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Security Research Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Senior Security Researcher The research is what sets a disruptive MDR apart, and at TENEX it drives ... Research emerging threats. Investigate adversary tradecraft, malware, and attack techniques across ...

Security researchers have a strong technical background and excel at creative problem solving. You rely on your expertise to guide your approach to investigations, including generating your own ...

Senior Security Researcher The research is what sets a disruptive MDR apart, and at TENEX it drives ... Research emerging threats. Investigate adversary tradecraft, malware, and attack techniques across ...

Are you excited about pioneering new research areas that will impact academia, industry, and national security? If so, we want you for our team, where you'll collaborate to deliver high-quality ...

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 ...

Senior Security Researcher The research is what sets a disruptive MDR apart, and at TENEX it drives ... Research emerging threats. Investigate adversary tradecraft, malware, and attack techniques across ...

$140 - $210/hr

We\'re seeking a Senior Security Research Engineer who has a solid background in macOS and Kubernetes / container security, useful experience in detection engineering, and a genuine interest in ...

New

Required : • 3+ years of full-time experience in security research, offensive security, or related fields. • Experience with finding vulnerabilities in source code • Experience creating PoC ...

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 ...

Showing results 41-60

Security Research information

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How much do security research jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 17, 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 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.
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What cities are hiring for Security Research jobs?

Cities with the most Security Research job openings:

What states have the most Security Research jobs?

States with the most job openings for Security Research jobs include:

Infographic showing various Security Research job openings in the United States as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 85% Full Time, 12% Part Time, and 3% 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.

Offensive Security Researcher, Kernel & Embedded Security

Apple

Manhattan, NY • On-site

Other

Re-posted 5 days ago


Apple rating

8.0

Company rating: 8.0 out of 10

Based on 677 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

7th of 30 rated technology retailers


Job description

Role Number: 200667546-2459

Summary

Apple's Security Engineering & Architecture organization is responsible for the security of all Apple products. Passionate about safeguarding our users, we take an offensive approach to defense — finding and fixing vulnerabilities before they can be exploited. When it comes to securing more than a billion devices running the world's most sophisticated operating systems, that means finding vulnerabilities first.

Can you make a difference on this scale? Join our extraordinary team of security researchers and help protect all Apple users.

Description

We engage in various activities, including vulnerability research, binary exploitation, security tooling development, fuzzing, machine learning, and many more. By developing and harnessing state-of-the-art technologies, we amplify our impact on Apple's product security.

In this role, your primary focus will be on the kernel and embedded layers of Apple platforms. You will conduct offensive security research across operating system kernels, boot ROMs, firmware, secure enclaves, and other low-level components that form the foundation of our security architecture. You will work in cross-functional teams alongside other researchers and engineering teams to evaluate and strengthen the most privileged layers of our products.

This job is for individuals with outstanding technical skills, grit, and a genuine passion for breaking systems — so we can build them stronger.

If this is you, we'd love to hear from you.

Minimum Qualifications

  • Proven experience in vulnerability research targeting operating system kernels, firmware, or embedded components

  • Strong understanding of low-level vulnerability classes and exploitation techniques, such as memory corruption, race conditions, and use-after-free

  • Ability to apply AI techniques and tools, such as LLMs or Machine Learning, for security research

  • Outstanding collaboration skills

Preferred Qualifications

  • Deep knowledge of kernel internals, including virtual memory management, system call interfaces, and driver frameworks

  • Experience with firmware and boot ROM security analysis, including secure boot chains and hardware trust anchors

  • Familiarity with embedded processors and coprocessors security (e.g., Secure Enclave, DMA-capable peripherals, baseband)

  • Fluency with tool development, using programming languages such as C, C++, Python, Swift, or Objective-C

  • Experience with reverse-engineering techniques and tools like IDA or Ghidra

  • Knowledge of Apple operating systems like iOS or macOS is nice-to-have, but not required

Apple is an equal opportunity employer that is committed to inclusion and diversity. We seek to promote equal opportunity for all applicants without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, Veteran status, or other legally protected characteristics.


What Apple employees say

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Hours and flexibility

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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