Our Security Engineering & Architecture (SEAR) organization is at the forefront of protecting ... We're seeking a staff-level ML Security Research Scientist who operates at the intersection of ...
Our Security Engineering & Architecture (SEAR) organization is at the forefront of protecting ... We're seeking a staff-level ML Security Research Scientist who operates at the intersection of ...
... · Define developer focused specifications for new attacks. · Work with management to set ... with the security research community through speaking at industry conferences, publishing ...
... · Define developer focused specifications for new attacks. · Work with management to set ... with the security research community through speaking at industry conferences, publishing ...
Research Engineer
Arlington, VA · On-site
Research Engineers at Galois design and develop advanced technologies for safety- and security-critical systems, networks, and applications. Engineers work in small team settings and must ...
Research Engineer
Arlington, VA · On-site
Research Engineers at Galois design and develop advanced technologies for safety- and security-critical systems, networks, and applications. Engineers work in small team settings and must ...
Research Engineer
Portland, OR · On-site
Research Engineers at Galois design and develop advanced technologies for safety- and security-critical systems, networks, and applications. Engineers work in small team settings and must ...
Research Engineer
Portland, OR · On-site
Research Engineers at Galois design and develop advanced technologies for safety- and security-critical systems, networks, and applications. Engineers work in small team settings and must ...
Research Engineer
Dayton, OH · On-site
Research Engineers at Galois design and develop advanced technologies for safety- and security-critical systems, networks, and applications. Engineers work in small team settings and must ...
Quick apply
Research Engineer
Dayton, OH · On-site
Research Engineers at Galois design and develop advanced technologies for safety- and security-critical systems, networks, and applications. Engineers work in small team settings and must ...
Research Engineer
Portland, OR · On-site
Research Engineers at Galois design and develop advanced technologies for safety- and security-critical systems, networks, and applications. Engineers work in small team settings and must ...
Quick apply
Research Engineer
Portland, OR · On-site
Research Engineers at Galois design and develop advanced technologies for safety- and security-critical systems, networks, and applications. Engineers work in small team settings and must ...
Research Engineer
Dayton, OH · On-site
Research Engineers at Galois design and develop advanced technologies for safety- and security-critical systems, networks, and applications. Engineers work in small team settings and must ...
Research Engineer
Dayton, OH · On-site
Research Engineers at Galois design and develop advanced technologies for safety- and security-critical systems, networks, and applications. Engineers work in small team settings and must ...
The role combines threat-informed vulnerability research, offensive security, software engineering, data analysis, and security automation. The engineer will investigate emerging vulnerabilities and ...
The role combines threat-informed vulnerability research, offensive security, software engineering, data analysis, and security automation. The engineer will investigate emerging vulnerabilities and ...
Research Engineer
Portland, OR · On-site
Research Engineers at Galois design and develop advanced technologies for safety- and security-critical systems, networks, and applications. Engineers work in small team settings and must ...
Research Engineer
Portland, OR · On-site
Research Engineers at Galois design and develop advanced technologies for safety- and security-critical systems, networks, and applications. Engineers work in small team settings and must ...
The role combines threat-informed vulnerability research, offensive security, software engineering, data analysis, and security automation. The engineer will investigate emerging vulnerabilities and ...
The role combines threat-informed vulnerability research, offensive security, software engineering, data analysis, and security automation. The engineer will investigate emerging vulnerabilities and ...
Research Engineer
Arlington, VA · On-site
Research Engineers at Galois design and develop advanced technologies for safety- and security-critical systems, networks, and applications. Engineers work in small team settings and must ...
Quick apply
Research Engineer
Arlington, VA · On-site
Research Engineers at Galois design and develop advanced technologies for safety- and security-critical systems, networks, and applications. Engineers work in small team settings and must ...
Research Engineer
Minneapolis, MN · On-site
Research Engineers at Galois design and develop advanced technologies for safety- and security-critical systems, networks, and applications. Engineers work in small team settings and must ...
Research Engineer
Minneapolis, MN · On-site
Research Engineers at Galois design and develop advanced technologies for safety- and security-critical systems, networks, and applications. Engineers work in small team settings and must ...
Research Engineer
Boston, MA · On-site
Research Engineers at Galois design and develop advanced technologies for safety- and security-critical systems, networks, and applications. Engineers work in small team settings and must ...
Research Engineer
Boston, MA · On-site
Research Engineers at Galois design and develop advanced technologies for safety- and security-critical systems, networks, and applications. Engineers work in small team settings and must ...
Research Engineer
Boston, MA · On-site
Research Engineers at Galois design and develop advanced technologies for safety- and security-critical systems, networks, and applications. Engineers work in small team settings and must ...
Quick apply
Research Engineer
Boston, MA · On-site
Research Engineers at Galois design and develop advanced technologies for safety- and security-critical systems, networks, and applications. Engineers work in small team settings and must ...
