2027 PhD Graduate – Vulnerability Researcher – Offensive Cyber Capabilities

Johns Hopkins Applied Physics Lab; Laurel (MD); On-site; USD 105,000 - 245,000; Full time

Job summary

Johns Hopkins Applied Physics Laboratory (APL) is seeking motivated researchers to innovate in embedded systems reverse engineering and vulnerability analysis. You will explore software, firmware, and hardware platforms and craft exploits for bespoke embedded devices.

Join a collaborative team working with government sponsors to deliver mission-focused capabilities. A strong academic background and programming skills are essential, with eligibility for Interim Top Secret clearance and potential

Qualifications

• PhD in Computer Engineering, Computer Science, Electrical Engineering, or a related field.
• Excellent academic record with mastery of computer architecture, operating systems, and data structures.
• Proficiency with one or more programming languages.
• Experience using debuggers and reverse engineering tools (Ghidra, IDA, Binary Ninja).
• Willingness to obtain Interim Top Secret clearance with potential TS/SCI clearance.

Responsibilities

• Create and use techniques for automating reverse engineering and vulnerability analysis.
• Develop exploits for embedded systems.
• Collaborate with government sponsors to build mission-aligned capabilities.
• Present research to team members and government decision makers.

Skills

Programming languages proficiency

Education

PhD in Computer Engineering/Computer Science/Electrical Engineering

Tools

Ghidra

IDA Pro

Binary Ninja

Job description

Description

Are you a creative researcher who loves to imagine new solutions to complex problems?

Do you have an insatiable curiosity to understand how technology works?

We're looking for motivated and enthusiastic engineers who are excited to dive deep into embedded systems, discover vulnerabilities, and build offensive cyber capabilities that solve real-world national security challenges. We believe that innovation and operational impact go hand-in-hand! Our reverse engineers are highly collaborative and value varied 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...

• Create and use cutting-edge techniques for automating reverse engineering and vulnerability analysis
• Cultivate deep technical expertise of software, firmware, and hardware platforms
• Develop exploits against bespoke embedded systems
• Collaborate with government sponsors and operators to build mission-aligned capabilities
• Deepen your expertise by working with reverse engineering experts
• Widen your expertise by engaging with experts in other fields as you tackle problems intersecting other technical domains
• Present research to team members, APL management, government decision makers, and the larger cybersecurity community in academia and industry

Qualifications

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

• Are graduating with a PhD in Computer Engineering, Computer Science, Electrical Engineering, or a related field
• Have an excellent academic record with demonstrated mastery of fundamental topics such as computer architecture, operating systems, and data structures
• Are proficient with one or more programming languages
• Have experience using debuggers and reverse engineering tools such as Ghidra, IDA, and Binary Ninja
• Love solving puzzles and are excited to learn new tools, platforms, and programming languages
• Are able to obtain an InterimTop 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...

• Have an existing portfolio of research related to vulnerability analysis particularly applying AI systems to reverse engineering
• Are familiar with assembly
• Participate in hackathons, CTFs, or other relevant cybersecurity activities
• Understand Unix/Linux operating systems and embedded systems development toolchains
• Have experience with hardware debugging interfaces, code security mechanisms and their weaknesses, hardware diagnostic tools, and signal/protocol analysis
• 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 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

$105,000 Annually

Maximum Rate

$245,000 Annually