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Salaried Exploit Development Jobs (NOW HIRING)

MAXISIQ

Software Engineer V

Chantilly, VA · On-site

Lead and manage task order personnel conducting vulnerability and exploit development for mobile ... Competitive salary commensurate with your cyber warfare experience * Employer-subsidized health ...

MAXISIQ, Inc.

Software Engineer V

Chantilly, VA · On-site

Lead and manage task order personnel conducting vulnerability and exploit development for mobile ... Competitive salary commensurate with your cyber warfare experience * Employer-subsidized health ...

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How much do salaried exploit development jobs pay per hour?

As of May 28, 2026, the average hourly pay for salaried exploit development in the United States is $17.04, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $14.42 and $19.23 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a Salaried Exploit Developer, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Salaried Exploit Developer, you need deep expertise in computer science, reverse engineering, vulnerability analysis, and low-level programming, often backed by a degree in computer science or related field. Familiarity with tools like IDA Pro, Ghidra, debuggers, and operating system internals is crucial, and certifications such as OSCP or OSCE can be advantageous. Creativity, persistence, and strong problem-solving abilities are standout soft skills in this role. These qualifications are essential for identifying, developing, and responsibly handling software exploits in a secure and ethical manner.

What are some typical challenges encountered by professionals in salaried exploit development roles?

Professionals in salaried exploit development roles often face challenges such as staying current with rapidly evolving security technologies and patch cycles. They must continuously research new vulnerabilities and develop creative solutions to bypass updated security mechanisms, which can be highly demanding. Collaborating closely with security analysts and other developers is essential to ensure responsible disclosure and risk management. Additionally, balancing project deadlines with the need for meticulous testing and documentation can be a significant challenge in this field.

What is a Salaried Exploit Developer?

A Salaried Exploit Developer is a cybersecurity professional who is employed by an organization to research, identify, and develop software exploits—ways to take advantage of vulnerabilities in computer systems or applications. Unlike freelance or independent security researchers, salaried exploit developers work as part of a security team, often within penetration testing firms, defense contractors, or tech companies. Their work can involve both offensive (discovering vulnerabilities to test defenses) and defensive (helping to patch or mitigate vulnerabilities) tasks. These roles require strong programming skills, a deep understanding of operating systems, and knowledge of security protocols. Salaried Exploit Developers may also be involved in responsible disclosure of vulnerabilities to affected vendors.

What is the difference between Salaried Exploit Development vs Penetration Tester?

AspectSalaried Exploit DevelopmentPenetration Tester
CredentialsSecurity certifications, programming skillsSecurity certifications, testing experience
Work EnvironmentResearch labs, security firms, internal teamsClient sites, corporate environments, consulting firms
Industry UsageCybersecurity, offensive securityCybersecurity, vulnerability assessment

Salaried Exploit Developers focus on creating and testing exploits for security research or defensive purposes, often working in labs or R&D settings. Penetration Testers simulate attacks to identify vulnerabilities in client systems. While both roles require security knowledge and technical skills, Exploit Developers primarily develop exploits, whereas Penetration Testers perform assessments and reporting. Understanding these differences helps clarify career paths and employer expectations in cybersecurity.

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Salaried Exploit Development jobs near you
Infographic showing various Salaried Exploit Development job openings in the United States as of May 2026, with employment types broken down into 100% Full Time. Highlights an 94% Physical, and 6% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $35,436 per year, or $17 per hour.
Software Engineer [$312k/yr+] TS/SCI-FS Poly with Security Clearance

Software Engineer [$312k/yr+] TS/SCI-FS Poly with Security Clearance

SYSTOLIC

Annapolis Junction, MD

$312K/yr

Other

Posted 10 days ago

Job description

Candidates must already possess an active Top Secret/SCI w/ Full Scope Polygraph to be considered. Summary: • Develop and integrate advanced software solutions for critical applications. • Perform comprehensive reverse engineering, requirements analysis, and rapid prototyping.

• Contribute to the full software development lifecycle, from conception to deployment. • Support and enhance software systems across diverse environments, including Linux, Windows, and embedded platforms. • Leverage expertise in vulnerability research, exploit development, and intelligence collection and analysis systems.

Qualifications & Compensation: Degree: Technical bachelor's degree or equivalent experience Years of experience: 12+ years Salary: $312k+ yearly compensation Job Description: • Design, develop, and integrate CNO software solutions. • Perform reverse engineering of software systems to understand functionality and identify vulnerabilities. • Conduct thorough requirements analysis, rapid prototyping, and iterative development.

• Build and modify software systems utilizing a wide range of programming languages including C, C++, Python, Java, Javascript, Bash, Perl, C#, and Rust. • Utilize version control and collaboration tools such as Git, Subversion, JIRA, and Confluence. • Provide comprehensive support for software systems across Linux, Windows, and embedded platforms.

• Apply expertise in vulnerability research and exploit development. • Work with SIGINT collection and analysis systems. About SYSTOLIC: SYSTOLIC is dedicated to giving our employees the best possible company experience so that they can focus on providing outstanding support to their customer’s mission.

Our company is founded on integrity, enthusiasm, and a relentless commitment to supporting the Intelligence Community. You can learn more about us and submit an application to be considered against our current and future openings at https://systolic.com. To learn about our compensation ranges, visit our Pay Transparency page at: https://systolic.com/pay-transparency

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