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Security Research Jobs in Ohio (NOW HIRING)

Vulnerability Researcher

Dayton, OH · On-site

$84K - $126K/yr

Perform static and dynamic analysis to find security weaknesses under the guidance of senior technical leads. * Develop and refine proof-of-concept (PoC) capabilities to demonstrate research progress ...

Develop and document company-wide best practices for IT security * Research security enhancements and make recommendations for improved policy and process * Analyze IT requirements and provide ...

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Security Research information

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$45

$48

$51

How much do security research jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 6, 2026, the average hourly pay for security research in Ohio is $48.91, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $47.31 and $50.53 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a security researcher, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Security Researcher, you need a solid background in computer science, cybersecurity principles, and vulnerability analysis, often supported by a relevant degree or certifications like OSCP or CEH. Expertise with tools such as IDA Pro, Wireshark, Metasploit, and reverse engineering platforms is typically required. Critical thinking, curiosity, and strong written communication are essential soft skills for investigating threats and sharing findings. These competencies enable Security Researchers to identify, analyze, and mitigate security risks in an evolving threat landscape.

What are some common challenges faced by professionals in security research roles?

Security Researchers often encounter the challenge of keeping up with rapidly evolving threats and technologies. The field demands continuous learning, as new vulnerabilities and attack vectors emerge regularly. Collaborating with cross-functional teams, such as software engineers and incident response, is essential to translate research findings into practical defenses. Additionally, Security Researchers must balance thorough analysis with the need to quickly communicate critical findings to stakeholders, ensuring organizational security remains robust.

How much do security researchers make?

Security researchers typically earn a median annual salary ranging from $70,000 to $120,000, depending on experience, location, and certifications. Entry-level positions may start lower, while experienced professionals with specialized skills or certifications like CISSP can earn higher salaries. Salaries can also vary based on the industry and the complexity of security challenges handled.

What is the difference between Security Research vs Security Analyst?

AspectSecurity ResearchSecurity Analyst
CredentialsCertifications like CISSP, GIAC, OSCP often preferredCertifications like CompTIA Security+, CISSP, CEH common
Work EnvironmentResearch labs, cybersecurity firms, R&D teamsSecurity operations centers, corporate IT departments
Industry UsageUsed in threat discovery, vulnerability research, developing security toolsUsed in monitoring, incident response, security monitoring

Security Research and Security Analysts both play vital roles in cybersecurity. While Security Researchers focus on discovering vulnerabilities and developing new security techniques, Security Analysts monitor systems for threats and respond to incidents. Both roles often require similar certifications and work environments, but their core responsibilities differ in scope and focus.

What is security research?

Security research is the process of studying, analyzing, and developing methods to identify and address vulnerabilities in computer systems, networks, and software. Security researchers investigate potential threats, discover security flaws, and often create proof-of-concept exploits to demonstrate risks. Their work helps organizations understand emerging threats and improve their defenses, often contributing to the wider cybersecurity community by sharing findings and best practices.

What do security researchers do?

Security researchers analyze computer systems, networks, and software to identify vulnerabilities and develop ways to protect against cyber threats. They often use tools like penetration testing, reverse engineering, and security analysis, and may hold certifications such as CISSP or CEH. Their work helps improve cybersecurity defenses and prevent cyberattacks.

How do you become a security researcher?

To become a security researcher, individuals typically pursue a bachelor's degree in computer science, cybersecurity, or a related field, and develop skills in programming, network analysis, and vulnerability assessment. Gaining experience through internships, participating in Capture The Flag (CTF) competitions, and obtaining certifications like Certified Ethical Hacker (CEH) or Offensive Security Certified Professional (OSCP) can also enhance prospects in this field.
What are popular job titles related to Security Research jobs in Ohio? For Security Research jobs in Ohio, the most frequently searched job titles are:
What job categories do people searching Security Research jobs in Ohio look for? The top searched job categories for Security Research jobs in Ohio are:
Infographic showing various Security Research job openings in Ohio as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 84% Full Time, 13% Part Time, and 3% Contract. Highlights an 92% Physical, 3% Hybrid, and 5% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $101,724 per year, or $48.9 per hour.

