IT Security Researcher Jobs

Explore IT Security Researcher jobs for experienced professionals seeking opportunities to investigate cyber threats, uncover vulnerabilities, and strengthen the security of systems and software. Ladders features vetted professional roles with salaries of $100,000 or more, helping you focus your search on high-level opportunities that match your expertise.

What IT Security Researchers Do

IT Security Researchers analyze software, networks, devices, and emerging technologies to identify security weaknesses and understand how attacks work. Depending on the role, they may conduct vulnerability research, reverse engineer malware, develop proof-of-concept exploits, assess threat intelligence, or recommend defenses. Many researchers also communicate findings through technical reports, presentations, and collaboration with engineering or incident response teams.

Common Skills and Qualifications

Employers often seek strong knowledge of operating systems, networking, programming, and security principles. Useful experience may include secure code analysis, penetration testing, malware analysis, cryptography, cloud security, or vulnerability disclosure. Clear technical writing, analytical thinking, and the ability to explain risk to different audiences can be important, too. Requirements vary by employer and specialization.

Where IT Security Researchers Work

Researchers work across technology companies, cybersecurity vendors, financial services, government and defense organizations, consultancies, and research labs. Roles may focus on product security, offensive security, threat research, application security, or emerging areas such as cloud and AI security. Some positions are remote or hybrid, while others require work on-site or access to specialized environments.

Find IT Security Researcher Roles on Ladders

Use Ladders to explore vetted IT Security Researcher opportunities paying $100,000 or more. Review each listing’s responsibilities, qualifications, compensation details, and work arrangement to find roles aligned with your experience and career goals. Set up your profile and job alerts to keep track of relevant openings as they become available.

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$170K - $200K *

Champion the security design and delivery for hyperscale projects, ensuring comprehensive protection through physical and electronic systems. Collaborate with cross-functional teams to establish stand...

United StatesRemote

Reposted 2 weeks ago

  •   8 - 10 years exp.  •   Real Estate & Construction

$82K - $172K *

Accelerate progress at the intersection of security and cloud infrastructure, leading a team to optimize AWS environments, implement DevSecOps practices, and enhance automation for secure software del...

RemoteRemote

Reposted 1 week ago

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Information Technology

$221K - $299K *

Drive our Incident Detection and Response program, ensuring proactive risk management and incident investigations. Collaborate with engineers to enhance our security posture and safeguard systems, esp...

New York, NYRemote

3 weeks ago

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Healthcare

$150K - $300K *

Transform enterprise operations by developing AI solutions tailored to customer needs. Engage directly with clients, manage the full technical lifecycle, and drive measurable improvements in AI perfor...

United StatesRemote

Today

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Enterprise Technology

$134K - $197K *

Lead strategic compliance initiatives for federal customers, ensuring security and regulatory adherence. Drive cross-functional collaboration, manage audits, and influence executive decisions to maint...

Fields, ORRemote

6 days ago

  •   8 - 10 years exp.  •   Information Technology

$130K - $160K *

Elevate your career by conducting proactive threat hunting and analysis to combat complex fraud in a dynamic financial ecosystem. Collaborate cross-functionally to streamline threat intelligence and e...

United StatesRemote

Reposted 3 weeks ago

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Finance & Insurance

$128K - $214K *

Champion user research strategies that shape digital experiences by turning data into actionable insights, collaborating across teams to enhance user engagement and optimize web performance globally...

United StatesRemote

Reposted yesterday

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Enterprise Technology

$216K - $325K *

Lead enterprise security initiatives, driving strategy and governance while ensuring compliance and risk management. Collaborate across teams to protect information assets and foster a culture of secu...

CanadaRemote

3 days ago

  •   8 - 10 years exp.  •   Finance & Insurance

$118K - $158K *

Lead the charge in developing and maintaining a robust information security audit program, ensuring compliance with FedRAMP, CMMC, and other standards while collaborating with engineering teams to imp...

United StatesRemote

3 days ago

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Consumer Technology

$110K - $130K *

Join a team that's redefining machine learning implementation to drive impactful research and innovate within a collaborative environment. Contribute to projects, open source, and author scientific pa...

Berkeley, CARemote

3 weeks ago

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Education, Government & Non-Profit

$320K - $488K *

Lead the charge in architecting security standards for a cutting-edge AI infrastructure, driving multi-functional collaboration while building systemic solutions to secure large-scale distributed plat...

Washington, USRemote

1 month ago

  •   15+ years exp.  •   Manufacturing & Automotive

$172K - $202K *

Lead the charge in delivering expert guidance on identity and access management technologies, focusing on architecting solutions and producing actionable research to enhance client performance and sec...

