments on all components
  • Experience conducting web application security assessments, focusing on OWASP Top Ten vulnerabilities and API security testing
  • Demonstrated strong written and verbal communication skills
  • Strong understanding of NIST 800-53 frameworks
  • US Citizenship and an active security clearance at a minimum of the Secret Level
Desired Qualifications:
  • Familiarity with NIST 800-171 Revision 2
  • Proven ability to develop and execute complex exploits and PoC attacks
  • Strong analytical skills and experience in firmware, binary exploitation, and embedded systems testing
  • Advanced knowledge of Software Defined Radio (SDR) and protocol reverse engineering
  • Active professional certifications such as CEH, OSCP, PNPT, GPEN, or similar security/pen testing certifications

The salary range for this position is $130,000.00 - $145,000.00 commensurate on experience and technical skillset. 

We are open to considering a variety of levels of experience for these projects and potential for 1099 hourly opportunity. 

We are proud to be an EEO/AA Employer Minorities/Women/Veterans/Disabled and other protected categories. 
In compliance with federal law, all persons hired will be required to verify identity and eligibility to work in the United States and to complete the required employment eligibility verification from upon hire.