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Security Researcher Jobs (NOW HIRING)

LLNL

Senior Security Researcher

Livermore, CA · On-site

S. security and promote global stability. Our mission spans four critical national security areas ... We have multiple openings for a Senior Research Scientist to lead efforts to develop techniques and ...

FiveTwelve

Windows Security Researcher

Hanover, MD · On-site

$5K/mo

The candidate will be working on a team performing security research against Windows technologies. The candidate must be familiar with the latest techniques in vulnerability research and demonstrate ...

Apple

Offensive Security Researcher, SEAR

Cupertino, CA

$181K - $318K/yr

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 ...

Apple

Offensive Security Researcher, SEAR

Cupertino, CA · On-site

$181K - $318K/yr

Offensive Security Researcher, SEAR Apple's Security Engineering & Architecture (SEAR) organization is responsible for the security of all Apple products. Passionate about safeguarding our users, we ...

LLNL

Senior Security Researcher

Livermore, CA

S. security and promote global stability. Our mission spans four critical national security areas ... We have multiple openings for a Senior Research Scientist to lead efforts to develop techniques and ...

LLNL

Senior Security Researcher

Livermore, CA · On-site

S. security and promote global stability. Our mission spans four critical national security areas ... Wehave multiple openings fora Senior Research Scientist to lead efforts to develop techniques and ...

LLNL

Senior Security Researcher

Livermore, CA

S. security and promote global stability. Our mission spans four critical national security areas ... We have multiple openings for a Senior Research Scientist to lead efforts to develop techniques and ...

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How much do security researcher jobs pay per hour?

As of Jun 9, 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.

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.
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Security Researcher jobs near you
Infographic showing various Security Researcher job openings in the United States as of June 2026, with employment types broken down into 4% As Needed, 4% Full Time, 80% Part Time, and 12% Contract. Highlights an 87% Physical, 3% Hybrid, and 10% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $107,000 per year, or $51.4 per hour.

Associate AI Security Researcher

Carnegie Mellon University

Pittsburgh, PA • On-site

Other

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Posted 19 days ago

Carnegie Mellon University rating

8.6

Company rating: 8.6 out of 10

Based on 24 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

51st of 535 rated colleges and universities

Job description

Are you a cybersecurity and/or AI researcher who enjoys a challenge? 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 results in the emerging area of AI security.

The CERT Division of the Software Engineering Institute (SEI) is seeking applicants for the AI Security Researcher role. Originally created in response to one of the first computer viruses -- the Morris worm - in 1988, CERT has remained a leader in cybersecurity research, improving the robustness of software systems, and in responding to sophisticated cybersecurity threats. Ensuring the robustness and security of AI systems is the next big challenge on the horizon, and we are seeking life-long learners in the fields of cybersecurity, AI/ML, or related areas, who are willing to cross-train to address AI Security.

As part of the Threat Analysis Directorate, you will join a group of security experts focused on advancing the state of the art in AI security at a national and global scale.? Our tasks include vulnerability discovery and assessments for AI systems, evaluation of the effectiveness and robustness of defenses and mitigations for AI systems, reverse engineering AI systems and models, and identifying new areas where security research is needed. We participate in communities of network defenders, software developers and vendors, security researchers, AI practitioners, and policymakers. You'll get a chance to work with elite AI and cybersecurity professionals, university faculty, and government representatives to build new methodologies and technologies that will influence national AI security strategy for decades to come.

You will co-author research proposals, execute studies, and present findings and recommendations to our DoW sponsors, decision makers within government and industry, and at academic conferences. The SEI is a non-profit, federally funded research and development center (FFRDC) at Carnegie Mellon University. ?

What you'll do:

  • Develop state of the art approaches for analyzing robustness of AI systems.?

  • Apply these approaches to understanding vulnerabilities in AI systems and how attackers adapt their tradecraft to exploit those vulnerabilities.?

  • Reverse engineer malicious code in support of high-impact customers, design and develop new analysis methods and tools, work to identify and address emerging and complex threats to AI systems, and effectively participate in the broader security community.

  • Study and influence the AI security and vulnerability disclosure ecosystems.?

  • Evaluate the effectiveness of tools, techniques and processes developed by industry and the AI security research community.?

  • Uncover and shape some of the fundamental assumptions underlying current best practice in AI security.???

  • Develop thought models, tools and data sets that can be used to characterize the threats to, and vulnerabilities in, AI systems, and publish those results. You will also use these results to aid in the testing, evaluation and transition of technologies developed by government-funded research programs.??

  • Identify opportunities to apply AI to improve existing cybersecurity research.

Who you are:

  • You have BS in machine learning, cybersecurity, statistics, or related discipline with three (3) years of experience; OR MS in the same fields with one (1) year of experience.

  • You have a deep interest in AI/ML and cybersecurity with a penchant for intellectual curiosity and a desire to make an impact beyond your organization.

  • You have practical experience with applying cybersecurity knowledge toward vulnerability research, analysis, disclosure, or mitigation.

  • You have familiarity with implementing and applying AI/ML techniques to solving practical problems.

  • You have familiarity with common AI/ML software packages and tools (e.g., Numpy, Pytorch, Tensorflow, ART).

  • You have knowledge or familiarity with reverse engineering tools (e.g. NSA Ghidra, IDA Pro)

  • You have experience with Python, C/C++, or low-level programming.

