Principal Vulnerability Researcher

Nightwing; Corridor North (MD); On-site; USD 99,000 - 206,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Medical, vision and dental insurance

401(k) plan

Paid time off and holidays

Job summary

Nightwing seeks a Vulnerability Researcher to advance zero-day discovery and software analysis in a mission-focused setting. You will use advanced tools to identify vulnerabilities, analyze program behavior, and craft novel techniques for exploitation or mitigation.

The role requires a TS/SCI clearance, a BS in a related field, and proficiency in C/C++/Python, with hands-on reverse engineering and debugging across Windows or Linux.

Qualifications

• Requires TS/SCI with CI polygraph clearance; US citizen.
• Bachelor degree in CS/CE/EE or related field with relevant experience.
• Solid understanding of software development with C, C++, or Python.
• Experience with program analysis, reverse engineering, and debugging tools.
• Knowledge of Windows or Linux, and assembly (x86/x64).

Responsibilities

• 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 debugging and fuzzing concepts and apply them in work.

Skills

Security clearance TS/SCI with CI poly

C/C++/Python

Software development fundamentals

OS knowledge (Windows/Linux)

Assembly (x86/x64) knowledge

Education

Bachelor of Science in Computer Science, Computer Engineering, Electrical Engineering, or related

Tools

IDA Pro

Ghidra

Binary Ninja

GDB

Windbg

angr

BAP

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.

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.

Role Type:

This position is an onsite role

Required Skills

• Must have a current TS/SCI with CI polygraph security clearance. Because the position requires a clearance all candidates must be US citizens.
• Typically requires a Bachelor of Science in Computer Science, Computer Engineering, Electrical Engineering, or a related technical field at 12 years of practical experience in a technology-related environment
• 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)

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.

The salary associated with this position ($99,000-$206,000) 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.

Salary & Benefits

The salary associated with this position ($99,000-$206,000) 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.