Cyber Reverse Engineer/Vulnerability Researcher

RTX; Columbia (MD); On-site; USD 95,500 - 181,700; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

401(k) match

Flexible work schedules

Paid time off

Job summary

RTX in Columbia, MD is seeking an Onsite expert in offensive cyberspace operations. Candidates should possess a Bachelor’s in Computer Science or similar, along with strong programming skills in C/C++ or Python. The role involves analyzing vulnerabilities and developing exploits, requiring an active Top Secret clearance.

Benefits include a comprehensive package covering medical, dental, retirement plans, and more.

Qualifications

• 5+ years of experience in relevant field or 3+ years with advanced degree.
• Experience with some assembly language (x86/64, ARM, etc.).
• Active Top Secret security clearance required.

Responsibilities

• Analyze systems and understand vulnerabilities.
• Disassemble and analyze binary code.
• Develop exploits, payloads, and networking protocols.

Skills

Programming skills in C/C++ or Python

Reverse engineering skills

Vulnerability research experience

Understanding of network protocols

Education

Bachelor's degree in computer science or related field

Advanced degree with related experience

Tools

IDA

Ghidra

BinaryNinja

Job description

Location

US-MD-COLUMBIA-720 ~ 9861 Broken Land Pkwy ~ BBN COLUMBIA, Ste 400

Date Posted

2026-06-09

Position

Onsite – Columbia, MD. Requires an active Top Secret clearance. Relocation assistance available.

Role Overview

BBN is looking for an individual excited by the prospect of developing exploits, implants, and payloads to deter and defeat our Nation’s adversaries. You are an ideal candidate if you are creative, curious, and persistent in finding system vulnerabilities. We seek a highly motivated individual who wants to create, contribute to, and grow cutting‑edge research and development projects for offensive cyberspace operations.

What You Will Do

• Analyze systems to understand how they work and what happens when they break
• Disassemble and analyze binary code
• Develop exploits, implants, payloads, and communication stacks based on extensive reverse engineering, vulnerability analysis, and software development
• Develop unique networking protocols and communication schemes
• Collaborate with cross‑disciplinary teams to solve challenging problems and deliver actionable results
• Operationalize software through extensive testing, documentation, and integration with other systems
• Participate in laboratory and field tests to collect and analyze data, test new capabilities, and perform demonstrations
• Overnight travel required for certain projects

What You Will Gain

• A strong leadership team well‑versed in government R&D
• A collaborative and collegial environment to push state‑of‑the‑art research
• A diverse and technically competent pool of research scientists who are willing to mentor, listen, and help refine vision and strategy
• Business development, programmatic, contracting, finance, and HR support
• Access, through RTX, to opportunities that help transition capabilities and ultimately see them fielded

Qualifications You Must Have

• Bachelor’s degree in computer science, computer engineering, electrical engineering, mathematics, or physics with 5+ years of experience or an advanced degree with 3+ years of experience
• Programming skills using one or more of: C/C++ or Python
• Experience with some assembly language (x86/64, ARM, PPC, MIPS, etc.)
• Vulnerability research experience
• Reverse engineering skills using a tool such as IDA, Ghidra, or BinaryNinja
• Understanding of network protocols (TCP/IP, wire‑level protocols, BGP, RF communications, etc.)
• Active Top Secret security clearance; U.S. citizenship required

Qualifications We Prefer

• Capture the Flag (CTF) experience
• OS kernel development experience (e.g., Windows, Linux, macOS, Android)
• Network programming skills
• Hardware emulation experience
• Hands‑on experience with system architecture design, prototyping, and technical project leadership
• Active TS/SCI security clearance

Salary Range

95,500 USD – 181,700 USD

Benefits

Hired applicants may be eligible for benefits, including but not limited to medical, dental, vision, life insurance, short‑term and long‑term disability, 401(k) match, flexible spending accounts, flexible work schedules, employee assistance program, Employee Scholar Program, parental leave, paid time off and holidays. Specific benefits depend on the business unit and collective‑bargaining agreement.

EEO Statement

RTX is an Equal Opportunity Employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, age, disability or veteran status, or any other applicable state or federal protected class. RTX provides affirmative action in employment for qualified individuals with a disability and protected veterans in compliance with Section 503 of the Rehabilitation Act and the Vietnam Era Veterans’ Readjustment Assistance Act.