Exploitation Specialist

CACI International; Maryland; On-site; USD 90,000 - 190,000; Full time

Job summary

CACI International is seeking an Exploitation Specialist to perform advanced electromagnetic and voltage fault injection techniques on diverse electronics and embedded systems. You will analyze microcontrollers, secure elements, and IoT devices to identify vulnerabilities and contribute to defensive countermeasures.

The role requires hands-on work with state-of-the-art hardware and strong scripting in Python for automation, along with clear communication of complex findings to stakeholders.

Qualifications

• Active Top-Secret Clearance with the ability to obtain SCI.
• BS in Cybersecurity Engineering or related field with 3–5 years of relevant experience.
• Experience with hardware reverse engineering and integrated circuit analysis.
• Proficiency with benchtop test equipment including oscilloscopes, signal generators, power analyzers, and multimeters.
• Understanding of embedded systems, ARM/x86 architectures, and firmware analysis.
• Familiarity with SPI, I2C, UART, JTAG.
• Proficiency with Python scripting for automation and data analysis.
• Experience with IDA Pro or Ghidra.
• Strong written and verbal communication to support findings.
• Ability to explain technical concepts to stakeholders.

Responsibilities

• Perform advanced EM/FI attacks, glitching operations, and hardware security assessments.
• Assess vulnerability on microcontrollers, secure elements, and IoT devices.
• Support vulnerability research and development of defensive countermeasures.

Skills

Hardware reverse engineering

Embedded systems security

Python scripting

Data analysis

Technical communication

Vulnerability research

Education

B.S. in Cybersecurity Engineering

Tools

IDA Pro

Ghidra

Oscilloscope

Signal generators

Power analyzers

Multimeters

Job description

Job Title: Exploitation Specialist

Job Category: Engineering

Time Type: Full time

Minimum Clearance Required to Start: Top Secret

Employee Type: Regular

Percentage of Travel Required: Up to 25%

Type of Travel: Local

* * *

The Opportunity:

Join a team that tackles complex hardware security challenges using electromagnetic and voltage fault injection techniques. You’ll have the opportunity to research and develop novel attack vectors while leveraging your skills in hardware reverse engineering, circuit analysis, and embedded systems security.

Responsibilities:

As a Exploitation Specialist, you’ll work hands-on with state-of-the-art electronics and embedded systems. You’ll perform advanced EM/FI attacks, glitching operations, and hardware security assessments on a variety of systems including microcontrollers, secure elements, and IoT devices in support of vulnerability research and defensive countermeasure development.

Qualifications:

Required:

• Active Top-Secret Clearance with the ability to obtain SCI
• BS in Cybersecurity Engineering, Computer Engineering, Electrical Engineering, or related discipline and 3-5 years of directly related experience
• Demonstrated experience with hardware reverse engineering and integrated circuit analysis
• Proficiency with benchtop equipment including oscilloscopes, signal generators, power analyzers, and multimeters
• Experience with micro-soldering and circuit board rework
• Understanding of embedded systems, microcontroller architectures (ARM, x86), and firmware analysis
• Familiarity with communication protocols (SPI, I2C, UART, JTAG)
• Proficiency with Python and scripting for automation and data analysis
• Experience with static and dynamic analysis tools (IDA Pro, Ghidra, or similar)
• High-proficiency with written and verbal communications
• Ability to articulate technical concepts and findings to stakeholders to support decision making

Desired:

• Direct experience with electromagnetic fault injection (EM/FI) or voltage fault injection (VFI/glitching) techniques
• Experience with ChipWhisperer, Riscure tools, or similar FI platforms
• Familiarity with laser fault injection or other advanced fault injection methodologies
• Experience with differential fault analysis (DFA) and side-channel analysis Knowledge of cryptographic implementations and secure boot mechanisms
• Experience performing penetration tests on embedded systems or IoT devices
• Familiarity with FPGA programming and ASIC design
• Experience with machine learning applications in security research
• Background in failure analysis or physical security testing
• Experience documenting vulnerability research and writing technical reports

This position is contingent on funding and may not be filled immediately. However, this position is representative of positions within CACI that are consistently available. Individuals who apply may also be considered for other positions at CACI.

What You Can Expect:

A culture of integrity.

At CACI, we place character and innovation at the center of everything we do. As a valued team member, you’ll be part of a high-performing group dedicated to our customer’s missions and driven by a higher purpose - to ensure the safety of our nation.

An environment of trust.

CACI values the unique contributions that every employee brings to our company and our customers - every day. You’ll have the autonomy to take the time you need through a unique flexible time off benefit and have access to robust learning resources to make your ambitions a reality.

A focus on continuous growth.

Together, we will advance our nation’s most critical missions, build on our lengthy track record of business success, and find opportunities to break new ground - in your career and in our legacy.

Pay Range

There are a host of factors that can influence final salary including, but not limited to, geographic location, Federal Government contract labor categories and contract wage rates, relevant prior work experience, specific skills and competencies, education, and certifications. Our employees value the flexibility at CACI that allows them to balance quality work and their personal lives. We offer competitive compensation, benefits and learning and development opportunities. Our broad and competitive mix of benefits options is designed to support and protect employees and their families. At CACI, you will receive comprehensive benefits such as;

• healthcare
• wellness
• financial
• retirement
• family support
• continuing education
• time off benefits

The proposed salary range for this position is:

$90,300 - 189,600 USD

CACI is anEqualOpportunity Employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, pregnancy, sexual orientation, age, national origin, disability, status as a protected veteran, or any otherprotectedcharacteristic.