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Salaried Exploit Development Jobs in Virginia (NOW HIRING)

Windows Vulnerability Research

Sterling, VA · On-site

$122K - $253K/yr

Exploit development and exploitation * Proven expertise working with Windows operating systems ... This position is contingent upon award Salary & Benefits The salary associated with this position ...

Windows Vulnerability Research

Sterling, VA · On-site

$122K - $253K/yr

Exploit development and exploitation * Proven expertise working with Windows operating systems ... This position is contingent upon award Salary & Benefits The salary associated with this position ...

Windows CNO Developer

Herndon, VA · On-site

$180K - $250K/yr

Background in vulnerability research, exploit development, or malware development. * Scripting ... M9 Benefits - Salary Range $180,000 - $250,000 USD M9 Solutions, LLC (M9) is a Federal sub ...

Windows CNE Developer

Arlington, VA · On-site

$180K - $250K/yr

Background in vulnerability research, exploit development, or malware development. * Scripting ... M9 Benefits - Salary Range $180,000-$250,000 USD M9 Solutions, LLC (M9) is a Federal sub-contractor ...

Windows CNE Developer

Arlington, VA · On-site

$180K - $250K/yr

Background in vulnerability research, exploit development, or malware development. * Scripting ... M9 Benefits - Salary Range $180,000 - $250,000 USD M9 Solutions, LLC (M9) is a Federal sub ...

Windows CNO Developer

Herndon, VA · On-site

$180K - $250K/yr

Background in vulnerability research, exploit development, or malware development. * Scripting ... M9 Benefits - Salary Range $180,000-$250,000 USD M9 Solutions, LLC (M9) is a Federal sub-contractor ...

Penetration Tester

Herndon, VA · Hybrid

$130K - $145K/yr

... methodologies and advanced exploit development, focusing on identifying and mitigating ... salary range for this position is $130,000.00 - $145,000.00 commensurate on experience and ...

Performing vulnerability weaponization, exploit development, payload development, and exploit ... Information Full-Time Salary Range: $112,000 - $154,000 The salary range listed is based on ...

Senior Reverse Engineer

Arlington, VA · On-site

$134K - $184K/yr

Performing vulnerability weaponization, exploit development, payload development, and exploit ... Information Full-Time Salary Range: $134,000 - $184,000 The salary range listed is based on ...

CNO Developer

Herndon, VA · On-site

$125K - $300K/yr

Apply expertise in vulnerability research, reverse engineering, and exploit development to guide ... In addition to base salary, eligible employees may participate in Redhorse's comprehensive benefits ...

CNO Developer

Herndon, VA · On-site

$129K - $177K/yr

Apply expertise in vulnerability research, reverse engineering, and exploit development to guide ... The salary range provided for this position represents the anticipated base salary for successful ...

CNO Developer

Herndon, VA · On-site

$125K - $300K/yr

Apply expertise in vulnerability research, reverse engineering, and exploit development to guide ... In addition to base salary, eligible employees may participate in Redhorse's comprehensive benefits ...

CNO Developer

Herndon, VA · On-site

$125K - $300K/yr

Apply expertise in vulnerability research, reverse engineering, and exploit development to guide ... The salary range provided for this position represents the anticipated base salary for successful ...

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Salaried Exploit Development information

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 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.

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 are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a salaried exploit developer?

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 the most commonly searched types of Exploit Development jobs in Virginia? The most popular types of Exploit Development jobs in Virginia are:
What cities in Virginia are hiring for Salaried Exploit Development jobs? Cities in Virginia with the most Salaried Exploit Development job openings:

Windows Vulnerability Research

Nightwing

Sterling, VA • On-site

$122K - $253K/yr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Retirement, PTO

Re-posted 12 days ago


Job description

Nightwing provides technically advanced full-spectrum cyber, data operations, systems integration and intelligence mission support services to meet our customers' most demanding challenges. Our capabilities include cyber space operations, cyber defense and resiliency, vulnerability research, ubiquitous technical surveillance, data intelligence, lifecycle mission enablement, and software modernization. Nightwing brings disruptive technologies, agility, and competitive offerings to customers in the intelligence community, defense, civil, and commercial markets.
Nightwing is seeking a highly skilled Windows Vulnerability Research (VR) Engineer to support advanced research, development, and exploitation efforts on Windows platforms. The ideal candidate will bring deep technical expertise in low-level programming, vulnerability research, and exploit development, along with a strong background in secure software analysis.
Required Qualifications
In addition to meeting all baseline technical requirements for contractor technical personnel, the candidate must possess, at a minimum, the following:

  • Current TS/SCI with Poly Clearance
  • At least three (3) years of professional experience in each of the following:
    • Developing, testing, and debugging software in C
    • Developing, testing, and debugging software in C++
    • Developing, testing, and debugging software in Python
  • Demonstrated hands-on experience in:
    • Vulnerability Research (VR)
    • Reverse Engineering (RE)
    • Exploit development and exploitation
  • Proven expertise working with Windows operating systems, including internal architectures, debugging, and security mechanisms
Preferred Skills (Optional - if you want to add them later)
  • Experience with Windows kernel internals
  • Familiarity with common reverse engineering tools and debuggers
  • Understanding of modern exploit mitigations and bypass techniques
  • Experience supporting mission-critical or government systems

Please Note: This position is contingent upon award
Salary & Benefits
The salary associated with this position ($122,000-$253,000) is commensurate with the selected candidate's qualifications, years of relevant experience, and demonstrated level of expertise. Compensation will be determined based on these factors to ensure alignment with skills, responsibilities, and market standards.
Nightwing offers medical, vision and dental insurance coverage in addition to a 401k plan, PTO, Holidays, and additional insurances.
Nightwing is An Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action Employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability or veteran status, age or any other federally protected class.