Lead Vulnerability Researcher ($285k+/year + Sign-On Bonus)

Doist; Linthicum (MD); On-site; USD 285,000 - 300,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Medical insurance

Dental and vision

401(k) matching

Tuition assistance

Flexible PTO

Job summary

Two Six Technologies seeks a Lead Vulnerability Researcher to guide investigations across hardware, software, and ops systems at the Linthicum, MD site. You will mentor engineers, review methodologies, and develop countermeasures with real-world mission impact.

You will lead vulnerability analyses, produce client-ready reports, and help translate findings into actionable security improvements. On-site work is required.

Qualifications

• Doctorate in Computer Science, Computer/Electrical Engineering, or related field with 4+ years of experience, or MS with 6+ years, or BS with 8+ years.
• Experience in computer/information systems design or security disciplines.
• Proficiency in C/C++, Python, and at least one ISA (x86/ARM/MIPS).
• Proficiency with Linux command line environments.
• Experience with decompilers such as IDA Pro, Binary Ninja, or Ghidra.
• Experience using vulnerability research tools like emulators or fuzzers.
• Experience using a debugger such as GDB or WinDbg.

Responsibilities

• Lead vulnerability identification across hardware, software, and processes.
• Develop PoC code for identified vulnerabilities.
• Reverse‑engineer embedded systems to find flaws.
• Review code for risks and vulnerabilities.
• Analyze vulnerability impact on missions and operations.
• Compare attack techniques and propose countermeasures.
• Produce reports and briefings on threats and attacks.
• Provide technical leadership and mentor junior engineers.

Skills

C/C++

Python

Reverse engineering

Linux CLI

Decompilers

Ghidra familiarity

Education

PhD in CS / related field

MS in relevant field

BS in related field

Associate degree in related field

Tools

IDA Pro

Binary Ninja

Ghidra

GDB

WinDbg

Emulators

Fuzzers

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.

Compensation & Incentive Highlights

• Target Base Salary: $285,000+ (Final salary is determined based on candidate qualifications and experience alignment with open roles)
• Sign-On Bonus: Starting at $25,000 for qualified FSP hires.
• Benefits & Flexible PTO: Comprehensive health, dental, and vision coverage, 401(k) matching, paid professional development, tuition assistance, and flexible PTO with rollover options and annual payout opportunities.
• Salary Range $284,999 — $300,000 USD

Overview of Opportunity

Join the Trusted Electronics & Effects team at Two Six Technologies, where you’ll lead vulnerability research across hardware, software, and operational systems. Working side by side with engineers and security researchers, you’ll guide investigations, identify critical vulnerabilities, and develop countermeasures with operational impact. Our fast-growing roster of government customers relies on us to deliver advanced security solutions, and we’re looking for a Lead Vulnerability Researcher to provide technical leadership and mentorship. This role requires regular on-site support at the Linthicum, Maryland customer site.

What you will do

• Lead the identification of vulnerabilities and attacks across hardware, software, personnel, logistics, procedures, and physical security.
• Develop proof of concept (PoC) code for identified vulnerabilities
• Reverse-engineer targeted embedded systems to identify vulnerabilities
• Review source code looking for risks and vulnerabilities
• Analyze the effects of vulnerabilities on mission outcomes and operational effectiveness.
• Compare system attack techniques and propose operationally effective countermeasures
• Produce reports, briefings, and perspectives on actual and potential attacks
• Provide technical leadership on research efforts, prioritizing investigations, reviewing methodologies, and overseeing proof-of-concepts.
• Mentor and guide junior engineers and researchers, reviewing technical approaches and fostering skill development.

What you will need (Basic Qualifications)

• Doctorate in Computer Science, Computer/Electrical Engineering, or a related field and 4 years of relevant experience, OR Master’s degree and 6 years of relevant experience, OR Bachelor’s degree and 8 years of relevant experience, OR Associate’s degree and 10 years of relevant experience.
• Relevant experience: computer/information systems design/development, programming, information/cyber/network security, reverse-engineering, vulnerability analysis, penetration testing, computer forensics, information assurance, or systems engineering
• Proficiency in C/C++, Python, and at least one ISA (e.g. x86/ARM/MIPS)
• Proficiency in Linux command-line environments
• Experience using a decompiler such as IDA Pro, Binary Ninja, or Ghidra
• Experience using vulnerability research tools such as emulators or fuzzers
• Experience using a software debugger such as GDB or WinDbg
• Ability to work on-site at Linthicum, Maryland customer site regularly.

Nice If You Have (Preferred)

• Experience translating vulnerabilities into operationally relevant impact assessments and countermeasures.
• Experience producing client-facing technical briefings for operational stakeholders
• Experience using a hardware debugger
• Experience with UART, SPI, I2C
• Experience with common secure communications such as TLS or SSH
• Familiarity with embedded firmware, RTOS, or networked systems
• Familiarity with high-side environments

Security Clearance

Security Clearance: Active TS/SCI clearance with Polygraph required #LI-AM1 #LI-ONSITE

Benefits and Perks

• 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 $284,999 — $300,000 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 andAffirmativeActionPolicyand theEEOPoster .

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. By submitting the following application, I hereby certify that to the best of my knowledge, the information provided is true and accurate.