  • You have experience developing frameworks, methodologies, or assessments to evaluate effectiveness and robustness of technologies.

  • You have superb communication skills (oral and written), particularly regarding technical communications with non-experts.

  • Applicants with a solid technical background in AI/ML or cybersecurity, but not both, are encouraged to apply provided a strong desire to rapidly learn on the job.

You are able to:

  • Travel to various locations to support the SEI's overall mission. This includes within the SEI and CMU community, sponsor sites, conferences, and offsite meetings on occasion (5%).

  • You will be subject to a background check and will need to obtain and maintain a Department of War (DoW) security clearance.

Why work here??

  • Join a world-class organization that continues to have a significant impact on software.?

  • Work with cutting-edge technologies and dedicated experts to solve tough problems for the government and the nation.?

  • Be surrounded by friendly and knowledgeable staff with broad expertise across AI/ML, cybersecurity, software engineering, risk management, and policy creation.

  • Get 8% monthly contribution for your retirement, without having to contribute yourself.?

  • Get tuition benefits to CMU and other institutions for you and?your dependent children.?

  • Enjoy a healthy work/life balance with?flexible work arrangements and paid parental and military leave.?

  • Enjoy annual professional development opportunities; attend conferences and training or obtain a certification and get reimbursed for membership in professional societies.?

  • Qualify for relocation assistance and so much more.??

Joining the CMU team opens the door to an array of exceptional benefits.

Benefits eligible (https://www.cmu.edu/hr/benefits/eligibility/index.html) employees enjoy a wide array of benefits including comprehensive medical, prescription, dental, and vision insurance (https://www.cmu.edu/hr/benefits/health-welfare/index.html) as well as a generous retirement savings program (https://www.cmu.edu/hr/benefits/retirement-savings/index.html) with employer contributions. Unlock your potential with tuition benefits (https://www.cmu.edu/hr/benefits/tuition/index.html) , take well-deserved breaks with ample paid time off (https://www.cmu.edu/hr/benefits/time-away/pto.html) and observed holidays (https://www.cmu.edu/hr/benefits/time-away/holidays.html) , and rest easy with life and accidental death and disability insurance.

Additional perks include a free Pittsburgh Regional Transit bus pass, access to our Family Concierge Team (https://www.cmu.edu/hr/work-life/support/family-child-care-resources/index.html) to help navigate childcare needs, fitness center access (https://athletics.cmu.edu/recreation/facilities) , and much more!

For a comprehensive overview of the benefits available, explore our Benefits page (https://www.cmu.edu/hr/benefits/index.html) .

At Carnegie Mellon, we value the whole package when extending offers of employment. Beyond credentials, we evaluate the role and responsibilities, your valuable work experience, and the knowledge gained through education and training. We appreciate your unique skills and the perspective you bring. Your journey with us is about more than just a job; it's about finding the perfect fit for your professional growth and personal aspirations.

Are you interested in an exciting opportunity with an exceptional organization?! Apply today!

Location

Pittsburgh, PA

Job Function

Software/Applications Development/Engineering

Position Type

Staff - Regular

Full Time/Part time

Full time

Pay Basis

Salary

More Information:

  • Please visit "Why Carnegie Mellon (http://www.cmu.edu/jobs/why-cmu/index.html) " to learn more about becoming part of an institution inspiring innovations that change the world.

  • Click here (https://www.cmu.edu/jobs/benefits-at-a-glance/) to view a listing of employee benefits

  • Carnegie Mellon University is an Equal Opportunity Employer/Disability/Veteran .

  • Statement of Assurance (https://www.cmu.edu/policies/administrative-and-governance/statement-of-assurance.html)

Interested in a career with Carnegie Mellon University but not finding anything that currently aligns with your interests, background, or experience? Learn how to sign up for Job Alerts (https://www.cmu.edu/jobs/external-applicants.html#job-alerts) through your candidate profile.

If your heart is in your work, come work with us. Carnegie Mellon University isn't just one of the world's most renowned educational institutions - it's also a hotspot for some of the most talented doers, dreamers, and difference-makers on the planet. When you join our staff, you'll become an important part of our mission to create a healthier, safer, and more just life for all. No matter what your role or location, you'll connect and collaborate with dedicated, passionate colleagues - and you'll have the satisfaction of delivering work that truly matters.

We cultivate a vibrant, welcoming environment where everyone is valued and encouraged to contribute and achieve. In addition to competitive benefits and a robust support network, you'll have access to many tools and resources to sharpen your abilities and professional skills, as well as opportunities to engage and share perspectives with a dynamic and inspiring community of uniquely talented staff, faculty, students, and alumni.

The future is awaiting your expertise and intellect. Come join the architects of what's next. Apply now.

Learn more about Student Employment (https://www.cmu.edu/sfs/student-employment/index.html) .

Please see Faculty Careers. (https://www.cmu.edu/faculty-office/faculty-recruitment/faculty-careers.html)

For technical assistance, email HR Services (hr-help@andrew.cmu.edu) or call 412-268-4600.

If you are an individual with a disability and you require assistance with the job application process, please email Equal Opportunity Services (employeeaccess@andrew.cmu.edu) or call 412-268-3930.

Prospective Employee Disclosures (https://www.cmu.edu/jobs/disclosures/index.html)

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