Chief Offensive Vulnerability Research Lead

The Johns Hopkins University Applied Physics Laboratory

Laurel (MD)

On-site

USD 105,000 - 290,000

Full time

14 days+

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Job summary

The Johns Hopkins University Applied Physics Laboratory (APL) seeks an experienced cyber vulnerability researcher to lead efforts identifying, analyzing, and exploiting vulnerabilities across software, firmware, and hardware systems. You will mentor researchers, shape technical strategy, and drive innovative offensive cyber research in a dynamic, collaborative environment with national-security impact.

The role requires strong leadership and the ability to obtain security clearances; APL is

Qualifications

Bachelor's in CS/EE/CE or related field.
8+ years of vulnerability research, reverse engineering, exploit development.
Leading technical teams on cybersecurity efforts.
Deep understanding of OS, architecture, exploitation techniques, mitigations.
Experience in C/C++, Rust, assembly or similar languages.
Strong written and verbal communication.
U.S. citizenship with ability to obtain security clearances (Secret/TS/SCI).

Responsibilities

Lead efforts to identify, analyze, and exploit vulnerabilities in hardware, firmware, and software.
Mentor researchers and provide technical leadership across projects.
Develop novel vulnerability discovery techniques and exploitation methods.
Transition research into operational cyber capabilities with multidisciplinary teams.
Shape technical strategy and participate in sponsor engagements and proposals.
Communicate findings via presentations, publications, and briefings.