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Exploit Development Jobs in California (NOW HIRING)

Performing vulnerability weaponization, exploit development, payload development, and exploit mitigation on a variety of challenging targets * Documenting, demonstrating, and presenting research

... exploit development, payload development, and exploit mitigation on a variety of challenging targets • Technical marketing to existing and potential customers • Technical proposal development ...

Performing vulnerability weaponization, exploit development, payload development, and exploit mitigation on a variety of challenging targets * Technical marketing to existing and potential customers

Develop safeguards to prevent misuse of AI systems in exploit development or unintended security bypass scenarios. * Perform security reviews and penetration testing of AI-driven software components ...

Senior Reverse Engineer

San Diego, CA · On-site

$134K - $184K/yr

Performing vulnerability weaponization, exploit development, payload development, and exploit mitigation on a variety of challenging targets * Documenting, demonstrating, and presenting research

Performing vulnerability weaponization, exploit development, payload development, and exploit mitigation on a variety of challenging targets * Documenting, demonstrating, and presenting research

Performing vulnerability weaponization, exploit development, payload development, and exploit mitigation on a variety of challenging targets * Technical marketing to existing and potential customers

Develop safeguards to prevent misuse of AI systems in exploit development or unintended security bypass scenarios. * Perform security reviews and penetration testing of AI-driven software components ...

Performing vulnerability weaponization, exploit development, payload development, and exploit mitigation on a variety of challenging targets * Technical marketing to existing and potential customers

These capabilities create major defensive opportunities, but they also raise serious dual-use and misuse risks across areas such as malware development, exploit discovery, vulnerability chaining ...

Security Architect

Sunnyvale, CA · On-site

$76.25 - $98.50/hr

ECU flashing and diagnostic tools (ODX/PDX scripting, UDS exploit development) * Strong systems programming skills in C/C++/Rust for bare-metal and RTOS environments, with experience in: * Secure ...

Security Architect

Sunnyvale, CA

$76.25 - $98.50/hr

ECU flashing and diagnostic tools (ODX/PDX scripting, UDS exploit development) * Strong systems programming skills in C/C++/Rust for bare-metal and RTOS environments, with experience in: * Secure ...

Cyber Test Engineer

El Segundo, CA · On-site

$132.90K - $199.30K/yr

... Exploit Development, and Spacecraft Security. We support a variety of customers including the Space Force's Space Systems Command (SSC), the National Reconnaissance Office (NRO), and other civil ...

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Exploit Development information

See California salary details

$18

$37

$75

How much do exploit development jobs pay per hour?

As of May 30, 2026, the average hourly pay for exploit development in California is $37.11, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $25.62 and $53.61 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is an Exploit Development job?

An Exploit Development job involves researching software, hardware, or network vulnerabilities and creating proof-of-concept exploits to demonstrate security weaknesses. Professionals in this role analyze security flaws, write exploits, and sometimes assist in patch development. They often work in cybersecurity firms, government agencies, or red teams conducting penetration testing. Strong knowledge of low-level programming, reverse engineering, and debugging tools is essential.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive in the Exploit Development position, and why are they important?

To thrive in Exploit Development, you need advanced knowledge of computer systems, programming languages (such as C, C++, Python, or Assembly), and a deep understanding of cybersecurity principles, often supported by a degree in computer science or related field. Familiarity with reverse engineering tools (like IDA Pro, Ghidra, or OllyDbg), debuggers, and certifications such as OSCE or OSEP are commonly required. Strong problem-solving skills, attention to detail, and the ability to communicate complex technical findings clearly are valuable soft skills in this role. These skills and qualities are essential to responsibly discover and analyze security vulnerabilities, develop proof-of-concept exploits, and contribute to organizational or client security enhancements.

What are some of the primary challenges encountered in an Exploit Development role?

Exploit Development professionals often face the challenge of staying ahead of rapidly evolving security defenses and continuously learning new attack techniques and mitigation strategies. The work can require intense focus and patience, as reverse engineering and identifying vulnerabilities in complex systems may take considerable time and persistence. Additionally, strict adherence to ethical guidelines and clear communication with cross-functional security and engineering teams is critical for responsibly handling discovered vulnerabilities. Diligence, adaptability, and ongoing professional development are key to navigating the technical and ethical complexities of this role.
What are the most commonly searched types of Exploit Development jobs in California? The most popular types of Exploit Development jobs in California are:
What job categories do people searching Exploit Development jobs in California look for? The top searched job categories for Exploit Development jobs in California are:
Infographic showing various Exploit Development job openings in California as of May 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 97% Full Time, and 2% Contract. Highlights an 92% Physical, 2% Hybrid, and 6% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $77,192 per year, or $37.1 per hour.
Senior Reverse Engineer

Senior Reverse Engineer

STR

San Diego, CA

$134K - $184K/yr

Other

Posted 13 days ago


Job description

STR is hiring aSenior Reverse Engineerwho has a passion for research and analysis of vulnerabilities in cyber physical systems. Work must be performed onsite. 

What you'll do: 

  • Reverse engineering complex software or firmware targets, ranging from typical Windows/Linux binaries to embedded firmware running non-traditional computer architectures and operating systems
  • Developing and applying automated reverse engineering and binary analysis tools to characterize protocols, interfaces, and functionality of target systems
  • Working in multi-discipline teams to develop innovative offensive cyber solutions to challenging problems from a wide variety of technologies 
  • Performing vulnerability weaponization, exploit development, payload development, and exploit mitigation on a variety of challenging targets 
  • Documenting, demonstrating, and presenting research 
  • Solving real world problems that have an impact on national security

Who you are: 

  • This position requires the ability to obtain anActive Top Secret (TS) security clearance, for which U.S. citizenship is needed by the U.S. Government 
  • Bachelors Degree in Computer Science, Computer Engineering, Cybersecurity or related field plus a minimum of 5 years relevant experience 
    (MS or PhD with equivalent work experience may also be considered) 
  • Experience with binary analysis of software/firmware 
  • Experience with disassembly tools, such as IDA Pro, Binary Ninja, or Ghidra 
  • Proficiency in one or more programming languages: C/C++, Python, etc. 
  • Proficiency in one or more Assembly Languages: x86, ARM, etc. 
  • General understanding of reverse engineering fundamentals: memory layout, calling conventions, etc. 

Nice to haves: 

  • Vulnerability research and analysis
  • Knowledge of weaponizing discovered vulnerabilities into exploits 
  • Implant or software patch development 
  • Familiarity with binary emulation or vulnerability research, including tools such as QEMU or AFL++ 
  • Experience with DSP architectures, such as Texas Instruments, STMicroelectronics, NXP, or Analog Devices. 
  • Knowledge of operating system internals including memory/process/thread management 
  • Embedded systems or firmware analysis 
  • Experience development custom emulation tools to enable dynamic analysis 
  • Disassembler/decompiler module development 
  • Experience analyzing and reconstructing code/data flow 
  • Automated reverse engineering or software analysis tool development 
  • Experience debugging software without source code 
  • Knowledge of binary file structures and formats 
  • Experience analyzing protocols or message structures 
  • Knowledge of anti-reverse engineering techniques 
  • Knowledge of intrusion detection and anti-malware systems and techniques

Pay Information
Full-Time Salary Range: $134,000 - $184,000

The salary range listed is based on external market data. Offers are based on factors, such as but not limited to, the candidate's experience, education, training, key skills/critical skills, security clearances, and prevailing market and business conditions.