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Security Research Engineer Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Security Research Engineer

Herndon, VA · On-site +1

$146K - $214K/yr

If you enjoy vulnerability research, crash analysis, reverse engineering, and researching new techniques and writing tools to automate these tasks, this job is for you! Your Impact * Security ...

Security Research Engineer

Atlanta, GA · On-site +1

$146K - $214K/yr

If you enjoy vulnerability research, crash analysis, reverse engineering, and researching new techniques and writing tools to automate these tasks, this job is for you! Your Impact * Security ...

Security Research Engineer

Lincoln, NE · On-site +1

$146K - $214K/yr

If you enjoy vulnerability research, crash analysis, reverse engineering, and researching new techniques and writing tools to automate these tasks, this job is for you! Your Impact * Security ...

Security Research Engineer

Fulton, MD · On-site +1

$146K - $214K/yr

If you enjoy vulnerability research, crash analysis, reverse engineering, and researching new techniques and writing tools to automate these tasks, this job is for you! Your Impact * Security ...

Security Research Engineer

Oklahoma City, OK · On-site +1

$146K - $214K/yr

If you enjoy vulnerability research, crash analysis, reverse engineering, and researching new techniques and writing tools to automate these tasks, this job is for you! Your Impact * Security ...

Security Research Engineer

Honolulu, HI · On-site +1

$146K - $214K/yr

If you enjoy vulnerability research, crash analysis, reverse engineering, and researching new techniques and writing tools to automate these tasks, this job is for you! Your Impact * Security ...

Security Research Engineer

Topeka, KS · On-site +1

$146K - $214K/yr

If you enjoy vulnerability research, crash analysis, reverse engineering, and researching new techniques and writing tools to automate these tasks, this job is for you! Your Impact * Security ...

Security Research Engineer

Indianapolis, IN · On-site +1

$146K - $214K/yr

If you enjoy vulnerability research, crash analysis, reverse engineering, and researching new techniques and writing tools to automate these tasks, this job is for you! Your Impact * Security ...

Security Research Engineer

Nashville, TN · On-site +1

$146K - $214K/yr

If you enjoy vulnerability research, crash analysis, reverse engineering, and researching new techniques and writing tools to automate these tasks, this job is for you! Your Impact * Security ...

Security Research Engineer

OR · On-site +1

$146K - $214K/yr

If you enjoy vulnerability research, crash analysis, reverse engineering, and researching new techniques and writing tools to automate these tasks, this job is for you! Your Impact * Security ...

Security Research Engineer Artemis is building the future of AI-driven defense - helping companies detect and defend themselves effectively in an era where AI is fighting AI on the cyber battlefield.

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Security Research Engineer information

See salary details

$61.5K

$152.8K

$205.5K

How much do security research engineer jobs pay per year?

As of Jun 4, 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 are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a Security Research Engineer, and why are they important?

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 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 is the difference between Security Research Engineer vs Security Analyst?

AspectSecurity Research EngineerSecurity Analyst
CredentialsBachelor's or higher in CS, cybersecurity certifications (e.g., CISSP, CEH)Bachelor's in CS, cybersecurity certifications often preferred
Work EnvironmentResearch labs, development teams, security firmsSecurity operations centers, corporate IT teams
Industry UsageTechnology, cybersecurity firms, research institutionsFinancial, healthcare, corporate sectors
Primary FocusDeveloping new security tools, discovering vulnerabilitiesMonitoring, 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:
Infographic showing various Security Research Engineer job openings in the United States as of May 2026, with employment types broken down into 77% Full Time, and 23% Contract. Highlights an 100% In-person job distribution, with an average salary of $152,773 per year, or $73.4 per hour.
Security Research Engineer

Security Research Engineer

Cisco

Herndon, VA • On-site, Remote

$146K - $214K/yr

Other

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

This job post has expired today. Applications are no longer accepted.


Cisco Systems rating

8.6

Company rating: 8.6 out of 10

Based on 39 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

16th of 139 rated electronics manufacturers


Job description

The application window is expected to close on: 06/05/2026

Job posting may be removed earlier if the position is filled or if a sufficient number of applications are received .

This is a fully remote role based in the United States

Meet The Team

As a member of Talos, you will support cutting edge detection and mitigation technologies. You will work towards keeping yourself abreast of the latest industry threat creation and defense techniques, and you will develop proof-of-concept solutions, provide domain expertise and guide implementation to facilitate successful security posture in of Cisco's products.

If you enjoy vulnerability research, crash analysis, reverse engineering, and researching new techniques and writing tools to automate these tasks, this job is for you!

Your Impact

  • Security research including development of tools for vulnerability analysis and mitigation.

  • Development of static and run-time analysis tools to figure out root cause and input conditions related toa vulnerability.

  • Vulnerability triage and proof of concept exploit development to support the creation of detection content.

  • Writedetailed technical reports, summaries, and testing methodologies

  • Research emerging technologies, protocols, and testing methodologies??

  • Develop proof of concept exploits fortestingvulnerabilitymitigations

  • Perform patch analysis to find and trigger vulnerabilities.

  • Reverseengineerbinary applications, protocols, and formats.

  • Analyze vulnerabilities and emerging security threats and technologies.

  • Providecritical security focusedexpertisetoengineeringorganizations

Minimum Qualifications

  • 3+ years of experience in vulnerability research or a closely related areasuch asexploitor mitigation developmentonLinuxSystems

  • 3+ years' experience with C/C++, and a scripting language (e.g., Python), and assembly (e.g., x86/x64, ARM, etc.)