Embedded Hardware Security Research Engineer

Riverside Research

Dayton, OH

$140K - $190K/yr

Full-time

Re-posted 28 days ago


Job description

Riverside Overview

Riverside Research is an independent National Security Nonprofit dedicated to research and development in the national interest. We provide high-end technical services, research and development, and prototype solutions to some of the country’s most challenging technical problems. All Riverside Research opportunities require U.S. Citizenship.

Position Overview

Riverside Research is seeking an Embedded Hardware Security Research Engineer to work alongside our US Air Force (USAF) and Department of Defense (DoD) partners to develop tamper-protected microelectronic devices and intellectual property (IP). This position will be a Subject Matter Expert (SME) in the understanding of advanced attacks against state-of-the-art integrated circuits and the countermeasures and protective controls to prevent such attacks. Research is conducted in a microelectronics laboratory. You will work with hardware security experts employing a range of microelectronics test equipment, custom software, and computing resources to provide the best support to our customers. This position is located at WPAFB, Ohio.

Responsibilities

Job Responsibilities:

  • Provides subject matter expertise in state-of-the-art implementation attacks
  • Attends technology interchange meetings at DoD and contractor sites
  • Designs and performs research and experiments to assess attack effectiveness against microelectronic devices
  • Interacts with third-party vendors to collect appropriate source information
  • Analyzes secure architectures to identify vulnerabilities
  • Documents findings in technical reports and presentations
  • Develops, maintains, adjusts, and reports on project status and timelines
  • Attends technical conferences to understand new attacks and protections
  • Collaborates with Government research leads to develop and present papers across a variety of DoD conferences and technical interchanges
  • Supports Principal Investigator and Program Manager in the development and documentation of technical requirements for approved research areas
  • Contributes to proposals for new research in similar and/or related technology areas

Qualifications

Required Qualifications:

  • Secret clearance to start, but must be able obtain Top Secret security clearance and all required program access approvals
  • Bachelor’s degree in Electrical Engineering, Computer Engineering, Physics, or Mathematics, and 8 years direct experience in cryptography or embedded hardware security, or a master’s degree in related academic field and 6 years direct experience in cryptography or embedded hardware security, or a PhD with 3 years experience within a related area
  • Experience with Verilog, VHDL, or SystemC
  • Experience designing or working with security features of FPGAs or ASICs
  • Demonstratable understanding of cryptography implementation in embedded technologies including microcontrollers, FPGAs, ASICs, and related technologies
  • Proficiency in C, C++, or Python
  • Proficient in creating technical reports and presentations supporting research areas
  • Willing to travel a few times per year.

Desired Qualifications:

  • Top Secret clearance
  • Experience bare-metal programming microcontrollers or microprocessors
  • Strong understanding of cryptographic algorithms and protocols
  • Strong understanding of implementation attacks including side-channel, glitching, etc.
  • Experience implementing side-channel countermeasures
  • Understanding of sub-100 nm CMOS and FinFET device fabrication, assembly, and packaging including 3DICs
  • Experience working in an R&D environment solving open-ended problems
  • Experience developing and presenting research papers and presentations in relevant subject areas
  • Experience developing research proposals

Global Comp

$140,000-$190,000 This represents the typical compensation range for this position based on experience, location and other factors.

Closing Statement

Riverside Research Institute is a not-for-profit, technology-oriented defense company, where service to our customers and support of our staff is our overall mission. Riverside is an affirmative action-equal opportunity employer and complies with all applicable federal, state, and local laws regarding recruitment and hiring. Riverside offers comprehensive compensation and benefit packages to our employees. Riverside bases its employment decisions solely on technical experience, qualifications and other job-related criteria related to our organizational purpose as a not-for-profit company, and without regard to race, color, religion, age, sex marital status, sexual orientation, national origin, physical or mental disability, veteran’s status or any other status legally protected by applicable federal, state, and local law.