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Security Researcher Jobs (NOW HIRING)

OpenReq

Security Researcher

Security Researcher Opportunity Red Balloon Security is a leading security provider and research firm committed to defending embedded devices across a range of critical industries and shaping the ...

DepthFirst

Security Researcher

San Francisco, CA · On-site

About this role We're seeking an experienced Security Researcher to join our effort in building and training AI agents for vulnerability discovery and exploitation. We are building a technology ...

depthfirst

Security Researcher

San Francisco, CA · On-site

The Security Researcher will build technology for vulnerability discovery, collaborate with AI researchers, and contribute to developing advanced detection capabilities. Responsibilities : • Build ...

depthfirst

Security Researcher

San Francisco, CA · On-site

About this role We're seeking an experienced Security Researcher to join our effort in building and training AI agents for vulnerability discovery and exploitation. We are building a technology ...

DepthFirst

Security Researcher

San Francisco, CA · On-site

About this role We're seeking an experienced Security Researcher to join our effort in building and training AI agents for vulnerability discovery and exploitation. We are building a technology ...

Iru

Security Researcher

Miami, FL · Hybrid

The Opportunity We are looking for a Security Researcher specializing in Windows and macOS threat detection to join our small, focused Threat Intelligence and Research team. In this role, you'll ...

SecSrvr

Software Security Researcher

Houston, TX · On-site

About the Software Security Researcher position We are looking for an experienced Security Engineer who will analyze our software designs and implementations from a security perspective, in order to ...

Iru

Security Researcher

Miami, FL · On-site

The Opportunity We are looking for a Security Researcher specializing in Windows and macOS threat detection to join our small, focused Threat Intelligence and Research team. In this role, you'll ...

Cmu

AI Security Researcher

Pittsburgh, PA

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 ...

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 research related to Windows technologies. You should be familiar with the latest techniques in ...

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Security Researcher information

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How much do security researcher jobs pay per hour?

As of Jun 29, 2026, the average hourly pay for security researcher 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.

Can you make $500,000 a year in cyber security?

Security Researchers and cybersecurity professionals can potentially earn $500,000 or more annually, especially at senior levels, in specialized roles, or within high-paying industries like finance or technology. Achieving this often requires advanced skills, certifications, extensive experience, and sometimes leadership or consulting positions.

What jobs in the US pay 300,000 a year?

In the field of security research, senior roles such as cybersecurity directors, chief security officers, or specialized consultants with extensive experience and advanced certifications can earn salaries of $300,000 or more annually. These positions often require advanced technical skills, leadership abilities, and a strong understanding of threat management and security protocols.

What Is a Security Researcher?

A security researcher keeps up-to-date on all the latest developments in threats to computer software and networks. These threats include different types of malware, such as computer viruses, malicious software and scripts, and direct attacks on a network. The main duties of a security researcher are to investigate existing types of malware, analyze their capabilities, and attempt to predict new forms of malware to develop appropriate security responses. They may reverse engineer malware or test security systems.

What are Security Researchers?

Security Researchers are professionals who analyze computer systems, networks, and software to identify vulnerabilities and potential security threats. They often discover new types of cyberattacks, develop tools or methods to test for weaknesses, and recommend ways to improve security. Security Researchers may work for private companies, government agencies, or independently, and they play a crucial role in preventing cybercrime by staying ahead of hackers. Their work often involves reverse engineering, penetration testing, and publishing their findings to help strengthen cybersecurity across the industry.

How much do security researchers get paid?

Security researchers' salaries vary based on experience, location, and industry, but typically range from $70,000 to $130,000 annually. Entry-level positions may start around $60,000, while experienced professionals with specialized skills or certifications can earn over $150,000. Many security researchers also work in environments that require knowledge of tools like penetration testing frameworks and programming languages.

What is the difference between Security Researcher vs Security Analyst?