Preferred Qualifications

  • Bachelor's degree or equivalent in Computer Science, Electrical Engineering, Cyber Security, or other tech-related degree

  • Experience withLinux internals

  • Experience with binary auditing and reverse engineering, and with related tools such as IDA Pro, Binary Ninja,Ghidra, etc. and with plugin development.

  • Experience with common vulnerabilities and methods of exploitation, such as memory corruption, web application exploitation, file format vulnerabilities, protocol-based weaknesses, etc.

  • Knowledge of common file formats,network protocol structures, and enterprise networkingarchitecture

  • Ability to work independently with minimum supervision and to tackleadditionaltasks as the need arises.

Why Cisco?

At Cisco, we're revolutionizing how data and infrastructure connect and protect organizations in the AI era - and beyond. We've been innovating fearlessly for 40 years to create solutions that power how humans and technology work together across the physical and digital worlds. These solutions provide customers with unparalleled security, visibility, and insights across the entire digital footprint.

Fueled by the depth and breadth of our technology, we experiment and create meaningful solutions. Add to that our worldwide network of doers and experts, and you'll see that the opportunities to grow and build are limitless. We work as a team, collaborating with empathy to make really big things happen on a global scale. Because our solutions are everywhere, our impact is everywhere.

We are Cisco, and our power starts with you.

Message to applicants applying to work in the U.S. and/or Canada:

The starting salary range posted for this position is $146,700.00 to $214,800.00 and reflects the projected salary range for new hires in this position in U.S. and/or Canada locations, not including incentive compensation*, equity, or benefits.

Individual pay is determined by the candidate's hiring location, market conditions, job-related skillset, experience, qualifications, education, certifications, and/or training. The full salary range for certain locations is listed below. For locations not listed below, the recruiter can share more details about compensation for the role in your location during the hiring process.

U.S. employees are offered benefits, subject to Cisco's plan eligibility rules, which include medical, dental and vision insurance, a 401(k) plan with a Cisco matching contribution, paid parental leave, short and long-term disability coverage, and basic life insurance. Please see the Cisco careers site to discover more benefits and perks. Employees may be eligible to receive grants of Cisco restricted stock units, which vest following continued employment with Cisco for defined periods of time.

U.S. employees are eligible for paid time away as described below, subject to Cisco's policies:

  • 10 paid holidays per full calendar year, plus 1 floating holiday for non-exempt employees

  • 1 paid day off for employee's birthday, paid year-end holiday shutdown, and 4 paid days off for personal wellness determined by Cisco

  • Non-exempt employees** receive 16 days of paid vacation time per full calendar year, accrued at rate of 4.92 hours per pay period for full-time employees

  • Exempt employees participate in Cisco's flexible vacation time off program, which has no defined limit on how much vacation time eligible employees may use (subject to availability and some business limitations)

  • 80 hours of sick time off provided on hire date and each January 1st thereafter, and up to 80 hours of unused sick time carried forward from one calendar year to the next

  • Additional paid time away may be requested to deal with critical or emergency issues for family members

  • Optional 10 paid days per full calendar year to volunteer

For non-sales roles, employees are also eligible to earn annual bonuses subject to Cisco's policies.

Employees on sales plans earn performance-based incentive pay on top of their base salary, which is split between quota and non-quota components, subject to the applicable Cisco plan. For quota-based incentive pay, Cisco typically pays as follows:

  • .75% of incentive target for each 1% of revenue attainment up to 50% of quota;

  • 1.5% of incentive target for each 1% of attainment between 50% and 75%;

  • 1% of incentive target for each 1% of attainment between 75% and 100%; and

  • Once performance exceeds 100% attainment, incentive rates are at or above 1% for each 1% of attainment with no cap on incentive compensation.

For non-quota-based sales performance elements such as strategic sales objectives, Cisco may pay 0% up to 125% of target. Cisco sales plans do not have a minimum threshold of performance for sales incentive compensation to be paid.

The applicable full salary ranges for this position, by specific state, are listed below:

New York City Metro Area:

$165,000.00 - $277,600.00

Non-Metro New York state & Washington state:

$146,700.00 - $247,000.00

  • For quota-based sales roles on Cisco's sales plan, the ranges provided in this posting include base pay and sales target incentive compensation combined.

** Employees in Illinois, whether exempt or non-exempt, will participate in a unique time off program to meet local requirements.

Cisco is an Affirmative Action and Equal Opportunity Employer and all qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, gender, sexual orientation, national origin, genetic information, age, disability, veteran status, or any other legally protected basis.

Cisco will consider for employment, on a case by case basis, qualified applicants with arrest and conviction records.


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About Cisco Systems

Sourced by ZipRecruiter

Cisco Systems, a global tech titan based in San Jose, CA, US, operates in the information technology and services industry. Founded in 1984, the company was derived from a project between two computer scientists from Stanford University. They aimed to connect different networks of computer systems at the university, resulting in the first multi-protocol router, and subsequently, the birth of Cisco. As an industry-leading manufacturer of networking hardware and telecommunications equipment, Cisco's product and services range includes routers, switches, firewall devices, and telecommunication technology. The company's mission, "to shape the future of the Internet by creating unprecedented value and opportunity for our customers, employees, investors, and ecosystem partners," is a testament to its pursuit of technology-forward innovation and customer satisfaction.

Industry

Computer and computer peripheral equipment and software wholesalers

Company size

10,000+ Employees

Headquarters location

San Jose, CA, US

Year founded

1984

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