Research Engineer
Minneapolis, MN · On-site
Research Engineers at Galois design and develop advanced technologies for safety- and security-critical systems, networks, and applications. Engineers work in small team settings and must ...
Quick apply
Research Engineer
Minneapolis, MN · On-site
Research Engineers at Galois design and develop advanced technologies for safety- and security-critical systems, networks, and applications. Engineers work in small team settings and must ...
Senior AI Security Researcher
Durham, NC · On-site
Translate research into usable outcomes for engineering and security teams, including proof-of-concept demonstrations, benchmarks, technical guidance, mitigations, and secure-by-design ...
Senior AI Security Researcher
Durham, NC · On-site
Translate research into usable outcomes for engineering and security teams, including proof-of-concept demonstrations, benchmarks, technical guidance, mitigations, and secure-by-design ...
Security Research Manager
Boston, MA · On-site +1
Collaborate with the product and engineering organizations to align capability development roadmaps ... Recruit, train, and develop an international team of security researchers of diverse backgrounds ...
Security Research Manager
Boston, MA · On-site +1
Collaborate with the product and engineering organizations to align capability development roadmaps ... Recruit, train, and develop an international team of security researchers of diverse backgrounds ...
Senior AI Security Researcher
Durham, NC · On-site
Translate research into usable outcomes for engineering and security teams, including proof-of-concept demonstrations, benchmarks, technical guidance, mitigations, and secure-by-design ...
Senior AI Security Researcher
Durham, NC · On-site
Translate research into usable outcomes for engineering and security teams, including proof-of-concept demonstrations, benchmarks, technical guidance, mitigations, and secure-by-design ...
Senior AI Security Researcher
Durham, NC · On-site
Translate research into usable outcomes for engineering and security teams, including proof-of-concept demonstrations, benchmarks, technical guidance, mitigations, and secure-by-design ...
Senior AI Security Researcher
Durham, NC · On-site
Translate research into usable outcomes for engineering and security teams, including proof-of-concept demonstrations, benchmarks, technical guidance, mitigations, and secure-by-design ...
Security Research Internship
New York, NY · On-site +1
$3.0K - $8.0K/mo
We are working on a wide range of security research topics, including malware analysis, vulnerability detection, network anomaly detection, mobile app analysis, reverse engineering, and fraud ...
Security Research Internship
New York, NY · On-site +1
$3.0K - $8.0K/mo
We are working on a wide range of security research topics, including malware analysis, vulnerability detection, network anomaly detection, mobile app analysis, reverse engineering, and fraud ...
Security Research Engineer information
See salary details
$61.5K - $74.6K
0% of jobs
$74.6K - $87.7K
2% of jobs
$87.7K - $100.8K
3% of jobs
$100.8K - $113.9K
6% of jobs
$113.9K - $127K
5% of jobs
$127K - $140K
4% of jobs
$141.4K is the 25th percentile. Wages below this are outliers.
$140K - $153.1K
39% of jobs
$161.2K is the 75th percentile. Wages above this are outliers.
$153.1K - $166.2K
24% of jobs
$166.2K - $179.3K
2% of jobs
$179.3K - $192.4K
0% of jobs
$192.4K - $205.5K
14% of jobs
$61.5K
$152.8K
$205.5K
How much do security research engineer jobs pay per year?
As of Aug 7, 2026, the average yearly pay for security research engineer in the United States is $152,773.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $143,000.00 and $158,500.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.
What does a Security Research Engineer do?
A Security Research Engineer is responsible for identifying, analyzing, and mitigating security vulnerabilities in software, hardware, or network systems. They conduct security assessments, develop tools to test systems, and stay updated on the latest threats and attack techniques. Their work often involves reverse engineering, vulnerability discovery, and collaborating with other teams to enhance overall security. Security Research Engineers play a key role in protecting organizations from cyber threats by providing technical expertise and developing innovative defensive measures.
What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a Security Research Engineer?
To thrive as a Security Research Engineer, you need a strong understanding of cybersecurity principles, programming languages (such as Python or C/C++), and vulnerability analysis, typically backed by a degree in computer science or a related field. Familiarity with security tools like IDA Pro, Wireshark, Metasploit, and certifications such as OSCP or CEH are commonly required. Analytical thinking, problem-solving, and effective communication help you stand out in this role. These skills and qualities are essential for identifying threats, communicating findings, and developing robust security solutions in a constantly evolving cyber landscape.
What are common challenges faced by Security Research Engineers when analyzing emerging threats?
Security Research Engineers often encounter rapidly evolving attack techniques and must stay ahead of sophisticated threat actors. Keeping up with new malware variants, zero-day vulnerabilities, and advanced persistent threats requires continuous learning and adaptability. Additionally, collaborating with cross-functional teams, such as incident response and product development, is essential to develop effective countermeasures. The dynamic nature of cyber threats means that priorities can shift quickly, making time management and clear communication critical skills in this role.
