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Entry Level Vulnerability Research Jobs in Ridgefield Park, NJ

MUFG

Digital Forensics Analyst

Jersey City, NJ · Hybrid

In this role, you will focus on researching potential cybersecurity threats to various systems ... This entry-level position is responsible for evidence intake, case administration, documentation ...

All JobsVulnerability Research JobsEntry Level Vulnerability Research JobsEntry Level Vulnerability Research Jobs in Ridgefield Park, NJ

Entry Level Vulnerability Research information

See Ridgefield Park, NJ salary details

$39.7K

$113.8K

$152.9K

How much do entry level vulnerability research jobs pay per year?

As of Sep 1, 2026, the average yearly pay for entry level vulnerability research in Ridgefield Park, NJ is $113,769.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $111,600.00 and $111,600.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is entry level vulnerability research?

Entry level vulnerability research involves identifying, analyzing, and reporting security flaws in software, hardware, or network systems. Professionals in this role often use various tools and techniques to discover vulnerabilities that could be exploited by attackers. They typically work under the guidance of more experienced researchers and may assist in creating reports or proof-of-concept exploits. This position is ideal for those new to cybersecurity who want to develop technical analysis and problem-solving skills. Entry level vulnerability researchers play a key role in helping organizations strengthen their security posture.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as an entry level vulnerability researcher?

To thrive as an Entry Level Vulnerability Researcher, you need a solid understanding of computer networks, operating systems, and cybersecurity fundamentals, often supported by a degree in computer science or a related field. Familiarity with security tools like Wireshark, Burp Suite, Metasploit, and basic scripting languages, along with certifications such as CompTIA Security+ or CEH, is highly valuable. Analytical thinking, curiosity, attention to detail, and strong written communication help you effectively discover, document, and report vulnerabilities. These skills are crucial for identifying security weaknesses and protecting organizations from cyber threats.

What are some typical challenges faced by entry level vulnerability researchers, and how can they overcome them?

Entry-level vulnerability researchers often encounter challenges such as understanding complex codebases, keeping up with rapidly evolving security threats, and efficiently using specialized tools for vulnerability discovery. To overcome these, new researchers should focus on continuous learning through online resources and mentorship, actively participate in Capture The Flag (CTF) competitions, and collaborate closely with more experienced team members. Regularly reviewing recent vulnerability disclosures and practicing with open-source projects can also help build both technical skills and confidence.

What is the difference between Entry Level Vulnerability Research vs Entry Level Penetration Testing?

AspectEntry Level Vulnerability ResearchEntry Level Penetration Testing
CredentialsBasic cybersecurity certifications (e.g., CompTIA Security+)Similar certifications, often with additional penetration testing certifications (e.g., OSCP)
Work EnvironmentResearch labs, security teams, analysis-focusedSimulated attack environments, client sites, hands-on testing
Industry UsageSecurity research firms, tech companies, government agenciesConsulting firms, security service providers, corporate security teams

Entry Level Vulnerability Research involves analyzing software and systems to identify security flaws, focusing on research and analysis. Entry Level Penetration Testing emphasizes actively exploiting vulnerabilities to assess security defenses. While both roles require foundational cybersecurity knowledge and certifications, vulnerability research is more analysis-oriented, whereas penetration testing involves practical, hands-on testing of systems.

What does an entry level vulnerability researcher do?

An entry level vulnerability researcher analyzes software, hardware, and network systems to identify security weaknesses or vulnerabilities. They use tools like vulnerability scanners and perform testing such as penetration testing to discover security flaws, often documenting findings for remediation. This role typically requires knowledge of cybersecurity principles, scripting skills, and familiarity with security frameworks.

What are popular job titles related to Entry Level Vulnerability Research jobs in Ridgefield Park, NJ?

For Entry Level Vulnerability Research jobs in Ridgefield Park, NJ, the most frequently searched job titles are:

What job categories do people searching Entry Level Vulnerability Research jobs in Ridgefield Park, NJ look for?

The top searched job categories for Entry Level Vulnerability Research jobs in Ridgefield Park, NJ are:

Entry Level Vulnerability Research jobs near you
Infographic showing various Entry Level Vulnerability Research job openings in Ridgefield Park, NJ as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 84% Full Time, 12% Part Time, 1% Contract, and 2% Nights. Highlights an 78% Physical, 4% Hybrid, and 18% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $113,769 per year, or $54.7 per hour.

