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Security Researcher Jobs in California (NOW HIRING)

As a Firmware Security Researcher, you will work with cutting edge technology alongside some of the most creative, passionate, hardworking engineers in the industry; collaborating with teams from ...

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Security Researcher information

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How much do security researcher jobs pay per hour?

As of Sep 3, 2026, the average hourly pay for security researcher in California is $50.77, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $49.09 and $52.45 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

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 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.

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 do you need to be a security researcher?

A security researcher typically needs a strong understanding of cybersecurity principles, programming skills, and knowledge of networks and systems. Relevant certifications like CISSP or CEH can enhance credibility, and familiarity with tools such as Wireshark or penetration testing frameworks is beneficial. A bachelor's degree in computer science, information technology, or a related field is often required, along with analytical and problem-solving skills.

What are the most commonly searched types of Security Researcher jobs in California?

The most popular types of Security Researcher jobs in California are:

What job categories do people searching Security Researcher jobs in California look for?

The top searched job categories for Security Researcher jobs in California are:

What cities in California are hiring for Security Researcher jobs?

Cities in California with the most Security Researcher job openings:

Infographic showing various Security Researcher job openings in California as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 84% Full Time, 14% Part Time, and 2% Contract. Highlights an 91% Physical, 2% Hybrid, and 7% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $105,598 per year, or $50.8 per hour.

Sr. Security Researcher II (Remote)

CrowdStrike

Sunnyvale, CA โ€ข Remote

Full-time

Medical, Retirement, PTO

Posted 9 days ago


Job description

As a global leader in cybersecurity, CrowdStrike protects the people, processes and technologies that drive modern organizations. Since 2011, our mission hasn't changed - we're here to stop breaches, and we've redefined modern security with the world's most advanced AI-native platform. We work on large scale distributed systems, processing almost 3 trillion events per day and this traffic is growing daily. Our customers span all industries, and they count on CrowdStrike to keep their businesses running, their communities safe and their lives moving forward. We're proud to work for a mission-driven company leveraging AI to transform the way we work. CrowdStrikers drive their careers through flexibility and autonomy while also being expected to contribute to a culture of responsible AI adoption, experimentation, and innovation. We use an AI-first mindset as a force multiplier to proactively and continuously accelerate execution, build expertise, uncover insights, and solve complex problems. We're always looking to add talented CrowdStrikers to the team who have limitless passion, a relentless focus on innovation and a fanatical commitment to our customers, our community and each other. Ready to join a mission that matters? The future of cybersecurity starts with you.


About the Role:

CrowdStrike is looking for a self-starting, action-oriented, and highly motivated Senior Security Researcher to join our Counter Adversary Operations Team. This position will require the candidate to track and collect information related to Russian-language eCrime actors, tools, tradecraft, and techniques in a wide variety of environments, to include the deep and dark web and is instrumental in providing unique insight into finished Intelligence products used by CrowdStrike customers and stakeholders.

The successful candidate will be an operational security (OPSEC)-savvy, detail-oriented problem solver, and have substantial experience driving concurrent projects, self-motivation and ability to execute assigned tasks to completion with minimal direction.

Highly qualified candidates will be a subject matter expert on eCrime, especially Russian-language eCrime threat actors, have significant experience conducting advanced engagement and research pertaining to Russian/Eastern-European eCrime activity, possess a solid understanding of threat intelligence, have strong open source (OSINT) research skills, and be comfortable with internal and cross-team collaboration.

What You'll Do:

  • Collect unique, relevant actionable, and timely information to answer established standing and ad hoc requirements related to eCrime actors, especially Russian-language eCrime actors.

  • Leverage advanced engagement skills and OSINT tradecraft to follow up on leads and identify eCrime threat actors and track them in various online communities.

  • Identify current and emerging cyber threats and trends pertaining to eCrime threat actors, including technical information with a special focus around Russian-language eCrime actors.

  • Create consistently clear, highly-contextualised internal reports of collected information in a way that enables robust analysis.

  • Collaborate with teams producing analytical reports and threat estimates pertaining to eCrime topics, especially Russian language threat actors.

  • Employ secure virtual operational tradecraft methods and practices.

