2027 Graduate - Reverse Engineer - Offensive Cyber Capabilities

The Johns Hopkins University Applied Physics Laboratory; Laurel (MD); On-site; USD 85,000 - 165,000; Full time

Job summary

The Johns Hopkins University Applied Physics Laboratory (APL) seeks engineers with a passion for reverse engineering of embedded systems to uncover vulnerabilities and build offensive cyber capabilities for national security challenges.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Computer Engineering, Computer Science, Electrical Engineering, or a related field.
• Excellent academic record with fundamentals in computer architecture, operating systems, and data structures.
• Proficiency with one or more programming languages.
• Experience using debuggers and reverse engineering tools such as Ghidra, IDA, and Binary Ninja.
• Interest in solving puzzles and persevering through technical challenges.
• Ability to obtain a Top Secret clearance by start date; eligibility for TS/SCI with polygraph.
• Master's degree preferred with related extracurriculars and internship experience.
• Experience applying AI to reverse engineering, vulnerability research, or exploit development.

Responsibilities

• Be mentored by experts to learn reverse engineering.
• Perform deep investigations of software, firmware, and hardware.
• Develop exploits against embedded systems and build mission-aligned capabilities.
• Collaborate with teammates in labs for foreign materiel and telecom infrastructure.
• Propose ideas for internal and external funding opportunities.
• Share knowledge via papers and presentations to team, management, and decision makers.

Skills

Programming

Reverse engineering

Debugging

Education

Bachelor's degree in Computer Engineering/Computer Science/Electrical Engineering or related field

Master's degree in Computer Engineering/Computer Science/Electrical Engineering or related field

Tools

Ghidra

IDA

Binary Ninja

Oscilloscopes

Logic analyzers

Job description

Description

Do you have an insatiable curiosity to understand how things work?

Are you ready to take your reverse engineering skills to the next level?

We're looking for motivated and enthusiastic engineers who are excited to dive deep into complex embedded systems, discover vulnerabilities, and build offensive cyber capabilities that solve real-world national security challenges. We believe the best solutions start with curious minds, expertise, and technical ingenuity. If you're eager to grow alongside world-class experts while tackling problems that others consider impossible, we'd love to have you join our team at APL!

As a member of our group, you will...

• Be mentored by top experts to learn the art and science of reverse engineering
• Perform deep investigations of software, firmware, and hardware
• Develop exploits against embedded systems and build mission-aligned capabilities
• Collaborate with teammates in custom laboratories purpose-built for foreign materiel, telecommunications infrastructure, and other embedded systems
• Propose new ideas for internal and external funding opportunities
• Share knowledge by clearly articulating ideas through papers and presentations to team members, APL management, and government decision maker

Qualifications

You meet our minimum qualifications for the job if you...

• Are graduating with a Bachelor's degree in Computer Engineering, Computer Science, Electrical Engineering, or a related field
• Have an excellent academic record with demonstrated knowledge of fundamental topics such as computer architecture, operating systems, and data structures
• Are proficient with one or more programming language
• Have experience using debuggers and reverse engineering tools such as Ghidra, IDA, and Binary Ninja
• Love solving puzzles and have experience persevering through technical challenges
• Are excited to learn new tools, platforms, and programming languages
• Are able to obtain a Top Secret security clearance by your start date and can ultimately obtain a TS/SCI with polygraph clearance. If selected, you will be subject to a government security clearance investigation and must meet the requirements for access to classified information; eligibility requirements include U.S. citizenship.

You’ll go above and beyond our minimum requirements if you...

• Are graduating with a Master's degree in Computer Engineering, Computer Science, Electrical Engineering, or a related field
• Participate in hackathons, CTFs, cybersecurity clubs or other relevant extracurriculars
• Have relevant internship experience
• Have experience applying AI systems to reverse engineering, vulnerability research, or exploit development
• Understand Unix/Linux operating systems
• Are familiar with assembly language
• Are skilled with tools including oscilloscopes, multi-meters, power supplies, and logic analyzers
• Have demonstrated leadership experience
• Possess an active TS/SCI clearance with full scope polygraph

About Us

Why Work at APL?

The Johns Hopkins University Applied Physics Laboratory (APL) brings world-class expertise to our nation's most critical defense, security, space and science challenges. While we are dedicated to solving complex challenges and pioneering new technologies, what makes us truly outstanding is our culture. We offer a vibrant, welcoming atmosphere where you can bring your authentic self to work, continue to grow, and build strong connections with inspiring teammates.

At APL, we celebrate our differences of perspectives and encourage creativity and bold, new ideas. Our employees enjoy generous benefits, including a robust education assistance program, unparalleled retirement contributions, and a healthy work/life balance. APL's campus is located in the Baltimore-Washington metro area. Learn more about our career opportunities at https://www.jhuapl.edu/careers.

All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, creed, color, religion, sex, gender identity or expression, sexual orientation, national origin, age, physical or mental disability, genetic information, veteran status, occupation, marital or familial status, political opinion, personal appearance, or any other characteristic protected by applicable law.APL is committed to providing reasonable accommodation to individuals of all abilities, including those with disabilities. If you require a reasonable accommodation to participate in any part of the hiring process, please contact [e-mail].

The referenced pay range is based on JHU APL's good faith belief at the time of posting. Actual compensation may vary based on factors such as geographic location, work experience, market conditions, education/training and skill level with consideration for internal parity. For salaried employees scheduled to work less than 40 hours per week, annual salary will be prorated based on the number of hours worked. APL may offer bonuses or other forms of compensation per internal policy and/or contractual designation. Additional compensation may be provided in the form of a sign-on bonus, relocation benefits, locality allowance or discretionary payments for exceptional performance. APL provides eligible staff with a comprehensive benefits package including retirement plans, paid time off, medical, dental, vision, life insurance, short-term disability, long-term disability, flexible spending accounts, education assistance, and training and development. Applications are accepted on a rolling basis.

Minimum Rate

$85,000 Annually

Maximum Rate

$165,000 Annually