IT Security Analyst
Sacramento, CA · On-site
... or Engineering field. Desired Skills: Identified key staff has one or more of the following certificates: o Global Information Assurance Certification (GIAC) Exploit Researcher and Advanced ...
IT Security Analyst
Sacramento, CA · On-site
... or Engineering field. Desired Skills: Identified key staff has one or more of the following certificates: o Global Information Assurance Certification (GIAC) Exploit Researcher and Advanced ...
What used to require a skilled exploit developer can increasingly be automated, and defenders are still working from tooling that was designed two decades ago: tools that produce endless lists of ...
What used to require a skilled exploit developer can increasingly be automated, and defenders are still working from tooling that was designed two decades ago: tools that produce endless lists of ...
Software Engineer (Agent Infra)
San Francisco, CA · On-site
$200K - $300K/yr
What used to require a skilled exploit developer can increasingly be automated, and defenders are still working from tooling that was designed two decades ago: tools that produce endless lists of ...
Software Engineer (Agent Infra)
San Francisco, CA · On-site
$200K - $300K/yr
What used to require a skilled exploit developer can increasingly be automated, and defenders are still working from tooling that was designed two decades ago: tools that produce endless lists of ...
Software Engineer (Web Platform)
San Francisco, CA · On-site
$200K - $300K/yr
What used to require a skilled exploit developer can increasingly be automated, and defenders are still working from tooling that was designed two decades ago: tools that produce endless lists of ...
Software Engineer (Web Platform)
San Francisco, CA · On-site
$200K - $300K/yr
What used to require a skilled exploit developer can increasingly be automated, and defenders are still working from tooling that was designed two decades ago: tools that produce endless lists of ...
Cybersecurity Engineer
Oceanside, CA · On-site
$110K - $120K/yr
Certified Secure Software Lifecycle Professional (CSSLP), Offensive Security Exploit Developer (OSED), or equivalent software assurance certification. Desired: experience with DoD and Marine Corps ...
Quick apply
Cybersecurity Engineer
Oceanside, CA · On-site
$110K - $120K/yr
Certified Secure Software Lifecycle Professional (CSSLP), Offensive Security Exploit Developer (OSED), or equivalent software assurance certification. Desired: experience with DoD and Marine Corps ...
Technical Recruiter
San Francisco, CA · On-site
$100K - $140K/yr
What used to require a skilled exploit developer can increasingly be automated, and defenders are still working from tooling that was designed two decades ago: tools that produce endless lists of ...
Technical Recruiter
San Francisco, CA · On-site
$100K - $140K/yr
What used to require a skilled exploit developer can increasingly be automated, and defenders are still working from tooling that was designed two decades ago: tools that produce endless lists of ...
Product Security Research Engineer
San Jose, CA · On-site
$96 - $101/hr
Partner with Security Architects to identify and technically validate potential exploit sequences. * Engineer proofs-of-concept to demonstrate how individual vulnerabilities can be linked to create ...
Quick apply
Product Security Research Engineer
San Jose, CA · On-site
$96 - $101/hr
Partner with Security Architects to identify and technically validate potential exploit sequences. * Engineer proofs-of-concept to demonstrate how individual vulnerabilities can be linked to create ...
Senior Reverse Engineer
$134K - $184K/yr
STR is hiring a Senior Reverse Engineer who has a passion for research and analysis of ... Performing vulnerability weaponization, exploit development, payload development, and exploit ...
Senior Reverse Engineer
$134K - $184K/yr
STR is hiring a Senior Reverse Engineer who has a passion for research and analysis of ... Performing vulnerability weaponization, exploit development, payload development, and exploit ...
Senior Reverse Engineer
San Diego, CA · On-site
They are seeking a Senior Reverse Engineer to analyze vulnerabilities in cyber physical systems ... exploit mitigation on a variety of challenging targets • Documenting, demonstrating, and ...
Senior Reverse Engineer
San Diego, CA · On-site
They are seeking a Senior Reverse Engineer to analyze vulnerabilities in cyber physical systems ... exploit mitigation on a variety of challenging targets • Documenting, demonstrating, and ...
Senior Reverse Engineer
San Diego, CA · On-site
$110K - $152K/yr
They are seeking a Senior Reverse Engineer who will be responsible for reverse engineering complex ... exploit mitigation on a variety of challenging targets • Documenting, demonstrating, and ...
Senior Reverse Engineer
San Diego, CA · On-site
$110K - $152K/yr
They are seeking a Senior Reverse Engineer who will be responsible for reverse engineering complex ... exploit mitigation on a variety of challenging targets • Documenting, demonstrating, and ...
