Reverse Engineer and Offensive Cyber Developer

Johns Hopkins Applied Physics Laboratory; Laurel (MD); On-site; USD 100,000 - 245,000; Full time

Job summary

Johns Hopkins Applied Physics Laboratory in Laurel, Maryland, seeks experienced reverse engineers to develop sophisticated cyber capabilities. The role promises to tackle operational challenges while focusing on innovation and collaboration.

Ideal candidates must have a Bachelor’s in a related field and at least 2 years of experience in reverse engineering. The position offers a competitive salary range from $100,000 to $245,000 annually.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s in Computer Science, Electrical Engineering, or related field is required.
• At least 2 years of experience in reverse engineering or offensive cyber work is necessary.
• Experience in assembly or C/C++ programming is essential.

Responsibilities

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

Skills

Reverse engineering

Offensive cyber capabilities

Low-level programming (C/C++)

Software debugging

Communication skills

Education

Bachelor's in Computer Science or related field

Master's or Ph.D. in Computer Science or related field

Job description

Description 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

• Possess a Bachelor’s in Computer Science, Electrical Engineering, Computer Engineering, or another discipline relevant to the work
• 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. Eligibility includes U.S. citizenship

Additional 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

Pay

• Minimum: $100,000 annually
• Maximum: $245,000 annually

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].