Principal Vulnerability Researcher ($300k+/year + Sign-On Bonus)

Two Six Technologies; Linthicum (MD); On-site; USD 300,000 - 325,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Health insurance

Dental insurance

Vision insurance

401(k) matching

Paid professional development

Educational assistance

Flexible PTO

Job summary

Two Six Technologies seeks a Principal Vulnerability Researcher in Linthicum, MD to lead research programs across hardware, software, and operational domains. You will identify vulnerabilities, assess impacts, and mentor engineers while delivering advanced security solutions for government customers.

The role requires regular on-site support at the Linthicum customer site and the ability to produce actionable reports and countermeasures for complex vulnerabilities.

Qualifications

• PhD in Computer Science, Computer Engineering, or Electrical Engineering with 7+ years of related experience, or MS with 9 years, or BS with 11 years, or Associates with 13 years.
• Experience in computer/information systems design/development, programming, cyber security, reverse-engineering, vulnerability analysis, penetration testing, forensics, information assurance, or systems engineering.
• Proficiency in C/C++, Python, and at least one ISA (e.g. x86/ARM/MIPS).
• Proficiency with Linux command-line environments.
• Experience using a decompiler such as IDA Pro, Binary Ninja, or Ghidra.
• Experience using vulnerability research tools such as emulators or fuzzers.
• Experience using a software debugger such as GDB or WinDbg.
• Ability to work on-site at Linthicum, Maryland customer site regularly.

Responsibilities

• Lead the identification of vulnerabilities and attacks across hardware, software, personnel, logistics, procedures, and physical security, linking them to operational and mission impacts.
• Identify vulnerabilities and potential attacks across hardware, software, procedures, logistics, and physical security of systems.
• Develop proof-of-concept (PoC) code for identified vulnerabilities.
• Reverse-engineer targeted embedded systems to identify vulnerabilities.
• Review source code looking for risks and vulnerabilities.
• Analyze the effects of vulnerabilities on mission outcomes and operational effectiveness.
• Compare system attack techniques and propose operationally effective countermeasures.
• Produce reports, briefings, and perspectives on actual and potential attacks.
• Provide technical leadership on research efforts, prioritizing investigations, reviewing methodologies, and overseeing proof-of-concepts.
• Mentor and guide junior engineers and researchers, reviewing technical approaches and fostering skill development.

Job description

At Two Six Technologies, we build, deploy, and implement innovative products that solve the world’s most complex challenges today. Through unrivaled collaboration and unwavering trust, we push the boundaries of what’s possible to empower our team and support our customers in building a safer global future.

Compensation & Incentive Highlights

• Target Base Salary: $300,000+ (Final salary is determined based on candidate qualifications and experience alignment with open roles)
• Sign-On Bonus: Starting at $25,000 for qualified FSP hires.
• Benefits & Flexible PTO: Comprehensive health, dental, and vision coverage, 401(k) matching, paid professional development, educational assistance, and flexible PTO with rollover options and annual payout opportunities.

Overview Of Opportunity

Join the Trusted Electronics & Effects business unit of Two Six Technologies, where you’ll provide strategic technical leadership in vulnerability research across hardware, software, and operational domains. Working alongside engineers, researchers, and clients, you’ll identify vulnerabilities, assess operational impacts, and develop effective countermeasures. Our fast-growing roster of government customers relies on us to deliver advanced security solutions, and we’re looking for a Principal Vulnerability Researcher to drive research programs and mentor technical teams.

This role requires regular on-site support at the Linthicum, Maryland customer site.

What You Will Do

• Lead the identification of vulnerabilities and attacks across hardware, software, personnel, logistics, procedures, and physical security, linking them to operational and mission impacts.
• Identify vulnerabilities and potential attacks across hardware, software, procedures, logistics, and physical security of systems
• Develop proof of concept (PoC) code for identified vulnerabilities
• Reverse-engineer targeted embedded systems to identify vulnerabilities
• Review source code looking for risks and vulnerabilities
• Analyze the effects of vulnerabilities on mission outcomes and operational effectiveness.
• Compare system attack techniques and propose operationally effective countermeasures
• Produce reports, briefings, and perspectives on actual and potential attacks
• Provide technical leadership on research efforts, prioritizing investigations, reviewing methodologies, and overseeing proof-of-concepts.
• Mentor and guide junior engineers and researchers, reviewing technical approaches and fostering skill development.

What You Will Need (Basic Qualifications)

• Doctorate in Computer Science, Computer/Electrical Engineering, or a related field and 7 years of relevant experience, OR Master’s degree and 9 years of relevant experience, OR Bachelor’s degree and 11 years of relevant experience, OR Associate’s degree and 13 years of relevant experience.
• Relevant experience: computer/information systems design/development, programming, information/cyber/network security, reverse-engineering, vulnerability analysis, penetration testing, computer forensics, information assurance, or systems engineering
• Proficiency in C/C++, Python, and at least one ISA (e.g. x86/ARM/MIPS)
• Proficiency in Linux command-line environments
• Experience using a decompiler such as IDA Pro, Binary Ninja, or Ghidra
• Experience using vulnerability research tools such as emulators or fuzzers
• Experience using a software debugger such as GDB or WinDbg
• Ability to work on-site at Linthicum, Maryland customer site regularly.

Nice If You Have (Preferred)

• Experience translating vulnerabilities into operationally relevant impact assessments and countermeasures.
• Experience producing technical briefings for operational stakeholders
• Experience using a hardware debugger
• Experience with UART, SPI, I2C
• Experience with common secure communications such as TLS or SSH
• Familiarity with embedded firmware, RTOS, or networked systems
• Familiarity with high-side environments

Security Clearance

• Active TS/SCI clearance with Polygraph required

Two Six Technologies is committed to providing competitive and comprehensive compensation packages that reflect the value we place on our employees and their contributions. We believe in rewarding skills, experience, and performance. Our offerings include but are not limited to, medical, dental, and vision insurance, life and disability insurance, retirement benefits, paid leave, tuition assistance and professional development.

Salary Range

$300,000 - $325,000 USD

Two Six Technologies is an Equal Opportunity Employer and does not discriminate in employment opportunities or practices based on race (including traits historically associated with race, such as hair texture, hair type and protective hair styles (e.g., braids, twists, locs and twists)), color, religion, national origin, sex (including pregnancy, childbirth or related medical conditions and lactation), sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, age (40 and over), marital status, disability, genetic information, and protected veteran status or any other characteristic protected by applicable federal, state, or local law. For more information review the Two Six Technologies Equal Employment Opportunity and Affilitive Action Policy and the EEO Poster.

If you are an individual with a disability and would like to request reasonable workplace accommodation for any part of our employment process, please send an email to [e-mail]. Information provided will be kept confidential and used only to the extent required to provide needed reasonable accommodations.

Additionally, please be advised that this business uses E-Verify in its hiring practices.