2027 Graduate - Reverse Engineer - Systems Exploitation

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

Job summary

Johns Hopkins Applied Physics Laboratory (APL) is seeking researchers and developers with a strong focus on cybersecurity. The role involves vulnerability research, reverse engineering of software, hardware, and firmware, and developing innovative cyber capabilities for prototype and operational systems.

You will contribute to papers and presentations for technical staff and decision-makers, and you may engage in working groups, customer meetings, and conferences.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's or Master's degree in Computer Science, Computer Engineering, Cybersecurity, Electrical Engineering, or similar.
• Knowledge of vulnerability analysis and reverse engineering of software, hardware, and/or firmware.
• U.S. citizenship with ability to acquire Secret clearance and eventually TS/SCI level clearance.

Responsibilities

• Conduct deep investigations of software, hardware, and firmware to identify vulnerabilities.
• Develop forward-thinking cyber capabilities and prototype solutions for operational systems.
• Present ideas and results to technical staff, management, and government decision-makers.

Skills

Vulnerability analysis

Reverse engineering

Education

Bachelor's or Master's in CS/CE/Cybersecurity/EE

Tools

IDA Pro

Binary Ninja

Ghidra

gdb

WinDbg

OllyDbg

Job description

Description

Are you curious about how systems work, where they are vulnerable, and how they behave when they break?

Are you curious about how systems work, where they are vulnerable, and how they behave when they break? Are you passionate about developing solutions to complex engineering challenges? We are seeking motivated developers, computer scientists, computer engineers, and cyber researchers who are passionate about advancing the field of cybersecurity. Specifically, we are searching for candidates with interest and experience in software, hardware, and/or firmware reverse engineering. We work hard to build a team with a variety of perspectives and experiences to tackle cross-discipline problem sets. The Systems Exploitation team performs vulnerability research, develops novel cyber capabilities, and pioneers groundbreaking approaches to defeat sophisticated security protections. As a member of our team, you will perform deep investigation of software, hardware, and firmware. You will build forward-thinking solutions for prototype and operational systems. You will gain experience and articulate your ideas in papers and presentations to technical staff, management, and government decision makers. We strongly encourage our team to take advantage of opportunities to participate in working groups, customer meetings, proposal writing, and conferences. As a multidisciplinary research center, APL also encourages collaboration across disciplines, giving you the opportunity to work alongside world-class experts in fields such as artificial intelligence, biotechnology, space exploration, radio communications, and additive manufacturing. We’d love to have you join our team!

Qualifications

• Have a Bachelor's or Master's degree in Computer Science, Computer Engineering, Cybersecurity, Electrical Engineering, or similar.
• Are skilled in and/or have knowledge of vulnerability analysis and reverse engineering of software, hardware, and/or firmware.
• Are able to acquire a Secret level security clearance by your start date and can ultimately obtain TS/SCI level clearance or higher. 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 will go above and beyond our minimum requirements if you:

• Understand the internals of major operating systems, exploitation techniques, and exploit mitigations.
• Have experience reading or writing assembly (x86/x64, Arm, PowerPC, MIPS, or others).
• Understand wire-level protocols and radio frequency communications.
• Have used debuggers such as gdb, WinDbg, or OllyDbg, and you have worked with reverse engineering tools such as IDA Pro, Binary Ninja, or Ghidra.
• Enjoy crafting and prototyping hardware, including PCB design and leveraging on-chip instrumentation standards such as JTAG.
• Hold a TS/SCI clearance with full-scope polygraph.
• Have prior experience working with government agencies or in a government agency setting.

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