Linux Reverse Engineer / Vulnerability Researcher

Nightwing; Sterling (VA); On-site; USD 122,000 - 253,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Medical, Vision, and Dental Insurance

401k Plan

PTO & Holidays

Job summary

Nightwing is seeking a Linux Reverse Engineer / Vulnerability Researcher to advance research, development, and exploitation efforts against native Linux applications. The role requires deep technical expertise in low-level software analysis and cross-architecture work.

You will work with cross-functional teams to produce clear reports and proofs-of-concept, leveraging tools like GDB, IDA Pro, Ghidra, and radare2. A TS/SCI with Poly clearance is required.

Qualifications

• Requires TS/SCI with Poly clearance and 3+ years of hands-on Linux software development.
• Experience in C, C++, Python; reverse engineering, vulnerability research, exploitation of Linux applications.
• Strong understanding of Linux internals, system calls, memory management, and debugging tools.

Responsibilities

• Perform reverse engineering of native Linux applications to identify vulnerabilities and weaknesses
• Develop, test, and debug software components and proof-of-concept exploits
• Conduct vulnerability research and exploitation activities targeting Linux binaries
• Analyze compiled code and system behavior across multiple architectures
• Collaborate with cross-functional technical teams to support research and operational objectives
• Produce clear technical documentation and reports detailing findings and methodologies

Skills

Reverse Engineering

Vulnerability Research

Exploitation

Linux Debugging

C

C++

Python

Tools

GDB

IDA Pro

Ghidra

radare2

Job description

Nightwing provides technically advanced full-spectrum cyber, data operations, systems integration and intelligence mission support services to meet our customers’ most demanding challenges. Our capabilities include cyber space operations, cyber defense and resiliency, vulnerability research, ubiquitous technical surveillance, data intelligence, lifecycle mission enablement, and software modernization. Nightwing brings disruptive technologies, agility, and competitive offerings to customers in the intelligence community, defense, civil, and commercial markets.

Nightwing is seeking a highly skilled Linux Reverse Engineer / Vulnerability Researcher (VRER) to support advanced research, development, and exploitation efforts against native Linux applications. The ideal candidate will have deep technical expertise in low-level software analysis, vulnerability discovery, and exploit development across multiple architectures.

All technical personnel must meet baseline technical requirements and demonstrate strong analytical, problem-solving, and debugging skills in complex Linux environments.

Key Responsibilities

• Perform reverse engineering of native Linux applications to identify vulnerabilities and weaknesses
• Develop, test, and debug software components and proof-of-concept exploits
• Conduct vulnerability research and exploitation activities targeting Linux binaries
• Analyze compiled code and system behavior across multiple architectures
• Collaborate with cross-functional technical teams to support research and operational objectives
• Produce clear technical documentation and reports detailing findings and methodologies

Required Qualifications

• Current TS/SCI with Poly Clearance
• Minimum of three (3) years of hands-on experience developing, testing, and debugging software in:
• C
• C++
• Python
• Demonstrated experience with:
• Reverse Engineering (RE)
• Vulnerability Research (VR)
• Exploitation of native Linux applications
• Strong understanding of Linux internals, system calls, memory management, and debugging tools
• Experience analyzing compiled binaries and low-level system behavior

Desired / Preferred Qualifications

• Exploitation and reverse engineering experience on ARM and MIPS architectures
• Familiarity with common exploitation techniques (e.g., memory corruption, privilege escalation)
• Experience with tools such as GDB, IDA Pro, Ghidra, radare2, or similar
• Knowledge of secure coding practices and vulnerability mitigation techniques

Please Note: This position is contingent upon contract award.

Salary & Benefits

The salary associated with this position ($122,000-$253,000) is commensurate with the selected candidate’s qualifications, years of relevant experience, and demonstrated level of expertise. Compensation will be determined based on these factors to ensure alignment with skills, responsibilities, and market standards.

Nightwing offers medical, vision and dental insurance coverage in addition to a 401k plan, PTO, Holidays, and additional insurances.

Nightwing is An Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action Employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability or veteran status, age or any other federally protected class.