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Vulnerability Research Jobs in Virginia (NOW HIRING)

Nightwing

Windows Vulnerability Research

Sterling, VA · On-site

$122K - $253K/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

$122K - $253K/yr

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

Nightwing

Windows Vulnerability Research

Sterling, VA

$203K/yr

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

Interrupt Labs

iOS Vulnerability Researcher

Arlington, VA · Remote

$59.50 - $82/hr

We are looking for experienced and passionate people who have a background in vulnerability research, offensive security and reverse engineering on Apple platforms. The role: * You'll join our team ...

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Vulnerability Research information

See Virginia salary details

$36.7K

$105.1K

$141.3K

How much do vulnerability research jobs pay per year?

As of Jul 30, 2026, the average yearly pay for vulnerability research in Virginia is $105,103.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $103,100.00 and $103,100.00 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.

What are popular job titles related to Vulnerability Research jobs in Virginia? For Vulnerability Research jobs in Virginia, the most frequently searched job titles are:
What job categories do people searching Vulnerability Research jobs in Virginia look for? The top searched job categories for Vulnerability Research jobs in Virginia are:
What cities in Virginia are hiring for Vulnerability Research jobs? Cities in Virginia with the most Vulnerability Research job openings:
Vulnerability Research jobs near you
Infographic showing various Vulnerability Research job openings in Virginia as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 89% Full Time, and 11% Contract. Highlights an 84% In-person, 5% Hybrid, and 11% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $105,103 per year, or $50.5 per hour.

Windows Vulnerability Research

Nightwing

Sterling, VA • On-site

$122K - $253K/yr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Retirement, PTO

Re-posted 7 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
Salary & Benefits
The salary associated with this position ($122,000-$253,000) is commensurate with the selected candidate's qualifications, years of relevant experience, and demonstrated level of expertise. Compensation will be determined based on these factors to ensure alignment with skills, responsibilities, and market standards.
Nightwing offers medical, vision and dental insurance coverage in addition to a 401k plan, PTO, Holidays, and additional insurances.
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.

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