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Security Researcher Jobs in Virginia (NOW HIRING)

GrammaTech

Lead Vulnerability Researcher

Herndon, VA · On-site

$175 - $220/hr

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 ...

nLeague Services Inc

IT Security Analyst

Richmond, VA · On-site

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.

Socket.dev

Lead Vulnerability Researcher

Herndon, VA · On-site

$157 - $235/hr

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 ...

Cmu

AI Security Software Engineer

Arlington, VA · On-site +1

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 ...

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Security Researcher information

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$47

$51

$53

How much do security researcher jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 22, 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 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.
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Security Researcher jobs near you
Infographic showing various Security Researcher job openings in Virginia as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 79% Full Time, 19% Part Time, and 2% Contract. Highlights an 92% Physical, 3% Hybrid, and 5% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $106,082 per year, or $51 per hour.

Sr. Principal Reverse Engineering/Vulnerability Research Engineer

Clarity Innovations

Herndon, VA • On-site

Full-time

Posted 4 days ago

Job description

Clarity Innovations is a trusted national security partner, dedicated to safeguarding our nation's interests and delivering innovative solutions that empower the Intelligence Community (IC) and Department of Defense (DoD) to transform data into actionable intelligence, ensuring mission success in an evolving world.
Our mission-first software and data engineering platform modernizes data operations, utilizing advanced workflows, CI/CD, and secure DevSecOps practices. We focus on challenges in Information Warfare, Cyber Operations, Operational Security, and Data Structuring, enabling end-to-end solutions that drive operational impact.
We are committed to delivering cutting-edge tools and capabilities that address the most complex national security challenges, empowering our partners to stay ahead of emerging threats and ensuring the success of their critical missions. At Clarity, we are people-focused and set on being a destination employer for top talent, offering an environment where innovation thrives, careers grow, and individuals are valued. Join us as we continue to lead innovation and tackle the most pressing challenges in national security.
Position Summary
As a member of the Security Research team, you will imagine weaknesses in multiple types of systems and then find, demonstrate/document, and exploit those weaknesses. You will be joining a team of mature and extremely competent Security Researchers to breakdown and fully understand how a host of different systems function. You will need to leverage extensive experience performing static and dynamic analysis and must be familiar with multiple classes of vulnerabilities. Additionally, you must be extremely comfortable communicating with team members, technical partners, and non-technical partners alike. The ideal candidate will be comfortable and confident operating at the early phases of a vulnerability research project and have the mettle to see the project through to multiple phases and iterations.
Role Expectations
  • Perform vulnerability research and reverse engineering for customer tasks
  • Perform advanced static and dynamic analysis using disassemblers, debuggers, emulators, tracers, and fuzzers
  • Develop reliable proof-of-concept and operational exploit capabilities leveraging discovered vulnerabilities
  • Research and bypass modern exploit mitigations security mechanisms
  • Build internal tooling, automation, and research infrastructure to accelerate vulnerability discovery and analysis
  • Perform root-cause analysis on vulnerabilities and communicate findings to technical and non-technical stakeholders
  • Communicate security research findings internally and, when and where appropriate, externally Mentor fellow security researchers
  • Lead small to medium sized teams of Security Researchers for full project lifecycle to include: project design, kickoff, execution and delivery

We are an equal opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, or veteran status.

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