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Vulnerability Researcher Contractor Jobs in Missouri

Vulnerability Researcher Contractor information

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a vulnerability researcher contractor?

To thrive as a Vulnerability Researcher Contractor, you need a deep understanding of computer systems, networking, programming languages (such as C/C++, Python), and a strong background in cybersecurity, often supported by relevant degrees or certifications like OSCP or CEH. Familiarity with vulnerability assessment tools (e.g., IDA Pro, Burp Suite, Metasploit), reverse engineering platforms, and bug tracking systems is typically required. Analytical thinking, attention to detail, and effective written communication are vital soft skills in this role. These skills ensure the accurate identification, documentation, and mitigation of security vulnerabilities, which are crucial for protecting organizational assets.

What are the typical collaboration dynamics for a vulnerability researcher contractor within cybersecurity teams?

As a Vulnerability Researcher Contractor, you’ll often work closely with internal security teams, developers, and sometimes external clients to identify, analyze, and document security flaws. Despite being a contractor, you’ll participate in regular team meetings, share findings, and sometimes assist in developing proof-of-concept exploits or remediation guidance. The role requires strong communication skills, as you’ll need to clearly explain technical vulnerabilities to both technical and non-technical stakeholders. Contract positions may also require rapid onboarding and adaptability to different workflows, making flexibility and proactive communication essential.

What does a vulnerability researcher contractor do?

A Vulnerability Researcher Contractor is an information security professional who specializes in identifying, analyzing, and documenting security vulnerabilities in software, systems, or networks. They are often hired on a temporary or project basis to assess the security posture of an organization or specific products. Their responsibilities may include conducting penetration tests, reverse engineering software, developing proof-of-concept exploits, and providing recommendations for mitigating discovered vulnerabilities. Contractors in this role typically work independently or as part of a security team and may present their findings to stakeholders or assist in developing security patches.

What is the difference between Vulnerability Researcher Contractor vs Penetration Tester?

AspectVulnerability Researcher ContractorPenetration Tester
CredentialsCertifications like OSCP, CEH, CISSP often preferredSimilar certifications, often including OSCP, CEH, GPEN
Work EnvironmentResearch-focused, analyzing vulnerabilities in systems and softwarePractical testing, simulating attacks to identify security gaps
Employer & Industry UsageConsulting firms, cybersecurity companies, freelance rolesSecurity firms, internal security teams, consulting roles
Search & Comparison IntentUnderstanding research vs active testing rolesDistinguishing between research and hands-on attack simulation

While both roles involve cybersecurity expertise, Vulnerability Researcher Contractors focus on discovering and analyzing vulnerabilities through research, whereas Penetration Testers actively simulate attacks to evaluate security defenses. Both roles often require similar certifications and work in related environments, but their core activities differ: research versus practical testing.

What are popular job titles related to Vulnerability Researcher Contractor jobs in Missouri?

For Vulnerability Researcher Contractor jobs in Missouri, the most frequently searched job titles are:

What job categories do people searching Vulnerability Researcher Contractor jobs in Missouri look for?

The top searched job categories for Vulnerability Researcher Contractor jobs in Missouri are:

What cities in Missouri are hiring for Vulnerability Researcher Contractor jobs?

Cities in Missouri with the most Vulnerability Researcher Contractor job openings:

Security Engineer-Network Systems

Children's Mercy KC

Kansas City, MO

$101K - $139K/yr

Full-time

Posted 5 days ago


Children's Mercy Kansas City rating

8.3

Company rating: 8.3 out of 10

Based on 57 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

82nd of 1,059 rated hospitals


Job description

Thanks for your interest in Children's Mercy!

Do you envision finding a meaningful role with an inclusive and compassionate team? At Children's Mercy, we believe in making a difference in the lives of all children and shining a light of hope to the patients and families we serve. Our employees make the difference, which is why we have been recognized by U.S. News & World Report as a top pediatric hospital, for eleven consecutive years.

Children's Mercy is in the heart of Kansas City - a metro abounding in cultural experiences, vibrant communities and thriving businesses. This is where our patients and families live, work and play. This is a community that has embraced our hospital and we strive to say thanks by giving back. As a leader in children's health, we engage in meaningful programs and partnerships throughout the region so that we can improve the lives of children beyond the walls of our hospital.

Overview

This role is responsible for protecting the network perimeter, keeping computer systems and network devices hardened against attacks and providing security services to protect highly sensitive data such as passwords and customer information. The individual will be responsible for configuring, and managing security tools to secure, log, and monitor network traffic and access to systems and applications to prevent data loss. The Security Engineer will be expected to research, test, and implement security solutions that align with industry and organizational best practices and compliance initiatives. In addition, this position requires significant hands-on technical expertise to ensure that all the required security best practices are followed and documentation is accurate and complete. The candidate should possess strong knowledge and experience with risk analysis, network scanning, network security configuration testing, and vulnerability assessments.

