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Vulnerability Researcher Contractor Jobs in Washington

Software Engineer II

Columbia, MD · On-site

$160K - $190K/yr

Experience or interest in offensive cyber operations, vulnerability research, and software reverse ... About Us Intezra Inc. is a small business prime contractor for all realms of cyber and AI/ML ...

iOS Vulnerability Engineer (Software)

Tysons, VA · On-site

$140K/yr

... Security Researcher, Software Security Analyst, Mobile App Penetration Tester, Cybersecurity ... We are a growing small business and a trusted federal contractor offering full scope consulting ...

iOS Vulnerability Engineer (Software)

Reston, VA · On-site

$145K/yr

... Security Researcher, Software Security Analyst, Mobile App Penetration Tester, Cybersecurity ... We are a growing small business and a trusted federal contractor offering full scope consulting ...

... Security Researcher, Software Security Analyst, Mobile App Penetration Tester, Cybersecurity ... We are a growing small business and a trusted federal contractor offering full scope consulting ...

Showing results 41-60

Vulnerability Researcher Contractor information

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 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 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 Washington?

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

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

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

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

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

Infographic showing various Vulnerability Researcher Contractor job openings in Washington as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 69% Full Time, 9% Part Time, 2% Temporary, and 20% Contract. Highlights an 80% Physical, 2% Hybrid, and 18% Remote job distribution.

Software Engineer II

Intezra, Inc.

Columbia, MD • On-site

$160K - $190K/yr

Full-time

Dental, Vision, Retirement, PTO

Re-posted 2 days ago


Job description

Job Description

Software Engineer — Distributed Web Applications Cloud

Columbia, MD | Full Time | TS/SCI with Polygraph Required

Position: Software Engineer — Distributed Web Applications Cloud (Software Engineer, Level 2)

Location: Columbia, MD (on-site)

Category: Software Engineering / Distributed Systems / Cloud-Native

Clearance Requirement: Active TS/SCI with Polygraph

Compensation: $160,000 – $190,000 (annualized USD)

Experience Requirement:

  • 8+ years with a Bachelor's degree, OR

  • 6+ years with a Master's degree, OR

  • 4 additional years of relevant experience in lieu of a degree

Description

We are seeking a seasoned Software Engineer for the development and maintenance of large-scale, distributed web applications. In this role, you will focus on building robust, scalable systems using modern JavaScript/TypeScript frameworks and Python, while leveraging DevOps automation to manage cloud-native environments.

While the primary focus is high-level software architecture and development, this team operates in the offensive cyber space. Candidates with a background — or a strong personal interest — in reverse engineering and vulnerability research will find a unique opportunity to apply their engineering rigor to complex security challenges.

Responsibilities

  • Develop and maintain large-scale, distributed web applications using Node.js, TypeScript, and Python.

  • Architect scalable microservices and backend systems that support high-performance data processing and communication.

  • Use DevOps automation tools and Infrastructure-as-Code to deploy and manage services in commercial cloud environments.

  • Build robust CI/CD pipelines to ensure the continuous delivery of secure and reliable software updates.

  • Collaborate with security researchers to integrate engineering best practices into offensive cyber and vulnerability research projects.

  • Collaborate with users and analysts to improve tooling and operational capabilities.

Skills Requirements

  • Professional software development experience in JavaScript, TypeScript, and Python.

  • Knowledge of building and maintaining enterprise-grade, distributed web applications and system architectures.

  • Experience with DevOps automation, cloud service providers (e.g., AWS), and Infrastructure-as-Code methodologies.

  • Knowledge of modern software engineering principles, including version control, testing frameworks, and agile workflows.

  • Experience with secure development environments and non-attributed network configurations.

Nice to Haves

  • Experience or interest in offensive cyber operations, vulnerability research, and software reverse engineering.

  • Knowledge of Android application architecture and experience or interest in mobile vulnerability research.

  • Experience with low-level programming in C/C++ and use of debuggers such as gdb or similar tools.

Compensation Employment Policy

Salary is determined by multiple factors, including location, education, experience, skills, and organizational requirements. The projected compensation range for this position is $160,000 – $190,000 (annualized USD).

Benefits Overview

At Intezra, Inc., we offer a comprehensive benefits package designed to support long-term career growth and work-life balance:

  • Three CareFirst medical plans available; Intezra pays up to 100% of healthcare premiums and up to 100% of deductibles (based on plan selection) for employees and dependents

  • Intezra pays 100% for CareFirst Dental and Vision plans for employees and dependents

  • 401(k): 15% company contribution (no match required)

  • PTO: 160 hours, increasing with seniority

  • 12 Floating Holidays

  • 4 Code Red Days

EEO Statement

Intezra, Inc. provides equal employment opportunities to all employees and applicants and prohibits discrimination and harassment of any kind without regard to race, color, religion, age, sex, national origin, disability status, genetics, pregnancy, protected veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, or any other characteristic protected by federal, state, or local laws.

About Us

Intezra Inc. is a small business prime contractor for all realms of cyber and AI/ML development, from tactical-level tools and capabilities to enterprise-level infrastructure and operations. Our leadership team and staff have helped solve the most complex challenges for the intelligence community for over 15 years.

, About Intezra, Inc.

Intezra Inc. is a small business prime contractor for all realms of cyber and AI/ML development, from tactical-level tools and capabilities to enterprise-level infrastructure and operations. Our leadership team and staff have helped solve the most complex challenges for the intelligence community for over 15 years.