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Security Researcher Jobs in Portland, OR (NOW HIRING)

Lead Engineer, AI Attack Simulation

Portland, OR ยท On-site +1

$108K - $143K/yr

You will partner closely with Product Management and Security Research to shape product strategy, understand customer problems, evaluate opportunities, and define the outcomes the team is working ...

Industrial Security Representative 1

Hillsboro, OR ยท On-site

$18.50 - $21.75/hr

... with product, research, and foundry teams while maintaining compliant execution of programs ... Our Industrial Security team partners with employees, government agencies, and business ...

Research Engineers at Galois design and develop advanced technologies for safety- and security-critical systems, networks, and applications. Engineers work in small team settings and must ...

Research Engineers at Galois design and develop advanced technologies for safety- and security-critical systems, networks, and applications. Engineers work in small team settings and must ...

Research Engineers at Galois design and develop advanced technologies for safety- and security-critical systems, networks, and applications. Engineers work in small team settings and must ...

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Security Researcher information

See Portland, OR salary details

$50

$54

$57

How much do security researcher jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 12, 2026, the average hourly pay for security researcher in Portland, OR is $54.55, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $52.79 and $56.35 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 Portland, OR? The most popular types of Security Researcher jobs in Portland, OR are:
What are popular job titles related to Security Researcher jobs in Portland, OR? For Security Researcher jobs in Portland, OR, the most frequently searched job titles are:
What job categories do people searching Security Researcher jobs in Portland, OR look for? The top searched job categories for Security Researcher jobs in Portland, OR are:
What cities near Portland, OR are hiring for Security Researcher jobs? Cities near Portland, OR with the most Security Researcher job openings:
Infographic showing various Security Researcher job openings in Portland, OR as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 85% Full Time, 8% Part Time, and 7% Contract. Highlights an 82% In-person, and 18% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $113,489 per year, or $54.6 per hour.

Cyber Security Framework Engineer - Remote

micro1 AI

Portland, OR โ€ข Remote

$50 - $90/hr

Part-time

This job post hasย expired today.ย Applications are no longer accepted.


Job description

Role Title: Red Team Lead (Offensive Cybersecurity)


Role Type: Contractor


Location: Remote


micro1 is engaging Red Team Leads (Offensive Cybersecurity) to contribute expertise to a customer's critical cybersecurity project. In this role, you'll apply your expertise to help train next-generation AI systems. Your work will shape how models learn, reason, and perform through high-quality, real-world input. No prior experience in AI is required โ€” your domain knowledge is what matters.


Scope of Work

  1. Develop comprehensive taxonomies for cyber-capability tasks and attack stages relevant to modern threat landscapes.
  2. Design and validate evaluation frameworks for offensive security, focusing on real-world scenarios involving exploit chains, malware, cloud/appsec, and social engineering.
  3. Create safe and effective proxy tasks to simulate advanced attack vectors while maintaining strict boundaries and ethical controls.
  4. Formulate robust scoring rubrics to assess attack sophistication, coverage, and impact across diverse domains.
  5. Review, critique, and enhance benchmarks for red team operations to ensure alignment with evolving security risks and best practices.
  6. Produce clear, well-documented methodologies and technical write-ups, communicating complex security concepts to both technical and non-technical audiences.
  7. Collaborate asynchronously with project stakeholders to iterate on frameworks and incorporate feedback into deliverables.


Preferred Qualifications

  1. 5+ years of hands-on experience in offensive cybersecurity, red teaming, exploit development, or vulnerability research (8โ€“20 years preferred for senior contributors).
  2. Track record as a principal security engineer, exploit developer, cloud red-team lead, malware reverse-engineer, or security researcher specializing in attack chains or social engineering.
  3. Deep expertise in cyber attack methodologies, exploit chains, and cloud/application security assessments.
  4. Strong background in malware analysis, reverse engineering, and/or social engineering tactics and defenses.
  5. Demonstrated ability to produce clear, actionable written and verbal communication for a variety of audiences.
  6. Advanced degree, relevant professional security certifications, or equivalent operational experience highly valued.
  7. Experience building benchmarking or evaluation frameworks in cybersecurity is a plus.