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Security Research Jobs (NOW HIRING)

The Pennsylvania State University

With a primary focus on supporting Penn State's Applied Research Laboratory (ARL) and newly created National Security Institute (NSI) , the person in this role will also cover national security ...

Link, LLC

Windows Security Researcher

Annapolis, MD · On-site

As a Windows Security Researcher, you will be part of a team focused on conducting security ... You should be familiar with the latest techniques in vulnerability research and demonstrate the ...

Elasticsearch B.V.

$200 - $250/hr

As a Principal Security Research Engineer on the Threat Research and Detection Engineering (TRaDE) team, you'll play a key role in shaping the detection capabilities of Elastic Security. You'll work ...

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How much do security research jobs pay per hour?

As of Sep 8, 2026, the average hourly pay for security research in the United States is $51.44, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $49.76 and $53.12 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

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 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.

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 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.

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 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.
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Security Research jobs near you
Infographic showing various Security Research job openings in the United States as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 87% Full Time, 11% Part Time, and 2% Contract. Highlights an 93% Physical, 2% Hybrid, and 5% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $107,000 per year, or $51.4 per hour.

Research Manager - Security Research/Audits & Compliance

Tenable, Inc.

Columbia, MD • On-site

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Posted 13 days ago

Job description

Who is Tenable?
Tenable® is the Exposure Management company. Over 40,000 organizations around the globe rely on Tenable to understand and reduce cyber risk. Our global employees support 65 percent of the Fortune 500, 50 percent of the Global 2000, and large government agencies. Come be part of our journey!
What makes Tenable such a great place to work?
Ask a member of our team and they'll answer, "Our people!" We work together to build and innovate best-in-class cybersecurity solutions for our customers; all while creating a culture of belonging, respect, and excellence where we can be our best selves. When you're part of our #OneTenable team, you can expect to partner with some of the most talented and passionate people in the industry, and have the support and resources you need to do work that truly matters. We deliver results that exceed expectations and we win together!
Applicants must be authorized to work for any employer in the U.S. without sponsorship. We are unable to provide sponsorship for work visas of any kind at the time of hire, or at any point during employment. This includes, but is not limited to: F1-OPT, F1-CPT, H-1B, TN, J-1, etc.
Your Role:
Tenable is looking for a Research Manager to join our Audits and Compliance team. The team is responsible for developing software which informs our customers of any compliance misconfigurations in their environments. This position will involve developing audit checks and compliance plugins to detect these misconfigurations using our products, and extending coverage to new technologies. This role will involve some interfacing with stakeholders outside the Research team.
Your Opportunity:
  • Provides hands-on technical day-to-day leadership of the team in terms of prioritizing, reviewing and championing audits & compliance initiatives and other research projects
  • Externalizes team capabilities through knowledge sharing to other teams throughout the organization and build relationships and opportunities for collaboration
  • Externalizes team capabilities to current customers, potential customers, partners and standards bodies
  • Mentors talented research engineers on the team and helps recruit enthusiastic, innovative researchers to grow the team
  • Collaborates closely with other research teams, program management and various parts of the Tenable Product organization on different projects
  • Handles day-to-day management tasks such as performance reviews, employee time off, HR Coordination, IT resource management, etc.
  • Keeps team accountable & is accountable for the team and all its members
  • Enhances the culture

What You'll Need:
  • 3+ years of experience in security research as an individual contributor. Management experience or team lead experience preferred
  • Prior experience working with international and remote teams
  • Hybrid: Ability to commute to our Columbia, MD headquarters - 3 days per week
  • Strong communication and organizational skills
  • Ability to collaborate and drive efforts from teams across multiple organizations
  • Keep abreast with the advancements and developments in the security industry and perform original research to keep our customers secure and in compliance with benchmark standards
  • Adaptable and able to shift priorities among initiatives, as needed
  • Prior experience leading and performing open-ended security research when given high-level requirements and details of the desired outcome.
  • Must possess the ability to solve problems logically, research options, and focus on meaningful data to draw the right conclusions under pressure
  • Familiar with Python, Go, and SCAP/OVAL and able to do code reviews for quality and accuracy
  • B.S. degree in Computer Science or a related field, or equivalent work experience; M.S. preferred

And Ideally:
  • Strong understanding of security standards such as NIST 800-53, CIS Benchmarks, or DISA STIGS
  • Experience with modern AI development tools
  • Experience with XSL transforms
  • Experience with REST API usage
  • Experience with regular expressions
  • Experience with NASL
  • Experience implementing configuration controls (Group Policy, config files, etc.)
  • Previous participation in IT or other similar audit functions. Understanding of the interrelationships between IT resources, internal and external auditors and regulatory or oversight boards.
  • One or more security related certifications (e.g. CISSP, CISA, CISM) (Desired)

#LI-Hybrid #LI-LP1
This is the base pay range for this position. Compensation for the role will depend on a number of factors, including the candidate's qualifications, skills, competencies, location and experience, and may fall outside of the range shown. Employees are also eligible for variable compensation in addition to base pay (commission for sales roles, bonus for non-sales roles), depending on company and individual performance. Tenable also offers a variety of comprehensive and competitive benefits which include: medical, dental, vision, disability and life insurance; 401(k) retirement savings with company match; an employee stock purchase plan; an employee referral program; flexible spending accounts; an Employee Assistance Program (EAP); education assistance; parental leave; paid time off (PTO); company-paid holidays; health and wellness events; and community programs.
US Pay Range
$145,000-$193,666.67 USD
We're committed to promoting Equal Employment Opportunity (EEO) at Tenable - through all equal employment opportunity laws and regulations at the international, federal, state and local levels. If you need a reasonable accommodation due to a disability during the application or recruiting process, please contact Recruiting@Tenable.com for further assistance.
Tenable Data Consent Statement
Tenable is committed to protecting the privacy and security of your personal data. Depending on your location, one or more of the following notices may apply to you:
General Applicant Privacy Notice
California Applicant Privacy Notice
EU/EEA/UK Applicant Privacy Notice

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