You will join a team working with world-class offensive security researchers. The work is critical directly shapes the security posture of Apple. You will conduct offensive research into AI-specific ...
You will join a team working with world-class offensive security researchers. The work is critical directly shapes the security posture of Apple. You will conduct offensive research into AI-specific ...
Offensive Security Researcher, SEAR
$184K - $324K/yr
You will join a team working with world-class offensive security researchers. The work is critical directly shapes the security posture of Apple. You will conduct offensive research into AI-specific ...
Offensive Security Researcher, SEAR
$184K - $324K/yr
You will join a team working with world-class offensive security researchers. The work is critical directly shapes the security posture of Apple. You will conduct offensive research into AI-specific ...
You will conduct offensive security research across operating system kernels, boot ROMs, firmware, secure enclaves, and other low-level components that form the foundation of our security ...
You will conduct offensive security research across operating system kernels, boot ROMs, firmware, secure enclaves, and other low-level components that form the foundation of our security ...
The role combines offensive security research, creative attack development, vulnerability exploitation, and detailed technical reporting. You will work across web, mobile, and network security ...
The role combines offensive security research, creative attack development, vulnerability exploitation, and detailed technical reporting. You will work across web, mobile, and network security ...
We are now looking for an Offensive Hardware Security Researcher! NVIDIA is seeking an outstanding Offensive Hardware Security Researcher to work on a wide variety of security research challenges. Do ...
We are now looking for an Offensive Hardware Security Researcher! NVIDIA is seeking an outstanding Offensive Hardware Security Researcher to work on a wide variety of security research challenges. Do ...
You will conduct offensive security research across operating system kernels, boot ROMs, firmware, secure enclaves, and other low-level components that form the foundation of our security ...
You will conduct offensive security research across operating system kernels, boot ROMs, firmware, secure enclaves, and other low-level components that form the foundation of our security ...
We are now looking for an Offensive Hardware Security Researcher. NVIDIA is seeking an outstanding Offensive Hardware Security Researcher to work on a wide variety of security research challenges. Do ...
We are now looking for an Offensive Hardware Security Researcher. NVIDIA is seeking an outstanding Offensive Hardware Security Researcher to work on a wide variety of security research challenges. Do ...
We are now looking for an Offensive Hardware Security Researcher! NVIDIA is seeking an outstanding Offensive Hardware Security Researcher to work on a wide variety of security research challenges. Do ...
We are now looking for an Offensive Hardware Security Researcher! NVIDIA is seeking an outstanding Offensive Hardware Security Researcher to work on a wide variety of security research challenges. Do ...
Principal Security Researcher
$188K - $304K/yr
Overview As a Principal Security Researcher in Microsoft Security's FORGE Lab (Frontier Offensive Research & Generative Exploitation), you will help shape the future of autonomous security ...
New
Principal Security Researcher
$188K - $304K/yr
Overview As a Principal Security Researcher in Microsoft Security's FORGE Lab (Frontier Offensive Research & Generative Exploitation), you will help shape the future of autonomous security ...
New
Senior AI Security Researcher
Durham, NC · On-site
Collaborate across offensive security, product security, AI research, platform, cloud, and infrastructure teams to connect research insights with NVIDIA's highest‑impact security priorities. * Help ...
Senior AI Security Researcher
Durham, NC · On-site
Collaborate across offensive security, product security, AI research, platform, cloud, and infrastructure teams to connect research insights with NVIDIA's highest‑impact security priorities. * Help ...
Senior AI Security Researcher
OR · On-site +1
Collaborate across offensive security, product security, AI research, platform, cloud, and infrastructure teams to connect research insights with NVIDIA's highest-impact security priorities. Help ...
Senior AI Security Researcher
OR · On-site +1
Collaborate across offensive security, product security, AI research, platform, cloud, and infrastructure teams to connect research insights with NVIDIA's highest-impact security priorities. Help ...