Senior Reverse Engineer
San Diego, CA · On-site
$110K - $152K/yr
They are seeking a Senior Reverse Engineer to perform reverse engineering of software and firmware ... exploit mitigation on a variety of challenging targets • Documenting, demonstrating, and ...
Senior Reverse Engineer
San Diego, CA · On-site
$110K - $152K/yr
They are seeking a Senior Reverse Engineer to perform reverse engineering of software and firmware ... exploit mitigation on a variety of challenging targets • Documenting, demonstrating, and ...
STR is hiring a Principal Software Reverse Engineer who has a passion for research and analysis of ... exploit development, payload development, and exploit mitigation on a variety of challenging ...
STR is hiring a Principal Software Reverse Engineer who has a passion for research and analysis of ... exploit development, payload development, and exploit mitigation on a variety of challenging ...
This role involves reverse engineering complex software and firmware, developing innovative ... exploit development, payload development, and exploit mitigation on a variety of challenging ...
This role involves reverse engineering complex software and firmware, developing innovative ... exploit development, payload development, and exploit mitigation on a variety of challenging ...
Experience with kernel hardening techniques and exploit mitigation * Strong programming skills in C and systems programming languages * Experience with eBPF for security monitoring and enforcement
Experience with kernel hardening techniques and exploit mitigation * Strong programming skills in C and systems programming languages * Experience with eBPF for security monitoring and enforcement
They are seeking a Principal Offensive Security Engineer to own the strategic direction of their ... or exploit development) with at least 4 years in a people management or leadership capacity ...
They are seeking a Principal Offensive Security Engineer to own the strategic direction of their ... or exploit development) with at least 4 years in a people management or leadership capacity ...
Principal Software Reverse Engineer
$204K - $284K/yr
STR is hiring a Principal Software Reverse Engineer who has a passion for research and analysis of ... Performing vulnerability weaponization, exploit development, payload development, and exploit ...
Principal Software Reverse Engineer
$204K - $284K/yr
STR is hiring a Principal Software Reverse Engineer who has a passion for research and analysis of ... Performing vulnerability weaponization, exploit development, payload development, and exploit ...
Senior Principal Engineer, Offensive Security
$190K - $240K/yr
Senior Principal Engineer, Offensive Security (2026-345) Location: San Jose, CA Role Overview ... Conduct advanced vulnerability research and exploit development across hardware/firmware, embedded ...
Senior Principal Engineer, Offensive Security
$190K - $240K/yr
Senior Principal Engineer, Offensive Security (2026-345) Location: San Jose, CA Role Overview ... Conduct advanced vulnerability research and exploit development across hardware/firmware, embedded ...
Senior Security Researcher
Santa Clara, CA · On-site
$139.60 - $225.77/hr
Conduct advanced vulnerability research, reverse engineering, fuzzing, root‑cause analysis, and exploit development across various platforms. * Leverage Large Language Models and advanced ML ...
Senior Security Researcher
Santa Clara, CA · On-site
$139.60 - $225.77/hr
Conduct advanced vulnerability research, reverse engineering, fuzzing, root‑cause analysis, and exploit development across various platforms. * Leverage Large Language Models and advanced ML ...
Utilize reverse engineering, fuzzing, exploit development, dynamic instrumentation, and firmware analysis tools (e.g., Ghidra, IDA Pro, Frida, AFL, libFuzzer, or similar technologies) to support ...
Utilize reverse engineering, fuzzing, exploit development, dynamic instrumentation, and firmware analysis tools (e.g., Ghidra, IDA Pro, Frida, AFL, libFuzzer, or similar technologies) to support ...
Utilize reverse engineering, fuzzing, exploit development, dynamic instrumentation, and firmware analysis tools (e.g., Ghidra, IDA Pro, Frida, AFL, libFuzzer, or similar technologies) to support ...
Quick apply
Utilize reverse engineering, fuzzing, exploit development, dynamic instrumentation, and firmware analysis tools (e.g., Ghidra, IDA Pro, Frida, AFL, libFuzzer, or similar technologies) to support ...
Exploit Developer information
See California salary details
$16.84 - $22.65
8% of jobs
$22.65 - $28.45
3% of jobs
$28.45 - $34.25
6% of jobs
$39.84 is the 25th percentile. Wages below this are outliers.
$34.25 - $40.05
7% of jobs
$40.05 - $45.85
14% of jobs
$45.85 - $51.65
9% of jobs
The median wage is $52.27 / hr.
$51.65 - $57.45
15% of jobs
$62.12 is the 75th percentile. Wages above this are outliers.
