Principal Software Reverse Engineer/Vulnerability Researcher

Nightwing; Indialantic (FL); On-site; USD 120,000 - 180,000; Full time

Job summary

Nightwing seeks an experienced engineer to join the CODEX division in Melbourne, FL, focusing on finding zero‑day vulnerabilities in embedded systems and software. You will analyze, design, and identify programmatic behaviors, and develop, test, and debug applications while applying advanced techniques like fuzzing and hardware emulation.

Responsibilities include extracting software/firmware from embedded platforms, using tools such as IDA Pro, Ghidra, and WinDbg, and communicating results to

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Computer Science, Computer Engineering, Electrical Engineering, or related field; 10+ years in a technology-related environment.
• Solid understanding of software development with proficiency in C, C++, or Python.
• Knowledge of Windows or Linux.
• Familiarity with Assembly (x86/x64).
• Active Top Secret clearance with ability to obtain SAP.

Responsibilities

• Extract software and firmware from embedded platforms.
• Use program analysis, reverse engineering, and debugging tools.
• Document and communicate approaches and results to internal teams and customers.
• Engage in field tests using modified platforms for real-world validation.

Skills

C/C++

Python

Assembly

Reverse engineering

Windows

Linux

Education

Bachelor's degree in CS/CE/EE

Master’s degree (preferred)

Tools

IDA Pro

Ghidra

Binary Ninja

WinDbg

angr

GDB

Job description

Job Summary

Nightwing provides technologically 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 resilience, 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.

CODEX Program

CODEX (Cyber Offense and Defense Experts) division brings together an elite team of mission‑focused industry experts who are well known for their ability to overcome the most advanced technical challenges. The team comprises engineers of multiple disciplines including vulnerability research, reverse engineering, CNO/CNE development, hardware emulation, system engineering, and data analytics. Our engineers do more than just work with cutting‑edge technology—they ensure missions succeed for the customers. CODEX offices span the nation and offer its engineers the ability to advance their careers through mentorship, training, and an expansive technical portfolio that covers every side of cyber.

Job Description

Use advanced systems to find zero‑day (O‑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 such as debugging and fuzzing and apply them to your work.

Key Responsibilities

• Extraction of software and firmware from embedded electronic platforms and systems.
• Use of program analysis, reverse engineering, and debugging tools (e.g., angr, BAP, IDA Pro, Binary Ninja, gdb, Ghidra, WinDbg).
• Document and communicate approach and results effectively to internal teams, customers, and stakeholders.
• Engage in field tests using specially modified platforms for real‑world validation of findings.

Required Qualifications

• Bachelor of Science in Computer Science, Computer Engineering, Electrical Engineering, or a related technical field and at least 10 years of practical experience in a technology‑related environment.
• Solid understanding of software development and knowledge in any of the following: C, C++, or Python.
• Knowledge of Windows or Linux.
• Knowledge of Assembly (x86/x64).
• Active Top Secret clearance with the ability to obtain Special Program Access (SAP).

Preferred Qualifications

• Master’s degree in Computer Science, Physics, or related STEM field.
• Expertise in hardware/software reverse engineering, binary analysis, and disassemblers.
• Experience utilizing full system emulation for research and analysis.
• Embedded system analysis and hardware/software/firmware integration.
• Capture the Flag (CTF) experience.
• Fuzzer development.
• Understanding of network protocols and embedded serial communication links (UART, USB, SPI, ETH, PCIe).
• Commercial and open‑source forensic analysis tools.
• Experience creating custom forensic analysis tools.

Work Location

Melbourne, Florida

Additional Information

We are committed to fostering an inclusive, high‑performing workforce capable of solving the nation’s most complex problems.

Security Clearance

This position requires an active Top Secret clearance.

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.