Job Description:
Remote associate-level cybersecurity job with Cobalt for someone with a sysadmin or IT operations background who wants to move into security research, with mentoring. US residents only. Pay $55,000 to $70,000 a year plus equity.
About the Role
Cobalt is hiring an Associate Security Researcher for a "Purple Team" role. Cobalt wants someone with a background in systems administration who wants to move into security research. You will handle the foundational work behind Cobalt's research while being mentored to become a full Security Researcher.
What You Will Do
- Set up research environments, manage lab infrastructure, and keep tooling stable
- Help simulate threats while documenting detection gaps and defensive improvements
- Collect data, analyze logs, and do first-pass vulnerability triage for senior researchers
- Keep clear documentation of research findings, scripts, and internal wikis
- Review penetration testing findings and final reports for accuracy and clear fix guidance
- Follow a structured growth path from sysadmin and support work into offensive security research
What You Need
- Background in systems administration or IT operations (servers, networking, permissions, logs)
- Strong grasp of security fundamentals; likely certifications such as Security+, CySA+, GSEC, or working toward OSCP
- Understanding of penetration test methodology (recon, scanning, exploitation)
- Must live in the United States
- Candidates in Eastern or Central time preferred
- Bonus: Python, Bash, or PowerShell automation, cloud security interest, a home lab
Location & Pay
Remote, limited to candidates living in the United States; Eastern or Central time zone preferred. Pay $55,000 to $70,000 a year plus equity and benefits, including a 401(k), medical, dental, vision, and life insurance, and stipends for wellness, home office, and learning.