$57.45 - $63.26
15% of jobs
$63.26 - $69.06
12% of jobs
$69.06 - $74.86
7% of jobs
$74.86 - $80.66
3% of jobs
$16
$52
$80
How much do exploit developer jobs pay per hour?
As of Aug 15, 2026, the average hourly pay for exploit developer in California is $52.15, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $39.86 and $63.80 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.
What are common challenges faced by exploit developers, and how do teams typically address them?
Exploit Developers often encounter complex and evolving security architectures, which require continuous learning and adaptation to stay ahead of new safeguards and patch mechanisms. Collaborative troubleshooting, regular knowledge sharing, and working closely with security researchers and penetration testers are common approaches teams use to overcome obstacles. Many organizations foster a supportive environment, providing access to the latest research, tools, and test labs to encourage innovation and success. This collaborative and dynamic atmosphere helps Exploit Developers keep their skills sharp and deliver high-impact results.
What is an exploit developer?
An Exploit Developer is a cybersecurity professional who researches and develops exploits to identify security vulnerabilities in systems, applications, or networks. They analyze software and hardware for weaknesses, create proof-of-concept exploits, and work with security teams to patch vulnerabilities before malicious hackers can exploit them. This role requires deep knowledge of programming, reverse engineering, and security protocols. Some exploit developers work in ethical hacking or penetration testing, while others conduct research for security firms, government agencies, or cybersecurity vendors.
What skills and qualifications are needed to thrive as an exploit developer?
To thrive as an Exploit Developer, you need a strong background in computer science, reverse engineering, low-level programming (C/C++, Assembly), and vulnerability analysis. Familiarity with tools such as IDA Pro, Ghidra, Metasploit, and debuggers, along with relevant certifications like OSCP or GREM, is highly beneficial. Analytical thinking, persistence, excellent problem-solving, and clear documentation skills set outstanding professionals apart in this field. These abilities are essential for identifying and leveraging system weaknesses effectively and collaborating securely within advanced security teams.
What are the most commonly searched types of Exploit Developer jobs in California?
The most popular types of Exploit Developer jobs in California are:
What are popular job titles related to Exploit Developer jobs in California?
For Exploit Developer jobs in California, the most frequently searched job titles are:
What job categories do people searching Exploit Developer jobs in California look for?
The top searched job categories for Exploit Developer jobs in California are:
Full-time
Re-posted 13 days ago
Job description
IT Security Analyst
Sacramento, CA
3+ years
Required Skills:
Must provide resumes which describe in detail the IT security assessment services they have performed for at least one corporation or California state agency within the last two years
Bachelor's Degree in an IT-related or Engineering field.
Desired Skills:
Identified key staff has one or more of the following certificates:
o Global Information Assurance Certification (GIAC) Exploit Researcher and Advanced Penetration Tester (GXPN)
o Offensive Security Experienced Penetration Tester (OSEP)
o GIAC Penetration Tester (GPEN)
o Offensive Security Certified Professional (OSCP)
o Offensive Security Exploit Developer (OSED)
o Offensive Security Exploitation Expert (OSEE)
o Offensive Security Web Expert (OSWE)
o CompTIA Pen Test+
o Certified in Risk and Information Systems Control (CRISC)
o Certified Information Systems Security Professional (CISSP)
o Certified Information Systems Auditor (CISA)
Thanks & Regards
Naresh Damagalla
West Advanced Technologies Inc.
Email: naresh.d@wati.com
Phone: 279-666-5838
Sacramento, CA
3+ years
Required Skills:
Must provide resumes which describe in detail the IT security assessment services they have performed for at least one corporation or California state agency within the last two years
Bachelor's Degree in an IT-related or Engineering field.
Desired Skills:
Identified key staff has one or more of the following certificates:
o Global Information Assurance Certification (GIAC) Exploit Researcher and Advanced Penetration Tester (GXPN)
o Offensive Security Experienced Penetration Tester (OSEP)
o GIAC Penetration Tester (GPEN)
o Offensive Security Certified Professional (OSCP)
o Offensive Security Exploit Developer (OSED)
o Offensive Security Exploitation Expert (OSEE)
o Offensive Security Web Expert (OSWE)
o CompTIA Pen Test+
o Certified in Risk and Information Systems Control (CRISC)
o Certified Information Systems Security Professional (CISSP)
o Certified Information Systems Auditor (CISA)
Thanks & Regards
Naresh Damagalla
West Advanced Technologies Inc.
Email: naresh.d@wati.com
Phone: 279-666-5838
About West Advanced Technologies
Sourced by ZipRecruiter
Industry
Computer and electronic product manufacturing
Company size
1 - 10 Employees
Headquarters location
Winter Garden, FL, US
Year founded
2003