1

Freelance Bug Bounty Program Jobs in Reston, VA (NOW HIRING)

CNO Developer

Chantilly, VA · On-site

$129K - $177K/yr

Desire to contribute to CTF events, bug bounty programs, and speaking at the security conferences * Rapid Prototype Software Development Security Clearance: * Active TS/SCI level clearance. Must be ...

You will play a critical role in validating, reproducing, and communicating security findings across bug bounty and vulnerability disclosure programs while helping maintain a high-quality experience ...

You will play a critical role in validating, reproducing, and communicating security findings across bug bounty and vulnerability disclosure programs while helping maintain a high-quality experience ...

Participation in capture the flag exercises, bug bounty programs, and security conferences * Advanced application of risk assessment methodologies * Complex malware analysis, digital forensics, and ...

Participation in capture the flag exercises, bug bounty programs, and security conferences * Advanced application of risk assessment methodologies * Complex malware analysis, digital forensics, and ...

Participation in capture the flag exercises, bug bounty programs, and security conferences * Advanced application of risk assessment methodologies * Complex malware analysis, digital forensics, and ...

Participation in capture the flag exercises, bug bounty programs, and security conferences * Advanced application of risk assessment methodologies * Complex malware analysis, digital forensics, and ...

Projects include reforming digital services that provide military families access to critical benefits, running bug bounty programs to identify vulnerabilities and better secure defense systems ...

next page

Showing results 1-20

Freelance Bug Bounty Program information

See Reston, VA salary details

$9

$23

$71

How much do freelance bug bounty program jobs pay per hour?

As of Jul 10, 2026, the average hourly pay for freelance bug bounty program in Reston, VA is $23.89, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $19.52 and $19.52 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What are freelance bug bounty programs?

Freelance bug bounty programs are initiatives run by companies or platforms that invite independent security researchers—often called ethical hackers—to identify and report vulnerabilities in their software or systems. Participants work on a freelance basis, choosing which programs to join and which vulnerabilities to hunt for, and are typically rewarded with monetary payouts or recognition for valid findings. This model helps organizations discover and fix security issues before they can be exploited maliciously, while providing freelancers with income and experience in cybersecurity. Anyone with the necessary skills can participate, making it a flexible career or side job for security enthusiasts.

What companies pay bug bounties?

Many technology companies, including Google, Microsoft, Facebook, Apple, and Uber, run bug bounty programs that pay security researchers for discovering vulnerabilities. These programs are often hosted on platforms like HackerOne and Bugcrowr, and they typically offer rewards based on the severity of the findings and the quality of reports. Participating as a freelance bug bounty hunter requires skills in security testing, knowledge of bug bounty platforms, and adherence to program rules.

Will Facebook pay $500 if you find a bug in their code?

As a freelance bug bounty hunter, you can earn rewards like $500 or more for discovering valid security vulnerabilities in Facebook's code through their bug bounty program. Payment amounts vary depending on the severity and impact of the bug, and participating requires following the program's rules and submitting detailed reports. Successful hunters often use skills in security testing tools and adhere to responsible disclosure practices.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a Freelance Bug Bounty Hunter, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Freelance Bug Bounty Hunter, you need a solid understanding of web application security, programming/scripting languages, and vulnerability assessment methodologies—often demonstrated by hands-on experience or certifications like OSCP. Familiarity with tools such as Burp Suite, Nmap, Metasploit, and various bug bounty platforms is essential for effective testing and reporting. Standout soft skills include analytical thinking, persistence, attention to detail, and clear written communication for submitting thorough vulnerability reports. These skills are crucial for identifying and responsibly disclosing security flaws, earning rewards, and building a strong reputation in the cybersecurity community.

What are some common challenges faced by freelancers participating in bug bounty programs, and how can they be overcome?

Freelancers in bug bounty programs often face challenges such as intense competition from other researchers, staying updated with the latest security vulnerabilities, and navigating varying program rules. To overcome these, it's important to continually hone your technical skills, engage with the security community for knowledge sharing, and thoroughly review each program's scope and guidelines before submitting reports. Building a reputation for high-quality, well-documented submissions can also help you stand out and secure more consistent rewards.

