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Software Security Researcher Jobs (NOW HIRING)

As a Firmware Security Researcher, you will work with cutting edge technology alongside some of the ... teams from software, hardware, user privacy, design, and more. Your influence will be felt ...

Senior/Staff Security Researcher

$117K - $160K/yr

Learn more at semgrep.dev. About the role The way software gets secured is changing faster than at ... Our security research team is building the systems that make that real, and we're looking for a ...

Software Security Engineer

Austin, TX · On-site +1

$115K - $130K/yr

Partner with software engineering, architecture, and DevOps teams to embed security requirements ... Research emerging application security risks, tools, and techniques, and recommend practical ...

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Software Security Researcher information

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How much do software security researcher jobs pay per hour?

As of Sep 9, 2026, the average hourly pay for software 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 does a software security researcher do?

A Software Security Researcher analyzes software systems to identify and address vulnerabilities, ensuring they are secure against cyber threats. They conduct security assessments, penetration testing, and develop tools to detect potential risks. In addition, they stay updated on the latest security trends and help organizations improve their security practices by recommending solutions and writing reports. Their work is crucial in preventing data breaches and maintaining the integrity of software products.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a software security researcher?

To thrive as a Software Security Researcher, you need a strong background in computer science, cybersecurity principles, and vulnerability analysis, often supported by a relevant degree or industry certifications like CEH or OSCP. Familiarity with tools such as IDA Pro, Burp Suite, Wireshark, and scripting languages like Python is typically essential. Critical thinking, attention to detail, and strong problem-solving abilities help distinguish top performers in this role. These skills and qualities are crucial for identifying security flaws, anticipating emerging threats, and developing effective defensive strategies.

What are some common challenges software security researchers face when analyzing new or emerging threats?

Software Security Researchers often encounter challenges such as staying ahead of rapidly evolving attack techniques, limited access to proprietary or obfuscated code, and the need to balance thorough analysis with quick response times. Analyzing zero-day vulnerabilities or sophisticated malware often demands creative problem-solving and persistence, as attackers use increasingly complex evasion methods. Researchers typically collaborate closely with other security professionals, developers, and sometimes law enforcement to share findings and develop effective countermeasures.

What cities are hiring for Software Security Researcher jobs?

Cities with the most Software Security Researcher job openings:

What states have the most Software Security Researcher jobs?

States with the most job openings for Software Security Researcher jobs include:

What are popular job titles related to Software Security Researcher jobs?

For Software Security Researcher jobs, the most frequently searched job titles are:

Infographic showing various Software Security Researcher job openings in the United States as of September 2026, with employment types broken down into 85% Full Time, 13% Part Time, and 2% Contract. Highlights an 90% Physical, 2% Hybrid, and 8% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $107,000 per year, or $51.4 per hour.

Firmware Security Researcher, SEAR

Cupertino, CA

Apple
Computer and Electronic Product Manufacturing • 10K+ employees

$129K - $225K/yr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Retirement

Re-posted 26 days ago


Key responsibilities

  • Evaluate security-critical aspects of products, including system architecture, code review, and product features.

  • Develop automated tools for security analysis, verification, and regression defense.

  • Identify threats, develop mitigations, and challenge existing security techniques through evaluation and proof of concept exploitation.


Apple rating

8.1

Company rating: 8.1 out of 10

Based on 684 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

6th of 30 rated technology retailers


Job description

Embedded within Apple’s Security Engineering & Architecture organization, our team’s mission is to ensures secure runtime environments for our firmware, constrained, and isolated compute environments, so that we can protect sensitive user assets and prevent advanced attacks against our customers. We're looking for an outstanding Firmware Security Researcher to join our exceptional team whose focus is on securing the lowest level of our system to create secure and privacy preserving products that billions of users trust.
As a Firmware Security Researcher, you will work with cutting edge technology alongside some of the most creative, passionate, hardworking engineers in the industry; collaborating with teams from software, hardware, user privacy, design, and more. Your influence will be felt throughout Apple's extraordinary products, including: the iPhone, Apple Vision Pro, Mac and Apple TV. Our team challenge and learn from each other to go beyond the norm to find new, innovative ways of solving problems and making our software, hardware, and customers safer. Not many jobs can offer all of these things. Security engineering jobs at Apple do, and much more.
Description
The role of a Firmware Security Researcher is as diverse as it is essential, you will lead research and analysis in identifying vulnerabilities and trends across our platforms, invent new defensive technologies to eliminate entire classes of issues, and drive the delivery of security mitigations in collaboration with our partner engineering teams.
A typical day in the role may include:
* Evaluating security-critical aspects of our products, from system architecture to code review, from product features definition to circuit layout
* Providing security focused consultations to partner teams on new features and technologies
* Developing intelligent automated tools for security analysis, verification, and regression defence
* Identifying threats and driving the development of mitigations to prevent them
* Challenging existing mitigation techniques through evaluation and proof of concept exploitation
* reverse engineering exploits, if necessary
This position may require some travel to other Apple sites and vendors.
Preferred Qualifications
Ideas and enthusiasm for using AI to fundamentally change the field of security engineering
Proficiency with threat modelling complex systems
Background in software exploitation
Familiarity with operating system internals, especially macOS, iOS, or other flavours of UNIX
Experience with memory safe programming languages and/or techniques
Minimum Qualifications
Familiarity with firmware and embedded system technologies
Experience with secure programming and code auditing
Knowledge of modern anti-exploitation mitigations and their effectiveness
Background in firmware or systems programming, ideally in C, C++, or another systems programming language
Excellent communication skills
Pay & Benefits
At Apple, base pay is one part of our total compensation package and is determined within a range. This provides the opportunity to progress as you grow and develop within a role. The base pay range for this role is between $129,300 and $225,300, and your base pay will depend on your skills, qualifications, experience, and location.
Apple employees also have the opportunity to become an Apple shareholder through participation in Apple's discretionary employee stock programs. Apple employees are eligible for discretionary restricted stock unit awards, and can purchase Apple stock at a discount if voluntarily participating in Apple's Employee Stock Purchase Plan. You'll also receive benefits including: Comprehensive medical and dental coverage, retirement benefits, a range of discounted products and free services, and for formal education related to advancing your career at Apple, reimbursement for certain educational expenses - including tuition. Additionally, this role might be eligible for discretionary bonuses or commission payments as well as relocation. Learn more about Apple Benefits
Note: Apple benefit, compensation and employee stock programs are subject to eligibility requirements and other terms of the applicable plan or program.

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About Apple

Sourced by ZipRecruiter

Imagine what you could do here! At Apple, new ideas have a way of becoming extraordinary products, services, and customer experiences very quickly. Bring passion and dedication to your job and there's no telling what you could accomplish. Dynamic, intelligent people and inspiring, innovative technologies are the norm here. The people who work here have reinvented entire industries with all Apple Hardware products. The same real passion for innovation that goes into our products also applies to our practices strengthening our dedication to leave the world better than we found it.

Industry

Computer and electronic product manufacturing

Company size

10,000+ Employees

Headquarters location

Cupertino, CA, US

Year founded

1976