AspectSecurity ResearcherSecurity Analyst
CredentialsCertifications like CISSP, CEH, OSCPCertifications like CompTIA Security+, CISSP, GIAC
Work EnvironmentResearch labs, cybersecurity firms, R&D teamsSecurity operations centers, corporate IT teams
Employer & IndustryTech companies, cybersecurity firms, government agenciesFinancial institutions, healthcare, enterprise companies
Primary FocusIdentifying vulnerabilities, developing exploits, analyzing threatsMonitoring security systems, incident response, implementing security measures

While both roles focus on cybersecurity, Security Researchers primarily analyze vulnerabilities and develop exploits to understand threats better. Security Analysts focus on monitoring, detecting, and responding to security incidents within organizations. Both roles often require similar certifications and work in related environments, but their core responsibilities differ in scope and daily tasks.

What does a security researcher do?

A security researcher analyzes computer systems, networks, and software to identify vulnerabilities and develop ways to protect against cyber threats. They often use tools like penetration testing and vulnerability scanners and may hold certifications such as CISSP or CEH. Their work helps improve cybersecurity defenses and prevent cyberattacks.

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 deep expertise in computer science, networking, vulnerability assessment, and malware analysis, often supported by a degree in cybersecurity or related fields. Familiarity with tools like IDA Pro, Wireshark, Metasploit, and certifications such as OSCP or CEH is highly valued. Analytical thinking, curiosity, and strong written and verbal communication help distinguish top performers in this role. These skills are crucial for identifying emerging threats, effectively communicating risks, and developing solutions to protect organizations' digital assets.

What are some common challenges Security Researchers face when collaborating with development teams?

Security Researchers often encounter challenges when working with development teams, such as communicating complex vulnerabilities in a way that is actionable for developers and aligning on remediation priorities. Bridging the gap between security findings and practical implementation requires clear documentation and a collaborative mindset. Additionally, researchers must balance thorough testing with minimal disruption to production environments, ensuring security improvements integrate smoothly into development cycles.
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Security Researcher jobs near you
Infographic showing various Security Researcher job openings in the United States as of June 2026, with employment types broken down into 78% Full Time, 11% Part Time, and 11% Contract. Highlights an 89% In-person, and 11% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $107,000 per year, or $51.4 per hour.

Security Researcher

OpenReq

Remote

Other

Posted 6 days ago

Job description

Security Researcher Opportunity

Red Balloon Security is a leading security provider and research firm committed to defending embedded devices across a range of critical industries and shaping the future of the embedded security industry. Our expert team has pioneered foundational technologies, such as Symbiote and OFRAK, that help secure millions of embedded devices currently in service.

Today, we continue to research, develop, and commercialize new capabilities to protect embedded systems manufactured globally. Additionally, our R&D team consists of world-class researchers and developers who publish seminal research papers in the fields of embedded security and intrusion detection. Red Balloon has led research activities funded by the U.S. Government including DARPA, Department of Homeland Security, Air Force, and Navy.

Red Balloon Security raised a Series A in 2018 led by Bain Capital Ventures and also received funding from Greycroft, American Family Ventures and Abstract Ventures. The company's total financing to date is $23.5 million.

About the Role
  • Be at the forefront of embedded security research
  • Conduct defensive and offensive research and reverse engineering on embedded hardware and software
  • Implement and integrate automated host-based defenses in black-box embedded devices
  • Contribute to in-house reverse engineering framework OFRAK (Open Firmware Reverse Analysis Konsole)
  • Develop software for automating vulnerability identification in embedded software
  • Design and develop automated hardware and software testing infrastructure
Requirements
  • BA/BS in Computer Science, Engineering, or a related major
  • Proven experience in software and/or hardware reverse engineering
  • Proficiency in C/C++, and at least 1 scripting language
  • Working knowledge of fundamental computer science concepts and modern software design principles
  • Good understanding of at least 1 assembly language
  • Knowledge of low-level software design and implementation
Preferred Skills
  • 1-3 years of experience in a similar position
  • MA/MS in Computer Science, Engineering, or a related field
  • Specialization in a relevant research area (reverse engineering, fuzzing, static/dynamic analysis, embedded software emulation, embedded software development)
  • Proficiency with ARM / MIPS / PPC assembly languages
  • Strong understanding of software vulnerabilities and practical exploitation techniques
About You
  • You are curious and have a high degree of self-initiative and self-motivation
  • You enjoy collaborating with, learning from, and teaching other engineers
  • You are passionate about building the future of embedded security and advancing the state of security for critical devices by leveraging novel technologies
  • Engineering before science; science before art; art before profit

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