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Security Researcher Jobs in Virginia (NOW HIRING)

CNO Vulnerability Researcher

Herndon, VA ยท On-site

$128K - $214K/yr

  • Medical

  • Life

  • Retirement

  • PTO

Join a dynamic team at the forefront of national security, providing advanced solutions to ... Researching and discovering software vulnerabilities across multiple platforms and environments

Security Product Reverse Engineer

Sterling, VA ยท On-site

$122K - $253K/yr

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Retirement

  • PTO

Conduct vulnerability research (VR) on operating system internals and security mechanisms * Support ... development and testing of Computer Network Exploits (CNEs) against commercial and embedded ...

Conducts security research and keeps abreast of latest security issues. Prepares IT security documentation, including department policies and procedures, agency notifications, Web content, and alerts.

Senior Vulnerability Researcher

Arlington, VA ยท On-site

$128K - $195K/yr

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Life

  • Retirement

  • PTO

As part of our elite team of security researchers, you'll work alongside CNO developers and hardware engineers, conducting cutting-edge vulnerability research on complex, real-world targets. Our ...

Lead Vulnerability Researcher

Herndon, VA ยท On-site

$175 - $220/hr

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Life

  • Retirement

  • PTO

Working side by side with engineers and security researchers, you'll guide investigations, identify critical vulnerabilities, and develop countermeasures with operational impact. Our fast-growing ...

AI Security Software Engineer

Arlington, VA ยท On-site +1

  • Retirement

Our work includes experimental designs for large-scale AI security research programs, AI red teaming, and counter AI applications. Additionally, we work in generative AI and large language models ...

IT Security Analyst 2

Richmond, VA ยท On-site

$33 - $36/hr

Conducts security research and keeps abreast of latest security issues. * Prepares IT security documentation, including department policies and procedures, agency notifications, Web content, and ...

Showing results 21-40

Security Researcher information

See Virginia salary details

$47

$51

$53

How much do security researcher jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 14, 2026, the average hourly pay for security researcher in Virginia is $51.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $49.33 and $52.69 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 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 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 are the most commonly searched types of Security Researcher jobs in Virginia?

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

What are popular job titles related to Security Researcher jobs in Virginia?

For Security Researcher jobs in Virginia, the most frequently searched job titles are:

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

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

Infographic showing various Security Researcher job openings in Virginia as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 82% Full Time, 10% Part Time, and 8% Contract. Highlights an 82% In-person, and 18% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $106,082 per year, or $51 per hour.

Senior Vulnerability Researcher with Security Clearance

Two Six Technologies

Herndon, VA โ€ข On-site

$130K - $196K/yr

Contractor

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Posted yesterday

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Job description

At Two Six Technologies, we build, deploy, and implement innovative products that solve the world's most complex challenges today. Through unrivaled collaboration and unwavering trust, we push the boundaries of what's possible to empower our team and support our customers in building a safer global future. Overview of Opportunity Join the Trusted Electronics & Effects team at Two Six Technologies in Herndon, Virginia, where we push the boundaries of software and firmware reverse engineering to uncover vulnerabilities in wireless and embedded systems. As part of our elite team of security researchers, you'll work alongside CNO developers and hardware engineers, conducting cutting-edge vulnerability research on complex, real-world targets. Our government customers rely on us to deliver mission-critical security solutions, and we're looking for a Senior Vulnerability Researcher who thrives on reverse engineering embedded systems, discovering security weaknesses, and developing innovative proof-of-concept exploits. If you're passionate about wireless security, embedded firmware analysis, and making an impact on national security, we want you on our team. What You'll Do: * Serve as a senior technical contributor to the reverse engineering of wireless and embedded systems, identifying vulnerabilities and assessing their security impact. * Develop proof-of-concept exploits for discovered vulnerabilities following DevOps best practices for keeping code bases organized and maintainable. * Analyze firmware, software protections, and wireless protocols to uncover security flaws. * Utilize and develop custom tools to analyze and manipulate software/firmware binaries. * Collaborate closely with CNO developers, vulnerability researchers, and hardware engineers in a fast-paced, small-team environment. * Solve complex technical challenges with no predefined solutions. What You'll Need (Basic Qualifications): * Bachelor's (or higher) degree in Computer Science, Computer/Electrical Engineering, or a related field (or equivalent practical experience). * Experience developing, debugging, and scripting in C/C++ and Python within Linux command-line environments, with a strong emphasis on low-level programming, memory management, and system interaction for reverse engineering and vulnerability research. * Experience with reverse engineering and vulnerability research, using tools such as IDA Pro, Binary Ninja, or Ghidra. * Expertise in one or more of the following: * Firmware analysis (ARM, MIPS, PowerPC, RTOS). * Firmware rehosting using emulation tools such as QEMU * Fuzzing and exploit development. * Binary obfuscation and anti-analysis techniques. * Wireless protocols and radio signal analysis. * File system forensics and fault injection frameworks. * Knowledge of common network protocols TCP/IP, UDP, or HTTP * Ability to work in the Herndon, Virginia office daily. Nice if you have: * Experience conducting vulnerability research on embedded systems * Experience with defeating modern migrations such as ASLR, DEP, and Stack Canaries * Knowledge of cellular standards such as 4G or 5G * Knowledge of low bandwidth communications such as RS485, RS232, CAN * Knowledge of Wifi, Bluetooth, Zigbee communication * Previous experience in a client-facing technical role Clearance Requirement: * Active US Security clearance of Top Secret level and ability to obtain and maintain TS/SCI #LI-ZS1 #LI-ONSITE Two Six Technologies is committed to providing competitive and comprehensive compensation packages that reflect the value we place on our employees and their contributions. We believe in rewarding skills, experience, and performance. Our offerings include but are not limited to, medical, dental, and vision insurance, life and disability insurance, retirement benefits, paid leave, tuition assistance and professional development. The projected salary range listed for this position is annualized. This is a general guideline and not a guarantee of salary. Salary is one component of our total compensation package and the specific salary offered is determined by various factors, including, but not limited to education, experience, knowledge, skills, geographic location, as well as contract specific affordability and organizational requirements. Salary Range $130,778 - $196,167 USD Looking for other great opportunities? Check out Two Six Technologies Opportunities for all our Company's current openings! Ready to make the first move towards growing your career? If so, check out the Two Six Technologies Candidate Journey ! This will give you step-by-step directions on applying, what to expect during the application process, information about our rich benefits and perks along with our most frequently asked questions. If you are undecided and would like to learn more about us and how we are contributing to essential missions, check out our Two Six Technologies News page! We share information about the tech world around us and how we are making an impact! Still have questions, no worries! You can reach us at Contact Two Six Technologies . We are happy to connect and cover the information needed to assist you in reaching your next career milestone. Two Six Technologies is an Equal Opportunity Employer and does not discriminate in employment opportunities or practices based on race (including traits historically associated with race, such as hair texture, hair type and protective hair styles (e.g., braids, twists, locs and twists)), color, religion, national origin, sex (including pregnancy, childbirth or related medical conditions and lactation), sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, age (40 and over), marital status, disability, genetic information, and protected veteran status or any other characteristic protected by applicable federal, state, or local law. For more information review the Two Six Technologies Equal Employment Opportunity and Affirmative Action Policy and the EEO Poster . If you are an individual with a disability and would like to request reasonable workplace accommodation for any part of our employment process, please send an email to . Information provided will be kept confidential and used only to the extent required to provide needed reasonable accommodations. Additionally, please be advised that this business uses E-Verify in its hiring practices. By submitting the following application, I hereby certify that to the best of my knowledge, the information provided is true and accurate.