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Exploit Development Jobs in North Carolina (NOW HIRING)

... software development, and other key areas. We offer competitive compensation and benefits ... Finish, Exploit, and analyze targeting methodology * Have briefing skills and be capable of ...

... software development, and other key areas. We offer competitive compensation and benefits ... Finish, Exploit, and analyze targeting methodology * Have briefing skills and be capable of ...

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Exploit Development information

See North Carolina salary details

$17

$34

$69

How much do exploit development jobs pay per hour?

As of May 29, 2026, the average hourly pay for exploit development in North Carolina is $34.17, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $23.61 and $49.38 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 North Carolina? The most popular types of Exploit Development jobs in North Carolina are:
What job categories do people searching Exploit Development jobs in North Carolina look for? The top searched job categories for Exploit Development jobs in North Carolina are:
Infographic showing various Exploit Development job openings in North Carolina as of May 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 87% Full Time, 10% Part Time, and 2% Contract. Highlights an 92% Physical, 2% Hybrid, and 6% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $71,083 per year, or $34.2 per hour.
Security Research Engineering Technical Leader

Security Research Engineering Technical Leader

Cisco Systems, Inc.

Raleigh, NC • On-site, Remote

Other

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Posted 20 days ago


Cisco Systems rating

8.6

Company rating: 8.6 out of 10

Based on 39 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

16th of 137 rated electronics manufacturers


Job description

The successful applicant will be performing work in FedRAMP High or IL-5 environments, and therefore, must be a U.S. Person (i.e. U.S. citizen, U.S. national, lawful permanent resident, asylees, or refugee). This position may also perform work that the U.S. government has specified can only be performed by a U.S. citizen on U.S. soil.
What You'll Do
As a team member of Cisco's Advanced Security Initiatives Group (ASIG), you will evaluate our global products and services to identify security vulnerabilities, weaknesses, and improvements. You will learn to adopt an attacker mentality using tools, techniques, and processes that emulate real-world adversaries. You will work with amazingly creative, innovative, and collaborative security researchers to develop evolving ethical hacking skills and networking product knowledge. You will partner with Cisco's industry-leading engineering teams to assess the latest system and application architectures, contribute to creative security solutions, and gain unparalleled access to and experience with the latest technologies. You will also have opportunities to research security topics independently or collaboratively to explore and develop tools and ideas as part of our "Free Friday" innovation and incubation process.
Who You'll Work With
Our security team is dynamic, hardworking, fun, and high-energy, but the work is done in a very casual environment that strongly encourages a work/life balance. Not only will you work alongside a team of skilled security researchers with a diverse spectrum of talents and experience levels, but you will also be interacting with a variety of engineering teams across Cisco. Cisco ASIG cultivates an environment where every individual's input and experience is valued. We prioritize training sessions and a mentor program surrounding you with the resources you will need to succeed.
Who You Are
Would you enjoy finding security flaws in critical systems, modeling prototype attacks that malicious actors might take advantage of, and crafting mitigations to thwart motivated and inventive adversaries? If you have a passion for computer security, enjoy solving exciting problems, and relish working with emerging technologies, Cisco wants you! Global ISPs, Fortune 500 companies, and world governments all depend on Cisco for critical infrastructure, and we want to guarantee that we keep delivering highly secured solutions to meet their needs.
Minimum Requirements:
  • 6+ years of red teaming or penetration testing experience with emphasis on remote access, network penetration, Command and Control development and use, and covert channels.
  • 4+ years of exploit development (Offensive Programming) and cloud security.
  • Bachelor's degree or equivalent experience in Computer Science, Engineering. MS/MBA preferred.
  • 6+ years of Unix experience, including any applicable academic experience.
  • 6+ years of technical leadership experience in security assessments
  • Solid understanding of Python, Go, or a similar language. Must be able to code live.
Preferred Requirements:
  • 4+ years of experience with applied crypto, through implementation or analysis of crypto algorithms.
  • 4+ years of experience with network protocols, through implementation or analysis.
  • 4+ years of experience as a DevOps engineer.
  • 4+ years of security testing experience, including areas like web applications, APIs, user interfaces, mobile devices, and embedded devices.
  • 4+ years of other full-spectrum red-team tactics, such as hw hacking, physical security breach, targeted social engineering.
  • 4+ years of experience in a SOC, SRE, or incident response role.
  • 4+ years of Windows administration experience.
Job Requirements:
Preferred sites: Knoxville, Tennessee; Austin, Texas; or Research Triangle Park, North Carolina. Willing to consider remote.
Why Cisco?
#WeAreCisco. We are all unique, but collectively we bring our talents to work as a team, to develop innovative technology and power a more inclusive, digital future for everyone. How do we do it? Well, for starters - with people like you!
Nearly every internet connection around the world touches Cisco. We're the Internet's optimists. Our technology makes sure the data traveling at light speed across connections does so securely, yet it's not what we make but what we make happen which marks us out. We're helping those who work in the health service to connect with patients and each other; schools, colleges, and universities to teach in even the most challenging of times. We're helping businesses of all shapes and sizes to connect with their employees and customers in new ways, providing people with access to the digital skills they need and connecting the most remote parts of the world - whether through 5G, or otherwise.
We tackle whatever challenges come our way. We have each other's backs, we recognize our accomplishments, and we grow together. We celebrate and support one another - from big and small things in life to big career moments. And giving back is in our DNA (we get 10 days off each year to do just that).
We know that powering an inclusive future starts with us. Because without diversity and a dedication to equality, there is no moving forward. Our 30 Inclusive Communities, that bring people together around commonalities or passions, are leading the way. Together we're committed to learning, listening, caring for our communities, whilst supporting the most vulnerable with a collective effort to make this world a better place either with technology, or through our actions.
So, you have colorful hair? Don't care. Tattoos? Show off your ink. Like polka dots? That's cool. Pop culture geek? Many of us are. Passion for technology and world changing? Be you, with us! #WeAreCisco
#STO24
#LI-AS3
Message to applicants applying to work in the U.S. and/or Canada:

