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Senior Vulnerability Researcher Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Senior Vulnerability Researcher

Dayton, OH · Hybrid

$175K/yr

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Life

  • Retirement

  • PTO

Senior Vulnerability Researcher Battelle delivers when others can't. We conduct research and development, manage national laboratories, design and manufacture products and deliver critical services ...

Senior Vulnerability Researcher

Dayton, OH · Hybrid

$175K/yr

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Life

  • Retirement

  • PTO

Senior Vulnerability Researcher Battelle delivers when others can't. We conduct research and development, manage national laboratories, design and manufacture products and deliver critical services ...

Senior Vulnerability Researcher

Columbus, OH · On-site

$135K - $175K/yr

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Life

  • Retirement

  • PTO

As a Senior Vulnerability Researcher, you will work with disassemblers and debuggers to quickly understand how embedded devices operate. You will use and build tools that push past the edge of ...

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Senior Vulnerability Researcher information

See salary details

$28.5K

$76.6K

$137.5K

How much do senior vulnerability researcher jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 19, 2026, the average yearly pay for senior vulnerability researcher in the United States is $76,607.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $50,000.00 and $98,500.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What does a senior vulnerability researcher do?

A Senior Vulnerability Researcher is responsible for identifying, analyzing, and reporting security vulnerabilities in software, hardware, or network systems. They use advanced techniques to discover potential security flaws that could be exploited by attackers. Their work involves reverse engineering, penetration testing, and developing proof-of-concept exploits to demonstrate risks. Additionally, they often collaborate with development teams to recommend mitigation strategies and help improve overall security posture.

What are some common challenges faced by senior vulnerability researchers when working on complex systems?

Senior Vulnerability Researchers often encounter challenges such as reverse engineering proprietary software, analyzing obfuscated code, and dealing with a lack of documentation for complex systems. Collaboration with cross-functional teams, such as software developers and security analysts, is essential to understand system intricacies and coordinate responsible disclosure. Staying updated with the latest attack techniques and adapting to rapidly evolving technology landscapes are also key aspects of the role.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a senior vulnerability researcher, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Senior Vulnerability Researcher, you need deep expertise in cybersecurity, reverse engineering, exploit development, and a strong background in computer science or a related field. Familiarity with tools like IDA Pro, Ghidra, debuggers, and proficiency in programming languages such as C, Python, and assembly are essential, along with relevant certifications like OSCP or CEH. Analytical thinking, attention to detail, and effective communication are critical soft skills for collaborating with teams and presenting complex findings. These competencies are vital for identifying and mitigating security risks, ensuring robust protection of digital assets, and driving advancements in security research.

What is the difference between Senior Vulnerability Researcher vs Security Analyst?

AspectSenior Vulnerability ResearcherSecurity Analyst
Required CredentialsCertifications like OSCP, CISSP, CEH; strong technical backgroundCertifications like Security+, CISSP; focus on monitoring and analysis
Work EnvironmentResearch labs, cybersecurity firms, R&D teamsSecurity operations centers, corporate IT departments
Employer & Industry UsageTech companies, cybersecurity firms, government agenciesFinancial institutions, healthcare, enterprise organizations
Common Search & Comparison IntentUnderstanding advanced vulnerability research rolesComparing security roles in cybersecurity teams

While both roles focus on cybersecurity, a Senior Vulnerability Researcher specializes in identifying and analyzing security flaws through research and testing, often working in labs or R&D environments. In contrast, a Security Analyst monitors security systems, responds to incidents, and maintains overall security posture within organizations. The roles complement each other but differ in focus and daily responsibilities.

More about Senior Vulnerability Researcher jobs

What cities are hiring for Senior Vulnerability Researcher jobs?

Cities with the most Senior Vulnerability Researcher job openings:

What are the most commonly searched types of Vulnerability Researcher jobs?

The most popular types of Vulnerability Researcher jobs are:

What states have the most Senior Vulnerability Researcher jobs?

States with the most job openings for Senior Vulnerability Researcher jobs include:

What job categories do people searching Senior Vulnerability Researcher jobs look for?

The top searched job categories for Senior Vulnerability Researcher jobs are:

Infographic showing various Senior Vulnerability Researcher job openings in the United States as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 91% Full Time, 3% Part Time, and 6% Contract. Highlights an 81% Physical, 7% Hybrid, and 12% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $76,607 per year, or $36.8 per hour.

Senior Vulnerability Researcher

Battelle

Dayton, OH • Hybrid

$175K/yr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Posted 22 days ago


Job description

Senior Vulnerability Researcher

Battelle delivers when others can't. We conduct research and development, manage national laboratories, design and manufacture products and deliver critical services for our clients—whether they are a multi-national corporation, a small start-up or a government agency.

We recognize and appreciate the value and contributions of individuals from a wide range of backgrounds and experiences and welcome all qualified individuals to apply.

Job Summary

Battelle is currently seeking an aspiring Senior Vulnerability Researcher to work from our Columbus, OH; Chantilly, VA; or Beavercreek offices.

As a Senior Vulnerability Researcher, you will work with disassemblers and debuggers to quickly understand how embedded devices operate. You will use and build tools that push past the edge of current tools and techniques. In a given day you will research and debug an embedded device while getting the chance to bounce ideas off of a close-knit team of researchers. We have the tools and the mentors you will need to take yourself to the next level and who are eager to learn from your experience.

