Reverse Engineer: Embedded Systems & Offensive Cyber

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

Job summary

The Johns Hopkins University Applied Physics Laboratory (APL) in the Baltimore-Washington metro area seeks reverse engineers to tackle complex embedded systems, uncover vulnerabilities, and build offensive cyber capabilities for national security challenges.

You will work on software/hardware reverse engineering, vulnerability research, and collaboration with government sponsors, leveraging tools like Ghidra, IDA, and Binary Ninja.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's in Computer Engineering, Computer Science, Electrical Engineering, or related field.
• At least 1 year of relevant professional experience.
• Proficient with one or more programming languages.
• Experience reading and writing assembly.
• Understand Unix/Linux operating systems and embedded systems development toolchains.
• Experience with software debuggers and static analysis tools (e.g., Ghidra, IDA, Binary Ninja).
• Love solving puzzles and persevere through technical challenges.
• Active Secret clearance or ability to obtain Top Secret clearance by start date; TS/SCI + polygraph eligibility.

Responsibilities

• Reverse engineer mission-relevant systems, discover vulnerabilities, and develop exploits.
• Collaborate with teammates in labs for embedded systems and infrastructure.
• Work with experts in missile defense, space, and maritime systems to understand impact of discoveries.
• Partner with government sponsors to build mission-aligned offensive cyber capabilities.
• Explore novel techniques for automating reverse engineering and exploit development.
• Propose new technical approaches and research directions; contribute to a culture of learning.

Skills

Programming languages

Assembly language

Unix/Linux

Problem solving

Education

Bachelor's in Computer Engineering, Computer Science, Electrical Engineering

Tools

Ghidra

IDA

Binary Ninja

Job description

The Johns Hopkins University Applied Physics Laboratory (APL) in the Baltimore-Washington metro area seeks reverse engineers to tackle complex embedded systems, uncover vulnerabilities, and build offensive cyber capabilities for national security challenges.

You will work on software/hardware reverse engineering, vulnerability research, and collaboration with government sponsors, leveraging tools like Ghidra, IDA, and Binary Ninja.