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Malware Developer Jobs in California (NOW HIRING)

Apex Informatics

Network Security Engineer

San Francisco, CA · On-site

$123K - $168K/yr

Network Security Engineer Remote role Required Skills and Experience (3-5 years): * Strong ... Build, test, and deploy proxy policies (URL filtering, SSL/TLS inspection where applicable, malware ...

Box

Software Engineer III, Threat Protection

Redwood City, CA · On-site

$70.50 - $94.50/hr

Contribute to systems in anomaly detection, malware detection, and security alerting * Translate product and engineering requirements into clear technical tasks and milestones * Participate in ...

Vets Hired

Cybersecurity Engineer

Camp Pendleton, CA

... malware analysis, forensics, or intrusion detection * 2+ years of experience with tools such as FTK, Wireshark, Autopsy, or similar * 1+ year of experience in programming (e.g., Python, Lua, C/C ...

Aptus Solutions Inc.

PEN TESTER

San Jose, CA

... /DevOps staff Design, implement and support security tools and services Influence and measure ... malware Knowledge of cloud-based infrastructures/software and how they affect security needs ...

Cisco

Security Research Engineer

San Jose, CA · On-site +1

$152K - $219K/yr

You'll focus on network security and behavior-based threat detection (such as malware infections ... Programming experience with Python and C/C++ Preferred Qualifications * Experience working with ...

Cisco

Security Research Engineer

San Jose, CA · On-site

$152K - $219K/yr

You'll focus on network security and behavior-based threat detection (such as malware infections ... Programming experience with Python and C/C++ Preferred Qualifications * Experience working with ...

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Malware Developer information

See California salary details

$47.4K

$110.4K

$163.8K

How much do malware developer jobs pay per year?

As of Jun 10, 2026, the average yearly pay for malware developer in California is $110,380.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $88,800.00 and $128,300.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive in the Malware Developer position, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Malware Developer, a strong understanding of programming languages (such as C/C++, Python, or Assembly), operating system internals, and computer security concepts is essential, typically supported by a degree in computer science or cybersecurity. Familiarity with debugging tools, virtualization environments, and reverse engineering frameworks (like IDA Pro or OllyDbg) is typically required, along with relevant security certifications such as OSCP or CEH. Strong analytical skills, creative problem-solving, and attention to detail are important to excel in this field. These competencies enable professionals to design sophisticated software, analyze system vulnerabilities, and implement effective technical solutions.

What are some common challenges faced by Malware Developers in their daily work?

Malware Developers often encounter the challenge of staying ahead of rapidly evolving security technologies and adapting their techniques to bypass advanced detection systems. They must frequently analyze complex operating systems and network environments to identify vulnerabilities and ensure their software remains effective and relevant. Collaboration can also be a challenge, as these professionals may need to coordinate closely with cybersecurity analysts, reverse engineers, or other members of a security development team. Addressing these challenges requires continual learning, adaptability, and a high level of technical proficiency.

What is a Malware Developer job?

A Malware Developer is an individual who creates malicious software, such as viruses, worms, Trojans, and ransomware, to exploit vulnerabilities in systems, networks, or applications. These individuals may work for cybercriminal organizations, nation-state groups, or ethical hacking teams for research and defensive purposes. Their job often involves coding in languages like C, C++, Python, or Assembly and using various obfuscation techniques to evade detection. While illegal in most cases, cybersecurity professionals may study malware development to better understand and defend against cyber threats.

What are the most commonly searched types of Malware Developer jobs in California? The most popular types of Malware Developer jobs in California are:
What are popular job titles related to Malware Developer jobs in California? For Malware Developer jobs in California, the most frequently searched job titles are:
What job categories do people searching Malware Developer jobs in California look for? The top searched job categories for Malware Developer jobs in California are:
Malware Developer jobs near you

Software Engineer - Windows Internals - Fully Remote

Westlight AI

Palo Alto, CA • On-site, Remote

Full-time

Posted 15 days ago

Job description

Job Summary
At Westlight, we build products that help companies and governments to provide an extra layer of security for their infrastructure. We work with the internals of different operating systems to provide a framework that brings a completely new level of security and control.
We are looking for a Windows software engineer who has enough autonomy to lead the implementation of features related to kernel-mode drivers and integrate those features with other I/O subsystems. The ideal candidate will have prior experience writing Windows security software, e.g. anti-malware scanners or other low-level software.
This position offers significant opportunities for career development. Westlight's core team comprises of Stanford and MIT PhDs with expertise in AI, cybersecurity, CI/CD, and large-scale software systems. In this position, one will have opportunities to expand into these areas based on interest and expertise developed while working at Westlight.
Westlight is a fully remote company and this position can be held anywhere in the US. Since we work closely with the US Air Force, we require all applicants to be US Citizens and located in the US.
What we are looking for
  • Strong skills in Windows / C# desktop development
  • Comprehensive understanding of C and low-level memory management
  • Advanced use of debugging tools, e.g. WinDbg, KD, CDB, NTSD
  • Prior experience with Windows security software development, e.g. anti-malware scanners
  • Intermediate knowledge on networking fundamentals (TCP/IP, UDP, and common application protocols, e.g. HTTP, SSH, etc.)
  • Basic knowledge on Public-key cryptography fundamentals
    • Beginner knowledge on elliptic curve cryptography is a plus
  • Strong interpersonal skills and someone who thrives in a cooperative team environment
Technologies
  • Operating Systems: Windows 10 and Server
  • Programming languages: C#, C++, and C
    • Knowledge of Ruby on Rails and AWS also will be helpful
  • CI/CD Tools: Gitlab CI

Responsibilities
As a Software Engineer, you will work on Westlight product development:
  • Develop Westlight Windows kernel-level software
  • Integrate kernel-level software with other subsystems, such as I/O
  • Work together with the company leadership to define the Westlight Windows experience

Apply