At a Glance
- Tasks: Build AI-powered systems to find vulnerabilities and develop exploits.
- Company: Exciting startup with a team of elite security experts.
- Benefits: Full relocation support, competitive salary, and hands-on experience.
- Other info: Fast-paced environment with opportunities for growth and innovation.
- Why this job: Make a real impact in cybersecurity while working with cutting-edge technology.
- Qualifications: 2+ years in low-level systems; new grads with relevant experience welcome.
The predicted salary is between 60000 - 80000 £ per year.
A small, well-funded startup is building something new: systems that use AI to find vulnerabilities and develop exploits at scale. The team moves fast and works close to the metal. It's made up of people who've done serious work before, including alumni of frontier AI labs, top US intelligence agencies, elite Israeli intelligence units, and a defense tech unicorn, backed by tier-1 US investors. This is not a prompt engineering job. You'll work at the level of OS internals and kernel interfaces, dig into how real systems break, and ship production code where performance and correctness genuinely matter. You'll own problems from first idea to running system.
What you'll do:
- Build production systems that drive AI-powered vulnerability research and exploit development.
- Research how systems fail: find, analyze, and understand vulnerabilities at the lowest level.
- Work in OS internals, kernel-level interfaces, and low-level performance optimization.
- Own problems end to end: architecture, implementation, and shipped code.
- Partner with engineers and security operators to turn slow manual cyber work into automated, repeatable systems.
- Help set the standards and rhythm of a young team aiming to lead AI-native offensive cyber.
What you'll need:
- ~2+ years of relevant experience (exceptional new grads with real low-level work are encouraged to apply).
- Deep low-level systems experience: OS internals, kernel work, runtime detection, dynamic analysis, dynamic interception, or similar.
- Solid grasp of how vulnerabilities are found and exploited.
- A builder mindset: comfortable owning systems end to end and shipping fast, correct code.
- Real comfort with ambiguity. This is the most important thing.
- Willing to be in person in Washington, D.C. five days a week (full relocation support; Tel Aviv office may be an option for the right person).
Nice to have:
- Vulnerability research, CTF, or offensive security experience.
- High ranking on ctftime.org or similar.
- Published research or notable CVEs.
- Founder or early-engineer experience.
- Open source contributions to OS-level tooling.
- Experience at a cyber/security startup (runtime detection, dynamic analysis, OS tooling).
- Exposure to ML or AI systems work.
If jumping on a flight across the world on short notice sounds exciting rather than stressful, you'll fit right in. This is for the engineer who doesn't just want to join a great company, but help build one.
Security Researcher employer: Snatch UP Jobs
Join a dynamic and innovative startup in Washington, D.C., where you'll be at the forefront of AI-driven security research. With full relocation support and a culture that values ownership and rapid development, you'll collaborate with a team of elite professionals from top intelligence backgrounds, ensuring ample opportunities for personal and professional growth. This is not just a job; it's a chance to shape the future of cybersecurity in a fast-paced, supportive environment.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Security Researcher
✨Get Involved in the Cybersecurity Community
Diving into the cybersecurity community is key for landing that full-time gig. Join forums like Reddit's r/cybersecurity or attend local meetups to connect with industry veterans and other job seekers. Networking is everything in this field—don’t just be a passive lurker!
✨Show Off Your Skills with Capture the Flag Competitions
Participate in Capture the Flag (CTF) competitions; these are not just a fun way to boost your skills but also a chance to showcase your talent to potential employers. Many companies, including Snatch UP Jobs, love seeing candidates who actively engage in these challenges.
✨Tailor Your Online Presence
Make sure your LinkedIn and any professional profiles reflect your cybersecurity expertise. Share your projects, whether they’re personal or from a previous role, to catch the eye of hiring managers. This is how they’ll find your passion and commitment to the field!
✨Apply Directly Through Snatch UP Jobs
Don’t forget to head straight to our website and check out any openings for cybersecurity roles at Snatch UP Jobs. Applying directly can sometimes give you an edge, especially if you can mention that you've been following our work or engaging in the community.
We think you need these skills to ace Security Researcher
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show off your technical skills:In cybersecurity, it's crucial to highlight your technical prowess. Make sure your CV showcases specific skills like network security, penetration testing, or threat analysis. If you have relevant certifications (like CEH or CISSP), pop those on the front page to grab attention!
Tailor your portfolio for the role:Even for a full-time role, a portfolio can set you apart. If you've worked on any cybersecurity projects—be it CTF challenges, security assessments, or research papers—include these in your application. This demonstrates not just your skills, but also your hands-on experience!
Use real-world examples:When writing your cover letter, don’t just stick to your qualifications. Share real-world examples of how you’ve tackled security issues or vulnerabilities. This gives the hiring team at Snatch UP Jobs insight into your practical problem-solving abilities and makes your application memorable.
Demonstrate your passion for cybersecurity:Cybersecurity is an ever-evolving field, so show us that you’re always learning! Mention any recent courses, webinars, or industry events you’ve attended. This not only exhibits your enthusiasm but also signals to Snatch UP Jobs that you’re committed to staying ahead in the game.
How to prepare for a job interview at Snatch UP Jobs
✨Sharpen Your Technical Skills
For a role in cybersecurity, it’s essential to be up-to-date with the latest tools and techniques. Brush up on your knowledge of firewalls, intrusion detection systems, and vulnerability assessment tools. Be ready to discuss specific scenarios where you’ve applied these skills, as hands-on experience can really set us apart in interviews.
✨Prepare for Scenario-Based Questions
Expect the interviewers at Snatch UP Jobs to throw in some hypothetical situations to see how you’d handle them. Think about common security breaches or incidents and be prepared to explain how you would respond. This not only shows your problem-solving skills but also your understanding of real-world cybersecurity challenges.
✨Highlight Your Certifications
Certifications like CompTIA Security+, CISSP, or CEH can give you a significant edge in a full-time role in cybersecurity. Make sure to mention these during your interview and be prepared to discuss what you learned through those certifications and how they relate to the position at Snatch UP Jobs.
✨Show Your Passion for Cybersecurity
Since you’re going for a full-time gig, showing genuine enthusiasm for the field can make all the difference. Share any personal projects, blogs, or communities you’re part of that relate to cybersecurity. This not only showcases your passion but also your commitment to staying engaged in this ever-evolving field.