Senior AI Security Researcher
Durham, NC · On-site
Collaborate across offensive security, product security, AI research, platform, cloud, and infrastructure teams to connect research insights with NVIDIA's highest-impact security priorities. Help ...
Senior AI Security Researcher
Durham, NC · On-site
Collaborate across offensive security, product security, AI research, platform, cloud, and infrastructure teams to connect research insights with NVIDIA's highest-impact security priorities. Help ...
Collaborate across offensive security, product security, AI research, platform, cloud, and infrastructure teams to connect research insights with NVIDIA's highest-impact security priorities. * Help ...
Collaborate across offensive security, product security, AI research, platform, cloud, and infrastructure teams to connect research insights with NVIDIA's highest-impact security priorities. * Help ...
Senior AI Security Researcher
Durham, NC · On-site
Collaborate across offensive security, product security, AI research, platform, cloud, and infrastructure teams to connect research insights with NVIDIA's highest-impact security priorities. * Help ...
Senior AI Security Researcher
Durham, NC · On-site
Collaborate across offensive security, product security, AI research, platform, cloud, and infrastructure teams to connect research insights with NVIDIA's highest-impact security priorities. * Help ...
Security Research Engineer
New York, NY · On-site
$120K - $175K/yr
... and offensive security researcher. You'll be on the front lines of customer engagements - using our open source tool Apex to run pentests, curate and present findings, and stand up our platform ...
Security Research Engineer
New York, NY · On-site
$120K - $175K/yr
... and offensive security researcher. You'll be on the front lines of customer engagements - using our open source tool Apex to run pentests, curate and present findings, and stand up our platform ...
Requirements and skills * 10 + years of experience in Information Security and or Engineering * 5+ years of experience in offensive security, security research, detection engineering, red teaming, or ...
Requirements and skills * 10 + years of experience in Information Security and or Engineering * 5+ years of experience in offensive security, security research, detection engineering, red teaming, or ...
You'll work closely with our security researchers, AI engineers, and product engineers to turn offensive security techniques into reliable autonomous capabilities. When an agent fails to find a ...
You'll work closely with our security researchers, AI engineers, and product engineers to turn offensive security techniques into reliable autonomous capabilities. When an agent fails to find a ...
You'll work closely with our security researchers, AI engineers, and product engineers to turn offensive security techniques into reliable autonomous capabilities. When an agent fails to find a ...
You'll work closely with our security researchers, AI engineers, and product engineers to turn offensive security techniques into reliable autonomous capabilities. When an agent fails to find a ...
Requirements and skills * 10 + years of experience in Information Security and or Engineering * 5+ years of experience in offensive security, security research, detection engineering, red teaming, or ...
Requirements and skills * 10 + years of experience in Information Security and or Engineering * 5+ years of experience in offensive security, security research, detection engineering, red teaming, or ...
You'll work closely with our security researchers, AI engineers, and product engineers to turn offensive security techniques into reliable autonomous capabilities. When an agent fails to find a ...
You'll work closely with our security researchers, AI engineers, and product engineers to turn offensive security techniques into reliable autonomous capabilities. When an agent fails to find a ...
Offensive Security Researcher information
See salary details
$47.60 - $48.21
4% of jobs
$48.21 - $48.82
6% of jobs
$48.82 - $49.43
11% of jobs
$49.61 is the 25th percentile. Wages below this are outliers.
$49.43 - $50.04
11% of jobs
$50.04 - $50.66
7% of jobs
The median wage is $51.18 / hr.
$50.66 - $51.27
11% of jobs
$51.27 - $51.88
7% of jobs
$51.88 - $52.49
11% of jobs
$52.76 is the 75th percentile. Wages above this are outliers.
$52.49 - $53.10
11% of jobs
$53.10 - $53.72
7% of jobs
$53.72 - $54.33
11% of jobs
$47
$51
$54
How much do offensive security researcher jobs pay per hour?
As of Sep 11, 2026, the average hourly pay for offensive security researcher in the United States is $51.44, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $49.76 and $53.12 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.
