Principal Senior Vulnerability Research Engineer (Onsite) with Security Clearance

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

Benefits offered by this job

Healthcare

401k

Paid time off

Insurance

Job summary

Nightwing is seeking a Principal Senior Vulnerability Research Engineer to use advanced systems to identify zero‑day vulnerabilities and analyze programmatic behaviors within a national security context at our Maryland site.

You will develop, test, and debug software, research new vulnerability techniques, and work with a team applying cutting-edge tools (IDA Pro, Ghidra, GDB) while navigating OS internals and exploit mitigations. TS/SCI CI poly preferred.

Qualifications

• Requires 12 years and a bachelor's degree or 10 years and a master's degree in computer science or related field.
• Solid understanding of software development with knowledge in 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.
• 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): OSCP, oscE, OSWP, OSEP, OSWE, OSED, OSEE, GPEN, GWAPT, GXPN, CISSP

Responsibilities

• Use advanced systems to find zero-day vulnerabilities.
• Analyze, design, and identify programmatic behaviors.
• Develop, test, and debug software applications.
• Research data and provide new design ideas for vulnerability techniques.
• Understand terminologies like debugging and fuzzing and applying it into your work.

Skills

C

C++

Python

Program analysis

Reverse engineering

Debugging tools

Windows or Linux

Assembly

OS internals

Exploit development

Networking protocols

DEP/ASLR

Security certifications

Education

Bachelor's degree in computer science or related field

Master's degree in computer science or related field

Tools

Angr

BAP

IDA Pro

Binary Ninja

Ghidra

GDB

WinDbg

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. 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. 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 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.