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Remote Malware Researcher Jobs in Reston, VA (NOW HIRING)

Senior Cyber Investigator

Washington, DC · Remote

$114K - $140K/yr

... malware development and social engineering * Deep subject-matter expertise in one or more of the ... Fully remote, U.S.-based * Health Benefits: Comprehensive health, dental, and vision coverage

Remote status is subject to change at the customer's direction, but is expected to continue ... Research, evaluate, and integrate advanced forensic technologies, tools, and methodologies into ...

New

Remote status is subject to change at the customer's direction, but is expected to continue ... Research, evaluate, and integrate advanced forensic technologies, tools, and methodologies into ...

New

Senior Software Engineer

Washington, DC · On-site +1

$138K - $182K/yr

... researchers compete to detect threats, and get compensated based on performance. At PolySwarm, you ... Comfortable working in a remote-only environment * Analytical mind * Confidence to share your ideas

Remote Malware Researcher information

See Reston, VA salary details

$31.2K

$117.7K

$171.1K

How much do remote malware researcher jobs pay per year?

As of Jul 26, 2026, the average yearly pay for remote malware researcher in Reston, VA is $117,666.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $69,700.00 and $160,200.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What are the primary challenges faced by remote malware researchers, and how can they overcome them?

Remote malware researchers often encounter challenges such as securing sensitive data, staying current with rapidly evolving threats, and maintaining effective communication with team members in different locations. To overcome these, it's important to use secure remote access tools, participate in ongoing professional development, and leverage collaboration platforms for regular knowledge sharing. Proactive engagement with the wider cybersecurity community can also help in staying updated and building a strong support network.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a Remote Malware Researcher, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Remote Malware Researcher, you need expertise in computer science, malware analysis, reverse engineering, and a deep understanding of cybersecurity principles, often supported by a relevant degree or certifications like OSCP or GREM. Proficiency with analysis tools such as IDA Pro, Wireshark, OllyDbg, and sandbox environments is typically required. Strong problem-solving skills, attention to detail, and effective written communication are essential soft skills for this role. These competencies are crucial for accurately identifying, dissecting, and reporting on emerging threats, helping organizations proactively defend against cyberattacks.

What does a Remote Malware Researcher do?

A Remote Malware Researcher is a cybersecurity professional who analyzes, identifies, and studies malicious software from a remote location. Their main responsibilities include reverse engineering malware, understanding how it operates, and developing strategies to detect, prevent, or mitigate its effects. These experts often collaborate with security teams, share threat intelligence, and contribute to the development of security tools to protect organizations against cyber threats. Working remotely allows them to perform these tasks from anywhere, often using secure connections and specialized tools. This role is critical in staying ahead of evolving cyber threats.
What are popular job titles related to Remote Malware Researcher jobs in Reston, VA? For Remote Malware Researcher jobs in Reston, VA, the most frequently searched job titles are:
What cities near Reston, VA are hiring for Remote Malware Researcher jobs? Cities near Reston, VA with the most Remote Malware Researcher job openings:
Vulnerability Researcher

Vulnerability Researcher

The Pennsylvania State University

Reston, VA • On-site, Remote

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Retirement, PTO

Posted 16 days ago


Job description

APPLICATION INSTRUCTIONS:
  • CURRENT PENN STATE EMPLOYEE (faculty, staff, technical service, or student), please login to Workday to complete the internal application process. Please do not apply here, apply internally through Workday.
  • CURRENT PENN STATE STUDENT (not employed previously at the university) and seeking employment with Penn State, please login to Workday to complete the student application process. Please do not apply here, apply internally through Workday.
  • If you are NOT a current employee or student, please click "Apply" and complete the application process for external applicants.

Approval of remote and hybrid work is not guaranteed regardless of work location.For additional information on remote work at Penn State, seeNotice to Out of State Applicants.

POSITION SPECIFICS

We are searching for a self-motivated Vulnerability Researcher to join our Cyberspace Operations Research Department in Reston, VA of the Applied Research Laboratory (ARL) at Penn State University. The Cyberspace Operations Research Department provides technical expertise in adversarial tactics, techniques, and procedures (TTPs) to support system evaluation and provide security hardening support to various sponsors.

ARL is an authorized DoD SkillBridge partner and welcomes all transitioning military members to apply.

You will:

  • Research cutting edge techniques and technologies for system exploitation

  • Leverage expertise in reverse engineering, vulnerability research, and software development to address established needs and investigate solutions to emerging requirements

  • Apply software engineering best practices to create proof-of-concept tools and configure test environments to perform demonstrations to sponsors and partners

  • Assist the Cyberspace Operations Research Department Head in maintaining relationships with sponsors through on-site technical discussions, preparation and presentation of technical materials, and project-related correspondence

  • Provide process enhancement for technical functionality evaluation, vulnerability analyses, cyberspace operations engineering, and penetration testing projects

  • Apply project management principles and methods to the leadership of tasks or projects

  • Provide guidance to lower-level engineers to foster professional growth

Additional responsibilities for higher level position includes:

  • Understand broad strategic objectives and contribute to them; nurture and maintain relationships with major customers/grantors of external research and development grant funding

