Exploitation Analyst (EA)

AeroVironment, Inc.; Maryland; Hybrid; USD 102,000 - 200,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Medical insurance

Dental insurance

Vision insurance

401K with company match

9/80 work schedule

Paid holiday shutdown

Job summary

AeroVironment, Inc. seeks an Exploitation Analyst to support offensive cyber operations, align technical requirements, and educate leadership on advanced techniques and challenges.

The role involves in-depth target analysis, development of exploitation concepts, collaboration with mission partners, and delivering briefings to leadership. Requires TS/SCI with poly, 4+ years IC cyber experience, and strong problem-solving and communication skills.

Qualifications

• Experience as exploitation analyst; Red Team experience considered.
• Knowledge of computer security principles, vulnerability analysis & research, and exploitation techniques.
• Deep knowledge of network concepts (TCP/IP, DNS, TLS, etc.).
• Experience conducting traffic analysis and use of analysis tools (Wireshark, tcpdump, libpcap).
• Proficiency with Python.
• Experience using a Linux/Unix system (recommended).
• Active TS/SCI clearance with poly.
• Minimum of 4 years of IC cyber analyst/EA experience.
• Strong problem-solving, critical thinking, and troubleshooting skills.
• Excellent written, verbal, and interpersonal communication skills.

Responsibilities

• Conduct in-depth target analysis and research.
• Develop innovative tradecraft, exploitation techniques, and concepts of operation.
• Work closely with mission partners to analyze and process intelligence information.
• Provide subject matter expertise to all components of the organization.
• Guide the customer through the cyber planning phase and operations.
• Conduct high visibility briefings during key leader engagements.

Skills

Exploitation experience

Security principles

Networking basics

Python

Traffic analysis

Linux

Security clearance

IC experience

Problem solving

Communication

Tools

Wireshark

tcpdump

libpcap

Job description

Worker Type Regular Job Description As an Exploitation Analyst (EA) with AV, you will support offensive cyber operations (OCO) by aligning technical requirements under identified areas of interest. Additionally, you will collaborate with stake holders at every level to identify project objectives and conduct vulnerability research. Further, you will inform and educate organization leadership on groundbreaking techniques, developments, and hardships encountered.

Position Roles and Responsibilities:

• Conduct in-depth target analysis and research.
• Develop innovative tradecraft, exploitation techniques, and concepts of operation.
• Work closely with mission partners to effectively analyze and process intelligence information.
• Provide subject matter expertise to all components of the organization.
• Guide the customer through the cyber planning phase and operations.
• Conduct high visibility briefings during key leader engagements.

Qualifications (Required Skills and Experience):

• Prior exploitation analyst experience (Red Team experience to be considered).
• Knowledge of computer security principles, vulnerability analysis & research, and exploitation techniques.
• Deep technical knowledge of the concepts, principles, and methods for network connectivity (e.g., TCP/IP, DNS, TLS, etc.) .
• Experience conducting traffic analysis and use of associated tools (Wireshark, tcpdump, libpcap).
• Proficiency with Python.
• Experience using a Linux/Unix system (recommended)
• An active TS/SCI clearance with poly.
• Minimum of 4 years of experience supporting the IC in a cyber analyst or EA.
• Strong problem-solving, critical thinking, and troubleshooting skills.
• Excellent written, verbal, and interpersonal communication skills.

Salary Range: $102,000 - $200,000

ITAR Requirement:

This position requires access to information that is subject to compliance with the International Traffic Arms Regulations (“ITAR”) and/or the Export Administration Regulations (“EAR”). In order to comply with the requirements of the ITAR and/or the EAR, applicants will be asked to provide specific documentation to verify U.S. person status under the ITAR and the EAR. A “U.S. person” according to their definition is a U.S. citizen, U.S. lawful permanent resident (green card holder), or protected individual such as a refugee, or asylee. See 22 CFR § 120.15. Some positions will require current U.S. Citizenship due to contract requirements.

Benefits:

AV offers an excellent benefits package including medical, dental vision, 401K with company matching, a 9/80 work schedule and a paid holiday shutdown.

We also encourage you to review our company website at http://www.avinc.com to learn more about us.

Who We Are

Based in California, AeroVironment (AVAV) is a global leader in unmanned aircraft systems (UAS) and tactical missile systems. Founded in 1971 by celebrated physicist and engineer, Dr. Paul MacCready, we’ve been at the leading edge of technical innovation for more than 45 years. Be a part of the team that developed the world’s most widely used military drones and created the first submarine-launched reconnaissance drone, and has seven innovative vehicles that are part of the Smithsonian Institution’s permanent collection in Washington, DC. Join us today in developing the next generation of small UAS and tactical missile systems that will deliver more actionable intelligence to our customers so they can proceed with certainty – and succeed.

What We Do

Building on a history of technological innovation, AeroVironment designs, develops, produces, and supports an advanced portfolio of unmanned aircraft systems (UAS) and tactical missile systems. Agencies of the U.S. Department of Defense and allied military services use the company’s hand-launched UAS to provide situational awareness to tactical operating units through real-time, airborne reconnaissance, surveillance, and target acquisition.

We are proud to be an EEO/AA Equal Opportunity Employer, including disability/veterans.

AeroVironment, Inc. is an Equal Employment Opportunity (EEO) employer and welcomes all qualified applicants.

Qualified applicants will receive fair and impartial consideration without regard to race, sex, color, religion, national origin, age, disability, protected veteran status, genetic data, sexual orientation, gender identity or other legally protected status.

ITAR About AV:

AV isn’t for everyone. We hire the curious, the relentless, the mission-obsessed. The best of the best. We don’t just build defense technology—we redefine what’s possible. As the premier autonomous systems company in the U.S., AV delivers breakthrough capabilities across air, land, sea, space, and cyber. From AI-powered drones and loitering munitions to integrated autonomy and space resilience, our technologies shape the future of warfare and protect those who serve. Founded by legendary innovator Dr. Paul MacCready, AV has spent over 50 years pushing the boundaries of what unmanned systems can do. Our heritage includes seven platforms in the Smithsonian—but we’re not building history, we’re building what’s next. If you're ready to build technology that matters—with speed, scale, and purpose—there’s no better place to do it than AV.

Careers at AeroVironment