Graduate Embedded Reverse Engineer: Exploit & Analyze

Johns Hopkins Applied Physics Laboratory; Laurel (MD); On-site; USD 85,000 - 165,000; Full time

Job summary

Johns Hopkins Applied Physics Laboratory (APL) seeks motivated engineers to dive into reverse engineering of complex embedded systems. You will investigate software, firmware, and hardware, develop exploits, and collaborate in a lab focused on national security challenges.

This role requires strong problem solving, adaptability, and readiness to pursue a Top Secret clearance. Ideal candidates hold a Bachelor’s in a relevant field, demonstrate excellence in fundamentals, and show proficiency in

Qualifications

• Are graduating with a Bachelor’s degree in Computer Engineering, Computer Science, Electrical Engineering, or a related field
• Have an excellent academic record with demonstrated knowledge of fundamental topics such as computer architecture, operating systems, and data structures
• Are proficient with one or more programming language
• Have experience using debuggers and reverse engineering tools such as Ghidra, IDA, and Binary Ninja
• Love solving puzzles and have experience persevering through technical challenges
• Are excited to learn new tools, platforms, and programming languages
• Are able to obtain a Top Secret security clearance by your start date and can ultimately obtain a TS/SCI with polygraph clearance. If selected, you will be subject to a government security clearance investigation and must meet the requirements for access to classified information; eligibility requirements include U.S. citizenship.

Responsibilities

• Be mentored by top experts to learn the art and science of reverse engineering
• Perform deep investigations of software, firmware, and hardware
• Develop exploits against embedded systems and build mission-aligned capabilities
• Collaborate with teammates in custom laboratories purpose-built for foreign materiel, telecommunications infrastructure, and other embedded systems
• Propose new ideas for internal and external funding opportunities
• Share knowledge by clearly articulating ideas through papers and presentations to team members, APL management, and government decision maker

Skills

Programming

Reverse engineering

Problem solving

Education

Bachelor's degree in Computer Engineering/CS/EE

Master's degree in Computer Science/Engineering (preferred)

Tools

Ghidra

IDA Pro

Binary Ninja

Oscilloscopes

Logic analyzers

Job description

Johns Hopkins Applied Physics Laboratory (APL) seeks motivated engineers to dive into reverse engineering of complex embedded systems. You will investigate software, firmware, and hardware, develop exploits, and collaborate in a lab focused on national security challenges.

This role requires strong problem solving, adaptability, and readiness to pursue a Top Secret clearance. Ideal candidates hold a Bachelor’s in a relevant field, demonstrate excellence in fundamentals, and show proficiency in