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Junior Exploit Developer Jobs in Washington, DC (NOW HIRING)

... exploit surface mapping). * Document methodologies, findings, and architectures for internal engineering and security teams. * Mentor junior engineers and guide cross-functional research initiatives.

... exploit surface mapping). * Document methodologies, findings, and architectures for internal engineering and security teams. * Mentor junior engineers and guide cross-functional research initiatives.

... exploit surface mapping). * Document methodologies, findings, and architectures for internal engineering and security teams. * Mentor junior engineers and guide cross-functional research initiatives.

... exploit surface mapping). * Document methodologies, findings, and architectures for internal engineering and security teams. * Mentor junior engineers and guide cross-functional research initiatives.

Android Developer

Mclean, VA · On-site

$56.25 - $74/hr

Mentor and guide junior developers to accomplish mission objectives * Respond to and solve time ... Experience developing proof-of-concept exploit software * Knowledge of OS internals, including ...

... exploit development, reverse engineering, mission-oriented software tooling, and adversarial ... Provide technical leadership and mentorship to junior engineers and peers on offensive cyber ...

... junior developers and leading technical efforts. Advanced proficiency with: * Advanced programming in multiple languages * Complex malware analysis and reverse engineering * Exploit and vulnerability ...

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Junior Exploit Developer information

See Washington, DC salary details

$27.2K

$100.8K

$155.7K

How much do junior exploit developer jobs pay per year?

As of May 31, 2026, the average yearly pay for junior exploit developer in Washington, DC is $100,773.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $75,900.00 and $98,500.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a Junior Exploit Developer, and why are they important?

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 are Junior Exploit Developers?

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 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 Washington, DC? The most popular types of Exploit Developer jobs in Washington, DC are:
What are popular job titles related to Junior Exploit Developer jobs in Washington, DC? For Junior Exploit Developer jobs in Washington, DC, the most frequently searched job titles are:
What job categories do people searching Junior Exploit Developer jobs in Washington, DC look for? The top searched job categories for Junior Exploit Developer jobs in Washington, DC are:
Cyber Software Developer

Cyber Software Developer

Redhorse Corporation

Herndon, VA • On-site

Full-time

Posted 27 days ago


Job description

Job Summary:
Redhorse Corporation is a solution-driven company delivering data insights and technology solutions critical to U.S. national interests. They are seeking a self-motivated Cyber Software Developer to design and deliver tools that support national security operations, focusing on both defensive and offensive cyber capabilities.
Responsibilities:
• Design, develop, test, and deploy production-quality cyber tools and software capabilities.
• Develop and maintain software in Windows and Linux/Unix environments across multiple languages.
• Apply vulnerability research and reverse engineering techniques to guide software design decisions.
• Build and enhance operational tooling that supports mission-critical cyber requirements.
• Collaborate with researchers and analysts to translate complex requirements into functional software.
• Manage customer expectations through proactive feedback and iterative development practices.
• Lead and participate in code reviews to ensure software quality and maintain coding standards.
• Synthesize creative technical solutions from operational and technical information.
• Identify and communicate operational requirements with internal and external stakeholders.
• Shape cyber capability requirements to ensure they meet broader operational goals.
• Mentor junior personnel and provide technical guidance on complex development tasks.
Qualifications:
Required:
• Active TS/SCI security clearance.
• Three (3)+ years of experience in cyber software development.
• Proficiency in programming for mobile environments (iOS/Android) using C, C++, Python, Java, or Swift.
• Demonstrated experience developing cyber tools, exploits, or operational software for offensive/defensive missions.
• Experience using reverse engineering tools such as IDA Pro, Ghidra, Frida, or Windbg.
• Strong understanding of operating system internals, memory management, and low-level systems programming.
• Experience with software development lifecycle practices, including version control (Git) and CI/CD pipelines.
• Exceptional written and oral communication skills for technical and non-technical collaboration.
Preferred:
• Experience with network protocol analysis and static/dynamic malware analysis on mobile platforms.
• Knowledge of exploit development techniques and mitigation bypass strategies.
• Proficiency in workflow automation, build systems, and toolchain development.
• Experience with containerization technologies such as Docker or Kubernetes.
• Familiarity with Agile development methodologies and tools like Jira or Confluence.
Company:
We want to improve the way government interacts with and uses data and technology. Founded in 2007, the company is headquartered in San Diego, USA, with a team of 201-500 employees. The company is currently Growth Stage.