1

Security Researcher Jobs in Virginia (NOW HIRING)

Principal Vulnerability Researcher

Herndon, VA · On-site

$180K - $289K/yr

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Life

  • Retirement

  • PTO

Our fast-growing roster of government customers relies on us to deliver advanced security solutions, and we're looking for a Principal Vulnerability Researcher to help us continue pushing boundaries.

Vulnerability Researcher

Reston, VA · On-site

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Retirement

  • PTO

Research cutting edge techniques and technologies for system exploitation * Leverage expertise in ... Active government security clearance at TS/SCI level with eligibility for special accesses ...

Chief Engineer for R&D

Reston, VA · On-site

$225K - $275K/yr

Experience as a security researcher with demonstrated background in reverse engineering of hardware, decompiling/disassembly of embedded code, and protocol analysis * Strong oral, written, and ...

Chief Engineer for R&D

Reston, VA · On-site

$225K - $275K/yr

Experience as a security researcher with demonstrated background in reverse engineering of hardware, decompiling/disassembly of embedded code, and protocol analysis * Strong oral, written, and ...

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

Vulnerability Researcher

Herndon, VA · On-site

$150K - $300K/yr

In this role, you will apply advanced vulnerability research (VR), reverse engineering (RE), and ... Active TS/SCI security clearance. * 7+ years of expertise in programming within contemporary ...

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 ...

Showing results 41-60

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.

Technology Researcher with Security Clearance

Nightwing

Arlington, VA • On-site

$99K - $206K/yr

Other

Medical, Dental, Vision, Retirement, PTO

Re-posted 1 hour ago


Job description

Nightwing provides technically advanced full-spectrum cyber, data operations, systems integration and intelligence mission support services to meet our customers' most demanding challenges. Our capabilities include cyber space operations, cyber defense and resiliency, vulnerability research, ubiquitous technical surveillance, data intelligence, lifecycle mission enablement, and software modernization. Nightwing brings disruptive technologies, agility, and competitive offerings to customers in the intelligence community, defense, civil, and commercial markets. Nightwing is supporting a U.S. Government customer to provide support for onsite incident response to civilian Government agencies and critical asset owners who experience cyber-attacks, providing immediate investigation and resolution. Contract personnel perform investigations to characterize the severity of breaches, develop mitigation plans, and assist with the restoration of services. Nightwing is seeking a Cyber Technology Researcher to support this critical customer mission. The Cyber Technology Researcher will be responsible for concurrently tracking, advising, and managing individual cases through their lifecycle - from initial submission to capability delivery and feedback. The researcher will adhere to established procedures to document technical requirements, develop potential courses of action, and oversee the implementation of capabilities aligned to those requirements. Responsibilities: - Conducting capability-based research into commercial and non-commercial technology solutions that address customer identified technology needs. - Evaluating technology solutions against identified functional and technical customer requirements. Evaluations may include hands-on capability testing of trial licenses and open-source capabilities. - Remaining up-to-date on emerging market technologies and products that relate to capabilities that may impact customer operations and analysis. - Collaborating with knowledge management personnel to maintain an inventory of customer-procured technologies, tools, and data holdings relevant to mission needs. - Meeting with and engaging customer request submitters to clarify requirements, discuss potential solutions, and ensure alignment between technology recommendations and customer mission needs. Required Skills: - U.S. Citizenship - Active Secret Clearance, TS/SCI preferred - Ability to obtain Department of Homeland Security (DHS) Entry on Duty (EOD) Suitability - 5+ years of direct relevant experience in IT cyber operations, systems integration or related fields - Strong understanding of federal cybersecurity operations and mission environments - Experience managing technology pilots and production transitions - Knowledge of change management and configuration control processes - Experience with DevOps, CI/CD, and integration automation practices - Strong project coordination and stakeholder management skills - Ability to assess and mitigate operational risks - Experience with incident response and mission-critical system operations - Excellent communication and documentation skills Desired Skills: - ITIL, PMP, or similar operations/project management certification - Experience with CISA programs or similar federal cybersecurity operations - Background in cybersecurity tool integration and automation - Experience managing integrations in federated multi-stakeholder environments - Knowledge of Zero Trust architecture implementation - Experience with cloud operations and hybrid environment management - Familiarity with malware analysis tools and cybersecurity platforms Required Education: BS Systems Engineering, Computer Science, Cyber Security, Computer Engineering, or related degree; or HS Diploma & 7-9 years of directly relevant experience. Desired Certifications: - DoD 8140 IAT Level II Syndeo: ESS--3613, ESS-3614, ESS-3615 Salary & Benefits
The salary associated with this position ($99,000-$206,000) is commensurate with the selected candidate's qualifications, years of relevant experience, and demonstrated level of expertise. Compensation will be determined based on these factors to ensure alignment with skills, responsibilities, and market standards. Nightwing offers medical, vision and dental insurance coverage in addition to a 401k plan, PTO, Holidays, and additional insurances. Nightwing is An Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action 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, age or any other federally protected class.