ZipRecruiter

Log In

1

Hardware Vulnerability Research Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Parsons

Vulnerability Research Engineer

$103K - $181K/yr

Perform vulnerability research / reverse engineering (VR/RE) against a variety of hardware and software targets * Allocate tasking to support larger-scale cyber tool development * Perform testing and ...

BTS

Vulnerability Researcher II

Columbia, MD · On-site

... research efforts. Responsibilities : • Actively debug software and troubleshoot issues with ... • Hardware/Software reverse engineering, which often includes the use of tools (e.g., IDA Pro ...

next page

Showing results 1-20

All JobsHardware Vulnerability Research Jobs

Hardware Vulnerability Research information

See salary details

$51K

$146.2K

$196.5K

How much do hardware vulnerability research jobs pay per year?

As of Sep 9, 2026, the average yearly pay for hardware vulnerability research in the United States is $146,230.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $123,500.00 and $163,000.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is hardware vulnerability research?

Hardware vulnerability research involves identifying, analyzing, and addressing security weaknesses in physical computer components such as CPUs, memory chips, and embedded devices. Researchers in this field use a combination of reverse engineering, side-channel analysis, and testing methodologies to discover flaws that could be exploited by attackers. The goal is to uncover vulnerabilities before malicious actors do and to work with manufacturers to develop patches or mitigations. This research is critical for ensuring the security of devices ranging from servers to IoT products.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a hardware vulnerability researcher?

To thrive as a Hardware Vulnerability Researcher, you need a strong background in computer engineering, embedded systems, and cybersecurity, often supported by degrees in electrical engineering or computer science. Familiarity with hardware description languages (HDL), reverse engineering tools, logic analyzers, and certifications like CISSP or OSCP are commonly required. Analytical thinking, problem-solving, and clear communication are essential soft skills for effectively identifying vulnerabilities and collaborating with cross-functional teams. These competencies are crucial for detecting and mitigating security threats in hardware, ensuring device integrity and protecting sensitive data.

What are some of the common challenges faced by professionals in hardware vulnerability research roles?

Professionals in hardware vulnerability research often encounter challenges such as staying ahead of rapidly evolving attack techniques and understanding complex, proprietary hardware architectures. The role requires regularly reverse-engineering hardware components and firmware, which can be time-consuming and demand a high level of technical expertise. Collaborating with cross-disciplinary teams, such as software security analysts and hardware engineers, is essential to ensure thorough threat assessments and effective mitigation. Researchers must also keep up with the latest academic findings and industry trends to stay effective in identifying and addressing new vulnerabilities.

What is the difference between Hardware Vulnerability Research vs Hardware Security Engineer?

AspectHardware Vulnerability ResearchHardware Security Engineer
CredentialsKnowledge of hardware design, security protocols, certifications like CISSP or CEH beneficialSimilar credentials, often with security certifications and hardware expertise
Work EnvironmentResearch labs, cybersecurity firms, academiaCorporate security teams, product development, hardware manufacturing companies
Industry UsageIdentifying vulnerabilities, analyzing hardware flaws, developing exploitsImplementing security measures, designing secure hardware, mitigating vulnerabilities

Hardware Vulnerability Research focuses on discovering and analyzing hardware flaws, while Hardware Security Engineers work on securing hardware systems and fixing vulnerabilities. Both roles require hardware knowledge and security certifications but differ in their primary objectives and work environments.

Infographic showing various Hardware Vulnerability Research job openings in the United States as of September 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% Internship, 1% As Needed, 88% Full Time, 9% Part Time, and 1% Contract. Highlights an 79% Physical, 3% Hybrid, and 18% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $146,230 per year, or $70.3 per hour.

Cyber Vulnerability Research Engineer

San Antonio, TX • On-site

Maximus
See more jobs at Maximusexternal

Full-time

Medical, Life, Retirement, PTO

Re-posted 4 days ago

Maximus rating

6.8

Company rating: 6.8 out of 10

Based on 302 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

303rd of 500 rated business services

Job description

General information
Job Posting Title
Cyber Vulnerability Research Engineer
Date
Wednesday, July 15, 2026
City
San Antonio
State
TX
Country
United States
Working time
Full-time
Description & Requirements
Vulnerability Researcher
Maximus conducts advanced vulnerability research to strengthen Department of War (DoW) systems. This role focuses on discovering, analyzing, and validating vulnerabilities across hardware and software platforms.
This position is contingent upon award.
Maximus TCS (Technology and Consulting Services) Internal Job Profile Code: TCS053, T5, Band 8
Job-Specific Essential Duties and Responsibilities:
- Identify zero-day and known vulnerabilities
- Conduct reverse engineering and exploit development
- Analyze complex hardware and software weaknesses
- Coordinate responsible vulnerability disclosure activities
Job-Specific Minimum Requirements:
- Active Top Secret / SCI (TS/SCI) security clearance
- Bachelor's degree in Computer Science, Cybersecurity, or related technical field
- 10+ years of vulnerability research experience
- Required DoD 8140 certifications for DCWF 541 - CISA, CSM, GCIH or GSNA
- Experience with the following tools and techniques:
- Reverse engineering tools (e.g., Ghidra, IDA Pro, Binary Ninja)
- Malware analysis frameworks and sandbox environments
- Vulnerability research and exploit analysis tooling
Preferred Skills and Qualifications:
- Bug bounty or coordinated disclosure experience
- Assembly-level analysis and low-level debugging proficiency
- Prior service supporting DoW cyber research missions
#techjobs #clearance #veteranspage
Minimum Requirements
TCS053, T5, Band 8
EEO Statement
Maximus is an equal opportunity employer. We evaluate qualified applicants without regard to race, color, religion, sex, age, national origin, disability, veteran status, genetic information and other legally protected characteristics.
Pay Transparency
Maximus compensation is based on various factors including but not limited to job location, a candidate's education, training, experience, expected quality and quantity of work, required travel (if any), external market and internal value analysis including seniority and merit systems, as well as internal pay alignment. Annual salary is just one component of Maximus's total compensation package. Other rewards may include short- and long-term incentives as well as program-specific awards. Additionally, Maximus provides a variety of benefits to employees, including health insurance coverage, life and disability insurance, a retirement savings plan, paid holidays and paid time off. Compensation ranges may differ based on contract value but will be commensurate with job duties and relevant work experience. An applicant's salary history will not be used in determining compensation. Maximus will comply with regulatory minimum wage rates and exempt salary thresholds in all instances.
Accommodations
Maximus provides reasonable accommodations to individuals requiring assistance during any phase of the employment process due to a disability, medical condition, or physical or mental impairment. If you require assistance at any stage of the employment process-including accessing job postings, completing assessments, or participating in interviews,-please contact People Operations at applicantaccom@maximus.com.
Minimum Salary
$
120,000.00
Maximum Salary
$
160,000.00

What Maximus employees say

Pay

Benefits

Hours and flexibility

Workplace

Get the full story on Breakroom

Apply