Security Researcher Jobs in USA with Visa Sponsorship
Security researchers are in high demand from U.S. employers willing to sponsor H-1B visa, O-1, and EB-1 visas for candidates with the right technical background. Roles in vulnerability research, threat intelligence, and penetration testing consistently qualify as specialty occupations under USCIS guidelines. For detailed occupation requirements, see the O*NET profile.
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Get Access To All JobsThe application window is expected to close on: 05/11/2026. Job posting may be removed earlier if the position is filled or if a sufficient number of applications are received.
The successful applicant will be performing work on US Government classified environments, and therefore, must be a U.S. Person (i.e., U.S. citizen, U.S. national, lawful permanent resident, asylee, or refugee). This position may also perform work that the U.S. government has specified can only be performed by a U.S. citizen on U.S. soil.
Meet the Team
Our security team is dynamic, hardworking, fun, and high-energy, but the work is done in a very casual environment that strongly encourages a work/life balance. Not only will you work alongside a team of skilled security researchers with a diverse spectrum of talents and experience levels, but you will also be interacting with a variety of engineering teams across Cisco. Cisco ASIG cultivates an environment where every individual's input and experience is valued. We prioritize training sessions and a mentor program surrounding you with the resources you will need to succeed.
The Advanced Security Initiatives Group (ASIG) serves as Cisco’s elite security research unit, dedicated to identifying vulnerabilities and hardening our global products against real-world threats. By adopting an attacker mentality, the team ensures that Cisco’s critical infrastructure remains resilient for global ISPs, Fortune 500 companies, and world governments. This dynamic, high-energy group is composed of skilled researchers with diverse technical backgrounds who thrive in a casual, supportive, and collaborative environment. What makes this team truly exciting is the unique opportunities to research security topics independently or collaboratively to explore and develop tools and ideas as part of our "Free Frida" innovation and incubation process.
Your Impact
Evaluate global products and services to identify security vulnerabilities, weaknesses, and potential improvements to ensure the integrity of Cisco’s infrastructure. Adopt an attacker mentality using specialized tools and techniques to emulate real-world adversaries and proactively secure our systems. Partner with industry-leading engineering teams to assess complex architectures and contribute to creative security solutions that protect our customers. Research emerging security topics independently or collaboratively to develop new tools and ideas that drive the evolution of our security posture. Achieve success by delivering highly secured solutions that meet the rigorous demands of our most critical global clients.
Minimum Qualifications
- Master’s degree in Computer Science, Cybersecurity, or related field (with security research or project-based experience) or a Bachelor’s degree with 2+ years of professional security experience.
- 2+ years of experience in secure coding/development, code analysis for vulnerabilities, or software testing.
- Experience with operating system concepts, including memory management or binary analysis.
- 2 years of demonstrated experience in building, maintaining, and supporting technical tooling.
- Experience with AI/ML frameworks and research tooling.
Preferred Qualifications
- Experience in at least two of the following: Unix system hardening, applied cryptography, network protocol analysis, or DevOps security.
- Possession of industry-recognized certifications such as OSCP.
- Strong ability to work collaboratively within a diverse, high-energy research team.
- Consistent record of innovative problem-solving and independent research.
- Excellent communication skills for multi-functional engagement with engineering teams.
- Adaptability to work with emerging technologies and evolving security landscapes.
Why Cisco?
At Cisco, we’re revolutionizing how data and infrastructure connect and protect organizations in the AI era – and beyond. We’ve been innovating fearlessly for 40 years to create solutions that power how humans and technology work together across the physical and digital worlds. These solutions provide customers with unparalleled security, visibility, and insights across the entire digital footprint.
Fueled by the depth and breadth of our technology, we experiment and create meaningful solutions. Add to that our worldwide network of doers and experts, and you’ll see that the opportunities to grow and build are limitless. We work as a team, collaborating with empathy to make really big things happen on a global scale. Because our solutions are everywhere, our impact is everywhere.
We are Cisco, and our power starts with you.
Message to applicants applying to work in the U.S. and/or Canada:
The starting salary range posted for this position is $101,500.00 to $144,500.00 and reflects the projected salary range for new hires in this position in U.S. and/or Canada locations, not including incentive compensation*, equity, or benefits.
Individual pay is determined by the candidate's hiring location, market conditions, job-related skillset, experience, qualifications, education, certifications, and/or training. The full salary range for certain locations is listed below. For locations not listed below, the recruiter can share more details about compensation for the role in your location during the hiring process.
