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Vulnerability Researcher Contractor Jobs in Kent, WA

Nightwing

Site Lead with Security Clearance

Tacoma, WA · On-site

$64K - $128K/yr

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Retirement

  • PTO

... defense and resiliency, vulnerability research, ubiquitous technical surveillance, data ... All Contractor personnel must possess and maintain security clearance at the SECRET level ...

Nightwing

Site Lead

Joint Base Lewis Mcchord, WA · On-site

$64K - $128K/yr

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Retirement

  • PTO

... defense and resiliency, vulnerability research, ubiquitous technical surveillance, data ... All Contractor personnel must possess and maintain security clearance at the SECRET level ...

Nwis

Site Lead

Tacoma, WA · On-site

$64K - $128K/yr

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Retirement

  • PTO

... defense and resiliency, vulnerability research, ubiquitous technical surveillance, data ... All Contractor personnel must possess and maintain security clearance at the SECRET level ...

Nightwing

Site Lead with Security Clearance

Tacoma, WA · On-site

$64K - $128K/yr

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Retirement

  • PTO

... defense and resiliency, vulnerability research, ubiquitous technical surveillance, data ... All Contractor personnel must possess and maintain security clearance at the SECRET level ...

Nwis

Site Lead

Tacoma, WA

$64K - $128K/yr

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Retirement

  • PTO

... defense and resiliency, vulnerability research, ubiquitous technical surveillance, data ... All Contractor personnel must possess and maintain security clearance at the SECRET level ...

Nightwing

Site Lead

Joint Base Lewis Mcchord, WA · On-site

$64K - $128K/yr

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Retirement

  • PTO

... defense and resiliency, vulnerability research, ubiquitous technical surveillance, data ... All Contractor personnel must possess and maintain security clearance at the SECRET level ...

iCounter

Sales Engineer (Remote - US West)

Seattle, WA · Remote

Modern enterprises rely on thousands of third parties, suppliers, SaaS providers, contractors, and ... Conduct pre-call research on prospect environments, tech stacks, and relevant threat intelligence ...

iCounter

Sales Engineer (Remote - US West)

Seattle, WA · On-site +1

$175K/yr

Modern enterprises rely on thousands of third parties, suppliers, SaaS providers, contractors, and ... Conduct pre-call research on prospect environments, tech stacks, and relevant threat intelligence ...

iCOUNTER

Sales Engineer (Remote - US West)

Seattle, WA · Remote

Modern enterprises rely on thousands of third parties, suppliers, SaaS providers, contractors, and ... Conduct pre-call research on prospect environments, tech stacks, and relevant threat intelligence ...

All JobsVulnerability Researcher Contractor JobsVulnerability Researcher Contractor Jobs in Kent, WA

Vulnerability Researcher Contractor information

See Kent, WA salary details

$33.9K

$127.7K

$185.7K

How much do vulnerability researcher contractor jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 19, 2026, the average yearly pay for vulnerability researcher contractor in Kent, WA is $127,679.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $75,600.00 and $173,800.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

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.

Vulnerability Researcher Contractor jobs near you
Infographic showing various Vulnerability Researcher Contractor job openings in Kent, WA as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 71% Full Time, 12% Part Time, and 17% Contract. Highlights an 87% Physical, 2% Hybrid, and 11% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $127,679 per year, or $61.4 per hour.

Site Lead with Security Clearance

Nightwing

Tacoma, WA • On-site

$64K - $128K/yr

Other

Medical, Dental, Vision, Retirement, PTO

Re-posted 18 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. Contingent upon Award of Contract The Site Lead assists in overseeing, coordinating, and managing all aspects of Advanced Special Operations Techniques (ASOT); managing budgets, timeliness of reporting and services, resources, and stakeholder communication, while ensuring the courses align with the commanders' objectives and are delivered on time and within scope. The Site Lead reports to the Program Manager. Responsibilities * Assists with all contract aspects of ASOT.
* Participate in all course planning efforts, After Action Reviews, In-Progress Reviews (IPR's), and Commanders Updates Briefs (CUB) as required by the government.
* Assists in maintaining a robust roster of qualified personnel to support all aspects of training for ASOT.
* Assists in establishing a comprehensive recruiting strategy for all key positions and supporting positions for the program.
* Ensure timely delivery of all services, products, and reporting to the government. Requirements * Must have U.S. Citizenship and valid driver's license.
* All Contractor personnel must possess and maintain security clearance at the SECRET level verifiable through Defense Information System for Security (DISS) prior to reporting for any work under this contract.
* Must have 5 years SOF operational experience.
* Must have 3 years relevant program management or site lead experience. Educational Requirements: * Bachelor's degree in any discipline (Intel/Business, et al).
* Graduate of the Advanced Special Operations Course (ASOT-C). Desired skills: * Should be proficient in MS suite of applications (Word/Excel/Powerpoint) The salary associated with this position $64,000-$128,000 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. 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.

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