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Malware Developer Jobs in California (NOW HIRING)

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 ...

Senior Reverse Engineer

San Diego, CA · On-site

$134K - $184K/yr

STR is hiring a Senior Reverse Engineer who has a passion for research and analysis of ... Knowledge of intrusion detection and anti-malware systems and techniques Pay Information Full-Time ...

... engineers and entrepreneurs. Astranis designs, builds, and operates its satellites out of its 153 ... Analyze and blow up malware to understand its behavior, origins, and impact, using this ...

They are seeking a Senior Reverse Engineer to analyze vulnerabilities in cyber physical systems ... anti-malware systems and techniques Company : STR is built on people & technology platforms ...

... Engineer to join their Identity and Access Management team. The role involves implementing and ... McAfee is an online security company that provides virus alerts and analysis on malware, network ...

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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 11, 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:
Security Research Engineer

Security Research Engineer

Cisco

San Jose, CA • On-site

$152K - $219K/yr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Posted 3 days ago


Cisco Systems rating

8.6

Company rating: 8.6 out of 10

Based on 39 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

15th of 139 rated electronics manufacturers


Job description

The application window is expected to close on: 06/07/2026

Job posting may be removed earlier if the position is filled or if a sufficient number of applications are received.

Meet the Team

Cisco Talos is the elite threat intelligence group at Cisco, dedicated to protecting customers and users from malicious actors by detecting, analyzing, and responding to cyber threats in real time. Talos leverages the world's largest threat detection network and advanced research to deliver proactive security intelligence and incident response services that safeguard networks globally.

Your Impact

You'll join Cisco Talos, working as a Security Research Engineer focused on improving the threat detection and analysis capabilities of Cisco's comprehensive security portfolio. You'll focus on network security and behavior-based threat detection (such as malware infections and lateral movement). You'll drive innovative approaches -- using the latest AI/ML techniques and a data-driven development approach -- to build best-in-class security solutions. Reporting to the Chief Scientist, Security, you will work together with world-class engineering, threat research, and product partners.

  • Lead by example! As a technical expert, design and build cutting-edge systems that detect and analyze network security threats
  • Use your deep understanding of the threat landscape to propose innovative solutions to counter threats targeting Cisco's customers
  • Leverage modern AI/ML techniques to improve the accuracy of threat detection solutions and automate/accelerate manual analysis processes
  • Use data driven techniques to understand the limitations of current security techniques and gather insights that drive the development of novel techniques
  • Design and contribute to the implementation of critical threat detection and analysis code
  • Work collaboratively with a globally distributed team of versatile peers
Minimum Qualifications
  • 4+ years experience in the field of computer security, in academia (PhD graduate research) or industry
  • Published academic papers or delivered presentations at leading industry events (e.g. Blackhat and RSA Conference) that contribute to the advancement of computer security tools, concepts, techniques, technologies, or methodologies.
  • Experience with machine learning (ML) tools and libraries (such as PyTorch or TensorFlow)
  • Programming experience with Python and C/C++
Preferred Qualifications
  • Experience working with modern application development methodologies (such as CI/CD, git, Docker)
  • Experience with network traffic analysis, malware analysis, and/or reverse engineering
Why Cisco?

At Cisco, we're revolutionizing how data and infrastructure connect and protect organizations in the AI era - and beyond. We've been innovating fearlessly for 40 years to create solutions that power how humans and technology work together across the physical and digital worlds. These solutions provide customers with unparalleled security, visibility, and insights across the entire digital footprint.

Fueled by the depth and breadth of our technology, we experiment and create meaningful solutions. Add to that our worldwide network of doers and experts, and you'll see that the opportunities to grow and build are limitless. We work as a team, collaborating with empathy to make really big things happen on a global scale. Because our solutions are everywhere, our impact is everywhere.

We are Cisco, and our power starts with you.

