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Remote Bug Finding Jobs in Gaithersburg, MD (NOW HIRING)

Remote Bug Finding information

See Gaithersburg, MD salary details

$16

$29

$40

How much do remote bug finding jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 18, 2026, the average hourly pay for remote bug finding in Gaithersburg, MD is $29.90, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $23.37 and $35.87 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is remote bug finding?

Remote bug finding is the process of identifying and reporting software bugs or vulnerabilities from a remote location, rather than being physically present at the company's premises. Professionals in this field use various tools and techniques to test applications, websites, or systems to find flaws that could cause security risks or malfunctions. Remote bug finders often work as freelancers or for specialized security firms, and sometimes participate in bug bounty programs offered by companies. This role requires strong analytical skills, a keen eye for detail, and knowledge of programming and cybersecurity concepts.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a remote bug finder, and why are they important?

To excel as a Remote Bug Finder, you need a solid understanding of software development, debugging techniques, and familiarity with various programming languages or platforms, often demonstrated by prior experience in quality assurance or software testing. Proficiency with bug tracking systems like Jira, testing tools such as Selenium, and sometimes certifications like ISTQB are commonly required. Strong analytical thinking, attention to detail, and effective written communication help in identifying, documenting, and reporting issues clearly to remote teams. These skills ensure accurate detection and efficient resolution of software defects, leading to higher product quality and user satisfaction.

What are some common challenges faced by professionals in remote bug finding roles, and how can they be effectively managed?

Remote bug finding professionals often encounter challenges such as limited access to proprietary systems, delayed feedback from development teams, and difficulties in reproducing bugs due to environment discrepancies. To effectively manage these challenges, it's important to use robust bug tracking tools, maintain clear communication with team members, and create detailed documentation for each reported issue. Building a habit of using virtual collaboration platforms and setting up reproducible test environments can also help streamline the bug-finding process and improve overall efficiency.

What is the difference between Remote Bug Finding vs Remote Software Tester?

AspectRemote Bug FindingRemote Software Tester
Primary RoleIdentify and report bugs in software applicationsTest software to ensure quality and functionality
Required SkillsAttention to detail, basic coding knowledge, bug tracking toolsTest case creation, execution, defect reporting, scripting skills
Work EnvironmentRemote, often freelance or contract-basedRemote or onsite, employed by companies or testing agencies
Industry UsageCommon in software development and QA teamsWidely used in software development, QA, and product testing

Remote Bug Finding focuses on discovering and reporting bugs during software development, often requiring basic technical skills. Remote Software Testers perform comprehensive testing to ensure software quality, involving test planning and scripting. While both roles involve testing, Bug Finders typically identify issues, whereas Testers verify fixes and overall functionality.

Senior Specialist, Security Research Engineer

L3HHCM20

Washington, DC • On-site, Remote

$111K - $207K/yr

Full-time

Medical, Retirement, PTO

Re-posted 20 days ago


Job description

Job Title: Senior Specialist, Security Software Research Engineer 
Job Code: 36915
Job Location: Remote
Job Schedule: 9/80: Employees work 9 out of every 14 days - totaling 80 hours worked and have every other Friday off.

Job Description:

L3Harris has an immediate opening for a Senior Security Software Research Engineer with our security group, Trenchant. Our teams are comprised of elite security researchers and former intelligence professionals with a fixation on realizing mission outcomes.  We are pursuing top-tier senior security researching talent with experience across a host of technologies and paradigms. Our business unit offers an exceptional value-proposition for individuals looking to make an impact.

Trenchant's expertise is the by-product of the L3Harris acquisition of two highly-regarded information security businesses - Azimuth Security and Linchpin Labs. United under Trenchant, we are a key component of L3Harris' Intelligence and Cyber International Division. We are a trusted, discrete partner furnishing security products, consultancy, training and integration services to allied security, defense, and law enforcement agencies.

Essential Functions:

  • Finding vulnerabilities in ubiquitous Internet-deployed software and/or popular devices' software or firmware.
  • Constructing exploits for vulnerabilities discovered by yourself or your team. 
  • Guiding the teams technical outcomes to measurable deliverables for the organization.  
  • Training, management and provision of guidance to all levels of team members.  
  • Regular interaction with managers and customer-facing staff members to field queries and questions about technical work.
  • Ability to obtain and maintain security clearance.
  • Take an active role in cross-team projects when required.

Qualifications:

  • Bachelor's Degree with a minimum 6 years prior relevant experience. Graduate Degree with a minimum of 4 years of prior related experience. In lieu of a degree, minimum of 10 years of prior related experience.

Preferred Additional Skills:

  • 5+ years of Vulnerability Research, reverse engineering, and bug-hunting.
  • Experience with static and dynamic binary analysis.
  • Experience with iOS, Android, Windows, Linux, or embedded systems kernel, user land, and internals or browser internals.
  • Experience with common tools in security research (e.g. IdaPro, Ghidra, Radare, Binary Ninja, AFL, SysInternals, GDB, WinDBG, etc).
  • Experience with common programming languages (e.g. C/C++, Python, Swift, etc).
  • Experience with common architectures (e.g. x86/64, ARM, AARCH64, MIPS, PowerPC, TILEGX, etc).
  • Experience with modern security system features, exploit mitigations, and evasion techniques (e.g. defeating ASLR, DEP, Control Flow Guard, ROP, Security Product/AV Evasion, etc).
  • Experience with a wide-range of modern exploitation concepts and techniques.
  • Experience with Computer Network Operations / Computer Network Exploitation.
  • Experience with symbolic execution and emulation software (e.g. QEMU, Corellium, VHDL, etc).
  • Cryptographic experience (e.g. side-channel attacks, implementing AES, etc).
  • Experience teaching and mentoring junior vulnerability researchers.
  • Bespoke fuzzer development experience.

In compliance with pay transparency requirements, the salary range for this role in California, Massachusetts, New Jersey, Washington, and the Greater D.C, Denver, or NYC areas is $111,500 - $207,500. The salary range for this role in Colorado state, Hawaii, Illinois, Maryland, Minnesota, New York state, and Vermont is $97,000 - $180,000. This is not a guarantee of compensation or salary, as final offer amount may vary based on factors including but not limited to experience and geographic location. L3Harris also offers a variety of benefits, including health and disability insurance, 401(k) match, flexible spending accounts, EAP, education assistance, parental leave, paid time off, and company-paid holidays. The specific programs and options available to an employee may vary depending on date of hire, schedule type, and the applicability of collective bargaining agreements.


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