Offensive Embedded Cybersecurity Researcher

The Johns Hopkins University Applied Physics Laboratory; Laurel (MD); On-site; USD 105,000 - 245,000; Full time

Job summary

The Johns Hopkins University Applied Physics Laboratory (APL) seeks a research-oriented reverse engineer pursuing a PhD in Computer Engineering, Computer Science, or Electrical Engineering to imagine and build solutions for complex cyber challenges.

You will work with embedded systems, firmware, and hardware, develop exploits, and collaborate with government sponsors while presenting findings to management and the cybersecurity community.

Qualifications

• PhD in Computer Engineering, Computer Science, Electrical Engineering, or related field.
• Strong academic record with mastery of computer architecture, operating systems, and data structures.
• Proficient in one or more programming languages.
• Love solving puzzles and eagerness to learn new tools, platforms, and languages.
• Able to obtain Interim Top Secret clearance by start date and ultimately TS/SCI with polygraph; US citizenship required.

Responsibilities

• Create and use cutting-edge techniques for automating reverse engineering and vulnerability analysis.
• Cultivate deep technical expertise of software, firmware, and hardware platforms.
• Develop exploits against bespoke embedded systems.
• Collaborate with government sponsors and operators to build mission-aligned capabilities.
• Deepen your expertise by working with reverse engineering experts.
• Widen expertise by engaging with experts in other fields as you tackle problems at the intersection of domains.
• Present research to team members, APL management, government decision makers, and the cybersecurity community.

Skills

Programming languages

Puzzle solving

Security clearance eligibility

Cybersecurity research

Education

PhD in Computer Engineering, Computer Science, or Electrical Engineering

Tools

Ghidra

Debugging tools

Assembly language

Job description

The Johns Hopkins University Applied Physics Laboratory (APL) seeks a research-oriented reverse engineer pursuing a PhD in Computer Engineering, Computer Science, or Electrical Engineering to imagine and build solutions for complex cyber challenges.

You will work with embedded systems, firmware, and hardware, develop exploits, and collaborate with government sponsors while presenting findings to management and the cybersecurity community.