Lead Offensive Cyber Vulnerability Researcher

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

Job summary

Johns Hopkins Applied Physics Laboratory (APL) seeks an experienced cyber vulnerability researcher to lead efforts identifying, analyzing, and exploiting vulnerabilities across hardware, firmware, and software systems. You will mentor researchers, shape strategy, and collaborate with multidisciplinary teams to deliver advanced cyber capabilities.

The role requires 8+ years in the field, strong C/C++, Rust or assembly skills, and the ability to obtain a Secret clearance with TS/SCI potential.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s in Computer Science, Electrical Engineering, Computer Engineering, or related field.
• 8+ years of cyber vulnerability research, reverse engineering, exploit development, or offensive capability development.
• Leadership experience in technical teams solving complex cybersecurity problems.
• Deep understanding of OS, architecture, exploitation techniques, and mitigations.
• Experience coding in C/C++, Rust, assembly or similar low-level languages.
• Strong written and verbal communication skills.
• Eligibility to obtain a Secret clearance by start date and TS/SCI eventually.

Responsibilities

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

Skills

Cyber vulnerability research

Reverse engineering

Exploit development

C/C++

Rust

Assembly

Operating systems

Computer architecture

Leadership

Strong communication

Education

Bachelor’s in CS/EE/CE or related field

Master’s or PhD preferred

Job description

Johns Hopkins Applied Physics Laboratory (APL) seeks an experienced cyber vulnerability researcher to lead efforts identifying, analyzing, and exploiting vulnerabilities across hardware, firmware, and software systems. You will mentor researchers, shape strategy, and collaborate with multidisciplinary teams to deliver advanced cyber capabilities.

The role requires 8+ years in the field, strong C/C++, Rust or assembly skills, and the ability to obtain a Secret clearance with TS/SCI potential.