Principal Senior Vulnerability Research Engineer (Onsite)

Archer; Maryland; On-site; USD 122,000 - 253,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Medical insurance

Vision insurance

Dental insurance

401k plan

PTO

Holidays

Additional insurances

Job summary

Archer, in collaboration with Nightwing, seeks a Principal Senior Vulnerability Research Engineer to identify and analyze zero-day vulnerabilities and to develop techniques for vulnerability research. You will work on advanced systems, perform reverse engineering, and contribute to software design improvements.

Role requires significant experience in CS, with expertise in C/C++/Python, and familiarity with Windows/Linux, x86/x64 assembly, and industry-standard debugging tools.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's or Master’s degree as required; 12+ or 10+ years experience.
• Strong knowledge of C, C++, or Python.
• Experience with program analysis, reverse engineering, and debugging tools (e.g., IDA Pro, Ghidra, Windbg).
• Knowledge of Windows or Linux.
• Assembly language knowledge (x86/x64).
• Active TS/SCI CI Poly preferred.
• Maryland as Place of Performance.

Responsibilities

• Find zero-day vulnerabilities using advanced systems.
• Analyze, design and identify programmatic behaviors; develop, test, and debug software applications.
• Research data and provide new design ideas for vulnerability techniques.
• Collaborate with Nightwing team to deliver mission-focused cyber capabilities.

Skills

C

C++

Python

Program analysis

Reverse engineering

Debugging tools

Windows

Linux

Assembly

Security clearance

Maryland location

Education

Bachelor’s degree in CS or related field

Master’s degree in CS or related field

Tools

angr

BAP

IDA Pro

Binary Ninja

gdb

Ghidra

windbg

Job description

Archer is collaborating with Nightwing to connect them with exceptional professionals for this role. 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.

Principal Senior Vulnerability Research Engineer

Job Description

Vulnerability Researcher:

Use advanced systems to find zero-day (O-day) vulnerabilities. Responsible for analyzing, designing, and identifying programmatic behaviors. Have an opportunity to develop, test, and debug software applications. Research data and provide new design ideas for vulnerability techniques. Understands terminologies like debugging and fuzzing and applying it into your work.

Required Skills

• Requires 12 years and a bachelor’s degree or 10 years and a master’s degree in computer science or related field.
• We require you to have a solid understanding of software development and knowledge in any of the following: C, C++, or Python
• Experience with program analysis, reverse engineering, and debugging tools (e.g., angr, BAP, IDA Pro, Binary Ninja, gdb, Ghidra, windbg)
• Knowledge of Windows or Linux
• Knowledge of Assembly (x86/x64)
• Clearance Requirements: TS/SCI CI Poly Preferred
• Place of Performance - Maryland

Desired Skills

• Understanding of OS Internals (any major OS)
• Experience with exploit development, Hack The Box, etc…
• Experience reading or writing assembly
• Understanding of network protocols, application layer, be able to read/write socket code
• Understanding of exploit mitigations such as DEP and ASLR
• Relevant Certifications (Not Required): Relevant Cybersecurity Certifications (e.g. oscp, oscE, OSWP, OSEP, OSWE, OSED, OSEE, GPEN, GWAPT, GXPN, CISSP)

What We Offer

Whether you’re just starting out on your career journey or are an experienced professional, we offer a total rewards package that goes above and beyond with compensation; healthcare, wellness, retirement and work/life benefits; career development and recognition programs.

Previously part of a leading Fortune 100 company and headquartered in Dulles, VA; Nightwing became independent in 2024 but continues to support the nation’s most mission impactful initiatives.

When we formed Nightwing, we brought a deep set of credentials and an unfaltering commitment to the mission. For over four decades, our team has been providing some of the world’s most technically advanced full-spectrum cyber, data operations, systems integration and intelligence support services to the U.S. government on its most important missions.

At Nightwing, we value collaboration and teamwork. You’ll have the opportunity to work alongside talented individuals who are passionate about what they do. Together, we’ll leverage our collective expertise to drive innovation, solve complex problems, and deliver exceptional results for our clients.

Thank you for considering joining us as we embark on this new journey and shape the future of cybersecurity and intelligence together as part of the Nightwing team.

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

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 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.