U.S. employees are offered benefits, subject to Cisco’s plan eligibility rules, which include medical, dental and vision insurance, a 401(k) plan with a Cisco matching contribution, paid parental leave, short and long-term disability coverage, and basic life insurance. Please see the Cisco careers site to discover more benefits and perks. Employees may be eligible to receive grants of Cisco restricted stock units, which vest following continued employment with Cisco for defined periods of time.
U.S. employees are eligible for paid time away as described below, subject to Cisco’s policies:
- 10 paid holidays per full calendar year, plus 1 floating holiday for non-exempt employees
- 1 paid day off for employee’s birthday, paid year-end holiday shutdown, and 4 paid days off for personal wellness determined by Cisco
- Non-exempt employees** receive 16 days of paid vacation time per full calendar year, accrued at rate of 4.92 hours per pay period for full-time employees
- Exempt employees participate in Cisco’s flexible vacation time off program, which has no defined limit on how much vacation time eligible employees may use (subject to availability and some business limitations)
- 80 hours of sick time off provided on hire date and each January 1st thereafter, and up to 80 hours of unused sick time carried forward from one calendar year to the next
- Additional paid time away may be requested to deal with critical or emergency issues for family members
- Optional 10 paid days per full calendar year to volunteer
For non-sales roles, employees are also eligible to earn annual bonuses subject to Cisco’s policies.
Employees on sales plans earn performance-based incentive pay on top of their base salary, which is split between quota and non-quota components, subject to the applicable Cisco plan. For quota-based incentive pay, Cisco typically pays as follows:
- .75% of incentive target for each 1% of revenue attainment up to 50% of quota;
- 1.5% of incentive target for each 1% of attainment between 50% and 75%;
- 1% of incentive target for each 1% of attainment between 75% and 100%; and
- Once performance exceeds 100% attainment, incentive rates are at or above 1% for each 1% of attainment with no cap on incentive compensation.
For non-quota-based sales performance elements such as strategic sales objectives, Cisco may pay 0% up to 125% of target. Cisco sales plans do not have a minimum threshold of performance for sales incentive compensation to be paid.
The applicable full salary ranges for this position, by specific state, are listed below:
New York City Metro Area:
$123,600.00 - $200,100.00
Non-Metro New York state & Washington state:
$109,900.00 - $181,600.00
- For quota-based sales roles on Cisco’s sales plan, the ranges provided in this posting include base pay and sales target incentive compensation combined.
Employees in Illinois, whether exempt or non-exempt, will participate in a unique time off program to meet local requirements.
The application window is expected to close on: 05/11/2026. Job posting may be removed earlier if the position is filled or if a sufficient number of applications are received.
The successful applicant will be performing work on US Government classified environments, and therefore, must be a U.S. Person (i.e., U.S. citizen, U.S. national, lawful permanent resident, asylee, or refugee). This position may also perform work that the U.S. government has specified can only be performed by a U.S. citizen on U.S. soil.
Meet the Team
Our security team is dynamic, hardworking, fun, and high-energy, but the work is done in a very casual environment that strongly encourages a work/life balance. Not only will you work alongside a team of skilled security researchers with a diverse spectrum of talents and experience levels, but you will also be interacting with a variety of engineering teams across Cisco. Cisco ASIG cultivates an environment where every individual's input and experience is valued. We prioritize training sessions and a mentor program surrounding you with the resources you will need to succeed.
The Advanced Security Initiatives Group (ASIG) serves as Cisco’s elite security research unit, dedicated to identifying vulnerabilities and hardening our global products against real-world threats. By adopting an attacker mentality, the team ensures that Cisco’s critical infrastructure remains resilient for global ISPs, Fortune 500 companies, and world governments. This dynamic, high-energy group is composed of skilled researchers with diverse technical backgrounds who thrive in a casual, supportive, and collaborative environment. What makes this team truly exciting is the unique opportunities to research security topics independently or collaboratively to explore and develop tools and ideas as part of our "Free Frida" innovation and incubation process.
Your Impact
Evaluate global products and services to identify security vulnerabilities, weaknesses, and potential improvements to ensure the integrity of Cisco’s infrastructure. Adopt an attacker mentality using specialized tools and techniques to emulate real-world adversaries and proactively secure our systems. Partner with industry-leading engineering teams to assess complex architectures and contribute to creative security solutions that protect our customers. Research emerging security topics independently or collaboratively to develop new tools and ideas that drive the evolution of our security posture. Achieve success by delivering highly secured solutions that meet the rigorous demands of our most critical global clients.
