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Security Researcher Jobs in Seattle, WA (NOW HIRING)

Security Researcher

Redmond, WA · On-site

$102K - $202K/yr

We are looking for a Security Researcher with demonstrated cybersecurity and agents testing experience for our team. Our mission is to innovate cutting edge AI testing techniques while stress testing ...

Security Researcher

Redmond, WA · On-site

$102K - $202K/yr

We are looking for a Security Researcher with demonstrated cybersecurity and agents testing experience for our team. Our mission is to innovate cutting edge AI testing techniques while stress testing ...

Security Researcher II

Redmond, WA · On-site

$133K - $219K/yr

The Microsoft Security Response Center (MSRC) is looking for a Security Researcher II to join us in protecting Microsoft services and products, and the users of these, from threats to security and ...

We are seeking a Principal Security Researcher to build and improve the AI-powered, agentic system at the heart of MDASH vulnerability discovery, validation, and resolution. You will combine deep ...

AI Security Researcher II

Redmond, WA · On-site

$102K - $202K/yr

Do you have research experience in AI security, adversarial machine learning, security for AI, and/or the study of agentic AI systems? Do you want to investigate how autonomous, tool-using, and multi ...

We are looking for an experienced Security Researcher II with a Digital Forensics and Incident Response background to join our team to perform threat hunts, assist with investigations, develop threat ...

Apple's Security Engineering & Architecture organization is responsible for the security of all ... Join our extraordinary team of security researchers and help protect all Apple users. Description ...

Senior Director, Community

Seattle, WA · On-site

$210K - $302K/yr

The HackerOne Platform unites agentic AI solutions with the ingenuity of the world's largest community of security researchers to continuously discover, validate, prioritize, and remediate exposures ...

This includes conducting large-scale vulnerability research, security assessments, attack surface analysis, code auditing, fuzzing, exploitability analysis, and emerging threat investigations. We ...

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Security Researcher information

See Seattle, WA salary details

$54

$58

$61

How much do security researcher jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 29, 2026, the average hourly pay for security researcher in Seattle, WA is $58.58, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $56.68 and $60.48 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 Seattle, WA?

The most popular types of Security Researcher jobs in Seattle, WA are:

What are popular job titles related to Security Researcher jobs in Seattle, WA?

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

What job categories do people searching Security Researcher jobs in Seattle, WA look for?

The top searched job categories for Security Researcher jobs in Seattle, WA are:

Infographic showing various Security Researcher job openings in Seattle, WA as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 86% Full Time, 11% Part Time, and 3% Contract. Highlights an 92% Physical, 2% Hybrid, and 6% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $121,837 per year, or $58.6 per hour.

Security Researcher

Microsoft

Redmond, WA • On-site

$102K - $202K/yr

Full-time

Posted 24 days ago


Microsoft rating

8.5

Company rating: 8.5 out of 10

Based on 132 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

80th of 246 rated software companies


Job description

Overview
Are you a red teamer who is looking to break into the AI field? Do you want to find AI failures in Microsoft's largest AI systems and models impacting millions of users? Join Microsoft's AI Red Team where you'll emulate work alongside security experts to test for security and safety failures. We are looking for a Security Researcher with demonstrated cybersecurity and agents testing experience for our team. Our mission is to innovate cutting edge AI testing techniques while stress testing the highest risk AI models, products, and systems. We help our customers, AI makers, expand and strengthen AI security defenses by red teaming prior to launch, coaching developers on how to mitigate when we find in testing environments to make AI safer for all. This work is sprint based, working with AI Safety, Security, and Product Development teams, to run operations that aim to find safety and security risks that inform internal key business decisions. In this role, you will red team AI frontier and foundational models plus applications across Microsoft's AI portfolio including Bing Copilot, Security Copilot, Github Copilot, Office Copilot and Windows Copilot. Our team is an interdisciplinary group of red teamers, adversarial Machine Learning (ML) researchers, Safety & Responsible AI experts and software developers. Our scope is high visibility, with customers ranging from the Office of the CTO to lead AI model builders. We look for creative problem solvers, customer-obsessed coaches, high adaptability, task oriented applied researchers, who like to explore AI question with hands on experimentation. More about our approach to AI Red Teaming:
https://www.microsoft.com/en-us/security/blog/2023/08/07/microsoft-ai-red-team-building-future-of-safer-ai/
Microsoft's mission is to empower every person and every organization on the planet to achieve more. As employees we come together with a growth mindset, innovate to empower others, and collaborate to realize our shared goals. Each day we build on our values of respect, integrity, and accountability to create a culture of inclusion where everyone can thrive at work and beyond.
Responsibilities
  • Discover and exploit GenAI security vulnerabilities end-to-end in order to assess AI systems and models
  • Manage product group stakeholders as priority recipients and collaborators for operational sprints
  • Drive clarity on communication and reporting for red teaming peers when working with product groups
  • Develop methodologies and techniques to scale and accelerate AI Red Teaming in new and emerging threat areas
  • Work alongside traditional offensive security engineers, adversarial ML experts, developers to land responsible AI operations

