Linux Reverse Engineer / Vulnerability Researcher

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

Benefits offered by this job

Medical Insurance

Vision Insurance

Dental Insurance

401(k)

PTO

Holidays

Additional Insurances

Job summary

Nightwing seeks a Linux Reverse Engineer / Vulnerability Researcher (VRER) to advance research, development, and exploitation against native Linux applications. You will analyze Linux internals, craft exploits, and document methodologies for cross-functional teams.

The ideal candidate has 3+ years in RE/VR, C/C++ and Python, with experience on ARM/MIPS preferred. TS/SCI clearance is required; role contingent on contract award. Nightwing offers comprehensive insurance and a 401(k).

Qualifications

• Current TS/SCI with Poly Clearance.
• Minimum of three years hands-on experience developing, testing, and debugging software in C, C++, Python.
• Experience with Reverse Engineering (RE) and Vulnerability Research (VR).
• Exploitation of native Linux applications and strong understanding of Linux internals, system calls, and memory management.
• Familiarity with debugging tools like GDB, IDA Pro, Ghidra, radare2.

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

C

C++

Python

Reverse Engineering

Vulnerability Research

Exploitation

Linux internals

Debugging

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.

Nightwingoffers 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.