When available, the salary range posted for this position reflects the projected hiring range for new hire, full-time salaries in U.S. and/or Canada locations, not including equity or benefits. For non-sales roles the hiring ranges reflect base salary only; employees are also eligible to receive annual bonuses. Hiring ranges for sales positions include base and incentive compensation target. Individual pay is determined by the candidate's hiring location and additional factors, including but not limited to skillset, experience, and relevant education, certifications, or training. Applicants may not be eligible for the full salary range based on their U.S. or Canada hiring location. The recruiter can share more details about compensation for the role in your location during the hiring process.
U.S. employees have access to quality medical, dental and vision insurance, a 401(k) plan with a Cisco matching contribution, short and long-term disability coverage, basic life insurance and numerous wellbeing offerings. Employees receive up to twelve paid holidays per calendar year, which includes one floating holiday, plus a day off for their birthday. Employees accrue up to 20 days of Paid Time Off (PTO) each year and have access to paid time away to deal with critical or emergency issues without tapping into their PTO. We offer additional paid time to volunteer and give back to the community. Employees are also able to purchase company stock through our Employee Stock Purchase Program.

Employees on sales plans earn performance-based incentive pay on top of their base salary, which is split between quota and non-quota components. For quota-based incentive pay, Cisco pays at the standard rate of 1% of incentive target for each 1% revenue attainment against the quota up to 100%. Once performance exceeds 100% quota attainment, incentive rates may increase up to five times the standard rate with no cap on incentive compensation. For non-quota-based sales performance elements such as strategic sales objectives, Cisco may pay up to 125% of target. Cisco sales plans do not have a minimum threshold of performance for sales incentive compensation to be paid.


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About Cisco Systems

Sourced by ZipRecruiter

Cisco Systems, a global tech titan based in San Jose, CA, US, operates in the information technology and services industry. Founded in 1984, the company was derived from a project between two computer scientists from Stanford University. They aimed to connect different networks of computer systems at the university, resulting in the first multi-protocol router, and subsequently, the birth of Cisco. As an industry-leading manufacturer of networking hardware and telecommunications equipment, Cisco's product and services range includes routers, switches, firewall devices, and telecommunication technology. The company's mission, "to shape the future of the Internet by creating unprecedented value and opportunity for our customers, employees, investors, and ecosystem partners," is a testament to its pursuit of technology-forward innovation and customer satisfaction.

Industry

Computer and computer peripheral equipment and software wholesalers

Company size

10,000+ Employees

Headquarters location

San Jose, CA, US

Year founded

1984

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