Principal Reverse Engineering/Vulnerability Research Engineer Herndon, VA

Clarity Innovations, LLC; Herndon (VA); Hybrid; USD 127,000 - 315,000; Full time

Job summary

Clarity Innovations, LLC in Herndon, VA is seeking a Principal Reverse Engineering/Vulnerability Research Engineer to imagine weaknesses in diverse systems, demonstrate exploits, and guide multi-phase projects. You will leverage extensive static and dynamic analysis experience to understand system behavior and develop robust exploit capabilities.

The role requires UNIX RE/VR expertise, kernel-level experience, and tooling development.

Qualifications

• LLM-assisted RE/VR experience.
• Static and Dynamic UNIX RE experience; Windows a plus (UNIX required).
• Experience writing custom RE tools such as fuzzers, decompiler plugins, and program analysis tools.
• UNIX kernel RE/VR experience.
• Hardware RE/VR experience.
• Experience integrating productized capabilities into CNO tools.
• Team lead experience.
• Experience working with customers to develop requirements.
• Ability to collaborate with CNO teams to integrate productized capabilities.

Responsibilities

• Perform vulnerability research and reverse engineering for customer tasks
• Perform static and dynamic analysis using disassemblers, debuggers, emulators, tracers, and fuzzers
• Develop reliable proof-of-concept and operational exploit capabilities leveraging discovered vulnerabilities
• Research and bypass modern exploit mitigations security mechanisms
• Build internal tooling, automation, and research infrastructure to accelerate vulnerability discovery and analysis
• Perform root-cause analysis on vulnerabilities and communicate findings to technical and non-technical stakeholders
• Communicate security research findings internally and, when appropriate, externally; mentor fellow researchers
• Lead small to medium sized teams for project lifecycle from design to delivery
• Perform vulnerability research and reverse engineering for customer tasks
• Perform static and dynamic analysis using tools such as disassemblers, debuggers, and fuzzers
• Communicate security research findings internally and mentor researchers

Skills

LLM-assisted RE/VR

Team lead

Customer collaboration

Tools

Fuzzers

Decompiler plugins

Program analysis tools

Job description

Principal Reverse Engineering/Vulnerability Research Engineer

Herndon, VA

Clarity Innovations is a trusted national security partner, dedicated to safeguarding our nation’s interests and delivering innovative solutions that empower the Intelligence Community (IC) and Department of Defense (DoD) to transform data into actionable intelligence, ensuring mission success in an evolving world.

Our mission-first software and data engineering platform modernizes data operations, utilizing advanced workflows, CI/CD, and secure DevSecOps practices. We focus on challenges in Information Warfare, Cyber Operations, Operational Security, and Data Structuring, enabling end-to-end solutions that drive operational impact.

We are committed to delivering cutting-edge tools and capabilities that address the most complex national security challenges, empowering our partners to stay ahead of emerging threats and ensuring the success of their critical missions. At Clarity, we are people-focused and set on being a destination employer for top talent, offering an environment where innovation thrives, careers grow, and individuals are valued. Join us as we continue to lead innovation and tackle the most pressing challenges in national security.

Position Summary

As a member of the Security Research team, you will imagine weaknesses in multiple types of systems and then find, demonstrate/document, and exploit those weaknesses. You will be joining a team of mature and extremely competent Security Researchers to breakdown and fully understand how a host of different systems function. You will need to leverage extensive experience performing static and dynamic analysis and must be familiar with multiple classes of vulnerabilities. Additionally, you must be extremely comfortable communicating with team members, technical partners, and non-technical partners alike. The ideal candidate will be comfortable and confident operating at the early phases of a vulnerability research project and have the mettle to see the project through to multiple phases and iterations.

• Perform vulnerability research and reverse engineering for customer tasks
• Perform advanced static and dynamic analysis using disassemblers, debuggers, emulators, tracers, and fuzzers
• Develop reliable proof-of-concept and operational exploit capabilities leveraging discovered vulnerabilities
• Research and bypass modern exploit mitigations security mechanisms
• Build internal tooling, automation, and research infrastructure to accelerate vulnerability discovery and analysis
• Perform root-cause analysis on vulnerabilities and communicate findings to technical and non-technical stakeholders
• Communicate security research findings internally and, when and where appropriate, externally Mentor fellow security researchers
• Lead small to medium sized teams of Security Researchers for full project lifecycle to include: project design, kickoff, execution and delivery

Position Summary

As a member of the Security Research team, you will imagine weaknesses in multiple types of systems and then find, demonstrate/document, and exploit those weaknesses. You will be joining a team of mature and extremely competent Security Researchers to breakdown and fully understand how a host of different systems function. You will need to leverage extensive experience performing static and dynamic analysis and must be familiar with multiple classes of vulnerabilities. Additionally, you must be extremely comfortable communicating with team members, technical partners, and non-technical partners alike. The ideal candidate will be comfortable and confident operating at the early phases of a vulnerability research project and have the mettle to see the project through to multiple phases and iterations.

• Perform vulnerability research and reverse engineering for customer tasks
• Perform static and dynamic analysis by applying research tools such as disassemblers, debuggers, and fuzzers
• Communicate security research findings internally and, when and where appropriate, externally Mentor fellow security researchers

Requirements

• LLM-assisted RE/VR experience
• Static and Dynamic UNIX RE experience, but Windows as well as UNIX is a plus (only UNIX is required)
• Experience writing custom RE tools such as fuzzers, decompiler plugins, and program analysis tools
• UNIX kernel RE/VR experience
• Hardware RE/VR experience
• Experience integrating productized capabilities into CNO tools
• Team lead experience
• Experience working with customers to develop requirements
• Ability to collaborate with CNO teams to integrate productized capabilities

Salary Range: $127,000.- $315,000

Pay Range

The posted pay range reflects the anticipated base salary range for this position and is provided to give candidates a general understanding of the compensation opportunity. The actual salary offered will be determined based on the requirements of the position and a variety of job-related factors, which may include geographic location, applicable Federal Government contract labor categories and wage rates, relevant experience, skills and competencies, education, certifications, and the scope and responsibilities of the role.

Because this position may be performed in multiple locations and may be subject to different contract requirements, the salary ultimately offered may vary based on the applicable location and contract. The posted range is not a guarantee of a specific starting salary or an indication that an offer will be made at any particular point within the range.

Total Rewards

In addition to competitive base pay, Clarity provides a Total Rewards package designed to attract and retain exceptional professionals committed to excellence. Our benefits reflect the value we place on skilled individuals who drive our impact in critical digital missions.

At Clarity, a career means joining a high-performing team advancing vital work in the digital landscape. We encourage you to consider the total value of joining us—competitive compensation, comprehensive benefits, and resources that support your growth and impact.

Our Total Rewards package includes performance-based bonuses, extensive medical, dental, and vision coverage, a 401(k) plan with company match, substantial paid time off and holidays, flexible work arrangements where possible, and a range of income protection benefits. We are committed to supporting your well-being, professional growth, and ability to contribute to essential digital missions.

We are an equal opportunity 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.