Lead Vulnerability Researcher

Socket.dev; Herndon (VA); On-site; USD 157,000 - 235,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Medical Insurance

Dental Insurance

Vision Insurance

Retirement Benefits

Paid Leave

Tuition Assistance

Professional Development

Job summary

Two Six Technologies in Herndon, Virginia seeks a Lead Vulnerability Researcher to drive reverse engineering of embedded and wireless systems for national security programs.

The role requires C/C++ and Python in Linux, experience with IDA Pro/Binary Ninja/Ghidra, and firmware analysis across ARM, MIPS, PowerPC, or RTOS. A Top Secret/SCI‑level clearance is typically needed.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Computer Science, Computer/Electrical Engineering, or related field (or equivalent practical experience).
• Experience developing, debugging, and scripting in C/C++ and Python within Linux environments, with emphasis on low-level programming for reverse engineering.
• Experience with reverse engineering and vulnerability research using IDA Pro, Binary Ninja, or Ghidra.
• Expertise in Firmware analysis (ARM, MIPS, PowerPC, RTOS) and related tooling; familiarity with emulation on QEMU is a plus.

Responsibilities

• Drive planning, prioritization, and technical execution for vulnerability research on embedded and wireless systems for government customers.
• Analyze binaries, firmware, and wireless protocols; reverse engineer targets and write proof‑of‑concept exploits following DevOps practices.
• Provide technical direction, mentor staff, and collaborate with hardware engineers and developers in a fast‑paced environment.
• Interface with customers to translate mission needs into technical requirements and present findings clearly.

Skills

C/C++ development

Python development

Linux command line

Reverse engineering

Firmware analysis

Networking TCP/IP UDP HTTP

Education

Bachelor's degree in CS/EE or related field

Tools

IDA Pro

Binary Ninja

Ghidra

QEMU

Job description

At Two Six Technologies, we build, deploy, and implement innovative products that solve the world’s most complex challenges today. Through unrivaled collaboration and unwavering trust, we push the boundaries of what’s possible to empower our team and support our customers in building a safer global future.

Overview of Opportunity

Join the Trusted Electronics & Effects team at Two Six Technologies in Herndon, Virginia , where we push the boundaries of software and firmware reverse engineering to uncover vulnerabilities in wireless and embedded systems. As part of our elite team of security researchers, you’ll work alongside CNO developers and hardware engineers, conducting cutting‑edge vulnerability research on complex, real‑world targets. Our government customers rely on us to deliver mission‑critical security solutions, and we’re looking for a Lead Vulnerability Researcher who thrives on reverse engineering embedded systems, discovering security weaknesses, and developing innovative proof‑of‑concept exploits. If you’re passionate about wireless security, embedded firmware analysis, and making an impact on national security, we want you on our team.

What You’ll Do:

• Drive the planning, task prioritization, and technical execution for vulnerability research projects on complex, undocumented embedded and wireless systems supporting government customers and national security programs.
• Act as a key technical contributor by analyzing binaries, firmware, and wireless protocols, reverse engineering complex targets, and writing maintainable proof‑of‑concept exploits following DevOps best practices.
• Provide technical direction to team members, mentor staff through code reviews and knowledge sharing, and collaborate daily with CNO developers and hardware engineers in a fast‑paced environment.
• Interface directly with customers to translate mission needs into technical requirements and present complex research findings.

What You’ll Need (Basic Qualifications):

• Bachelor’s (or higher) degree in Computer Science, Computer/Electrical Engineering, or a related field (or equivalent practical experience).
• Experience developing, debugging, and scripting in C/C++ and Python within Linux command‑line environments, with a strong emphasis on low‑level programming, memory management, and system interaction for reverse engineering and vulnerability research.
• Experience with reverse engineering and vulnerability research, using tools such as IDA Pro, Binary Ninja, or Ghidra.
• Expertise in one or more of the following: Firmware analysis (ARM, MIPS, PowerPC, RTOS). Firmware rehosting using emulation tools such as QEMU Fuzzing and exploit development. Binary obfuscation and anti‑analysis techniques. Wireless protocols and radio signal analysis. File system forensics and fault injection frameworks. Knowledge of common network protocols TCP/IP, UDP, or HTTP Ability to work in the Herndon, Virginia office daily.

Nice if you have:

• Experience conducting vulnerability research on embedded systems
• Experience with defeating modern migrations such as ASLR, DEP, and Stack Canaries
• Knowledge of cellular standards such as 4G or 5G
• Knowledge of low bandwidth communications such as RS485, RS232, CAN
• Knowledge of Wifi, Bluetooth, Zigbee communication
• Previous experience in a client‑facing technical role

Clearance Requirement:

• Active US Security clearance of Top Secret level and ability to obtain and maintain TS/SCI

Two Six Technologies is committed to providing competitive and comprehensive compensation packages that reflect the value we place on our employees and their contributions. We believe in rewarding skills, experience, and performance. Our offerings include but are not limited to, medical, dental, and vision insurance, life and disability insurance, retirement benefits, paid leave, tuition assistance and professional development. The projected salary range listed for this position is annualized. This is a general guideline and not a guarantee of salary. Salary is one component of our total compensation package and the specific salary offered is determined by various factors, including, but not limited to education, experience, knowledge, skills, geographic location, as well as contract specific affordability and organizational requirements.

Salary Range $156,538 — $234,806 USD

Two Six Technologies is an Equal Opportunity Employer and does not discriminate in employment opportunities or practices based on race (including traits historically associated with race, such as hair texture, hair type and protective hair styles (e.g., braids, twists, locs and twists)), color, religion, national origin, sex (including pregnancy, childbirth or related medical conditions and lactation), sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, age (40 and over), marital status, disability, genetic information, and protected veteran status or any other characteristic protected by applicable federal, state, or local law. For more information review the Two Six Technologies Equal Employment Opportunity and Aff... and the EEO Poster.

If you are an individual with a disability and would like to request reasonable workplace accommodation for any part of our employment process, please send an email to [e-mail]. Information provided will be kept confidential and used only to the extent required to provide needed reasonable accommodations.

Additionally, please be advised that this business uses E-Verify in its hiring practices.