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Junior Exploit Developer Jobs in Chicago, IL (NOW HIRING)

Develop high-quality technical reports detailing exploit chains and business logic flaws, providing ... Mentor junior team members and provide security training to development teams to foster a robust ...

Develop high-quality technical reports detailing exploit chains and business logic flaws, providing ... Mentor junior team members and provide security training to development teams to foster a robust ...

Senior Manual Ethical Hacker

Chicago, IL

$103K - $132K/yr

Learn and develop advanced technical and leadership skills, mentor Junior and Intermediate ... Detailed technical knowledge in at least 5 of the following areas: * security engineering ...

Detailed technical knowledge in at least 3 of the following areas: security engineering ... exploit automation platforms; RESTful web services * SQL injection/XSS attack without the use of ...

Mentor and develop junior Red Team operators while contributing to operational standards ... Advanced expertise in exploit development, custom payload creation, offensive tooling development ...

Junior Exploit Developer information

See Chicago, IL salary details

$24.7K

$91.7K

$141.6K

How much do junior exploit developer jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 22, 2026, the average yearly pay for junior exploit developer in Chicago, IL is $91,658.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $69,000.00 and $89,600.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is a junior exploit developer?

Junior Exploit Developers are entry-level cybersecurity professionals who specialize in identifying and developing software exploits to test and improve the security of computer systems. They analyze software and hardware for vulnerabilities, create proof-of-concept code to demonstrate weaknesses, and often work under the guidance of senior security researchers or penetration testers. Their work helps organizations understand potential security flaws and proactively defend against cyber threats.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a junior exploit developer?

To thrive as a Junior Exploit Developer, you need a solid understanding of programming (especially C and Python), computer architecture, and vulnerability analysis, often supported by a degree in computer science or related experience. Familiarity with tools like IDA Pro, Ghidra, debuggers, and knowledge of operating system internals are important, as are certifications such as OSCP or CEH. Strong analytical thinking, attention to detail, and persistence are crucial soft skills for identifying security flaws and developing exploits. These capabilities enable you to effectively discover, analyze, and responsibly report or remediate software vulnerabilities, which is vital for security research and defense.

What are common challenges faced by junior exploit developers in their first year, and how can they overcome them?

Junior Exploit Developers often encounter challenges such as understanding complex low-level systems, staying updated with evolving security patches, and navigating the ethical and legal boundaries of vulnerability research. Collaborating with experienced security professionals and actively participating in code reviews can help build practical skills and confidence. Additionally, making use of open-source projects, Capture The Flag (CTF) competitions, and continuous learning through security communities are effective ways to overcome early hurdles and grow in this highly specialized field.

What is the difference between Junior Exploit Developer vs Security Analyst?

AspectJunior Exploit DeveloperSecurity Analyst
Required CredentialsKnowledge of programming, basic cybersecurity certifications (e.g., CompTIA Security+)Security certifications (e.g., CISSP, Security+), analytical skills
Work EnvironmentHands-on vulnerability testing, exploit development in labs or controlled environmentsMonitoring security systems, analyzing threats, policy implementation
Employer & Industry UsageCybersecurity firms, tech companies, penetration testing teamsCorporate security teams, government agencies, financial institutions

Junior Exploit Developers focus on identifying and developing exploits for vulnerabilities, often working in testing environments. Security Analysts monitor and analyze security threats, implementing defenses. While both roles require cybersecurity knowledge, their daily tasks and objectives differ significantly.

What are the most commonly searched types of Exploit Developer jobs in Chicago, IL?

The most popular types of Exploit Developer jobs in Chicago, IL are:

What are popular job titles related to Junior Exploit Developer jobs in Chicago, IL?

For Junior Exploit Developer jobs in Chicago, IL, the most frequently searched job titles are:

What job categories do people searching Junior Exploit Developer jobs in Chicago, IL look for?

The top searched job categories for Junior Exploit Developer jobs in Chicago, IL are:

Senior Application Security Engineer

Tempus

Chicago, IL

$130K - $180K/yr

Full-time

Re-posted 21 days ago


Job description

Passionate about precision medicine and advancing the healthcare industry?

Recent advancements in underlying technology have finally made it possible for AI to impact clinical care in a meaningful way. Tempus' proprietary platform connects an entire ecosystem of real-world evidence to deliver real-time, actionable insights to physicians, providing critical information about the right treatments for the right patients, at the right time.

Tempus is seeking a Senior Application Security Engineer with deep expertise in penetration testing to lead efforts in identifying and remediating vulnerabilities across web, mobile, and medical device applications. You will safeguard sensitive healthcare data and ensure the security of our internal systems and software medical device (SaMD) products, supporting our mission to improve patient outcomes through secure-by-design principles.

Key Responsibilities
  • Execute advanced black-box and grey-box penetration tests on web applications, APIs (REST/GraphQL), and internal systems.

  • Perform deep-dive mobile security assessments on iOS and Android, including reverse engineering and bypassing client-side controls like root detection and certificate pinning.

  • Lead specialized security testing and threat modeling for FDA-regulated medical device software, ensuring compliance with HIPAA, GDPR, and FDA cybersecurity guidelines.

  • Develop high-quality technical reports detailing exploit chains and business logic flaws, providing engineering teams with hands-on remediation guidance.

  • Automate security testing by developing custom tools and scripts in languages such as Python, Go, or PowerShell.

  • Communicate complex security risks and business impacts to executive leadership and cross-functional stakeholders.

  • Mentor junior team members and provide security training to development teams to foster a robust culture of security awareness.

Qualifications
  • 5+ years of experience in penetration testing, ideally within healthcare or highly regulated environments.

  • Expert knowledge of web/API vulnerabilities (OWASP Top 10) and mobile testing frameworks (Frida, Burp Suite, MobSF, Ghidra).

  • Understanding of medical protocols (DICOM, HL7) and cloud security practices (AWS, Azure, or GCP).

  • Proficiency in scripting languages (Python, JavaScript/TypeScript, Go) and secure SDLC practices.

  • Excellent analytical, problem-solving, and interpersonal communication skills.

Preferred Certifications
  • Offensive Security: OSCP, OSCE, or OSWE.

  • Mobile Security: eCMAP or GMOB.

  • General/Regulated: CEH, CSSLP, GPEN, GWAPT, or UL 2900 training.

CHI: $130,000-$180,000

The expected salary range above is applicable if the role is performed from Illinois and may vary for other locations (California, Colorado, New York). Actual salary may vary based on qualifications and experience. Tempus offers a full range of benefits, which may include incentive compensation, restricted stock units, medical and other benefits depending on the position.

We are an equal opportunity employer. We do not discriminate on the basis of race, religion, color, national origin, gender, sexual orientation, age, marital status, veteran status, or disability status.