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Independent Security Researcher Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Wiz, Inc.

AI Security Researcher

$160K - $220K/yr

Proven ability to work independently, prioritize effectively, and drive complex, multi-quarter ... Specialized knowledge or research experience in AI security, focusing on risks to AI as deployed in ...

Leidos

Senior AI Security Researcher

Huntsville, AL

$112.80K - $154.70K/yr

We are seeking a Senior AI Security Researcher who works at the intersection of cybersecurity, AI ... Experience working independently and collaboratively in an innovative and fast-paced environment ...

Leidos

Senior AI Security Researcher

Huntsville, AL · On-site

$112.80K - $154.70K/yr

We are seeking a Senior AI Security Researcher who works at the intersection of cybersecurity, AI ... Experience working independently and collaboratively in an innovative and fast-paced environment ...

Job Board

Senior Threat Researcher

North, SC · On-site

As a Senior Threat Researcher, you sit at the strategic intersection of our Detection Engineering ... security tools. * Autonomy: Demonstrated ability to act independently on moderate-to-complex ...

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How much do independent security researcher jobs pay per hour?

As of May 29, 2026, the average hourly pay for independent security researcher in the United States is $51.44, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $49.76 and $53.12 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as an Independent Security Researcher, and why are they important?

To thrive as an Independent Security Researcher, you need a deep understanding of cybersecurity principles, vulnerability assessment, and programming or scripting languages, often supported by a relevant degree or recognized certifications like OSCP or CEH. Familiarity with penetration testing tools (e.g., Metasploit, Burp Suite), operating systems, and responsible disclosure processes is essential. Critical thinking, persistence, and effective communication help researchers uncover vulnerabilities and share findings responsibly. These skills are crucial to identifying security weaknesses, protecting systems, and building trust within the cybersecurity community.

What are some common challenges Independent Security Researchers face when working with organizations to disclose vulnerabilities?

Independent Security Researchers often encounter challenges such as varying responsiveness from organizations, legal ambiguity regarding responsible disclosure, and the need to clearly communicate technical findings to non-technical stakeholders. Establishing trust and credibility is essential, as some companies may initially be skeptical or unresponsive to external reports. Researchers must also stay current with evolving disclosure policies and frameworks to ensure their work is ethical and recognized, which often involves participating in bug bounty programs or coordinated vulnerability disclosure platforms.

What is an independent security researcher?

An independent security researcher is a professional who investigates and analyzes computer systems, networks, and software for vulnerabilities, often working outside of formal employment with a company or organization. These researchers typically identify security flaws, report them to affected parties, and may participate in bug bounty programs or publish their findings for public awareness. They play a vital role in the cybersecurity ecosystem by helping to uncover and address security weaknesses before malicious actors can exploit them.

What is the difference between Independent Security Researcher vs Penetration Tester?

AspectIndependent Security ResearcherPenetration Tester
CertificationsOSCP, CEH, CISSPOSCP, CEH, GPEN
Work EnvironmentSelf-directed, often freelance or contract-basedTypically employed by security firms or organizations
Industry UsageResearching vulnerabilities, discovering exploits, publishing findingsSimulating attacks to test security defenses

While both roles focus on cybersecurity, Independent Security Researchers primarily discover and analyze vulnerabilities independently, often publishing their findings. Penetration Testers conduct controlled security assessments for organizations, focusing on exploiting vulnerabilities to evaluate defenses. Both roles require similar certifications and skills but differ in work setting and objectives.

More about Independent Security Researcher jobs
What job categories do people searching Independent Security Researcher jobs look for? The top searched job categories for Independent Security Researcher jobs are:
Independent Security Researcher jobs near you
Infographic showing various Independent Security Researcher job openings in the United States as of May 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 64% Full Time, 26% Part Time, and 9% Contract. Highlights an 92% Physical, and 8% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $107,000 per year, or $51.4 per hour.
AI Security Researcher

AI Security Researcher

Wiz, Inc.