Information Security Intern [2027 Intern Program]

Jersey City, NJ

The Depository Trust Clearing
Securities, Commodity Contracts, and Financial Investments • 5 - 10K employees
Learn more about The Depository Trust Clearingexternal

Full-time

Posted 6 days ago

Job description

Build Your Future at DTCC

As an Information Security Intern in IT, you will help protect DTCC's technology environment and critical financial market infrastructure by supporting cybersecurity practices within the CISO organization. You will gain hands-on exposure to security operations, risk management, threat detection, vulnerability management, identity and access management, security governance, and compliance activities. Your work will help strengthen DTCC's security posture, support operational resilience, and reduce risk across technology platforms, applications, and business processes.

At DTCC, interns contribute to meaningful work while learning how the financial markets operate behind the scenes. You will be part of a structured summer experience that combines team-based project work, training, feedback, mentorship, and opportunities to connect with leaders and peers.

About the Summer Internship Program

The Summer Internship Program is a 10-week experience designed to build a strong foundation for early-career talent. The program includes orientation, training, manager engagement, feedback milestones, networking, and development experiences that help students explore potential full-time career paths, including EDGE, our entry-level development program, where applicable.

What you will gain

  • Hands-on work connected to real business priorities, not only observation or administrative tasks.

  • Structured orientation and training to help you understand DTCC, the industry, and your business area.

  • Manager support, mentorship, peer connection, and opportunities to build your network.

  • Development experiences focused on communication, feedback, professional skills, and career readiness.

  • Mid-point and final feedback to help you understand your strengths, development areas, and potential next steps.

  • Exposure to DTCC culture, values, and community engagement.

What you will do 

Role Responsibilities

  • Assist with cybersecurity risk assessments, security reviews, and control evaluations to help identify, document, and mitigate information security risks across systems, applications, infrastructure, and business processes.

  • Support security operations activities by monitoring alerts, reviewing security events, researching potential threats, documenting findings, and contributing to incident response and threat mitigation efforts under the guidance of experienced security professionals.

  • Collaborate with CISO teams, technology partners, infrastructure teams, application developers, and risk stakeholders to strengthen security controls and support internal policy, regulatory, audit, and governance expectations.

  • Help prepare security documentation, metrics, dashboards, procedures, job aids, and status updates that communicate risks, findings, remediation progress, and key outcomes to technical and non-technical audiences.

  • Support vulnerability management, access management, security awareness, compliance, and control testing activities by collecting data, analyzing results, tracking actions, and helping teams drive timely remediation.

  • Research emerging cybersecurity threats, industry trends, financial services security practices, and security technologies while contributing to projects that protect critical financial market infrastructure.

What will help you succeed

Required

  • Currently pursuing a bachelor's degree in Cybersecurity, Information Security, Computer Science, Information Technology, Computer Engineering, Management Information Systems (MIS), Technology Management, or a related field.

  • Expected graduation date: Fall 2027 or Summer 2028

  • Minimum GPA: 3.2

  • Authorization to work permanently in the United States without current or future sponsorship.

  • Foundational understanding of cybersecurity concepts and frameworks, IT risk, networking, cloud, operating systems, identity and access management, vulnerability management, or security governance.

Preferred 

  • Coursework, projects, prior work, internship, student organization, volunteer, or leadership experience related to cybersecurity, information security, IT risk, audit, compliance, technology operations, or financial services technology.

  • Strong interest in cybersecurity, financial services, critical infrastructure, technology risk, operational resilience, or protecting systems and data in a highly regulated environment.

  • Exposure to tools, topics, or frameworks such as SIEM platforms, vulnerability scanning, endpoint security, cloud security, scripting or automation, data analysis, Microsoft Office 365, Excel, PowerPoint, Power BI, ServiceNow, Jira, NIST Cybersecurity Framework, ISO 27001, SOC, or security awareness practices.

What makes you successful

  • Curiosity, initiative, and willingness to ask questions.

  • Strong communication, organization, and follow-through.

  • Analytical thinking and attention to detail.

  • Ability to use feedback and adapt as you learn.

  • Collaboration, professionalism, and accountability.

Benefits and work model

  • Competitive hourly compensation.

  • Hybrid work model: 3 days in office and 2 days remote, based on team schedule.

The salary range is indicative for roles at the same level within DTCC across all US locations. Actual salary is determined based on the role, location, individual experience, skills, and other considerations. We are an equal opportunity employer and value diversity at our company. We do not discriminate on the basis of race, religion, color, national origin, sex, gender, gender expression, sexual orientation, age, marital status, veteran status, or disability status. We will ensure that individuals with disabilities are provided reasonable accommodation to participate in the job application or interview process, to perform essential job functions, and to receive other benefits and privileges of employment. Please contact us to request accommodation. 

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