What is the difference between Security Research Engineer vs Security Analyst?
| Aspect | Security Research Engineer | Security Analyst |
|---|---|---|
| Credentials | Bachelor's or higher in CS, cybersecurity certifications (e.g., CISSP, CEH) | Bachelor's in CS, cybersecurity certifications often preferred |
| Work Environment | Research labs, development teams, security firms | Security operations centers, corporate IT teams |
| Industry Usage | Technology, cybersecurity firms, research institutions | Financial, healthcare, corporate sectors |
| Primary Focus | Developing new security tools, discovering vulnerabilities | Monitoring, incident response, risk assessment |
While both roles focus on cybersecurity, Security Research Engineers primarily develop new security solutions and discover vulnerabilities, whereas Security Analysts monitor systems and respond to security incidents. The roles often overlap but differ in their core responsibilities and work environments.
More about Security Research Engineer jobs
What states have the most Security Research Engineer jobs? States with the most job openings for Security Research Engineer jobs include:
What job categories do people searching Security Research Engineer jobs look for? The top searched job categories for Security Research Engineer jobs are:
Research Scientist, Applied Machine Learning Security (Agent Systems), SEAR
Cupertino, CA • On-site
Full-time
Re-posted 13 days ago
Apple rating
8.0
Based on 677 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz
7th of 30 rated technology retailers
Job description
At Apple, we believe privacy is a fundamental human right. Our Security Engineering & Architecture (SEAR) organization is at the forefront of protecting billions of users worldwide, building security into every product, service, and experience we create.
The SEAR ML Security Engineering team combines cutting-edge machine learning with world-class security engineering to defend against evolving threats at unprecedented scale. We're responsible for developing intelligent security systems for Apple Intelligence that protect Apple's ecosystem while preserving the privacy our users expect and deserve.
We're seeking a staff-level ML Security Research Scientist who operates at the intersection of applied research and production impact. You'll lead original security research on agentic ML systems deployed at scale-driving secure agentic design directly into shipping products, identifying real vulnerabilities in tool-using models and designing adversarial evaluations that reflect actual attacker behavior. You'll work at the boundary between research, platform engineering, and product security, translating findings into architectural decisions, launch requirements, and long-term hardening strategies that protect billions of users. Your impact will be measured by risk reduction in production systems that ship.
Description
This role focuses on applied security research for production ML systems, with an emphasis on agentic and tool-using models deployed at scale. You will lead research efforts that surface real security risks in shipped or near-shipped systems, and you will drive mitigations that integrate cleanly into Apple's ML platforms and products.
You will operate at the boundary between research, platform engineering, and product security, conducting original research grounded in real system behavior and translating it into concrete design changes, launch requirements, and long-term hardening strategies. Impact is measured by risk reduction in production, not theoretical results alone.
Minimum Qualifications
Ph.D. or equivalent experience in machine learning, security, systems, or a related field.
Demonstrated experience in applied ML security, adversarial ML, or systems security with real-world impact.
Strong experimental and engineering skills, with an emphasis on reproducibility and operational relevance.
Preferred Qualifications
Experience researching or securing LLM-based or tool-augmented ML systems.
Ability to work fluidly across research, engineering, and security review processes.
Track record of influencing production systems through research-driven insights.
Publications in top venues are a plus, but production impact is the primary signal.
The SEAR ML Security Engineering team combines cutting-edge machine learning with world-class security engineering to defend against evolving threats at unprecedented scale. We're responsible for developing intelligent security systems for Apple Intelligence that protect Apple's ecosystem while preserving the privacy our users expect and deserve.
We're seeking a staff-level ML Security Research Scientist who operates at the intersection of applied research and production impact. You'll lead original security research on agentic ML systems deployed at scale-driving secure agentic design directly into shipping products, identifying real vulnerabilities in tool-using models and designing adversarial evaluations that reflect actual attacker behavior. You'll work at the boundary between research, platform engineering, and product security, translating findings into architectural decisions, launch requirements, and long-term hardening strategies that protect billions of users. Your impact will be measured by risk reduction in production systems that ship.
Description
This role focuses on applied security research for production ML systems, with an emphasis on agentic and tool-using models deployed at scale. You will lead research efforts that surface real security risks in shipped or near-shipped systems, and you will drive mitigations that integrate cleanly into Apple's ML platforms and products.
You will operate at the boundary between research, platform engineering, and product security, conducting original research grounded in real system behavior and translating it into concrete design changes, launch requirements, and long-term hardening strategies. Impact is measured by risk reduction in production, not theoretical results alone.
Minimum Qualifications
Ph.D. or equivalent experience in machine learning, security, systems, or a related field.
Demonstrated experience in applied ML security, adversarial ML, or systems security with real-world impact.
Strong experimental and engineering skills, with an emphasis on reproducibility and operational relevance.
Preferred Qualifications
Experience researching or securing LLM-based or tool-augmented ML systems.
Ability to work fluidly across research, engineering, and security review processes.
Track record of influencing production systems through research-driven insights.
Publications in top venues are a plus, but production impact is the primary signal.
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