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Security Researcher Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Microsoft

Principal Security Researcher

Redmond, WA · On-site

We are looking for a principal-level security researcher with deep experience in threat operations and Defender tooling to help design, execute, and analyze advanced adversary simulations ...

Microsoft

Senior Security Researcher

Redmond, WA · On-site

Responsibilities As a Senior Security Researcher on the MTP Research Purple Team, you will: • Design and execute adversary simulations that emulate real-world threat actors across endpoint ...

Cmu

Network Security Researcher

Arlington, VA

As a network security researcher on the Network Situational Awareness team, you will research network threats to develop methods of detection and tailor these for partner environments. Transition of ...

Nvidia

Senior AI Security Researcher

Durham, NC

NVIDIA is looking for a Senior AI Security Researcher to help define how frontier AI systems, agentic applications, and AI-enabled security automation are tested, attacked, defended, and safely ...

Cmu

Network Security Researcher

Pittsburgh, PA · On-site

As a network security researcher on the Network Situational Awareness team, you will research network threats to develop methods of detection and tailor these for partner environments. Transition of ...

Cmu

Associate AI Security Researcher

Pittsburgh, PA · On-site

Are you excited about pioneering new research areas that will impact academia, industry, and national security? If so, we want you for our team, where you'll collaborate to deliver high-quality ...

CertiK

Public Facing Security Researcher

About the Company Born from groundbreaking research at Columbia University and Yale University, CertiK is a leading Web3 security company focused on securing blockchain protocols, smart contracts ...

Apple

Offensive Security Researcher, SEAR

Cupertino, CA · On-site

You will join a team working with world-class offensive security researchers. The work is critical directly shapes the security posture of Apple. You will conduct offensive research into AI-specific ...

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How much do security researcher jobs pay per hour?

As of Jul 20, 2026, the average hourly pay for security researcher in the United States is $51.44, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $49.76 and $53.12 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 Security Researchers?

Security Researchers are professionals who analyze computer systems, networks, and software to identify vulnerabilities and potential security threats. They often discover new types of cyberattacks, develop tools or methods to test for weaknesses, and recommend ways to improve security. Security Researchers may work for private companies, government agencies, or independently, and they play a crucial role in preventing cybercrime by staying ahead of hackers. Their work often involves reverse engineering, penetration testing, and publishing their findings to help strengthen cybersecurity across the industry.

Can I make $200,000 a year in cyber security?

Security Researchers can potentially earn $200,000 or more annually, especially with advanced skills, certifications, and experience in high-demand areas like penetration testing or threat analysis. Salaries vary based on industry, location, and level of expertise, with senior roles and specialized skills commanding higher pay.

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 does a security researcher do?

A security researcher analyzes computer systems, networks, and software to identify vulnerabilities and develop ways to protect against cyber threats. They often use tools like penetration testing and vulnerability scanners and may hold certifications such as CISSP or CEH. Their work helps improve cybersecurity defenses and prevent cyberattacks.

How to get a job as a security researcher?

To become a security researcher, develop strong knowledge of cybersecurity principles, programming, and network protocols. Obtain relevant certifications such as CISSP or CEH, gain experience through internships or labs, and stay updated on current security threats and tools like Wireshark or Metasploit.

How much do security researchers make in the US?

Security researchers in the US typically earn a median salary of around $100,000 per year, with entry-level positions starting at approximately $70,000 and experienced professionals earning over $130,000. Salaries vary based on experience, certifications, and the complexity of the security environment they work in.

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.
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Security Researcher jobs near you
Infographic showing various Security Researcher job openings in the United States as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 87% Full Time, 9% Part Time, 1% Temporary, and 3% Contract. Highlights an 86% Physical, 3% Hybrid, and 11% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $107,000 per year, or $51.4 per hour.

Senior AI Security Researcher

Tessell Inc

San Francisco, CA

Other

Re-posted 13 days ago

Job description

AI Security Researcher

About Tessell

Tessell is redefining enterprise data infrastructure with an AI-native, multi-cloud Database-as-a-Service (DBaaS) platform designed for both transactional and analytical workloads. Our platform simplifies and automates the complete database lifecycle, enabling organizations to securely manage, scale, and optimize data across cloud environments. As we continue to innovate at the intersection of cloud, data, and AI, security remains a foundational pillar of everything we build.

Role Overview

We are looking for a highly skilled AI Security Researcher to join our Security team and help shape the future of secure cloud and AI-native data platforms. In this role, you will conduct advanced security research to identify emerging threats, uncover novel attack vectors, and drive the development of security capabilities that protect modern cloud-native and AI-powered environments.

SUMMARY
We're looking for a talented AI Security Researcher to join our team and play a critical role at Tessell, risk-driven approach to cloud security. This role requires deep technical research into complex cloud- and AI-native environments to identify the most significant, unaddressed risks.

WHAT YOU'LL DO

  • Conduct deep technical research to discover and report novel risks and attack vectors specific to modern cloud and AI-native architectures and systems. 
  • Discover and articulate the highest unaddressed risk areas, working with Product and Engineering teams to translate research into product capabilities.
  • Define necessary foundational product capabilities by delivering both compelling proofs of risk (demonstrating impact) and technical POCs (showing how to solve it).
  • Work closely with Product and Engineering teams to ensure comprehensive risk coverage and support the investigation of new and complex product scope.

WHAT YOU'LL BRING

  • 8+ years of hands-on experience in security or security research, specifically relevant to modern cloud environments (AWS, GCP, Azure, Kubernetes, etc.).
  • Strong hands-on skills with scripting languages (e.g., Python, Go) for automation and research, as well as query languages (e.g., KQL, SQL) for efficient data analysis of security telemetry. 
  • Proven ability to work independently, prioritize effectively, and drive complex, multi-quarter research projects from initial concept through to clear, delivered impact.
  • Excellent written and verbal communication skills, with a track record of successfully collaborating with cross-functional teams (e.g Product, Engineering, Marketing) to achieve shared goals.

ADVANTAGE

  • Specialized knowledge or research experience in cloud security, focusing on risks to AI as deployed in the enterprise. 
  • Experience in public-facing work, such as presenting at recognized industry conferences, authoring technical blog posts, or publishing research.
  • Experience conducting data-driven research and working with large-scale security telemetry to derive statistically significant or high-impact findings.
Why Join Tessell?

  • Work on cutting-edge cloud, database, and AI technologies.

  • Influence the security strategy of a rapidly growing enterprise data platform.

  • Collaborate with world-class engineers, architects, and security professionals.

  • Solve complex security challenges at the intersection of AI, cloud infrastructure, and data management.

  • Make a direct impact on the security and trust of next-generation data platforms.

Apply