Junior Vulnerability Researcher

Battelle Memorial Institute; Columbus (OH); On-site; USD 70,000 - 90,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Flexible work schedule

Hybrid work model

Comprehensive health coverage

Tuition assistance

Job summary

A leading research institute in Columbus, OH is seeking a Junior Vulnerability Researcher passionate about conducting vulnerability research and collaborating with a skilled team. Candidates should have a Bachelor’s in a relevant field and experience with vulnerability research tools. This position involves working on innovative embedded security solutions for high-stakes clients, providing growth opportunities, and a flexible work environment that balances personal life and career.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree and 2 years of relevant experience or a Master’s degree.
• Experience with one or more disassemblers for vulnerability research.
• Familiarity with assembly languages (x86, x64, ARM, etc.).

Responsibilities

• Conduct vulnerability research and debugging on embedded devices.
• Work with a team of vulnerability researchers.
• Develop and utilize vulnerability research tools.

Skills

Experience with disassemblers for vulnerability research

Knowledge of assembly languages

Ability to code in C

Understanding of network protocols

Education

Bachelor’s in Computer Science, Computer Engineering or related field

Tools

Ghidra

IDA Pro

BinaryNinja

WinDbg

Job description

Battelle delivers when others can’t. We conduct research and development, manage national laboratories, design and manufacture products and deliver critical services for our clients—whether they are a multi-national corporation, a small start-up or a government agency.

We recognize and appreciate the value and contributions of individuals from a wide range of backgrounds and experiences and welcome all qualified individuals to apply.

Job Summary

Battelle is currently seeking an aspiring Junior Vulnerability Researcher to work in our Columbus, OH location.

Do you enjoy conducting vulnerability research from scratch? Do you have arguments over Ghidra vs. IDApro vs. BinaryNinja? Do you constantly switch between static analysis, dynamic analysis, and other automated methods? Do byte restrictions on shellcode make you want to solve the problem that much more? If you answered yes to these questions, this is the job for you!

As a junior Vulnerability Researcher , you will work with a team of vulnerability researchers that have the same passion as you. You will use and build vulnerability research tools that push past the edge of current tools and techniques. On any given day you will research and debug an embedded device while getting the chance to bounce ideas off a close-knit team of researchers. We have the tools and the mentors you will need to take yourself to the next level and who are eager to learn from your experience.

“From Silicon to Systems” - We are an elite, multi-disciplinary team, bringing together the brightest minds from physics, computer science, electrical engineering, and mathematics to develop unique embedded security solutions for government and industrial customers.

Battelle has been trusted by elite government clients to solve some of the world’s hardest security problems. We work in small agile teams to push the bounds of computing technology. Our high-powered labs include specialized software and hardware, so our engineers have everything they need to invent new Cyber solutions.

We encourage new ideas with our large Internal Research and Development (IRAD) program where engineers work on projects they are passionate about. Inventors and innovators are rewarded by our industry-leading IP compensation program. Our group works collaboratively with many parts of Battelle’s larger organization on projects ranging from genomics to robotics.

Key Qualifications

• Bachelor’s in Computer Science, Computer Engineering, Electrical Engineering, or related field of study and (2) years of experience, a Master’s degree in a relevant field, or an equivalent combination of education/experience in a relevant field

• Experience with a disassembler for vulnerability research (Ghidra, IDA Pro, BinaryNinja)

• Experience with one or more assembly languages (x86, x64, ARM, MIPS, PowerPC, etc.)

• Experience with one or more debuggers (WinDbg, OllyDbg, gdb)

• Experience with vulnerability research on one or more operating systems: Android, iOS, Windows, Linux, MacOS, VxWorks, QNX, RTOSs, or other custom operating systems

• Knowledge of advanced exploitation techniques (ret2libc,use-after-free,type confusion)

• Knowledge of exploit protection techniques (DEP, ASLR/NX)

• Ability to code in C

• Understanding of network protocols

• Must Be a US Citizen with the ability and willingness to obtain a DoD Secret or higher clearance

Preferred Qualifications

• Participation in CTFs

• Understanding of network protocols

• Experience with AI/ML

• Experience with microcontrollers

• Experience emulating embedded platforms for live debugging

• Experience using fuzzing tools such as AFL or Peach

• Concolic analysis research and implementation

• Experience with symbolic analysis

• Active DoD Secret security clearance

Benefits: Live an Extraordinary Life

We care about your well-being, not just on the job. Battelle offers comprehensive and competitive benefits to help you live your best life.

• Balance life through a compressed work schedule : Most of our team follows a flexible, compressed work schedule that allows for every other Friday off—giving you a dedicated day to accomplish things in your personal life without using vacation time.

• Enjoy enhanced work flexibility, including a hybrid arrangement: You have options for where and when you work. Our Together with Flexibility model allows you to work 60% in-office and 40% remote, with Monday and Tuesday as common in-office days, dependent on team and position needs.

• Take time to recharge : You get paid time off to support work-life balance and keep motivated.

• Prioritize wellness : Stay healthy with medical, dental, and vision coverage with wellness incentives and benefits plus a variety of optional supplemental benefits.

• Better together : Coverage for partners, gender-affirming care and health support, and family formation support.

• Build your financial future : Build financial stability with an industry-leading 401(k) retirement savings plan. For most employees, we put in 5 percent whether you contribute or not, and match your contributions on top of that.

• Advance your education : Tuition assistance is available to pursue higher education.

A Work Environment Where You Succeed

For brilliant minds in science, technology, engineering and business operations, Battelle is the place to do the greatest good by solving humanity’s most pressing challenges and creating a safer, healthier and more secure world.

You will have the opportunity to thrive in a culture that inspires you to:

• Apply your talent to challenging and meaningful projects

• Receive select funding to pursue ideas in scientific and technological discovery

• Partner with world‑class experts in a collaborative environment

• Nurture and develop the next generation of scientific leaders

• Give back to and improve our communities

Vaccinations & Safety Protocols

Battelle may require employees, based on job duties, work location, and/or its clients’ requirements to follow certain safety protocols and to be vaccinated against a variety of viruses, bacteria, and diseases as a condition of employment and continued employment and to provide documentation that they are fully vaccinated. If applicable, Battelle will provide reasonable accommodations based on a qualified disability or medical condition through the Americans with Disabilities Act or the Rehabilitation Act or for a sincerely held religious belief under Title VII of the Civil Rights Act of 1964 (and related state laws).

Battelle is an equal opportunity employer. We provide employment and opportunities for advancement, compensation, training, and growth according to individual merit, without regard to race, color, religion, sex (including pregnancy), national origin, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, marital status, age, genetic information, disability, veteran-status veteran or military status, or any other characteristic protected under applicable Federal, state, or local law. Our goal is for each staff member to have the opportunity to grow to the limits of their abilities and to achieve personal and organizational objectives. We will support positive programs for equal treatment of all staff and full utilization of all qualified employees at all levels within Battelle.

The above statements are intended to describe the nature and level of work being performed by people assigned to this job. They are not intended to be an exhaustive list of all responsibilities, activities and skills required of staff members. No statement herein is intended to imply any authorities to commit Battelle unless special written permission is granted by Battelle's Legal Department.

For more information about our other openings, please visit www.battelle.org/careers