What You'll Need:

Required:

  • Advanced engagement skills with threat actors.

  • Extensive experience conducting OSINT investigations using Russian-language skills.

  • Experience in navigating a wide variety of cyber threat actor environments, to include social media, hidden services, and forums.

  • In-depth familiarity with a wide variety of eCrime groups generally, with a specialty in Russian-language ones.

  • Practical knowledge of technical terminology, tools, and tactics employed by eCrime actors, particularly those used by Russian-language eCrime actors.

  • Ability to adapt quickly to changing environments and identify creative solutions to difficult problems and scenarios with persistence. Tenacity is key.

  • Ability to work as part of a team, as well as self-motivation to collect independently and proactively.

  • Ability to work effectively under tight deadlines with minimal guidance.

  • Excellent attention to detail.

  • Proven experience utilizing AI technologies to enhance decision-making, streamline workflows and processes, improve efficiency and drive business outcomes.

Preferred:

  • Language capabilities including, but not limited to, Russian and Ukrainian.

  • Prior intelligence community, human intelligence (HUMINT), or cyber threat intelligence background highly preferred. Practical experience with virtual HUMINT is highly desirable.

#LI-MB1

#LI-Remote

Benefits of Working at CrowdStrike:

  • Market leader in compensation and equity awards

  • Comprehensive physical and mental wellness programs

  • Competitive vacation and holidays for recharge

  • Paid parental and adoption leaves

  • Professional development opportunities for all employees regardless of level or role

  • Employee Networks, geographic neighborhood groups, and volunteer opportunities to build connections

  • Vibrant office culture with world class amenities

  • Great Place to Work Certified across the globe

CrowdStrike is proud to be an equal opportunity employer. We are committed to fostering a culture of belonging where everyone is valued for who they are and empowered to succeed. We support veterans and individuals with disabilities through our affirmative action program.

CrowdStrike is committed to providing equal employment opportunity for all employees and applicants for employment. The Company does not discriminate in employment opportunities or practices on the basis of race, color, creed, ethnicity, religion, sex (including pregnancy or pregnancy-related medical conditions), sexual orientation, gender identity, marital or family status, veteran status, age, national origin, ancestry, physical disability (including HIV and AIDS), mental disability, medical condition, genetic information, membership or activity in a local human rights commission, status with regard to public assistance, or any other characteristic protected by law. We base all employment decisions--including recruitment, selection, training, compensation, benefits, discipline, promotions, transfers, lay-offs, return from lay-off, terminations and social/recreational programs--on valid job requirements.

If you need assistance accessing or reviewing the information on this website or need help submitting an application for employment or requesting an accommodation, please contact us at recruiting@crowdstrike.com for further assistance.

Find out more about your rights as an applicant.

CrowdStrike participates in the E-Verify program.

Notice of E-Verify Participation

Right to Work

CrowdStrike, Inc. is committed to fair and equitable compensation practices. Placement within the pay range is dependent on a variety of factors including, but not limited to, relevant work experience, skills, certifications, job level, supervisory status, and location. The base salary range for this position for all U.S. candidates is $85,000 - $120,000 per year, with eligibility for bonuses, equity grants and a comprehensive benefits package that includes health insurance, 401k and paid time off.

For detailed information about the U.S. benefits package, please click here.

Expected Close Date of Job Posting is:10-04-2026

CrowdStrike logo

About CrowdStrike

Sourced by ZipRecruiter

#WeAreCrowdStrike and our mission is to stop breaches. As a global leader in cybersecurity, our team changed the game. Since our inception, our market leading cloud-native platform has offered unparalleled protection against the most sophisticated cyberattacks. We're looking for people with limitless passion, a relentless focus on innovation and a fanatical commitment to the customer to join us in shaping the future of cybersecurity. Consistently recognized as a top workplace, CrowdStrike is committed to cultivating an inclusive, remote-first culture that offers people the autonomy and flexibility to balance the needs of work and life while taking their career to the next level. Interested in working for a company that sets the standard and leads with integrity? Join us on a mission that matters - one team, one fight.

Industry

It services

Company size

1,001 - 5,000 Employees

Headquarters location

Sunnyvale, CA, US

Year founded

2012