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Malware Developer Jobs in California (NOW HIRING)

LLNL

Senior Cybersecurity Reverse Engineer

Livermore, CA · On-site

$9.8K/wk

Analyze novel software, firmware, and malware using existing reversing tools; develop repeatable ... Experience mitigating anti-reverse engineering techniques. * Advanced knowledge of state-of-the-art ...

Trantor Inc.

Network Security Administrator

Palo Alto, CA · On-site

$100 - $125/hr

... engineers can properly investigate and respond. Security Investigations * Investigate issues identified through security monitoring, such as authentication failures, Mimecast malware, Bitdefender ...

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All JobsMalware Developer JobsMalware Developer Jobs in California

Malware Developer information

See California salary details

$47.4K

$110.4K

$163.8K

How much do malware developer jobs pay per year?

As of Sep 7, 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 is a malware developer?

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 key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a malware developer?

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.

How much do malware developers make?

Malware developers typically earn between $50,000 and $150,000 annually, depending on experience, skills, and the complexity of their projects. Advanced knowledge of programming, cybersecurity, and tools like reverse engineering can influence salary levels.

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
Infographic showing various Malware Developer job openings in California as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 94% Full Time, and 6% Contract. Highlights an 94% In-person, and 6% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $110,380 per year, or $53.1 per hour.

Security Engineer

Upwind Security, Inc.

San Francisco, CA • On-site

$150 - $200/hr

Other

Re-posted 12 days ago

Job description

Upwind is a next-generation Cloud Security Platform that leverages runtime context to identify and prioritize critical risks, providing precise insights and efficient cloud security management. Unlike traditional tools, Upwind uses runtime data proactively for risk prioritization and posture insights, ensuring teams focus on what truly matters. With industry-leading efficiency and eBPF-powered sensors, Upwind delivers comprehensive capabilities, including agentless cloud posture discovery, real-time threat protection, and integrated API security. From misconfigurations to malware defense, Upwind ensures end-to-end, cost-effective cloud infrastructure protection. At Upwind, you’ll have the opportunity to think creatively, explore new ideas, and use your skills to make a meaningful impact on our growth.

We are looking for a Security Engineer to join our MDR team as the founding U.S. member of the Security organization. In this role, you will be part of our security function, focusing on proactive reviews and providing advanced guidance to customers, while independently owning U.S.-hours coverage. This is an opportunity to bring deep cloud security expertise to a fast-growing team, working closely with analysts, researchers, and engineers — with a clear path toward technical or team leadership as the U.S. presence scales.

Responsibilities
  • Assist in fine-tuning Upwind's detection and response mechanisms.
  • Support proactive reviews of customer environments to identify risks, exposed attack surfaces, and recommend improvements.
  • Lead and conduct in-depth security investigations — including supply chain, API, malware, and runtime attack scenarios — documenting outcomes and developing playbooks to enhance future detection and response.
  • Collaborate with Security Analysts, Research, and Backend teams to enhance detection quality.
  • Own the handling of complex or critical incidents escalated from Tier 1/2, including live, high-pressure engagements with customers.
  • Participate in recurring customer meetings, helping translate security findings into clear, actionable recommendations — and maintain composure when conversations get tense.
  • Stay up to date with emerging threats, attack techniques, attack surfaces, and best practices in cloud security.
  • Contribute to the development and training of AI-driven detection models, leveraging machine learning to improve investigation accuracy and response efficiency.
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