Key Qualifications

  • Bachelor's degree in Computer Science, Computer Engineering, Electrical Engineering, or related field of study with 8 years of experience; Master's degree in related field with 5 years of experience; PhD in a related field with 2 years of experience; or an equivalent combination of education and experience
  • Develop software to run in user-mode or kernel-mode
  • Strong understanding in reading assembly language and using debugging tools
  • Experience with a disassembler for vulnerability research (Ghidra, IDA Pro, BinaryNinja)
  • Experience with one or more assembly languages (x86, x64, ARM, MIPS, PowerPC, etc.)
  • Experience with one or more debuggers (WinDbg, OllyDbg, gdb)
  • Experience with vulnerability research on one or more operating systems: Android, iOS, Windows, Linux, MacOS, VxWorks, QNX, RTOSs, or other custom operating systems
  • Knowledge of advanced exploitation techniques (ret2libc, use-after-free, type confusion)
  • Knowledge of exploit protection techniques (DEP, ASLR/NX)
  • Ability to code in C
  • Understanding of network protocols
  • Ability to work individually and in small fast paced team environments
  • Passion and drive to constantly need to improve your skill set
  • Must Be a US Citizen with the ability and willingness to obtain a Secret or higher clearance

Preferred Qualifications

  • Experience using fuzzing tools such as AFL or Peach
  • Concolic analysis research and implementation
  • Experience emulating embedded platforms for live debugging
  • Experience with microcontrollers
  • Experience with symbolic analysis
  • Active Secret security clearance

Annual salary compensation range: Battelle is committed to fair and equitable compensation practices. The salary range for this role is $ 135,000 - $175,000 (Ohio) and $154,500 - $220,200 (Virginia) per year, in addition to our comprehensive benefits package. A candidate's salary is determined by various factors, including but not limited to education, relevant work experience, skills, and certifications. Salary ranges may vary based on geographic location and market conditions.

Some of the Extras That Make Working Here Great

  • Learn (tuition assistance, paid training) and teach (get published, speak at a conference)
  • Software and Intellectual Property development royalty sharing
  • Mentorship and learning culture
  • Internally funded and guided research projects with large amounts of individual autonomy

Benefits: Live an Extraordinary Life We care about your well-being, not just on the job. Battelle offers comprehensive and competitive benefits to help you live your best life.

  • Balance life through a compressed work schedule : Most of our team follows a flexible, compressed work schedule that allows for every other Friday off—giving you a dedicated day to accomplish things in your personal life without using vacation time.
  • Enjoy enhanced work flexibility, including a hybrid arrangement: You have options for where and when you work. Our Together with Flexibility model allows you to work 60% in-office and 40% remote, with Monday and Tuesday as common in-office days, dependent on team and position needs.
  • Take time to recharge : You get paid time off to support work-life balance and keep motivated.
  • Prioritize wellness : Stay healthy with medical, dental, and vision coverage with wellness incentives and benefits plus a variety of optional supplemental benefits.
  • Better together : Coverage for partners, gender-affirming care and health support, and family formation support.
  • Build your financial future : Build financial stability with an industry-leading 401(k) retirement savings plan. For most employees, we put in 5 percent whether you contribute or not, and match your contributions on top of that.
  • Advance your education : Tuition assistance is available to pursue higher education.

A Work Environment Where You Succeed For brilliant minds in science, technology, engineering and business operations, Battelle is the place to do the greatest good by solving humanity's most pressing challenges and creating a safer, healthier and more secure world. You will have the opportunity to thrive in a culture that inspires you to:

  • Apply your talent to challenging and meaningful projects
  • Receive select funding to pursue ideas in scientific and technological discovery
  • Partner with world-class experts in a collaborative environment
  • Nurture and develop the next generation of scientific leaders
  • Give back to and improve our communities

Vaccinations & Safety Protocols

Battelle may require employees, based on job duties, work location, and/or its clients' requirements to follow certain safety protocols and to be vaccinated against a variety of viruses, bacteria, and diseases as a condition of employment and continued employment and to provide documentation that they are fully vaccinated. If applicable, Battelle will provide reasonable accommodations based on a qualified disability or medical condition through the Americans with Disabilities Act or the Rehabilitation Act or for a sincerely held religious belief under Title VII of the Civil Rights Act of 1964 (and related state laws).

Battelle is an equal opportunity employer. We provide employment and opportunities for advancement, compensation, training, and growth according to individual merit, without regard to race, color, religion, sex (including pregnancy), national origin, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, marital status, age, genetic information, disability, veteran-status veteran or military status, or any other characteristic protected under applicable Federal, state, or local law. Our goal is for each staff member to have the opportunity to grow to the limits of their abilities and to achieve personal and organizational objectives. We will support positive programs for equal treatment of all staff and full utilization of all qualified employees at all levels within Battelle.

The above statements are intended to describe the nature and level of work being performed by people assigned to this job. They are not intended to be an exhaustive list of all responsibilities, activities and skills required of staff members. No statement herein is intended to imply any authorities to commit Battelle unless special written permission is granted by Battelle's Legal Department.