What is the difference between Freelance Bug Bounty Program vs Freelance Penetration Tester?

AspectFreelance Bug Bounty ProgramFreelance Penetration Tester
CredentialsKnowledge of security testing, bug reportingCertifications like OSCP, CEH, CISSP often preferred
Work EnvironmentRemote, project-based, online platformsRemote or on-site, client-specific engagements
Industry UsageTech companies, cybersecurity platformsConsulting firms, corporate security teams
Search & Comparison IntentFocus on bug bounty programs, online testingFocus on security assessments, penetration testing

While both roles involve security testing, Freelance Bug Bounty Programs primarily focus on identifying vulnerabilities through online platforms and reporting bugs, often without formal certifications. Freelance Penetration Testers conduct comprehensive security assessments, often requiring certifications and on-site work. The choice depends on your skills, certifications, and preferred work environment.

How much do freelance bug bounty hunters make?

Freelance bug bounty hunters can earn from a few hundred to several thousand dollars per bug, with top earners making over $100,000 annually by identifying critical vulnerabilities. Earnings depend on the severity of the bugs found, the scope of the program, and the hunter's skills and experience.

How much does Amazon pay for bug bounty?

Amazon's bug bounty program, through its AWS and other platforms, offers rewards that can range from a few hundred to tens of thousands of dollars for critical vulnerabilities. The payout depends on the severity and impact of the security issue, with high-severity bugs typically earning higher rewards. Bug bounty hunters often use skills in security testing, reverse engineering, and vulnerability research to participate effectively.
What are the most commonly searched types of Bug Bounty Program jobs in Reston, VA? The most popular types of Bug Bounty Program jobs in Reston, VA are:
What are popular job titles related to Freelance Bug Bounty Program jobs in Reston, VA? For Freelance Bug Bounty Program jobs in Reston, VA, the most frequently searched job titles are:
What job categories do people searching Freelance Bug Bounty Program jobs in Reston, VA look for? The top searched job categories for Freelance Bug Bounty Program jobs in Reston, VA are:
What cities near Reston, VA are hiring for Freelance Bug Bounty Program jobs? Cities near Reston, VA with the most Freelance Bug Bounty Program job openings:
Infographic showing various Freelance Bug Bounty Program job openings in Reston, VA as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 100% Full Time. Highlights an 100% In-person job distribution, with an average salary of $49,700 per year, or $23.9 per hour.
CNO Developer

$129K - $177K/yr

Other

Posted 26 days ago


Accenture Federal Services rating

8.4

Company rating: 8.4 out of 10

Based on 19 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

48th of 442 rated business services


Job description

Accenture Federal Services is seeking multiple CNO Software Engineers / Developers who want to work alongside our customer to support their critical National Security Mission. The successful candidates will be in a customer facing role, working with them directly to understand the requirements/constraints and develop the best solution to successfully complete the mission. Every project provides new learning opportunities and a chance to enhance your skills. If this sounds appealing to you - we'd love to chat!

Responsibilities include:

  • Conducting CNO related software development; frontend, middleware and/or backend
  • Building, configuring, managing virtualized systems
  • Comfortable and willing to operate/maintain customer-provided COTS, GOTS or custom developed tools and capabilities
  • Testing and validating including risk assessment
  • Working with the customer to understand requirements and develop solutions

Here's what you need:

  • 5 years' experience with Bachelor degree in Computer Science, Computer Engineering or other Software Development related degree OR 3 years' experience with Master degree in Computer Science, Computer Engineering or other Software Development related degree
  • SW Engineering with C, C++ or Python programming
  • Experience with vulnerability research 

Bonus points if you have:

  • Experience using CI/CD pipelines for Git version Control Systems
  • Experience in Digital Forensic and Software Reverse Engineering
  • Comfortable navigating the command line
  • Desire to contribute to CTF events, bug bounty programs, and speaking at the security conferences
  • Rapid Prototype Software Development

Security Clearance:

  • Active TS/SCI level clearance.  Must be willing to undergo a polygraph. 

#LI-Cyber 


What Accenture Federal Services employees say

Pay

Benefits

Hours and flexibility

Workplace

Get the full story on Breakroom