Senior Embedded Reverse Engineer & Vulnerability Researcher

Johns Hopkins Applied Physics Lab; Laurel (MD); On-site; USD 105,000 - 290,000; Full time

Job summary

Johns Hopkins Applied Physics Laboratory (APL) seeks experienced reverse engineers to dissect complex embedded systems, uncover vulnerabilities, and develop innovative exploits for national security challenges.

You will collaborate in labs focused on defense-grade hardware and software, work with experts across missile defense, space, and maritime domains, and mentor junior engineers while pursuing new research directions.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s or Master’s degree in Computer Engineering, Computer Science, Electrical Engineering, or another field relevant to the duties as described above.
• At least 5 years of relevant professional experience.
• Proficiency with software debuggers and static analysis tools such as Ghidra, IDA, and Binary Ninja.
• Proficiency in one or more programming languages.
• Experience reading and writing assembly.
• Understanding of Unix/Linux and embedded systems development toolchains.
• Ability to solve complex problems and persevere through challenges.
• Active TS/SCI clearance with potential polygraph; US citizenship required.

Responsibilities

• Reverse engineer mission-relevant systems, discover vulnerabilities, and develop innovative exploits.
• Collaborate with teammates in laboratories built for foreign materiel and embedded systems.
• Work with experts on missile defense, space, and maritime domains to understand impact of discoveries.
• Partner with government sponsors to build mission-aligned offensive cyber capabilities.
• Explore automating reverse engineering and exploit development techniques.
• Contribute to new technical directions and research initiatives.
• Mentor junior engineers in reverse engineering approaches and tools.

Skills

Reverse engineering

Embedded systems

Security research

Problem solving

Education

Bachelor’s or Master’s degree in Computer Engineering, CS, or Electrical Engineering

Tools

Ghidra

IDA Pro

Binary Ninja

Job description

Johns Hopkins Applied Physics Laboratory (APL) seeks experienced reverse engineers to dissect complex embedded systems, uncover vulnerabilities, and develop innovative exploits for national security challenges.

You will collaborate in labs focused on defense-grade hardware and software, work with experts across missile defense, space, and maritime domains, and mentor junior engineers while pursuing new research directions.