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Vulnerability Researcher Contractor Jobs in Miami, FL

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Vulnerability Researcher Contractor information

See Miami, FL salary details

$28.7K

$108.2K

$157.3K

How much do vulnerability researcher contractor jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 23, 2026, the average yearly pay for vulnerability researcher contractor in Miami, FL is $108,176.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $64,100.00 and $147,300.00 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.

What are popular job titles related to Vulnerability Researcher Contractor jobs in Miami, FL?

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

What job categories do people searching Vulnerability Researcher Contractor jobs in Miami, FL look for?

The top searched job categories for Vulnerability Researcher Contractor jobs in Miami, FL are:

What cities near Miami, FL are hiring for Vulnerability Researcher Contractor jobs?

Cities near Miami, FL with the most Vulnerability Researcher Contractor job openings:

Vulnerability Researcher Contractor jobs near you
Infographic showing various Vulnerability Researcher Contractor job openings in Miami, FL as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 68% Full Time, 15% Part Time, and 17% Contract. Highlights an 86% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 13% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $108,176 per year, or $52 per hour.

Management Consultant, Strategic Resilience - FEMA HMGP - Remote (US)

ICF

Miami, FL • On-site, Remote

$98K - $120K/yr

Full-time

Re-posted 26 days ago

Job description

ICF's Disaster Management (DM) Division seeks an experienced Management Consultant - FEMA HMGP to support our Strategic Resilience Practice with a growing portfolio of nation-wide hazard mitigation planning, grant, and program management projects. This position is U.S. remote-based, with location preferences in Miami and Fort Lauderdale, Florida. The ideal candidate must be able to travel once per month based on current and prospective clients anywhere in the U.S. including U.S.V.I.

Given the high volume of applicants, please keep resumes concise and focused on how your experience aligns with the role's qualifications and skills. This is a non-managerial position as written, with opportunities for growth. Relocation will not be supported. At this time, ICF is unable to provide employment visa sponsorship for this position. Candidates must have permanent work authorization in the U.S.

Compensation: While the range below is broader for career growth, this position will offer a base salary of $98K to $120K . Offer based on candidate's % of job description match and location as determined by the hiring team.

This position will have multi-faceted responsibilities related to project management, technical delivery, and client management. The ideal candidate will be well versed in FEMA Hazard Mitigation Assistance program policy, FEMA Hazard Mitigation Planning policy, and have experience implementing natural hazard mitigation grants. This position requires candidates to lead the day-to-day delivery of state and local mitigation programs, including providing strategic guidance to leadership, working directly with client staff to write and oversee grants, and providing technical assistance to grant subrecipients and client partners. ICF seeks a team-oriented self-starter that will work proactively alongside colleagues, clients, and other contractors as directed to deliver quality products and services.

Our work is done in a professional, collaborative, and engaging environment that enables individuals to pursue their passions while maximizing value for our clients. This position offers upward mobility opportunities, agency to build and foster your own client relationships, and guidance and mentorship from a world-class team of professionals.

Key Responsibilities
Partner with teams to conduct open-source policy research and data analysis to support long-term recovery planning, hazard mitigation plans, grant funding strategies, and hazard mitigation grant application development.
Support the coordination and operation of various large, complex federally funded programs focused on hazard mitigation, infrastructure, and housing resilience, from start-up through closeout.
Serve in a subject matter expert role in FEMA HMA programs and advise state, local, and private non-profit clients on large-scale mitigation projects.
Serve as a technical guide to develop hazard mitigation and long-term recovery and resilience strategies, including executing risk and vulnerability assessments and drafting grant funding roadmaps for project implementation.
Develop and deliver presentations to client leadership and other contractors to support project implementation activities as requested.
Lead internal project teams and provide oversight for technical work, including mitigation planning, project scoping, benefit-cost analysis, grant application development, hazard mitigation plan reviews, and grant management.
Support key clients and projects with a focus on maintaining client satisfaction and proactively identifying opportunities for growth.
Assist with business development activities, including participating in opportunity capture, proposal writing, white papers, opinion pieces, and other marketing support.

