Security Researcher Jobs in Washington
Security Researcher jobs in Washington are among the most active in the country, concentrated in cybersecurity, defense contracting, and cloud infrastructure security, with openings from entry-level analyst roles through senior and principal researcher positions. The heaviest hiring activity centers on Seattle, Redmond, and the Bellevue corridor, where major employers like Microsoft, Amazon, and Boeing maintain large security research teams. The most in-demand specialties in Washington right now are vulnerability research, threat intelligence, and cloud security. Find a role that fits below and apply directly.
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Showing 5 of 8+ Security Researcher jobs
Microsoft’s mission is to empower every person and every organization on the planet to achieve more. As employees we come together with a growth mindset, innovate to empower others, and collaborate to realize our shared goals. Each day we build on our values of respect, integrity, and accountability to create a culture of inclusion where everyone can thrive at work and beyond.
Join an elite team of security researchers working to protect people and organizations from sophisticated cyber threats! We’re seeking an experienced security researcher to join our Redmond-based team. You’ll investigate cutting-edge endpoint attacks—including attacks on AI, attacks using AI, attacks on AI using AI and everything in between. Drawing on one of the world’s richest security telemetry datasets, you’ll uncover new attack techniques, develop protections against the next generation of threats, advance our security platform, and share impactful research with the global security community.
Responsibilities
Conduct research that yields new insights, investigate advanced, real-world attacker tactics, techniques, and procedures (TTPs) Develop high-quality protection signals and resilient detection logic across complex attack chains. Design and implement innovative capabilities that autonomously prevent, detect, and disrupt sophisticated threats in near real time. Apply deep security expertise to inform evidence-based research decisions. Analyze real-world attacks and telemetry to continuously improve protection coverage, precision, and resilience.
Qualifications
Required/minimum qualifications
Ability to meet Microsoft, customer and/or government security screening requirements are required for this role. These requirements include, but are not limited to the following specialized security screenings: Microsoft Cloud Background Check:
- This position will be required to pass the Microsoft background and Microsoft Cloud background check upon hire/transfer and every two years thereafter.
Offensive security research experience Digital forensics skills Programming skills in C, C++, C# or willingness to learn Industry recognized author of security research papers, blogs, or books Low-level/security knowledge of other operating systems
Security Research IC3 - The typical base pay range for this role across the U.S. is USD $102,100 - $202,200 per year. There is a different range applicable to specific work locations, within the San Francisco Bay area and New York City metropolitan area, and the base pay range for this role in those locations is USD $133,800 - $219,200 per year.
Certain roles may be eligible for benefits and other compensation. Find additional benefits and pay information here:
https://careers.microsoft.com/us/en/us-corporate-pay
This position will be open for a minimum of 5 days, with applications accepted on an ongoing basis until the position is filled.
Microsoft is an equal opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to age, ancestry, citizenship, color, family or medical care leave, gender identity or expression, genetic information, immigration status, marital status, medical condition, national origin, physical or mental disability, political affiliation, protected veteran or military status, race, ethnicity, religion, sex (including pregnancy), sexual orientation, or any other characteristic protected by applicable local laws, regulations and ordinances. If you need assistance with religious accommodations and/or a reasonable accommodation due to a disability during the application process.
Microsoft’s mission is to empower every person and every organization on the planet to achieve more. As employees we come together with a growth mindset, innovate to empower others, and collaborate to realize our shared goals. Each day we build on our values of respect, integrity, and accountability to create a culture of inclusion where everyone can thrive at work and beyond.
Join an elite team of security researchers working to protect people and organizations from sophisticated cyber threats! We’re seeking an experienced security researcher to join our Redmond-based team. You’ll investigate cutting-edge endpoint attacks—including attacks on AI, attacks using AI, attacks on AI using AI and everything in between. Drawing on one of the world’s richest security telemetry datasets, you’ll uncover new attack techniques, develop protections against the next generation of threats, advance our security platform, and share impactful research with the global security community.
Responsibilities
Conduct research that yields new insights, investigate advanced, real-world attacker tactics, techniques, and procedures (TTPs) Develop high-quality protection signals and resilient detection logic across complex attack chains. Design and implement innovative capabilities that autonomously prevent, detect, and disrupt sophisticated threats in near real time. Apply deep security expertise to inform evidence-based research decisions. Analyze real-world attacks and telemetry to continuously improve protection coverage, precision, and resilience.
Qualifications
Required/minimum qualifications
Ability to meet Microsoft, customer and/or government security screening requirements are required for this role. These requirements include, but are not limited to the following specialized security screenings: Microsoft Cloud Background Check:
- This position will be required to pass the Microsoft background and Microsoft Cloud background check upon hire/transfer and every two years thereafter.