Remote

$160K - $220K/yr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Posted 8 days ago

Job description

Come join the company that is reinventing cloud security and empowering businesses to thrive in the cloud. As the fastest-growing startup ever, Wiz is on a mission to help organizations secure cloud environments that will accelerate their businesses. Trusted by security teams all over the world, we have a proven track record of success and a culture that values world-class talent.
Our Wizards from over 20 countries work together to protect the infrastructure of our hundreds of customers, including over 50% of the Fortune 100, who trust us to scan and secure over 230 billion files daily. We're the leading player in a massive and growing market, but it's still early enough for you to make a significant impact. At Wiz, you'll have the freedom to think creatively, dream big, and use your full range of skills to contribute to our record growth. Come join our team and help us create secure cloud environments that allow the best companies to move faster.
SUMMARYWe're looking for a talented AI Security Researcher to join our team and play a critical role in Wiz's foundational, risk-driven approach to cloud security. This role requires deep technical research into complex cloud- and AI-native environments to identify the most significant, unaddressed risks.
WHAT YOU'LL DO
  • Conduct deep technical research to discover and report novel risks and attack vectors specific to modern cloud and AI-native architectures and systems.
  • Discover and articulate the highest unaddressed risk areas, working with Product and Engineering teams to translate research into product capabilities.
  • Define necessary foundational product capabilities by delivering both compelling proofs of risk (demonstrating impact) and technical POCs (showing how to solve it).
  • Work closely with Product and Engineering teams to ensure comprehensive risk coverage and support the investigation of new and complex product scope.

WHAT YOU'LL BRING
  • 5+ years of hands-on experience in security or security research, specifically relevant to modern cloud environments (AWS, GCP, Azure, Kubernetes, etc.).
  • Strong hands-on skills with scripting languages (e.g., Python, Go) for automation and research, as well as query languages (e.g., KQL, SQL) for efficient data analysis of security telemetry.
  • Proven ability to work independently, prioritize effectively, and drive complex, multi-quarter research projects from initial concept through to clear, delivered impact.
  • Excellent written and verbal communication skills, with a track record of successfully collaborating with cross-functional teams (e.g Product, Engineering, Marketing) to achieve shared goals.

ADVANTAGE
  • Specialized knowledge or research experience in AI security, focusing on risks to AI as deployed in the enterprise.
  • Experience in public-facing work, such as presenting at recognized industry conferences, authoring technical blog posts, or publishing research.
  • Experience conducting data-driven research and working with large-scale security telemetry to derive statistically significant or high-impact findings.

Benefits
Wiz offers a competitive package of benefits and programs to support you and your family. Below provides a description of our current benefits for employees in the US. Specific benefits may vary by location.
Health & Welfare Benefits
  • Medical, dental and vision insurance
  • Home Office Setup reimbursement
  • Flexible Spending Accounts
  • Monthly Connectivity reimbursement
  • Employee Assistance Program (EAP)

Financial Benefits
  • Short- and Long-term Disability Insurance
  • Life & Accident Insurance
  • 401(k) Retirement Savings Plan (with employer match)

Time Off
  • Flexible paid time off + 11 paid holidays
  • Paid leave programs, including parental, pregnancy health, medical and bereavement leave

Compensation
Starting compensation will be determined based on various factors, including but not limited to, the candidate's job-related experience, skills and geographic location. Your Talent Partner can share more about the specific salary range during the hiring process.
This role may also include incentive compensation.
The annual base salary range for this full-time position is listed below.
US Base Pay Range
$160,000-$220,000 USD
Applicants must have the legal right to work in the country where the position is based, without the need for visa sponsorship. This role does not offer visa sponsorship.
Wiz is an equal opportunity employer. We do not discriminate based upon race, religion, color, national origin, sex (including pregnancy, childbirth, reproductive health decisions, or related medical conditions), sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, age, status as a protected veteran, status as an individual with a disability, genetic information, political views or activity, or other applicable legally protected characteristics.
By submitting your application, you acknowledge that Wiz will process your personal data in accordance with Wiz's Privacy Policy.
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About Wiz

Sourced by ZipRecruiter

Industry

It services

Company size

501 - 1,000 Employees

Headquarters location

New York, NY, US

Year founded

2020

Social media

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