Embody our culture and values
Qualifications
Required/minimum qualifications
Bachelor's Degree in Statistics, Econometrics, Computer Science, Electrical or Computer Engineering, or related field AND 2+ years related experience (e.g., statistics, predictive analytics, research) OR Master's Degree in Statistics, Econometrics, Computer Science, Electrical or Computer Engineering, or related field AND 1+ year(s) related experience (e.g., statistics, predictive analytics, research) OR Doctorate in Statistics, Econometrics, Computer Science, Electrical or Computer Engineering, or related field OR equivalent experience.
Other Requirements
Ability to meet Microsoft, customer and/or government security screening requirements are required for this role. These requirements include, but are not limited to the following specialized security screenings: Microsoft Cloud Background Check:
- This position will be required to pass the Microsoft background and Microsoft Cloud background check upon hire/transfer and every two years thereafter.
Additional or preferred qualifications
  • Doctorate in Statistics, Mathematics, Computer Science, Computer Security, or related field OR Master's Degree in Statistics, Mathematics, Computer Science, Computer Security, or related field AND 3+ years experience in software development lifecycle, large-scale computing, threat analysis or modeling, cybersecurity, vulnerability research, and/or anomaly detection OR Bachelor's Degree in Statistics, Mathematics, Computer Science, Computer Security, or related field AND 5+ years experience in software development lifecycle, large-scale computing, threat analysis or modeling, cybersecurity, vulnerability research, and/or anomaly detection OR equivalent experience.
  • Penetration testing qualifications; GPEN/GXPN, GWAPT, OSCP/OSCE, CRT/CCT/CCSAS
  • Participation in bug bounties/CTFs
  • Experience of using common penetration testing tools; Kali Linux, Burpsuite, Nmap, Nessus, etc
  • Familiarity with one or more programming languages from: Python, C#, C/C++, PowerShell
  • Prior knowledge of Generative AI not required, though experience testing agents is preferred, while basic familiarity with AI or willingness to learn is desired

Applied Sciences IC3 - The typical base pay range for this role across the U.S. is USD $102,100 - $202,200 per year. There is a different range applicable to specific work locations, within the San Francisco Bay area and New York City metropolitan area, and the base pay range for this role in those locations is USD $133,800 - $219,200 per year.
Certain roles may be eligible for benefits and other compensation. Find additional benefits and pay information here:
https://careers.microsoft.com/us/en/us-corporate-pay
This position will be open for a minimum of 5 days, with applications accepted on an ongoing basis until the position is filled.
Microsoft is an equal opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to age, ancestry, citizenship, color, family or medical care leave, gender identity or expression, genetic information, immigration status, marital status, medical condition, national origin, physical or mental disability, political affiliation, protected veteran or military status, race, ethnicity, religion, sex (including pregnancy), sexual orientation, or any other characteristic protected by applicable local laws, regulations and ordinances. If you need assistance with religious accommodations and/or a reasonable accommodation due to a disability during the application process, read more about requesting accommodations.

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About Microsoft

Sourced by ZipRecruiter

Our infrastructure is comprised of a large global portfolio of more than 100 datacenters and 1 million servers. Our foundation is built upon and managed by a team of subject matter experts working to support services for more than 1 billion customers and 20 million businesses in over 90 countries worldwide. With environmental sustainability and optimization at the forefront of our datacenter design and operations, we continue to grow and evolve as we meet the ever-changing business demands that hold Microsoft as a world-class cloud provider.

Industry

Computer and computer peripheral equipment and software wholesalers

Company size

10,000+ Employees

Headquarters location

Redmond, WA, US

Year founded

1975

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