  • Identify grant/project follow-on work and persuade customers/grantors to fund; impact customer decisions and strategies

  • Initiate new project concepts and seek funding; develop technical proposals and make presentations to customers/grant sponsors

  • Mentor department staff in the development technical, project, and business development skills

Required skills/experience areas include:

  • Documented application of reverse engineering and vulnerability testing tools (e.g. Ghidra/IDA, Kali Linux, Angr/AFL++, QEMU/Unicorn, etc)

  • Reverse engineering, vulnerability research, malware analysis, and/or CNO tool development

  • Computer networking fundamentals, Windows and *NIX operating systems, X86(64) and ARM or MIPS architectures

  • Cyber operations architecture and software engineering practices

  • Software programming, programming languages, and development environments (to include at a minimum C, Java, or Python)

  • Ability to express technical information clearly and concisely in documents and presentations for senior leaders to successfully comprehend and leverage for decision making

  • Active government security clearance at TS/SCI level with eligibility for special accesses

Preferred skills/experience areas include:

  • Cybersecurity exploit development and test environment configuration

  • Cybersecurity penetration testing / cybersecurity Red Team testing / white hat hacking

  • Military cyberspace operations or computer network operations

  • Demonstrated history of successful project initiation efforts

  • Agile software development methodology and tools

  • Atlassian products (e.g., JIRA, Confluence)


Your working location will be fully on-site located in Reston, VA, but options exist for occasional hybrid of on-site/work from home based on project-dependent ability. This position will require periodic travel to remote locations in support of testing as part of a small team of researchers, engineers, and technologists.

MINIMUM EDUCATION, WORK EXPERIENCE & REQUIRED CERTIFICATIONS

If filled as Research and Development Engineer - Cyber Security (ARL) - Senior Professional, this position requires: Bachelor's Degree - Engineering or Science 14+ years of relevant experience Required Certifications: None If filled as Research and Development Engineer - Cyber Security (ARL) - Advanced Professional, this position requires: Bachelor's Degree - Engineering or Science 5+ years of relevant experience Required Certifications: None If filled as Research and Development Engineer - Cyber Security (ARL) - Intermediate Professional, this position requires: Bachelor's Degree - Engineering or Science 2+ years of relevant experience Required Certifications: None

ARL at Penn State is an integral part of one of the leading research universities in the nation and serves as a University center of excellence in defense science, systems, and technologies with a focus in naval missions and related areas.

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION on ARL, visit our web site at www.arl.psu.edu.

BACKGROUND CHECKS/CLEARANCES

Employment with the University will require successful completion of background check(s) in accordance with University policies.Notice regarding employment at the Applied Research Laboratory (ARL): Employees must be eligible to obtain a government security clearance, participate in the ARL drug testing program, and comply with electronic and physical monitoring requirements applicable to federal contractors. ARL operates in a secure information environment involving Unclassified, Controlled Unclassified Information (CUI), and Classified information. Personal electronic devices brought onsite must be registered and may be restricted from certain areas. You must be a U.S. citizen to apply.

SALARY & BENEFITS

The salary range for this position, including all possible grades, is $127,080.00 - $277,200.00. This salary range includes an adjustment based on required geographic work location.

Salary Structure - Information on Penn State's salary structure

Penn State provides a competitive benefits package for full-time employees designed to support both personal and professional well-being. In addition to comprehensive medical, dental, and vision coverage, employees enjoy robust retirement plans and substantial paid time off which includes holidays, vacation and sick time. One of the standout benefits is the generous 75% tuition discount, available to employees as well as eligible spouses and children. For more detailed information, please visit our Benefits Page.

CAMPUS SECURITY CRIME STATISTICS

Pursuant to the Jeanne Clery Disclosure of Campus Security Policy and Campus Crime Statistics Act and the Pennsylvania Act of 1988, Penn State publishes a combined Annual Security and Annual Fire Safety Report (ASR). The ASR includes crime statistics and institutional policies concerning campus security, such as those concerning alcohol and drug use, crime prevention, the reporting of crimes, sexual assault, and other matters. The ASR is available for review here.

EEO IS THE LAW

Penn State is an equal opportunity employer and is committed to providing employment opportunities to all qualified applicants without regard to race, color, religion, age, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability or protected veteran status. If you are unable to use our online application process due to an impairment or disability, please contact 814-865-1473.

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About Pennsylvania State University

Sourced by ZipRecruiter

Pennsylvania State University, often referred to as Penn State, is a major, public, research-intensive university located in University Park, PA, US. This esteemed institution serves as an important player within the education industry, offering a plethora of academic programs across various disciplines. The university was founded in 1855 with the mission to provide quality education, advanced research, and service to society. Penn State holds firmly to values of integrity, respect, and excellence, fostering a diverse and inclusive community. The university is renowned for its research productivity and its high-ranking programs in areas like engineering, business, and education. One notable achievement of the institution is its designation as a "R1: Doctoral Universities – Very high research activity," demonstrating its commitment to scholarship and discovery.

Industry

Education

Company size

11 - 50 Employees

Headquarters location

University Park, PA, US

Year founded

1855

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