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Vulnerability Research Jobs in Washington (NOW HIRING)

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Vulnerability Researcher II

Columbia, MD · On-site

The role involves debugging software, performing source code analysis, developing proof-of-concept exploits, and leading reverse engineering and vulnerability research efforts. Responsibilities : • ...

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$41.9K

$120.1K

$161.4K

How much do vulnerability research jobs pay per year?

As of Sep 7, 2026, the average yearly pay for vulnerability research in Washington is $120,069.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $117,800.00 and $117,800.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is a vulnerability research?

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 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 the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive in a vulnerability research position?

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 popular job titles related to Vulnerability Research jobs in Washington?

For Vulnerability Research jobs in Washington, the most frequently searched job titles are:

What job categories do people searching Vulnerability Research jobs in Washington look for?

The top searched job categories for Vulnerability Research jobs in Washington are:

What cities in Washington are hiring for Vulnerability Research jobs?

Cities in Washington with the most Vulnerability Research job openings:

Vulnerability Research jobs near you
Infographic showing various Vulnerability Research job openings in Washington as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% Internship, 1% As Needed, 81% Full Time, 9% Part Time, 2% Temporary, and 6% Contract. Highlights an 79% Physical, 4% Hybrid, and 17% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $120,069 per year, or $57.7 per hour.

Senior Vulnerability Research Engineer

Nightwing

Annapolis, MD • On-site

$77K - $163K/yr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Posted 12 days ago

Key responsibilities

  • Use advanced systems to find zero-day vulnerabilities.

  • Analyze, design, and identify programmatic behaviors related to vulnerabilities.

  • Research data and develop new design ideas for vulnerability techniques.

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 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.
Job Description
Vulnerability Researcher:
Use advanced systems to find zero-day (O-day) vulnerabilities. Responsible for analyzing, designing, and identifying programmatic behaviors. Have an opportunity to develop, test, and debug software applications. Research data and provide new design ideas for vulnerability techniques. Understands terminologies like debugging and fuzzing and applying it into your work.
Role Type:
This position is an onsite role
Required Skills:
  • Must have a current TS/SCI with CI polygraph security clearance. Because the position requires a clearance all candidates must be US citizens.
  • Typically requires a Bachelor of Science in Computer Science, Computer Engineering, Electrical Engineering, or a related technical field at 6 years of practical experience in a technology-related environment
  • We require you to have a solid understanding of software development and knowledge in any of the following: C, C++, or Python
  • Experience with program analysis, reverse engineering, and debugging tools (e.g., angr, BAP, IDA Pro, Binary Ninja, gdb, Ghidra, windbg)
  • Knowledge of Windows or Linux
  • Knowledge of Assembly (x86/x64)

Desired Skills:
  • Understanding of OS Internals (any major OS)
  • Experience with exploit development, Hack The Box, etc...
  • Experience reading or writing assembly
  • Understanding of network protocols, application layer, be able to read/write socket code
  • Understanding of exploit mitigations such as DEP and ASLR

Relevant Certifications (Not Required): Relevant Cybersecurity Certifications (e.g. oscp, oscE, OSWP, OSEP, OSWE, OSED, OSEE, GPEN, GWAPT, GXPN, CISSP)
What We Offer:
Whether you're just starting out on your career journey or are an experienced professional, we offer a total rewards package that goes above and beyond with compensation; healthcare, wellness, retirement and work/life benefits; career development and recognition programs.
Previously part of a leading Fortune 100 company and headquartered in Dulles, VA; Nightwing became independent in 2024 but continues to support the nation's most mission impactful initiatives.
When we formed Nightwing, we brought a deep set of credentials and an unfaltering commitment to the mission. For over four decades, our team has been providing some of the world's most technically advanced full-spectrum cyber, data operations, systems integration and intelligence support services to the U.S. government on its most important missions.
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.
Salary & Benefits
The salary associated with this position ($77,000-$163,000) 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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