Offensive security research experience Digital forensics skills Programming skills in C, C++, C# or willingness to learn Industry recognized author of security research papers, blogs, or books Low-level/security knowledge of other operating systems
Security Research IC3 - The typical base pay range for this role across the U.S. is USD $102,100 - $202,200 per year. There is a different range applicable to specific work locations, within the San Francisco Bay area and New York City metropolitan area, and the base pay range for this role in those locations is USD $133,800 - $219,200 per year.
Certain roles may be eligible for benefits and other compensation. Find additional benefits and pay information here:
https://careers.microsoft.com/us/en/us-corporate-pay
This position will be open for a minimum of 5 days, with applications accepted on an ongoing basis until the position is filled.
Microsoft is an equal opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to age, ancestry, citizenship, color, family or medical care leave, gender identity or expression, genetic information, immigration status, marital status, medical condition, national origin, physical or mental disability, political affiliation, protected veteran or military status, race, ethnicity, religion, sex (including pregnancy), sexual orientation, or any other characteristic protected by applicable local laws, regulations and ordinances. If you need assistance with religious accommodations and/or a reasonable accommodation due to a disability during the application process.
See All 8 Security Researcher Jobs in Washington
Find roles in Washington that match your experience and apply in just a few clicks.
Find Security Researcher JobsSecurity Researcher Jobs by City in Washington
Where Washington roles are concentrated, by current openings.
Security Researcher Job Market in Washington
A snapshot from current Washington openings, updated as new roles post.
Who's Hiring
What Washington Employers Look For
The qualifications that appear most often in security researcher jobs across Washington.
- Bachelor's degree in computer science, cybersecurity, or a closely related technical field
- Hands-on experience with vulnerability research, reverse engineering, or penetration testing
- Proficiency in at least one scripting or programming language such as Python, C, or C++
- Familiarity with security frameworks including MITRE ATT&CK, CVE processes, and threat modeling
- Active or eligible federal security clearance preferred for Washington defense-sector roles
- Strong written communication skills for publishing findings, advisories, and technical reports
Security Researcher Jobs in Washington: Frequently Asked Questions
How do you become a security researcher in Washington?
The most direct path is a bachelor's degree in computer science, cybersecurity, or electrical engineering, followed by building a demonstrable research portfolio. Washington has no state-issued license specific to security researchers, but employers across Seattle and the Eastside consistently look for industry certifications such as OSCP, CEH, or GREM. Contributing to CVE disclosures, publishing vulnerability research, or competing in capture-the-flag events builds the credibility that Washington employers expect.
How much do security researchers make in Washington?
Security researchers in Washington earn a median of about $154,940 a year, based on May 2025 Bureau of Labor Statistics wage data, ranging from around $96,730 for the lowest 10% to over $211,720 for the top 10%. Pay rises with experience, specialty, and employer.
Which companies hire security researchers in Washington?
Employers hiring security researchers in Washington right now include Microsoft, Seattle Children's, and Amazon Web Services, based on current listings on Migrate Mate as of November 2026. Washington's concentration of cloud, defense, and aerospace employers means demand extends well beyond software companies into contractors supporting federal and military programs in the region.
Which Washington cities have the most security researcher jobs?
Redmond and Seattle account for the largest share of security researcher openings in Washington. Seattle and its Eastside suburbs drive that concentration because Microsoft, Amazon, and a dense cluster of cloud and cybersecurity firms are headquartered or have major operations there, while areas like Tacoma and Olympia add openings tied to state government IT security and defense contracting work at Joint Base Lewis-McChord.
How can I get hired as a security researcher in Washington with little or no experience?
The most realistic entry path is through an adjacent role such as security operations center analyst, IT security analyst, or software engineer, then transitioning into research once you've built internal credibility. Microsoft and Amazon both run structured early-career and university hiring programs in the Puget Sound area that bring in candidates without deep research experience. Building a public portfolio through CVE disclosures, bug bounty programs, or published CTF write-ups is the credential that most consistently opens doors at Washington employers when a formal research background is absent.
Where can I find and apply to security researcher jobs in Washington?
You can find and apply to security researcher jobs in Washington on Migrate Mate, which lists current openings across the state. Search the available roles, identify the ones that match your background and target location within Washington, and apply directly to the employers posting them. No sign-up is required to see the listings.
See All 8 Security Researcher Jobs in Washington
Find roles in Washington that match your experience and apply in just a few clicks.
Find Security Researcher Jobs