What is an offensive security researcher?
Offensive Security Researchers are cybersecurity professionals who identify, analyze, and exploit vulnerabilities in software, systems, or networks to help organizations strengthen their security. They perform penetration testing, vulnerability assessments, and develop attack simulations to uncover weaknesses before malicious hackers can exploit them. Their work often involves staying updated on the latest threats and attack techniques, as well as creating tools or proof-of-concept exploits to demonstrate potential risks. By thinking like attackers, they help organizations proactively protect their assets and data.
What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as an offensive security researcher, and why are they important?
To thrive as an Offensive Security Researcher, you need a deep understanding of cybersecurity principles, penetration testing, vulnerability research, and programming, typically supported by a degree in computer science or related certifications like OSCP or CEH. Familiarity with tools such as Metasploit, Burp Suite, IDA Pro, and scripting languages like Python is essential for identifying and exploiting security flaws. Analytical thinking, creativity, and strong written and verbal communication skills help researchers document findings and collaborate with teams. These skills are crucial for proactively uncovering vulnerabilities and strengthening organizational security before malicious actors can exploit weaknesses.
What types of collaboration can an offensive security researcher expect with other teams in an organization?
Offensive Security Researchers frequently collaborate with various teams, including incident response, software development, and IT operations. They share their findings about vulnerabilities and attack techniques, helping to inform security improvements and incident mitigation strategies. Regular interaction with development teams is common to ensure secure coding practices, while partnerships with security operations help prioritize threats and remediation efforts. This collaborative environment not only enhances the organization's security posture but also provides researchers with a broader perspective and learning opportunities.
What is the difference between Offensive Security Researcher vs Penetration Tester?
| Aspect | Offensive Security Researcher | Penetration Tester |
|---|---|---|
| Certifications | OSCP, OSWE, GPEN | OSCP, CEH, GPEN |
| Work Environment | Research-focused, developing exploits, analyzing vulnerabilities | Client engagement, conducting security assessments |
| Industry Usage | Security firms, research labs, product companies | Consulting firms, security service providers |
While both roles involve identifying security weaknesses, Offensive Security Researchers focus on discovering new vulnerabilities and developing exploits in a research setting. Penetration Testers typically perform simulated attacks on client systems to evaluate security posture. The roles overlap in skills and certifications but differ mainly in scope and environment.
What cities are hiring for Offensive Security Researcher jobs?
Cities with the most Offensive Security Researcher job openings:
What states have the most Offensive Security Researcher jobs?
States with the most job openings for Offensive Security Researcher jobs include:
What are popular job titles related to Offensive Security Researcher jobs?
For Offensive Security Researcher jobs, the most frequently searched job titles are:
Offensive Security Researcher, SEAR
Cupertino, CA • On-site
Apple
• Computer and Electronic Product Manufacturing • 10K+ employees10,000+ employees
Full-time
Re-posted 20 days ago
Apple rating
8.1
Based on 684 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz
Job description
Apple's Security Engineering & Architecture (SEAR) organization is responsible for the security of all Apple products. Passionate about safeguarding our users, we lead with offence proactively uncovering and eliminating vulnerabilities before attackers ever get the chance.
As AI systems become deeply integrated into operating systems, developer tools, and user experiences, they introduce entirely new attack surfaces vulnerable to prompt injection, agentic privilege escalation, data exfiltration, and AI-assisted exploitation at unprecedented scale.
Think you have the creativity and determination to break these systems? Join us and help secure the next generation of intelligent platforms used by billions of people.
Description
In this role, you will identify and exploit vulnerabilities in AI-powered features and agentic systems across Apple platforms. The AI systems themselves are the attack surface. You will help to build offensive capabilities against autonomous systems and anticipate how adversaries may exploit AI enabled systems in the wild.
You will join a team working with world-class offensive security researchers. The work is critical directly shapes the security posture of Apple.