Must Have Qualifications:
Bachelor's degree in Planning, Public and/or Environmental Justice or Policy, Economics, or similar field.
8+ years' experience conducting research, analyzing data and policies, managing grants, AND developing products such as state and/or local policies, plans, and FEMA mitigation grant applications. Examples may be requested.
5+ years of experience implementing FEMA Hazard Mitigation Assistance grants.
Able and willing to travel (flight and vehicle) for work as needed. Travel and onsite engagement may extend for multiple consecutive days for this job.
Must have a valid current U.S. driver's license and can successfully pass a Motor Vehicle Records (MVR) check.

Preferred Qualifications: (May set candidates apart)
Master's degree in Planning, Public and/or Environmental Policy, Economics, or similar field. A master's degree can supplement 2 years of required experience.
Experience with natural hazard resilience concepts, including risk assessments and common hazard mitigation solutions.
Certified Floodplain Manager (CFM).
Experience supporting recipient or sub recipients with FEMA Hazard Mitigation Assistance natural hazard (e.g. HMGP, FMA, BRIC) programs or HUD natural hazard mitigation programs.

Professional Skills:(You bring these with you day one.)

Strong analytical, problem-solving, and decision-making capabilities.
Proven track record of supporting a team and accomplishing successful business results.
Strong written and verbal communication skills, emotional intelligence, critical thinking skills, and integrity and ethics.
Team player with the demonstrated ability to build organizational capability, motivate teaming partners/staff to ensure high levels of engagement, and work in a dynamic, fast-paced environment.
Strong proficiency with Microsoft Office (Word, Excel, PowerPoint, and Project Management Software).


Bot and Third-Party Applications

Please note that this application must be submitted directly by the applicant for consideration.Failure to do so may result in the application being excluded for consideration.Applicants needing an accommodation for disability or religious purposes in connection with the application process should contactCandidateaccommodation@icf.comfor assistance.

Working at ICF

ICF is a global advisory and technology services provider, but we're not your typical consultants. We combine unmatched expertise with cutting-edge technology to help clients solve their most complex challenges, navigate change, and shape the future.

We can only solve the world's toughest challenges by building a workplace that allows everyone to thrive. We are an equal opportunity employer.Together, our employees are empowered to share theirexpertiseand collaborate with others to achieve personal and professional goals. For more information, please read ourEEOpolicy.

We will consider for employment qualified applicants with arrest and conviction records.

Reasonable Accommodations are available, including, but not limited to, for disabled veterans, individuals with disabilities, and individuals withsincerely heldreligious beliefs, in all phases of the application and employment process. To requestan accommodation,please emailCandidateaccommodation@icf.comand we will be happy toassist. All information you provide will be kept confidential and will be used only to the extentrequiredto provide needed reasonable accommodations.

Read more aboutworkplacediscriminationrightsor our benefit offerings which are included in theTransparency in (Benefits) CoverageAct.

Candidate AI Usage Policy

At ICF, we are committed to ensuring a fair interview process for all candidates based on their own skills and knowledge. As part of this commitment, the use of artificial intelligence (AI) tools to generate orassistwith responses during interviews (whether in-person or virtual) is notpermitted. This policy is in place tomaintainthe integrity and authenticity of the interview process.

However, we understand that some candidates may require accommodationthat involves the use of AI. Ifsuch anaccommodation is needed, candidates are instructed to contact us in advance atcandidateaccommodation@icf.com. Weare dedicated to providingthe necessary support to ensure that all candidates have an equal opportunity to succeed.


Pay Range - There are multiple factors that are considered in determining final pay for a position, including, but not limited to, relevant work experience, skills, certifications and competencies that align to the specified role, geographic location, education and certifications as well as contract provisions regarding labor categories that are specific to the position.

The pay range for this position based on full-time employment is:

$89,649.00 - $152,404.00Nationwide Remote Office (US99)

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