RemoteRemote

Reposted 6 days ago

  •   11 - 15 years exp.  •   Business Services

$140K - $165K *

Join a team that's redefining security architecture by enhancing existing systems, developing new functionalities, and ensuring robust protection across cloud infrastructures. Collaborate with enginee...

RemoteRemote

3 weeks ago

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Information Technology

$125K - $150K *

Optimize IT Financial Management by leading benchmarking engagements and guiding C-suite clients. Collaborate across research teams to enhance service delivery while mentoring analysts and implementin...

CanadaRemote

3 weeks ago

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Healthcare

$150K - $180K *

Shape the future of AI Cybersecurity by providing technical leadership in evaluating, implementing, and operationalizing AI security solutions to protect against emerging threats while ensuring compli...

Washington, USRemote

3 weeks ago

  •   8 - 10 years exp.  •   Technical Services

$91K - $163K *

Lead the charge in safeguarding our organization against evolving cyber threats. As a Senior Cybersecurity Engineer, you'll design robust defenses and collaborate across teams to enhance security post...

United StatesRemote

6 days ago

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Transportation

$180K - $240K *

Shape the future of enterprise security by leading vulnerability management initiatives. Drive strategy, execution, and collaboration across teams to enhance risk reduction and improve security outcom...

Charlotte, NCRemote

1 week ago

  •   8 - 10 years exp.  •   Finance & Insurance

$130K - $135K *

Join a team that's dedicated to enhancing federal cybersecurity compliance through advanced risk management and governance. Leverage your expertise to conduct assessments, manage authorizations, and e...

United StatesRemote

1 week ago

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Business Services

$170K - $230K *

Shape the future of security by designing and implementing scalable solutions across diverse domains. Collaborate with engineering teams to embed security in workflows while leveraging AI to enhance e...

CanadaRemote

3 weeks ago

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Finance & Insurance

$100K - $120K *

Lead and manage diverse cybersecurity programs, ensuring timely delivery and client success through effective communication and strategic planning. Collaborate with stakeholders to enhance service qua...

British Columbia, CARemote

2 weeks ago

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Information Technology

$172K - $202K *

Lead research initiatives on emerging AI safety and security, guiding clients through innovative insights and strategic decisions. Engage with diverse stakeholders to analyze trends and develop compre...

Irving, TXRemote

2 weeks ago

  •   11 - 15 years exp.  •   Business Services

$200K - $315K *

Create and implement robust security architectures across enterprise, cloud, and infrastructure environments, ensuring compliance with industry standards while guiding security initiatives and influen...

Carlsbad, CARemote

Reposted 6 days ago

  •   11 - 15 years exp.  •   Telecommunications & Hardware

$252K - $321K *

Drive hardware security strategy across Cisco's extensive product portfolio, establishing secure-by-design standards and collaborating with industry leaders to shape the future of embedded security in...

North Carolina, USRemote

4 weeks ago

  •   11 - 15 years exp.  •   Telecommunications & Hardware

$119K - $187K *

Advance enterprise security by designing and implementing cloud-based IGA solutions. Collaborate across teams to shape identity engineering strategies that enhance governance, reduce risks, and suppor...

United StatesRemote

3 weeks ago

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Enterprise Technology

$100K - $145K *

Engage in advanced cybersecurity efforts by collaborating with SOC teams to detect, investigate, and respond to threats. Leverage next-gen tools to enhance detection capabilities and streamline incide...

RemoteRemote

Yesterday

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Finance & Insurance

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

  • What does an IT Security Researcher do?question toggle

    An IT Security Researcher investigates vulnerabilities, attack techniques, and security risks in software, systems, or networks, then helps organizations understand and reduce those risks.

  • What skills are important for IT Security Researcher jobs?question toggle

    Commonly valued skills include programming, networking, operating system internals, vulnerability analysis, reverse engineering, threat research, and technical communication. Specific requirements depend on the role.

  • What qualifications do employers look for?question toggle

    Employers may consider relevant cybersecurity experience, a degree or equivalent practical expertise, research projects, and certifications. The most relevant qualifications vary by specialization and employer.

  • How much do IT Security Researchers earn?question toggle

    Compensation varies by experience, location, employer, and specialization. Ladders focuses on vetted professional jobs paying $100,000 or more.

  • Where can I find IT Security Researcher jobs paying $100,000 or more?question toggle

    Explore IT Security Researcher listings on Ladders, where you can find vetted professional opportunities with salaries of $100,000 or more.