Reverse Engineer and Offensive Cyber Developer

Johns Hopkins Applied Physics Lab; Laurel (MD); On-site; USD 100,000 - 227,500; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Comprehensive benefits package

Education assistance

Generous retirement contributions

Healthy work/life balance

Job summary

A prominent research institution in Maryland is seeking skilled professionals to enhance offensive cyber capabilities through advanced reverse engineering and development. The ideal candidate will have a bachelor's degree in a related field, at least 2 years of relevant experience, and the ability to communicate ideas effectively. The position offers a comprehensive benefits package and opportunities for growth in a dynamic environment.

Qualifications

• At least 2 years of experience in reverse engineering or developing offensive cyber capabilities.
• Understanding of operating system fundamentals and exploitation techniques.
• Ability to acquire Secret and TS/SCI level security clearances.

Responsibilities

• Reverse engineer software and hardware for vulnerabilities.
• Modify firmware and software for additional effects.
• Operationalize proof-of-concept code and test it.

Skills

Reverse engineering

Communication

Programming in C/C++

Security clearance eligibility

Education

Bachelor’s in Computer Science or related field

Tools

Debuggers

Job description

Overview

Are you passionate about reverse engineering low-level software and/or hardware and developing sophisticated cyber tools? Do you love building cyber capabilities that move from concept to operational deployment? If so, we want you to join our group of offensive cyber experts. We seek experienced reverse engineers and developers who will build inventive cyber capabilities leveraging novel reverse engineering and exploitation techniques. We work in a dynamic, mission-driven environment where our efforts have real-world impact. Collaboration is at the heart of our culture, and we value multidisciplinary perspectives, curiosity, and continuous learning. We encourage our staff to explore new approaches, share knowledge, and deepen their expertise as they take on some of the nation’s toughest challenges.

Responsibilities

• Reverse engineer the software, firmware, and hardware of target systems for potential vulnerabilities
• Work in teams to modify device firmware and software to perform additional effects or to communicate in alternative ways
• Operationalize proof-of-concept code by thoroughly testing, documenting, and integrating with sponsor systems
• Propose promising ideas for internal and external funding opportunities
• Share and enhance knowledge by clearly articulating ideas through papers and presentations to government decision makers, team members, and senior management

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s in Computer Science, Electrical Engineering, Computer Engineering, or other related field
• Have at least 2 years of proven experience reverse engineering or developing offensive cyber capabilities
• Understand operating system fundamentals and internals, exploitation techniques, and mitigations
• Have development experience in low-level languages such as assembly or C/C++
• Have used software or hardware debuggers to debug complex problems
• Are an outstanding communicator in both written and verbal forms
• Are able to acquire a Secret level security clearance by your start date and can ultimately acquire a TS/SCI level clearance. If selected, you will be subject to a government security clearance investigation and must meet the requirements for access to classified information. Eligibility requirements include U.S. citizenship.

Advanced Qualifications

• Have a Master’s or Ph.D. in Computer Science, Electrical Engineering, Computer Engineering, or related field
• Have 8+ years of experience reverse engineering or developing offensive cyber capabilities
• Enjoy prototyping hardware and systems with embedded microcontrollers
• Have a solid understanding of radiofrequency (RF) concepts
• Hold an active TS/SCI security clearance

About Us

Why Work at APL?

The Johns Hopkins University Applied Physics Laboratory (APL) brings world-class expertise to our nation’s most critical defense, security, space and science challenges. We offer a vibrant, welcoming atmosphere where you can bring your authentic self to work, continue to grow, and build strong connections with inspiring teammates. We celebrate our differences of perspectives and encourage creativity and bold, new ideas. Our employees enjoy generous benefits, including a robust education assistance program, unparalleled retirement contributions, and a healthy work/life balance. Our campus is located in the Baltimore-Washington metro area. Learn more about our career opportunities at http://www.jhuapl.edu/careers.

All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, creed, color, religion, sex, gender identity or expression, sexual orientation, national origin, age, physical or mental disability, genetic information, veteran status, occupation, marital or familial status, political opinion, personal appearance, or any other characteristic protected by applicable law. APL is committed to providing reasonable accommodation to individuals of all abilities, including those with disabilities. If you require a reasonable accommodation to participate in any part of the hiring process, please contact [e-mail].

The referenced pay range is based on JHU APL’s good faith belief at the time of posting. Actual compensation may vary based on factors such as geographic location, work experience, market conditions, education/training and skill level with consideration for internal parity. For salaried employees scheduled to work less than 40 hours per week, annual salary will be prorated based on the number of hours worked. APL may offer bonuses or other forms of compensation per internal policy and/or contractual designation. Additional compensation may be provided in the form of a sign-on bonus, relocation benefits, locality allowance or discretionary payments for exceptional performance. APL provides eligible staff with a comprehensive benefits package including retirement plans, paid time off, medical, dental, vision, life insurance, short-term disability, long-term disability, flexible spending accounts, education assistance, and training and development. Applications are accepted on a rolling basis.

Compensation

Minimum Rate: $100,000 Annually

Maximum Rate: $227,500 Annually