Message to applicants applying to work in the U.S. and/or Canada:The starting salary range posted for this position is $152,500.00 to $219,200.00 and reflects the projected salary range for new hires in this position in U.S. and/or Canada locations, not including incentive compensation*, equity, or benefits.

Individual pay is determined by the candidate's hiring location, market conditions, job-related skillset, experience, qualifications, education, certifications, and/or training. The full salary range for certain locations is listed below. For locations not listed below, the recruiter can share more details about compensation for the role in your location during the hiring process.

U.S. employees are offered benefits, subject to Cisco's plan eligibility rules, which include medical, dental and vision insurance, a 401(k) plan with a Cisco matching contribution, paid parental leave, short and long-term disability coverage, and basic life insurance. Please see the Cisco careers site to discover more benefits and perks. Employees may be eligible to receive grants of Cisco restricted stock units, which vest following continued employment with Cisco for defined periods of time.

U.S. employees are eligible for paid time away as described below, subject to Cisco's policies:

  • 10 paid holidays per full calendar year, plus 1 floating holiday for non-exempt employees

  • 1 paid day off for employee's birthday, paid year-end holiday shutdown, and 4 paid days off for personal wellness determined by Cisco

  • Non-exempt employees** receive 16 days of paid vacation time per full calendar year, accrued at rate of 4.92 hours per pay period for full-time employees

  • Exempt employees participate in Cisco's flexible vacation time off program, which has no defined limit on how much vacation time eligible employees may use (subject to availability and some business limitations)

  • 80 hours of sick time off provided on hire date and each January 1st thereafter, and up to 80 hours ofunused sick timecarried forwardfrom one calendar yearto the next

  • Additional paid time away may be requested to deal with critical or emergency issues for family members

  • Optional 10 paid days per full calendar year to volunteer

For non-sales roles, employees are also eligible to earn annual bonuses subject to Cisco's policies.

Employees on sales plans earn performance-based incentive pay on top of their base salary, which is split between quota and non-quota components, subject to the applicable Cisco plan. For quota-based incentive pay, Cisco typically pays as follows:

  • .75% of incentive target for each 1% of revenue attainment up to 50% of quota;

  • 1.5% of incentive target for each 1% of attainment between 50% and 75%;

  • 1% of incentive target for each 1% of attainment between 75% and 100%; and

  • Once performance exceeds 100% attainment, incentive rates are at or above 1% for each 1% of attainment with no cap on incentive compensation.

For non-quota-based sales performance elements such as strategic sales objectives, Cisco may pay 0% up to 125% of target. Cisco sales plans do not have a minimum threshold of performance for sales incentive compensation to be paid.

The applicable full salary ranges for this position, by specific state, are listed below:

New York City Metro Area:

$152,500.00 - $252,000.00

Non-Metro New York state & Washington state:

$135,800.00 - $224,400.00

* For quota-based sales roles on Cisco's sales plan, the ranges provided in this posting include base pay and sales target incentive compensation combined.

** Employees in Illinois, whether exempt or non-exempt, will participate in a unique time off program to meet local requirements.


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About Cisco Systems

Sourced by ZipRecruiter

Cisco Systems, a global tech titan based in San Jose, CA, US, operates in the information technology and services industry. Founded in 1984, the company was derived from a project between two computer scientists from Stanford University. They aimed to connect different networks of computer systems at the university, resulting in the first multi-protocol router, and subsequently, the birth of Cisco. As an industry-leading manufacturer of networking hardware and telecommunications equipment, Cisco's product and services range includes routers, switches, firewall devices, and telecommunication technology. The company's mission, "to shape the future of the Internet by creating unprecedented value and opportunity for our customers, employees, investors, and ecosystem partners," is a testament to its pursuit of technology-forward innovation and customer satisfaction.

Industry

Computer and computer peripheral equipment and software wholesalers

Company size

10,000+ Employees

Headquarters location

San Jose, CA, US

Year founded

1984

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