Lead Vulnerability Researcher

Trusted Concepts, Inc.; Herndon (VA); On-site; USD 157,000 - 235,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Medical, dental, and vision insurance

Tuition assistance

Professional development

Job summary

Two Six Technologies in Herndon, Virginia is seeking a Lead Vulnerability Researcher to advance reverse engineering on embedded and wireless systems for government customers.

You will lead vulnerability research, analyze firmware and binaries, and develop proof-of-concept exploits while mentoring team members and coordinating with hardware engineers.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s (or higher) degree in Computer Science, Computer/Electrical Engineering, or related field.
• Experience in C/C++ and Python within Linux environments for reverse engineering and vulnerability research.
• Experience with reverse engineering using IDA Pro, Binary Ninja, or Ghidra.
• Expertise in firmware analysis (ARM, MIPS, PowerPC, RTOS) and emulation with QEMU.
• Fuzzing and exploit development; binary obfuscation and anti-analysis techniques.
• Knowledge of wireless protocols and radio signal analysis; file system forensics.

Responsibilities

• Drive planning, task prioritization, and technical execution for vulnerability research on embedded and wireless systems.
• Analyze binaries/firmware and reverse engineer complex targets; develop maintainable proof‑of‑concept exploits.
• Provide technical direction, mentor staff, and collaborate with developers and hardware engineers daily.
• Interface with customers to translate mission needs into technical requirements and present findings.

Skills

C/C++

Python

Linux

Reverse engineering

Vulnerability research

IDA Pro

Binary Ninja

Ghidra

Firmware analysis

QEMU emulation

Fuzzing

Wireless protocols

Network protocols

Education

Bachelor’s degree in Computer Science or Electrical Engineering

Tools

IDA Pro

Binary Ninja

Ghidra

QEMU

Fuzzing frameworks

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

Looking for other great opportunities? Check out Two Six Technologies Opportunities for all our Company’s current openings!

Ready to make the first move towards growing your career? If so, check out the Two Six Technologies Candidate Journey! This will give you step-by-step directions on applying, what to expect during the application process, information about our rich benefits and perks along with our most frequently asked questions. If you are undecided and would like to learn more about us and how we are contributing to essential missions, check out our Two Six Technologies News page! We share information about the tech world around us and how we are making an impact! Still have questions, no worries! You can reach us at Contact Two Six Technologies. We are happy to connect and cover the information needed to assist you in reaching your next career milestone.

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 Affirmative Action Policy 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.

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