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Computer Hacker Jobs in California (NOW HIRING)

Envoy

Backend Engineer

San Francisco, CA · On-site

We love to drive innovation in the workplace through hack projects. If you're looking to challenge ... experience * BS / MS in Computer Science or a related technical field * You've created and ...

Envoy

Backend Engineer

San Francisco, CA

We love to drive innovation in the workplace through hack projects. If you're looking to challenge ... experience * BS / MS in Computer Science or a related technical field * You've created and ...

Envoy

Android Engineer

San Francisco, CA · On-site

We love to drive innovation in the workplace through hack projects. If you're looking to challenge ... in Computer Science or a related technical field * Strong coding abilities and experience with ...

ActiveHours

Senior Data Analyst

Palo Alto, CA

$101K - $127K/yr

We're looking for passionate hackers, thinkers, and innovators to push our product even further. We ... Bachelor's degree in mathematics, statistics, computer science, or related quantitative field.

Nvidia

Systems Architect

Santa Clara, CA

$285K/yr

NVIDIA has been transforming computer graphics, PC gaming, and accelerated computing for more than ... We are looking for a broadly knowledgeable and highly capable hardware hacker / system prototyper ...

ALO

Principal AI Engineer

Beverly Hills, CA

$180K - $235K/yr

You'll build intelligent systems that power personalization, content generation, computer vision ... Equal parts builder, hacker, and architect-you can ship a working demo in a day but think in ...

Nvidia Corporation

Systems Architect

Santa Clara, CA · On-site

$285K/yr

NVIDIA has been transforming computer graphics, PC gaming, and accelerated computing for more than ... We are looking for a broadly knowledgeable and highly capable hardware hacker / system prototyper ...

Envoy

Android Engineer

San Francisco, CA · On-site

We love to drive innovation in the workplace through hack projects. If you're looking to challenge ... in Computer Science or a related technical field * Strong coding abilities and experience with ...

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Computer Hacker information

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$33

$64

How much do computer hacker jobs pay per hour?

As of Jun 29, 2026, the average hourly pay for computer hacker in California is $33.61, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $24.66 and $39.13 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

Can I make $200 a year in cyber security?

A computer hacker's income varies widely depending on experience, skills, and employment type. Entry-level or freelance hackers may earn less, while experienced professionals with certifications and specialized skills can make significantly more, often in the thousands or tens of thousands annually. Making only $200 a year in cybersecurity is unlikely for a professional in the field.

What are computer hackers?

Computer hackers are individuals who use their technical skills to gain unauthorized access to computer systems, networks, or data. While the term is often associated with illegal activities, not all hackers have malicious intent—some work to identify security vulnerabilities so they can be fixed (these are known as 'ethical hackers' or 'white-hat hackers'). Others, known as 'black-hat hackers,' exploit vulnerabilities for personal gain or to cause harm. The field of hacking is broad, encompassing activities from cybersecurity research to cybercrime. Understanding the difference between ethical and unethical hacking is important in today's digital world.

What are common ethical challenges faced by penetration testers in a cybersecurity role?

Penetration testers, sometimes referred to as ethical hackers, often encounter ethical challenges such as maintaining clear boundaries to avoid unauthorized access and ensuring sensitive data is not mishandled during testing. They must strictly adhere to the scope of engagement defined by the client and communicate transparently with stakeholders about findings and risks. Balancing thoroughness with respect for privacy and legal compliance is essential, and professionals are expected to follow established ethical guidelines to build trust and credibility in their work.

What jobs can a hacker get?

A computer hacker can pursue roles such as cybersecurity analyst, penetration tester, security consultant, or ethical hacker. These jobs involve identifying vulnerabilities, protecting systems, and require skills in network security, programming, and often industry certifications like CEH or CISSP.

How much do computer hackers get paid?

Computer hackers' salaries vary widely depending on their skills, experience, and whether they work legally as cybersecurity professionals or illegally. Ethical hackers or security analysts typically earn between $70,000 and $120,000 annually, with advanced roles or specialized skills commanding higher pay. Illegal hacking activities are not compensated legally and can lead to criminal charges.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as an Ethical Hacker, and why are they important?

To thrive as an Ethical Hacker, you need strong knowledge of computer networks, operating systems, programming languages, and cybersecurity principles, often supported by a degree in computer science or related certifications like CEH or OSCP. Familiarity with penetration testing tools such as Metasploit, Nmap, Wireshark, and vulnerability scanning platforms is essential. Analytical thinking, problem-solving, and effective communication are vital soft skills for identifying vulnerabilities and explaining risks to stakeholders. These skills and qualities are crucial for proactively securing systems, preventing breaches, and supporting organizational cyber resilience.

