Principal Embedded Vulnerability Researcher

TopClearedRecruiting; Arlington (VA); On-site; USD 130,000 - 160,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Comprehensive medical, dental, and vision coverage

401(k) with 7% matching

Flexible work arrangements

Education reimbursement up to $5,250 annually

Job summary

A leading cybersecurity recruiting firm is seeking a Principal Embedded Vulnerability Researcher to counter malicious software and develop critical cyber capabilities. Candidates must possess extensive experience in reverse engineering C/C++ programs and assembly languages, along with a deep understanding of embedded platforms and secure cryptographic implementations. This role offers a competitive salary and comprehensive benefits including full medical coverage, retirement savings with a 401(k), flexible work arrangements, and generous PTO policies.

Qualifications

• Ability to obtain and maintain a U.S. security clearance.
• Active TS U.S. security clearance is preferred.
• Experience in cybersecurity and vulnerability research.

Responsibilities

• Analyze and counter malicious software.
• Develop critical cyber capabilities.
• Collaborate with customers and teammates.

Skills

Reverse engineering compiled programs (C/C++)

Reading common assembly languages (x86, x86-64, ARM)

Using debuggers and decompilers (gdb, Binja, IDA Pro)

Developing defeats of anti-RE techniques (obfuscation)

Understanding embedded platforms (FPGA, physical memory)

Implementing cryptographic primitives (AES-GCM, SHA256, ECDSA)

Using program analysis tools (control flow, program slicing, taint tracing)

Using automated analysis techniques (fuzzers, emulation, sandbox)

Knowledge of file systems and formats (ELF, PE, Mach-O)

Effective communication

Job description

Principal Embedded Vulnerability Researcher

About the job Principal Embedded Vulnerability Researcher

*** Client WILL sponsor Top Secret Clearance! ***

Location: On-Site, Arlington, VA, USA

Type: Permanent/Full-Time Employment

Description:TopCleared Recruitingis seeking Principal Vulnerability Researchers to analyze and counter malicious software and develop operationally critical cyber capabilities. Candidates will demonstrate practical experience designing, developing, and deploying tools intersecting command and control, persistence, and networking.

Required

• Highly experienced with reverse engineering compiled programs (C/C++)
• Highly experienced in reading common assembly languages (x86, x86-64, ARM)
• Experience with debuggers and decompilers (gdb, Binja, IDA Pro)
• Ability to obtain and maintain a U.S. security clearance
• Developed defeats of common anti-RE techniques (obfuscation)
• Detailed understanding of embedded platforms (FPGA, physical memory)
• Securely implemented cryptographic primitives (AES-GCM, SHA256, ECDSA)
• Experience with program analysis tools and techniques (control flow, program slicing, taint tracing)
• Effective use of automated analysis (fuzzers, emulation, sandbox)
• Deep knowledge of file systems and formats (ELF, PE, Mach-O)
• Effective communication with customers and teammates
• Active TS U.S. security clearance

Health and Wellness

• Comprehensive medical, dental, and vision coverage.
• Healthcare Reimbursement: ICHRA contributions.

Work-Life Balance

• Flexible work arrangements including flexible schedules and remote work options.
• Combined PTO, 11 paid Federal holidays, bereavement, parental leave, military leave, and jury duty.
• Comp time: Extra hours saved for future use.

Retirement and Financial Benefits

• 401(k) with 7% matching and immediate vesting.

Training and Development

• Ongoing learning opportunities, mentorship, and career growth.
• Education Reimbursement: Up to $5,250 annually.

Additional Insurance and Support

• Short-term and long-term disability, life insurance, AD&D.

Community Involvement

• Support for participating in security community initiatives.