You will conduct offensive research into AI-specific attack classes, including prompt injection, agentic data exfiltration and lateral movement, persistence mechanisms in AI workflows, AI-assisted vulnerability discovery and exploitation.
Minimum Qualifications
Solid grounding in common vulnerability classes (memory corruption, logic flaws, auth bypass)
Proven experience in security research, vulnerability discovery, or offensive security (e.g., browsers, 0-click, messaging systems, distributed systems, or AI platforms)
Strong understanding of modern AI/LLM systems and their failure modes (e.g., prompt injection, data exfiltration, model misuse)
Experience applying AI/ML tools (e.g., LLMs, agents) to automate or augment security research workflows
Preferred Qualifications
Experience attacking or defending agentic systems (multi-step AI workflows, tool-using agents, MCP-style integrations)
Familiarity with prompt injection techniques, obfuscation (e.g., encoding-based bypasses), and model manipulation strategies
Experience building or evaluating AI-driven vulnerability discovery pipelines
Understanding of browser-based AI integrations and risks (e.g., agentic browsing, data boundary violations)
Knowledge of capability-based security models or policy enforcement systems for AI agents
Experience with reverse engineering and low-level systems (IDA, Ghidra, LLDB)
Proficiency in one or more: Python, C/C++, Swift, Objective-C
Familiarity with Apple platforms (iOS, macOS) and their security architecture
As AI systems become deeply integrated into operating systems, developer tools, and user experiences, they introduce entirely new attack surfaces vulnerable to prompt injection, agentic privilege escalation, data exfiltration, and AI-assisted exploitation at unprecedented scale.
Think you have the creativity and determination to break these systems? Join us and help secure the next generation of intelligent platforms used by billions of people.
Description
In this role, you will identify and exploit vulnerabilities in AI-powered features and agentic systems across Apple platforms. The AI systems themselves are the attack surface. You will help to build offensive capabilities against autonomous systems and anticipate how adversaries may exploit AI enabled systems in the wild.
You will join a team working with world-class offensive security researchers. The work is critical directly shapes the security posture of Apple.
You will conduct offensive research into AI-specific attack classes, including prompt injection, agentic data exfiltration and lateral movement, persistence mechanisms in AI workflows, AI-assisted vulnerability discovery and exploitation.
Minimum Qualifications
Solid grounding in common vulnerability classes (memory corruption, logic flaws, auth bypass)
Proven experience in security research, vulnerability discovery, or offensive security (e.g., browsers, 0-click, messaging systems, distributed systems, or AI platforms)
Strong understanding of modern AI/LLM systems and their failure modes (e.g., prompt injection, data exfiltration, model misuse)
Experience applying AI/ML tools (e.g., LLMs, agents) to automate or augment security research workflows
Preferred Qualifications
Experience attacking or defending agentic systems (multi-step AI workflows, tool-using agents, MCP-style integrations)
Familiarity with prompt injection techniques, obfuscation (e.g., encoding-based bypasses), and model manipulation strategies
Experience building or evaluating AI-driven vulnerability discovery pipelines
Understanding of browser-based AI integrations and risks (e.g., agentic browsing, data boundary violations)
Knowledge of capability-based security models or policy enforcement systems for AI agents
Experience with reverse engineering and low-level systems (IDA, Ghidra, LLDB)
Proficiency in one or more: Python, C/C++, Swift, Objective-C
Familiarity with Apple platforms (iOS, macOS) and their security architecture
About Apple
Sourced by ZipRecruiter
Imagine what you could do here! At Apple, new ideas have a way of becoming extraordinary products, services, and customer experiences very quickly. Bring passion and dedication to your job and there's no telling what you could accomplish. Dynamic, intelligent people and inspiring, innovative technologies are the norm here. The people who work here have reinvented entire industries with all Apple Hardware products. The same real passion for innovation that goes into our products also applies to our practices strengthening our dedication to leave the world better than we found it.
Industry
Computer and electronic product manufacturing
Company size
10,000+ Employees
Headquarters location
Cupertino, CA, US
Year founded
1976