Can you make $500,000 a year in cyber security?

Computer hackers working in cybersecurity can potentially earn high salaries, especially those with advanced skills, certifications, and experience in areas like penetration testing or security consulting. However, reaching a $500,000 annual income is uncommon and typically requires senior roles, specialized expertise, or leadership positions in large organizations. Most cybersecurity professionals earn between $70,000 and $150,000 annually, with top earners in niche fields or executive roles earning more.

What is the difference between Computer Hacker vs Cybersecurity Analyst?

AspectComputer HackerCybersecurity Analyst
CredentialsVaries; often no formal certifications, but some may have certifications like CEHTypically holds certifications like CISSP, CISA, or CEH
Work EnvironmentCan be independent, in black-hat or gray-hat activities, or employed in security testingUsually employed by organizations to protect systems, working in security teams
Employer & IndustryPrivate, government, or freelance; often associated with illegal or ethical hackingCorporate, government, or consulting firms focused on security
Search & Comparison IntentUnderstanding hacking techniques, ethical vs unethical hackingProtecting systems, preventing breaches, security analysis

While both roles involve understanding computer systems and security, a Computer Hacker may operate ethically or unethically, whereas a Cybersecurity Analyst focuses on defending systems and preventing attacks. The key difference lies in intent, legality, and employment context.

What are popular job titles related to Computer Hacker jobs in California? For Computer Hacker jobs in California, the most frequently searched job titles are:
What job categories do people searching Computer Hacker jobs in California look for? The top searched job categories for Computer Hacker jobs in California are:
Computer Hacker jobs near you
(6300-1009) Software Engineer Machine Learning Software Stack

(6300-1009) Software Engineer Machine Learning Software Stack

Achronix Semiconductor Corporation

Santa Clara, CA • On-site

Full-time

Posted 8 days ago

Job description

Job Description/Responsibilities
At Achronix Semiconductor we develop FPGA-based hardware, software, and systems solutions to accelerate critical applications in areas such as 5G wireless infrastructure, network switching, and data center services. We work in small highly motivated teams of domain experts across the full product range, from high-level systems software to digital and analog circuit design, to create innovative products that are first-to-market and solve critical business needs.
You will have a unique opportunity to collaborate on a small team driving the development of a complete software and hardware stack for an FPGA-based machine learning inference accelerator card reference platform. You will adapt existing open-source and university software when possible, and develop new software from scratch as needed, to assemble a complete full-stack end-to-end software solution. This role works closely with sales and marketing, systems engineers, EDA tool developers, and FPGA architects. The resulting system will support diverse internal and external use models including FPGA fabric optimization, accelerator micro-architecture exploration, memory subsystem design, place & route software verification, system prototyping, pre-sales demonstrations, and customer deployment and scaling.
Prior experience is required working with an existing open-source or proprietary machine learning accelerator architecture such as OpenTPU, NVDLA, Eyeriss, or VTA. You must have a background in compiler hacking on one or more of TVM, Glow, Halide, Spatial, XLA, CLANG, LLVM, or GCC. Experience desired with compiler Intermediate Representations (IRs) and back-ends; JIT compilers; kernel-mode and user-mode Windows, Unix, or embedded systems runtime environments and device drivers. Familiarity is desired with machine learning frameworks such as TensorFlow, PyTorch, Caffe2, Keras and MXNet; domain-specific languages such as Halide and Spatial; and with common DNN models such as AlexNet, ResNet50, Inception, YOLO, RNN, and LSTM.
Skills:
  • 2+ years of work or educational experience in machine leaning accelerator architectures, micro-architectures, and compilers.
  • Skilled practitioner in C++, Python, and Verilog. Familiarity with System-C, System Verilog, HLS, Catapult-C, or Chisel.
  • Experience in two of more of the following categories:
    • Machine learning accelerators such as OpenTPU, NVDLA, Eyeriss, and VTA.
    • Machine learning frameworks such as TensorFlow, PyTorch, Caffe2, Keras, and MXNet.
    • Common DNN models such as AlexNet, ResNet50, Inception, YOLO, RNN, and LSTM.
    • Domain-specific languages such as Halide and Spatial.
    • Compilers such as TVM, Glow, Halide, CLANG, LLVM, and GCC.
    • Embedded system runtime environments and device drivers

Education:
MS or PhD in Computer Science, Computer Engineering, Electrical Engineering, Applied Math, or Physics

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