ZipRecruiter

Log In

1

Vulnerability Research Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Nightwing

Windows Vulnerability Research

Sterling, VA · On-site

$203K/yr

Our capabilities include cyber space operations, cyber defense and resiliency, vulnerability research, ubiquitous technical surveillance, data intelligence, lifecycle mission enablement, and software ...

Nwis

Windows Vulnerability Research

Sterling, VA · On-site

$203K/yr

Our capabilities include cyber space operations, cyber defense and resiliency, vulnerability research, ubiquitous technical surveillance, data intelligence, lifecycle mission enablement, and software ...

KBR

Vulnerability Researcher

Beavercreek, OH

$99.20K - $130K/yr

In this role, you will focus on handson vulnerability research, including building emulationbacked test environments, developing fuzzing workflows, performing crash triage and rootcause analysis, and ...

KBR, Inc.

Vulnerability Researcher

Beavercreek, OH · On-site

$99.20K - $130K/yr

In this role, you will focus on hands-on vulnerability research, including building emulation-backed test environments, developing fuzzing workflows, performing crash triage and root-cause analysis ...

KBR, Inc.

Senior Vulnerability Researcher

Beavercreek, OH · On-site

$142K - $213K/yr

This role owns end-to-end vulnerability research: building emulation-backed test environments, designing fuzzing and analysis workflows, performing crash triage and root-cause analysis, and ...

next page

Showing results 1-20

People also search for

All JobsVulnerability Research Jobs

Vulnerability Research information

See salary details

$37K

$106K

$142.5K

How much do vulnerability research jobs pay per year?

As of May 29, 2026, the average yearly pay for vulnerability research in the United States is $106,012.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $104,000.00 and $104,000.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is a Vulnerability Research job?

A Vulnerability Research job involves identifying, analyzing, and reporting security weaknesses in software, hardware, or networks. Researchers use reverse engineering, fuzz testing, and other techniques to discover exploitable flaws before malicious actors can exploit them. Their findings help improve security by enabling developers and organizations to patch vulnerabilities and strengthen defenses. This role requires a deep understanding of cybersecurity, programming, and exploit development.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive in the Vulnerability Research position, and why are they important?

To thrive in Vulnerability Research, you need a strong background in cybersecurity principles, programming, reverse engineering, and deep knowledge of common operating systems and network protocols, often supported by a relevant degree in computer science or similar fields. Familiarity with tools such as IDA Pro, Ghidra, Wireshark, Metasploit, and certifications like OSCP or CEH is highly valuable. Analytical thinking, persistence, attention to detail, and effective written communication are critical soft skills in this field. These capabilities ensure you can effectively discover, analyze, and document security vulnerabilities, contributing to safer software and systems.

What are some common challenges faced in a Vulnerability Research role?

One of the main challenges in Vulnerability Research is keeping up with constantly evolving threat landscapes and security technologies, which requires continuous learning and adaptability. Researchers often encounter complex and undocumented systems, making analysis and exploitation both technically demanding and time-consuming. You may collaborate closely with other cybersecurity professionals, developers, and incident response teams to verify findings, replicate vulnerabilities, and share remediation strategies. Successfully navigating these challenges is rewarding and allows you to make a tangible impact on organizational security.
More about Vulnerability Research jobs
What cities are hiring for Vulnerability Research jobs? Cities with the most Vulnerability Research job openings:
What are the most commonly searched types of Vulnerability Research jobs? The most popular types of Vulnerability Research jobs are:
What states have the most Vulnerability Research jobs? States with the most job openings for Vulnerability Research jobs include:
What job categories do people searching Vulnerability Research jobs look for? The top searched job categories for Vulnerability Research jobs are:
Vulnerability Research jobs near you
Infographic showing various Vulnerability Research job openings in the United States as of May 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% Internship, 86% Full Time, 11% Part Time, and 2% Contract. Highlights an 88% Physical, 3% Hybrid, and 9% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $106,012 per year, or $51 per hour.

Windows Vulnerability Research

Nightwing

Sterling, VA • On-site

$203K/yr

Full-time

Posted 5 days ago

Job description

Nightwing provides technically advanced full-spectrum cyber, data operations, systems integration and intelligence mission support services to meet our customers' most demanding challenges. Our capabilities include cyber space operations, cyber defense and resiliency, vulnerability research, ubiquitous technical surveillance, data intelligence, lifecycle mission enablement, and software modernization. Nightwing brings disruptive technologies, agility, and competitive offerings to customers in the intelligence community, defense, civil, and commercial markets.
Nightwing is seeking a highly skilled Windows Vulnerability Research (VR) Engineer to support advanced research, development, and exploitation efforts on Windows platforms. The ideal candidate will bring deep technical expertise in low-level programming, vulnerability research, and exploit development, along with a strong background in secure software analysis.
Required Qualifications
In addition to meeting all baseline technical requirements for contractor technical personnel, the candidate must possess, at a minimum, the following:
  • Current TS/SCI with Poly Clearance
  • At least three (3) years of professional experience in each of the following:
    • Developing, testing, and debugging software in C
    • Developing, testing, and debugging software in C++
    • Developing, testing, and debugging software in Python
  • Demonstrated hands-on experience in:
    • Vulnerability Research (VR)
    • Reverse Engineering (RE)
    • Exploit development and exploitation
  • Proven expertise working with Windows operating systems, including internal architectures, debugging, and security mechanisms
Preferred Skills (Optional - if you want to add them later)
  • Experience with Windows kernel internals
  • Familiarity with common reverse engineering tools and debuggers
  • Understanding of modern exploit mitigations and bypass techniques
  • Experience supporting mission-critical or government systems

Please Note: This position is contingent upon award
At Nightwing, we value collaboration and teamwork. You'll have the opportunity to work alongside talented individuals who are passionate about what they do. Together, we'll leverage our collective expertise to drive innovation, solve complex problems, and deliver exceptional results for our clients.
Thank you for considering joining us as we embark on this new journey and shape the future of cybersecurity and intelligence together as part of the Nightwing team.
Nightwing is An Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action Employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability or veteran status, age or any other federally protected class.

Apply