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Exploit Development Jobs in North Carolina (NOW HIRING)

Advanced expertise in exploit development, custom payload creation, offensive tooling development, and attack automation. * Extensive experience with industry-standard offensive security and command ...

... Exploit, and Analyze (F3EA) targeting methodology. This position requires strong technical ... product development. * Support collection processes and management. * Integrate geospatial ...

... 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 Aug 25, 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 exploit development?

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 some of the primary challenges encountered in exploit development?

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 key skills and qualifications needed to thrive in exploit development, 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 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 are popular job titles related to Exploit Development jobs in North Carolina?

For Exploit Development jobs in North Carolina, the most frequently searched job titles 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 August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 86% Full Time, 11% Part Time, and 2% Contract. Highlights an 86% Physical, 3% Hybrid, and 11% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $71,083 per year, or $34.2 per hour.

Senior Manager, Offensive Security

Charlotte, NC • On-site

Vangard, Inc.
11 - 50 employees

$108K - $146K/yr

Full-time

Posted 19 days ago


Job description

The Senior Manager, Offensive Securityleads our advanced offensive security program within the Offensive Security & Fraud Testing (OSFT)team. This role oversees all offensive security operations- including full-scope Red Team engagements, targeted penetration testing, AI-augmented offensive securityinitiatives - with the mission of proactively identifying vulnerabilities and strengthening the organization's defenses. Successin this role is measured by the maturity and impact of our offensive security program: meaningful risk reduction, improved detection & response capabilities, strong stakeholder trust, and continuous team development.

Key Responsibilities:

  • Offensive Security Program Leadership:Define and drive the strategic visionfor offensive security testing, translating high-level cyber risk objectives into actionable testing plans and operations. Establish annual roadmaps for red teaming, and pen testing exercises aligned with emerging threats and business priorities.

  • Team Management & Development: Lead and coacha geographically distributed team of offensive security professionals. Oversee hiring, performance management, and skill development, ensuring a high-performing, collaborative culture. Foster innovationwithin the team by encouraging the adoption of new techniques (e.g., AI-driven tools) and by mentoring staff in advanced offensive tradecraft.

  • Operational Oversight & Execution:Plan, scope, and approve complex offensive engagementssuch as Red Team operationsensuring they are conducted safely, ethically, and with clear goals. Oversee GenAI-enabled offensive security projects, setting guidelines for responsible use of AI/automation as force multipliers in our operations. Provide hands-on guidancewhen needed, leveraging your own red team experience to support critical operations or complex exploit development.

  • Purple Team & Cross-Functional Collaboration:Coordinate Purple Team exercisesthat bring together our offensive team with CSOC Team and fraud teams to test and improve detective controls. Serve as the primary liaison with defensive stakeholders, ensuring findings are immediately actionable and bridging gaps between offense and defense. Champion a partnership approach- sharing threat intelligence, aligning on TTPs (Tactics, Techniques, Procedures) to emulate, and jointly prioritizing remediation efforts.

  • Reporting & Program Governance:Ensure comprehensive documentation and communicationof all offensive testing activities and outcomes. Review and finalize detailed reports for each engagement, highlighting identified vulnerabilities, their business impact, and recommended fixes. Present program results and risk insights to senior security leadership and risk governance forums. Continuously refine methodologies, enforce adherence to frameworks (e.g., MITRE ATT&CK, internal policies), and track metrics to measure program effectiveness (coverage of attack surface, detection rates, time-to-remediation, stakeholder satisfaction).

  • Strategic Improvement & Innovation:Identify opportunities to expand or enhance the program- such as integrating new offensive techniques, improving automation, or refining Purple Team processes - and drive these initiatives to increase program maturity. Stay current on industry trends and ensure our team remains at the forefront of offensive security practices, especially regarding AI augmentation, cloud security, and evolving threat landscapes.

Required Qualifications:

  • Offensive Security Expertise:10+ years in penetration testing, red teaming, or adversary simulation, with proven success as a hands-on operatordelivering high-impact engagements. Deep knowledge of network, application, and cloud security vulnerabilities, exploitation techniques, and attacker methodologies (MITRE ATT&CK, kill chain, etc.).

  • Leadership & Program Management:3+ years of experience leading offensive security teams or programs. Demonstrated ability to manage and develop high-performing teams, including setting goals, mentoring senior engineers, and attracting top talent. Skilled in strategic planning and multi-project management- able to prioritize and allocate resources to meet objectives across simultaneous operations

  • AI & Automation Familiarity:Exposure to or strong interest in AI/ML technologies and security automation. While not a data scientist, you understand how generative AI and tools like LLMscan be leveraged in offensive security (e.g. for recon or automating tasks). Experience overseeing or implementing innovative solutions (like advanced scripting, C2 frameworks, or integrating AI agents) in security testing is a plus.

  • Stakeholder Engagement & Communication:Excellent communication skills with both technical and executive audiences. Able to clearly articulate risk and influence senior stakeholdersto take action on security findings. Experience collaborating with defensive security teams, fraud/risk teams, and engineering groups to drive remediation and improve security posture. A track record of building trust and credibility through transparency and consistency in execution.

  • Education & Certifications:Bachelor's degree in Computer Science, Cybersecurity, or related field (or equivalent experience). Relevant certifications (e.g., OSCP,CISSP, GIAC GPEN, CRTO) that demonstrate both offensive technical depth and security management knowledge are strongly preferred.

Special Factors

Sponsorship

Vanguard is not offering visa sponsorship for this position.

About Vanguard

At Vanguard, we don't just have a mission-we're on a mission.

To work for the long-term financial wellbeing of our clients. To lead through product and services that transform our clients' lives. To learn and develop our skills as individuals and as a team. From Malvern to Melbourne, our mission drives us forward and inspires us to be our best.

How We Work

Vanguard has implemented a hybrid working model for the majority of our crew members, designed to capture the benefits of enhanced flexibility while enabling in-person learning, collaboration, and connection. We believe our mission-driven and highly collaborative culture is a critical enabler to support long-term client outcomes and enrich the employee experience.