Lead Cyber Vulnerability Researcher

The Johns Hopkins University Applied Physics Laboratory; Laurel (MD); On-site; USD 105,000 - 290,000; Full time

Job summary

The Johns Hopkins University Applied Physics Laboratory (APL) seeks an experienced cyber vulnerability researcher to lead efforts identifying, analyzing, and exploiting vulnerabilities across software, firmware, and hardware systems. You will mentor researchers, shape technical strategy, and drive innovative offensive cyber research in a dynamic, collaborative environment with national-security impact.

The role requires strong leadership and the ability to obtain security clearances; APL is

Qualifications

• Bachelor's in CS/EE/CE or related field.
• 8+ years of vulnerability research, reverse engineering, exploit development.
• Leading technical teams on cybersecurity efforts.
• Deep understanding of OS, architecture, exploitation techniques, mitigations.
• Experience in C/C++, Rust, assembly or similar languages.
• Strong written and verbal communication.
• U.S. citizenship with ability to obtain security clearances (Secret/TS/SCI).

Responsibilities

• Lead efforts to identify, analyze, and exploit vulnerabilities in hardware, firmware, and software.
• Mentor researchers and provide technical leadership across projects.
• Develop novel vulnerability discovery techniques and exploitation methods.
• Transition research into operational cyber capabilities with multidisciplinary teams.
• Shape technical strategy and participate in sponsor engagements and proposals.
• Communicate findings via presentations, publications, and briefings.

Skills

Vulnerability research

Reverse engineering

Exploit development

Leadership

C/C++, Rust, assembly

OS and architecture knowledge

Technical communication

US citizenship / security clearance

Education

Bachelor's in CS/EE/CE or related

Master's or Ph.D. in CS/EE/CE or related

Job description

Description

Are you passionate about discovering novel software and hardware vulnerabilities in complex systems?

Do you thrive on leading technical teams to develop innovative techniques for discovering and exploiting vulnerabilities?

If so, we want you to join our group of offensive cyber experts!

We are seeking an experienced cyber vulnerability researcher to lead efforts to identify, analyze, and exploit vulnerabilities in complex hardware, firmware, and software systems. You'll help shape technical strategy, mentor researchers, and drive innovative solutions to some of the nation's most challenging cybersecurity problems. We work in a dynamic environment where collaboration, technical excellence, and continuous learning are central to everything we do.

As a member of our team, you will...

• Lead projects to identify and analyze vulnerabilities in complex software, firmware, and hardware systems
• Develop novel techniques for vulnerability discovery, exploit development, and offensive cyber research
• Mentor and guide engineers and researchers while providing technical leadership across projects
• Transition advanced research into operational cyber capabilities in collaboration with multidisciplinary teams
• Shape technical strategy and contribute to proposal development, sponsor engagement, and new research initiatives
• Communicate findings through presentations, publications, and briefings to sponsors, leadership, and a technical community

Qualifications

You meet our minimum qualifications for the job if you have...

• A Bachelor's in Computer Science, Electrical Engineering, Computer Engineering, or another discipline relevant to the duties as described above
• At least 8+ years of experience conducting cyber vulnerability research, reverse engineering, exploit development, or offensive capability development
• Demonstrated experience leading technical teams solving complex cybersecurity efforts
• Deep understanding of operating systems, computer architecture, exploitation techniques, and modern mitigations
• Experience developing software in C/C++, Rust, assembly, or similar low-level languages
• Strong written and verbal communication skills
• Are about to acquire a Secret level security clearance by your start date and can ultimately acquire a TS/SCI level 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.

You’ll go above and beyond our minimum requirements if you...

• Have a Master's or Ph.D. in Computer Science, Electrical Engineering, Computer Engineering, or related field
• Have 12+ years of experience in reverse engineering, cyber capability development, or related technical work
• Recognized technical expertise in vulnerability research or offensive cyber operations
• Experience leading externally funded research efforts or interacting directly with government sponsors
• Publications, presentations, patents, or open-source contributions related to cybersecurity
• Experience with embedded systems, SoCs, firmware, or RF systems
• Experience leveraging AI to improve vulnerability discovery or reverse engineering workflows
• Hold an active TS/SCI security clearance

About Us

Why Work at APL?

The Johns Hopkins University Applied Physics Laboratory (APL) brings world‑class expertise to our nation's most critical defense, security, space and science challenges. While we are dedicated to solving complex challenges and pioneering new technologies, what makes us truly outstanding is our culture. We offer a vibrant, welcoming atmosphere where you can bring your authentic self to work, continue to grow, and build strong connections with inspiring teammates.

At APL, we celebrate our differences of perspectives and encourage creativity and bold, new ideas. Our employees enjoy generous benefits, including a robust education assistance program, unparalleled retirement contributions, and a healthy work/life balance. APL's campus is located in the Baltimore‑Washington metro area. Learn more about our career opportunities at https://www.jhuapl.edu/careers.

All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, creed, color, religion, sex, gender identity or expression, sexual orientation, national origin, age, physical or mental disability, genetic information, veteran status, occupation, marital or familial status, political opinion, personal appearance, or any other characteristic protected by applicable law. APL is committed to providing reasonable accommodation to individuals of all abilities, including those with disabilities. If you require a reasonable accommodation to participate in any part of the hiring process, please contact [e-mail].

The referenced pay range is based on JHU APL's good faith belief at the time of posting. Actual compensation may vary based on factors such as geographic location, work experience, market conditions, education/training and skill level with consideration for internal parity. For salaried employees scheduled to work less than 40 hours per week, annual salary will be prorated based on the number of hours worked. APL may offer bonuses or other forms of compensation per internal policy and/or contractual designation. Additional compensation may be provided in the form of a sign‑on bonus, relocation benefits, locality allowance or discretionary payments for exceptional performance. APL provides eligible staff with a comprehensive benefits package including retirement plans, paid time off, medical, dental, vision, life insurance, short‑term disability, long‑term disability, flexible spending accounts, education assistance, and training and development. Applications are accepted on a rolling basis.

Minimum Rate

$105,000 Annually

Maximum Rate

$290,000 Annually