Minimum Qualifications
- Master’s degree in Computer Science, Cybersecurity, or related field (with security research or project-based experience) or a Bachelor’s degree with 2+ years of professional security experience.
- 2+ years of experience in secure coding/development, code analysis for vulnerabilities, or software testing.
- Experience with operating system concepts, including memory management or binary analysis.
- 2 years of demonstrated experience in building, maintaining, and supporting technical tooling.
- Experience with AI/ML frameworks and research tooling.
Preferred Qualifications
- Experience in at least two of the following: Unix system hardening, applied cryptography, network protocol analysis, or DevOps security.
- Possession of industry-recognized certifications such as OSCP.
- Strong ability to work collaboratively within a diverse, high-energy research team.
- Consistent record of innovative problem-solving and independent research.
- Excellent communication skills for multi-functional engagement with engineering teams.
- Adaptability to work with emerging technologies and evolving security landscapes.
Why Cisco?
At Cisco, we’re revolutionizing how data and infrastructure connect and protect organizations in the AI era – and beyond. We’ve been innovating fearlessly for 40 years to create solutions that power how humans and technology work together across the physical and digital worlds. These solutions provide customers with unparalleled security, visibility, and insights across the entire digital footprint.
Fueled by the depth and breadth of our technology, we experiment and create meaningful solutions. Add to that our worldwide network of doers and experts, and you’ll see that the opportunities to grow and build are limitless. We work as a team, collaborating with empathy to make really big things happen on a global scale. Because our solutions are everywhere, our impact is everywhere.
We are Cisco, and our power starts with you.
Message to applicants applying to work in the U.S. and/or Canada:
The starting salary range posted for this position is $101,500.00 to $144,500.00 and reflects the projected salary range for new hires in this position in U.S. and/or Canada locations, not including incentive compensation*, equity, or benefits.
Individual pay is determined by the candidate's hiring location, market conditions, job-related skillset, experience, qualifications, education, certifications, and/or training. The full salary range for certain locations is listed below. For locations not listed below, the recruiter can share more details about compensation for the role in your location during the hiring process.
U.S. employees are offered benefits, subject to Cisco’s plan eligibility rules, which include medical, dental and vision insurance, a 401(k) plan with a Cisco matching contribution, paid parental leave, short and long-term disability coverage, and basic life insurance. Please see the Cisco careers site to discover more benefits and perks. Employees may be eligible to receive grants of Cisco restricted stock units, which vest following continued employment with Cisco for defined periods of time.
U.S. employees are eligible for paid time away as described below, subject to Cisco’s policies:
- 10 paid holidays per full calendar year, plus 1 floating holiday for non-exempt employees
- 1 paid day off for employee’s birthday, paid year-end holiday shutdown, and 4 paid days off for personal wellness determined by Cisco
- Non-exempt employees** receive 16 days of paid vacation time per full calendar year, accrued at rate of 4.92 hours per pay period for full-time employees
- Exempt employees participate in Cisco’s flexible vacation time off program, which has no defined limit on how much vacation time eligible employees may use (subject to availability and some business limitations)
- 80 hours of sick time off provided on hire date and each January 1st thereafter, and up to 80 hours of unused sick time carried forward from one calendar year to the next
- Additional paid time away may be requested to deal with critical or emergency issues for family members
- Optional 10 paid days per full calendar year to volunteer
For non-sales roles, employees are also eligible to earn annual bonuses subject to Cisco’s policies.
Employees on sales plans earn performance-based incentive pay on top of their base salary, which is split between quota and non-quota components, subject to the applicable Cisco plan. For quota-based incentive pay, Cisco typically pays as follows:
- .75% of incentive target for each 1% of revenue attainment up to 50% of quota;
- 1.5% of incentive target for each 1% of attainment between 50% and 75%;
- 1% of incentive target for each 1% of attainment between 75% and 100%; and
- Once performance exceeds 100% attainment, incentive rates are at or above 1% for each 1% of attainment with no cap on incentive compensation.
For non-quota-based sales performance elements such as strategic sales objectives, Cisco may pay 0% up to 125% of target. Cisco sales plans do not have a minimum threshold of performance for sales incentive compensation to be paid.