At Children's Mercy, we are committed to ensuring that everyone feels welcomed within our walls. A successful candidate for this position will join us as we strive to create a workplace that reflects the community we serve, as well as our core values of kindness, curiosity, inclusion, team and integrity.

Additionally, it's important to us that we remain transparent with all potential job candidates. Because we value the safety of the patients and families we serve, as well as the Children's Mercy staff, we want to let you know that the seasonal influenza vaccine is a condition of employment for all employees in our organization. New employees must be willing to be vaccinated if found non-immune to measles, mumps, rubella (MMR) and chicken pox (varicella) and/or without evidence of tetanus, diphtheria, acellular pertussis (Tdap) vaccination since 2005. If you are selected for this position, you will be asked to supply your immunization records as proof of vaccination. If you and have any concerns about receiving these vaccines, medical and/or religious exemptions can be further discussed with Human Resources.

Responsibilities
  • Install, configure, maintain and troubleshoot security systems firewalls, routers, switches, intrusion detection systems, anti-virus software, authentication systems, log management, content filtering, etc.
  • Identify and define base security standards and configurations for networks and systems to and work closely with networking and systems professionals to harden and remediate vulnerabilities.
  • Research and test security tactics, techniques, and procedures in a controlled lab environment and translate best practices to a live production environment to continually improve the organization?s security posture; ensuring that Children's Mercy is in front of newly developing threats.
  • Analyze network traffic to extract the observable characteristics of networks and network devices, thus providing the basis for defensive strategies and troubleshoot complex network and security incidents involving firewalls, switches, IDS/IPS, and network segmentation.
  • Deploy role based administration techniques on various security, networking, and systems devices and applications to ensure the minimum level of privileges are granted while still allowing employees to fulfill their own job responsibilities.
  • Conduct risk assessments and audits with an understanding of ISO 27001 and effectively communicate with internal employees, vendors, contractors, and other representatives of the organization about known security risks and the strategies and best practices that can be implemented to mitigate the risks.
  • Establish secure VPN and remote support capabilities for internal employees and vendors
Qualifications
  • Bachelor's Degree and 5-7 years experience
  • Certified Information Systems Security Professional (CISSP) Preferred
  • Security+ Preferred
  • Information Systems Security Engineering Professional (ISSEP) Preferred
  • Certified Ethical Hacker (CEH) Preferred
  • Cisco Certified Network Associate (CCNA) Preferred
Benefits at Children's Mercy

The benefits plans at Children's Mercy are one of many reasons we are recognized as one of the best places to work in Kansas City. Our plans are designed to meet the changing needs of our employees and their families.

Learn more about Children's Mercy benefits. Starting Pay

Our pay ranges are market competitive. The pay range for this job begins at $39.59/hr, but your offer will be determined based on your education and experience.

Remote Work/Work from Home

This is an intermittent remote position, which means that the person hired will work with his or her manager to determine a schedule that includes both at home and on-site hours at a Children's Mercy location. The incumbent must live in the Kansas City metro area.

EEO Employer/Disabled/Vet

Children's Mercy hires individuals based on their job skills, expertise and ability to maintain professional relationships with fellow employees, patients, parents and visitors. A personal interview, formal education and training, previous work experience, references and a criminal background investigation are all factors used to select the best candidates. The hospital does not discriminate against prospective or current employees based on the race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, disability, creed, genetic information, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, ancestry or veteran status. A drug screen will be performed upon hire. Children's Mercy is smoke and tobacco free.

CM is committed to creating a workforce that supports the diverse backgrounds of our patients and families. We know that our greatest strengths come from the people who make up our team, so we hire great people from a wide variety of backgrounds, not just because it's the right thing to do, but because it makes our hospital stronger and our patient care more compassionate.

If you share our values and our enthusiasm for service, you will find a home at CM. In recruiting for our team, we welcome the unique contributions that you can bring, including education, ideas, culture, and beliefs.

Employment Type: OTHER

What Children's Mercy Kansas City employees say

Pay

Benefits

Hours and flexibility

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About Children's Mercy KC

Sourced by ZipRecruiter

Children’s Mercy KC is a revered health care institution based in Kansas City, MO, US. Known to be one of the top pediatric medical centers in the United States, the establishment is dedicated to offering holistic medical care, pioneering research, and comprehensive education to enhance the well-being of children. Originally founded in 1897 by Alice Berry Graham and her sister, Katharine Berry Richardson, Children's Mercy has since then grown into a multifaceted institution providing world-class pediatric health services.

Industry

Hospitals

Company size

10,000+ Employees

Headquarters location

Kansas City, MO, US

Year founded

1897