AI-Driven Offensive Cyber Capabilities Engineer

The Johns Hopkins University Applied Physics Laboratory; Laurel (MD); On-site; USD 105,000 - 290,000; Full time

Job summary

The Johns Hopkins University Applied Physics Laboratory (APL) seeks researchers to build AI-enabled capabilities for reverse engineering and vulnerability research. This is not traditional software development; it requires designing AI-native architectures, orchestrating tool-using agents, and rapidly iterating prototypes with measurable impact.

Join a mission-driven team collaborating with government sponsors, integrating LLMs, AI services, and data sources into cyber use cases while mentoring

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Computer Engineering, Computer Science, Electrical Engineering, or related field.
• At least 5 years of relevant experience.
• Experience developing agentic AI systems including planning, memory, tool use, and multi-step reasoning.
• Proficiency with debugging and static analysis tools such as Ghidra.
• Experience with AI development platforms like Claude Code, Gemini, Codex or Copilot.
• Proficient in one or more programming languages.
• Understand Unix/Linux operating systems.
• Active TS/SCI clearance with ability to obtain TS/SCI+Poly.
• Mentor teammates in AI for offensive cyber capability development.
• Strong collaboration and communication skills.

Responsibilities

• Reverse engineer mission-relevant systems and develop innovative exploits.
• Design and implement agentic AI systems to automate vulnerability research, reverse engineering, and capability development workflows.
• Collaborate with government sponsors and operators to build mission-aligned capabilities.
• Integrate large language models, AI services, external tools, and data sources into full-stack applications for cyber use cases.
• Propose groundbreaking ideas for internal and external funding opportunities.
• Mentor teammates in the art and science of using AI to enhance offensive cyber capability development.
• Share knowledge by articulating ideas through papers and presentations to team members, APL management, and government decision makers.

Education

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

Tools

Ghidra

Claude Code

Gemini

Codex

Copilot

Job description

The Johns Hopkins University Applied Physics Laboratory (APL) seeks researchers to build AI-enabled capabilities for reverse engineering and vulnerability research. This is not traditional software development; it requires designing AI-native architectures, orchestrating tool-using agents, and rapidly iterating prototypes with measurable impact.

Join a mission-driven team collaborating with government sponsors, integrating LLMs, AI services, and data sources into cyber use cases while mentoring