The applicable full salary ranges for this position, by specific state, are listed below:
New York City Metro Area:
$123,600.00 - $200,100.00
Non-Metro New York state & Washington state:
$109,900.00 - $181,600.00
- For quota-based sales roles on Cisco’s sales plan, the ranges provided in this posting include base pay and sales target incentive compensation combined.
Employees in Illinois, whether exempt or non-exempt, will participate in a unique time off program to meet local requirements.
See all 100+ Security Researcher jobs
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Get Access To All JobsTips for Finding Security Researcher Jobs
Lead with your technical specialization
Employers sponsoring security researchers want depth, not breadth. Highlight whether you specialize in malware analysis, reverse engineering, red teaming, or exploit development. A focused specialization strengthens your H-1B specialty occupation case and differentiates you from generalist applicants.
Target employers with established security teams
Companies with dedicated security operations centers, bug bounty programs, or government contracts are far more likely to sponsor visas. They have existing immigration counsel, defined job requirements, and budget allocated for the H-1B process, which makes approval faster and smoother.
Align your degree to the role
USCIS expects a direct connection between your field of study and the security researcher position. Computer science, cybersecurity, and electrical engineering degrees are the strongest fits. If your degree is in a different field, documented work experience becomes critical evidence for your petition.
Document certifications as supporting evidence
Certifications like OSCP, CISSP, or CEH are not substitutes for a qualifying degree but meaningfully strengthen your petition file. They demonstrate specialized knowledge, signal employer confidence in your skills, and support the argument that your role requires more than general IT knowledge.
Research your target employer's visa history
Not all companies that post security researcher roles will sponsor visas. Check whether a company has filed Labor Condition Applications for similar positions before applying. Prioritizing sponsors with a proven track record saves time and reduces the risk of late-stage offer withdrawal.
Browse sponsored roles on Migrate Mate
Migrate Mate filters job listings specifically to employers open to visa sponsorship, which removes the guesswork of identifying which companies will support your petition. Searching by role and location helps you find security researcher openings matched to your visa situation.
Security Researcher jobs are hiring across the US. Find yours.
Find Security Researcher JobsFrequently Asked Questions
Does a security researcher role qualify for H-1B sponsorship?
Yes, security researcher positions generally qualify as H-1B specialty occupations because they typically require at minimum a bachelor's degree in computer science, cybersecurity, information systems, or a related field. USCIS evaluates whether the specific job duties require that theoretical and practical application of specialized knowledge. Roles focused on vulnerability research, reverse engineering, or threat intelligence tend to meet this threshold more clearly than broad IT support positions.
What degree do I need to get sponsored as a security researcher?
A bachelor's degree in computer science, cybersecurity, electrical engineering, or a closely related field is the standard requirement for H-1B sponsorship. USCIS requires that the degree field directly relates to the job duties. If your degree is in an unrelated field, three years of specialized work experience can substitute for each year of missing education, though this route requires stronger employer documentation.
Are security researcher roles easier to get sponsored for than other tech jobs?
Security research is a genuinely specialized field with a shortage of qualified candidates, which works in your favor when negotiating sponsorship. Employers often have stronger justification to sponsor because the talent pool is narrower than for general software engineering roles. Positions requiring active clearances or specific offensive security skills face even less competition, which can make an employer more willing to invest in the visa process.
Can I get an O-1 visa as a security researcher?
Yes, O-1A visas are a realistic path for security researchers with a documented record of extraordinary ability. Published CVE discoveries, conference presentations at Black Hat or DEF CON, peer-reviewed research, high compensation relative to peers, or recognition from industry organizations all serve as qualifying evidence. The O-1 bypasses the H-1B lottery entirely and is worth exploring if your track record is strong, even early in your career.
Where can I find security researcher jobs that sponsor visas?
Migrate Mate is built specifically for candidates who need sponsorship, filtering listings to employers that have demonstrated willingness to support visa petitions. General job boards mix sponsored and non-sponsored postings with no way to filter, which wastes time and can lead to late-stage offer complications when a company confirms it does not sponsor. Searching on Migrate Mate by the security researcher title lets you focus your effort on employers already set up for the process.
What is the prevailing wage requirement for sponsored Security Researcher jobs?
U.S. employers sponsoring a visa must pay at least the prevailing wage, which is what workers in the same role, area, and experience level typically earn. The Department of Labor sets this rate to make sure companies aren't hiring foreign workers simply because they'd accept lower pay than a U.S. worker. It varies by job title, location, and experience. You can look up current prevailing wage rates for any occupation and location using the OFLC Wage Search page.
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