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Malware Jobs in Virginia (NOW HIRING)

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Malware information

See Virginia salary details

$36K

$111.3K

$153.7K

How much do malware jobs pay per year?

As of Sep 13, 2026, the average yearly pay for malware in Virginia is $111,268.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $97,253.00 and $130,805.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is a malware analyst?

Malware analysts are cybersecurity professionals who specialize in identifying, studying, and understanding malicious software (malware). They dissect and analyze malware samples to determine how they work, how they spread, and how to defend against them. Their work is crucial for developing effective security measures and helping organizations recover from cyberattacks. Malware analysts use various tools and techniques, such as reverse engineering and sandbox environments, to uncover the behavior of malware.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a malware analyst, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Malware Analyst, you need a strong background in computer science, cybersecurity principles, and reverse engineering, often supported by relevant degrees or certifications like CEH or GREM. Familiarity with tools such as IDA Pro, Wireshark, OllyDbg, and sandbox environments is essential for analyzing and dissecting malicious software. Analytical thinking, attention to detail, and effective communication are crucial soft skills to excel in this role. These skills ensure timely identification and mitigation of threats, protecting organizations from cyberattacks and data breaches.

What are some common challenges faced by malware analysts when investigating new threats?

Malware analysts often encounter the challenge of analyzing rapidly evolving and increasingly sophisticated malware strains. Many threats employ obfuscation techniques or anti-analysis measures that complicate reverse engineering and detection. Analysts must also work under tight timelines to identify indicators of compromise and support incident response efforts, all while collaborating closely with IT, SOC, and forensic teams. Staying current with emerging attack vectors and continuously updating analysis tools are essential parts of the role.

What is the difference between Malware vs Security Analyst?

AspectMalwareSecurity Analyst
Required CredentialsKnowledge of malware types, basic cybersecurity certificationsCertifications like CISSP, CEH, or Security+
Work EnvironmentResearch, malware analysis labs, cybersecurity firmsSecurity operations centers, IT departments, consulting firms
Employer & Industry UsageCybersecurity companies, government agencies, software firmsOrganizations needing cybersecurity defense and monitoring

Malware specialists focus on identifying, analyzing, and mitigating malicious software threats, often working in labs or research settings. Security analysts monitor networks, investigate security incidents, and implement protective measures. While malware experts develop signatures and understand malware behavior, security analysts apply this knowledge to protect organizational assets. Both roles are essential in cybersecurity but differ in scope and daily tasks.

How to become a malware researcher?

A malware researcher analyzes malicious software to understand its behavior and develop defenses. Typically, this role requires a background in computer science or cybersecurity, proficiency with programming languages like Python or C, and experience with tools such as disassemblers and sandbox environments. Certifications like GREM or GREM can also enhance credibility in the field.

What are popular job titles related to Malware jobs in Virginia?

For Malware jobs in Virginia, the most frequently searched job titles are:

What job categories do people searching Malware jobs in Virginia look for?

The top searched job categories for Malware jobs in Virginia are:

Malware jobs near you
Infographic showing various Malware job openings in Virginia as of September 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% Internship, 86% Full Time, 6% Part Time, 6% Contract, and 1% Nights. Highlights an 76% Physical, 7% Hybrid, and 17% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $111,268 per year, or $53.5 per hour.

Vulnerability/Malware Researcher (Reverse Engineer)

Arlington, VA • On-site

ECS
See more jobs at ECSexternal

$160K - $180K/yr

Full-time

Posted 8 days ago

Job description

Everforth ECS is seeking a Vulnerability/Malware Researcher (Reverse Engineer) to join our team in Arlington, VA (Hybrid). This position is contingent upon award.
We are seeking a highly skilled Vulnerability/Malware Researcher (Reverse Engineer) to identify, analyze, and understand complex software vulnerabilities and malicious code that may impact organizational systems, products, and infrastructure. This role will conduct in-depth malware analysis, reverse engineer software and firmware, perform exploitation and tactics, techniques, and procedures (TTPs) analysis to uncover exploitable weaknesses, and provide actionable intelligence to support detection, response, and remediation efforts.
The ideal candidate possesses strong low-level programming knowledge, reverse engineering expertise, and experience analyzing sophisticated malware, exploit techniques, and advanced adversary tradecraft.
Key Responsibilities
Malware Analysis & Reverse Engineering
  • Perform static and dynamic analysis of malicious software, including ransomware, trojans, rootkits, spyware, and advanced persistent threat (APT) malware.
  • Reverse engineer malware samples to identify functionality, persistence mechanisms, command-and-control (C2) communications, and attacker objectives.
  • Develop detailed malware analysis reports and technical documentation.
  • Research evolving malware techniques and adversary capabilities.

Vulnerability Research
  • Identify and analyze software, operating system, firmware, and application vulnerabilities.
  • Perform code analysis to discover security weaknesses and exploit paths.
  • Research emerging vulnerabilities and assess organizational exposure.
  • Validate security findings through proof-of-concept testing and exploit analysis.
  • Collaborate with remediation teams to prioritize and mitigate identified risks.

Security Research & Threat Analysis
  • Investigate adversary tactics, techniques, and procedures (TTPs) on device/service targeting procedures.
  • Analyze exploit kits, attack frameworks, and intrusion methods used by threat actors.
  • Support intelligence-driven security initiatives through technical research and threat assessments.
  • Correlate research findings with threat intelligence and incident response investigations.

Detection Development
  • Create and maintain Indicators of Compromise (IOCs), YARA rules, Sigma rules, and detection signatures.
  • Develop behavioral detections and analytic content for Security Operations Center (SOC) use.
  • Assist threat hunting teams by providing technical indicators and adversary insights.
  • Support development of MITRE ATT&CK procedure-level mapping artifacts.
  • Enhance detection coverage based on research findings and threat trends.

Research Tool Development
  • Develop custom scripts, automation tools, and utilities to support malware analysis and vulnerability research.
  • Improve reverse engineering workflows through automation and tooling enhancements.
  • Maintain secure malware analysis laboratories and research environments.
  • Evaluate emerging security research technologies and platforms.

Collaboration & Reporting
  • Partner with Incident Response, Threat Intelligence, SOC, Product Security, and Engineering teams.
  • Present technical findings to security leadership and engineering stakeholders.
  • Produce technical reports, white papers, and research briefings.
  • Contribute to internal knowledge bases and security best practices.

Salary Range: $160,000 - $180,000
General Description of Benefits
  • Top Secret Clearance
  • Bachelor's degree in Computer Science, Cybersecurity, Computer Engineering, or a related technical field, or equivalent experience.
  • 7+ years of experience in malware analysis, reverse engineering, vulnerability research, or offensive security.
  • Strong understanding of operating system internals, including Windows and Linux.
  • Understanding and familiarity with MITRE ATT&CK framework.
  • Experience reverse engineering compiled software using industry-standard tools.
  • Knowledge of assembly language (x86, x64, ARM) and executable file formats.
  • Proficiency in at least one programming language such as Python, C, C++, Rust, or Go.
  • Experience analyzing malware behavior through static and dynamic analysis techniques.
  • Understanding of software exploitation concepts, memory corruption vulnerabilities, and attack methodologies.
  • Strong analytical, problem-solving, and investigative skills.

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