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Junior Exploit Developer Jobs in Southfield, MI (NOW HIRING)

Senior Information Security Engineer

Troy, MI · Hybrid

$101K - $137K/yr

Conduct targeted internal penetration testing and exploit validation using standard offensive ... Act as the primary technical escalation point for IT operations and mentor junior administrators on ...

Junior Exploit Developer information

See Southfield, MI salary details

$22K

$81.6K

$126.1K

How much do junior exploit developer jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 22, 2026, the average yearly pay for junior exploit developer in Southfield, MI is $81,623.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $61,500.00 and $79,800.00 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 cities near Southfield, MI are hiring for Junior Exploit Developer jobs?

Cities near Southfield, MI with the most Junior Exploit Developer job openings:

Infographic showing various Junior Exploit Developer job openings in Southfield, MI as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 79% Full Time, 3% Part Time, and 18% Contract. Highlights an 81% Physical, 4% Hybrid, and 15% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $81,623 per year, or $39.2 per hour.

Senior Information Security Engineer

AD Mortgage

Troy, MI • Hybrid

$101K - $137K/yr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Retirement, PTO

Re-posted 10 days ago


Job description

About this opportunity

We are looking for a hands-on, highly technical Senior Information Security Engineer to design, implement, and maintain our core cybersecurity infrastructure. Serving as a primary technical expert, you will translate high-level security policies into robust system configurations, lead proactive threat detection, and engineer advanced defenses across our cloud, network, and endpoint environments.

Key Responsibilities
  • SIEM & SOAR Engineering: Configure log ingestion pipelines, write advanced detection queries, analyze system telemetry, and build automated incident response workflows.

  • Policy Technical Enforcement: Directly translate enterprise Information Security Policies into concrete technical controls, including conditional access matrices, complex firewall rule sets, and secure system baselines.

  • Data Loss Prevention (DLP) Deployment: Implement, tune, and monitor technical DLP rules to detect, alert on, and block the unauthorized exfiltration of sensitive organizational data.

  • Endpoint Detection & Response (EDR) Administration: Deploy and manage global endpoint agents, optimize behavioral alerting thresholds, and execute rapid containment protocols during active threats.

  • Vulnerability Management & Internal Pentesting: Execute credentialed infrastructure and application scans, filter false positives, and coordinate patch validations. Conduct targeted internal penetration testing and exploit validation using standard offensive security suites.

  • Network Security Mastery: Analyze, configure, and troubleshoot network traffic across Layers 2 through 7 to enforce uncompromised perimeter defense and internal micro-segmentation.

  • Secure Access & Tunneling: Build, harden, and support secure remote access architectures, managing enterprise IPsec / SSL VPN gateways, certificate lifecycles, and Multi-Factor Authentication (MFA) integrations.

  • Technical Mentorship: Act as the primary technical escalation point for IT operations and mentor junior administrators on secure engineering principles and alert triage.

Location and Schedule
  • This is a full-time, office-based position in a modern, cozy environment in our Troy, MI office.

  • Our standard working hours are Monday to Friday, 9:00 AM to 6:00 PM, promoting a healthy work-life balance.

Skills & Qualifications
  • Experience: 5+ years of dedicated, hands-on experience in cybersecurity engineering, network defense, or security systems administration.

  • Systems Proficiency: Deep hands-on expertise configuring market-leading SIEM/SOAR platforms, EDR consoles, Data Governance/DLP modules, and enterprise vulnerability scanners.

  • Networking & Offensive Skills: Thorough technical understanding of the OSI model, secure tunneling protocols, and practical experience utilizing industry-standard penetration testing tools to audit internal defenses.

  • Certifications: Technical certifications such as CISSP, CASP+, advanced vendor-specific engineering credentials, or relevant offensive security certifications are strongly preferred.

What We Offer | Career and Culture
  • Company Culture: Inclusive, supportive company culture where you are not a number, but a voice that's heard and brings value.

  • Growth Path: Defined paid training and clear pathways for career development.

  • Benefits: Comprehensive benefits package including PTO, sick days, paid volunteer hours, medical, dental, vision insurance, and 401(k).


    Take the first step towards a rewarding career in the mortgage industry with AD Mortgage.

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

We will ensure that individuals with disabilities are provided reasonable accommodation to participate in the job application or interview process, to perform crucial job functions, and to receive other benefits and privileges of employment. Please contact us to request accommodation.