Senior Offensive Cyber Vulnerability Research Lead

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

Job summary

Johns Hopkins Applied Physics Laboratory (APL) is seeking an experienced cyber vulnerability researcher to lead efforts identifying, analyzing, and exploiting vulnerabilities in complex hardware, firmware, and software systems. You will shape technical strategy, mentor researchers, and drive innovative solutions for national cybersecurity challenges.

You will lead projects across software, firmware, and hardware domains, develop novel offensive techniques, and transition research into

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s in Computer Science, Electrical Engineering, Computer Engineering, or another relevant discipline
• 8+ years of experience conducting cyber vulnerability research, reverse engineering, exploit development, or offensive capability development
• Demonstrated experience leading technical teams solving complex cybersecurity efforts
• Deep understanding of operating systems, computer architecture, exploitation techniques, and modern mitigations
• Experience developing software in C/C++, Rust, assembly, or similar low-level languages
• Strong written and verbal communication skills
• Secret level security clearance eligibility by start date and TS/SCI clearance potential; U.S. citizenship required

Responsibilities

• Lead projects to identify and analyze vulnerabilities in complex software, firmware, and hardware systems
• Develop novel techniques for vulnerability discovery, exploit development, and offensive cyber research
• Mentor and guide engineers and researchers while providing technical leadership across projects
• Transition advanced research into operational cyber capabilities in collaboration with multidisciplinary teams
• Shape technical strategy and contribute to proposal development, sponsor engagement, and new research initiatives
• Communicate findings through presentations, publications, and briefings to sponsors, leadership, and a technical community

Skills

Vulnerability research

Reverse engineering

Exploit development

Leadership

C/C++

Rust

Assembly

Communication skills

Security clearance readiness

Education

Bachelor's in CS/EE/CE or related

Master's or Ph.D. in CS/EE/CE or related

Job description

Johns Hopkins Applied Physics Laboratory (APL) is seeking an experienced cyber vulnerability researcher to lead efforts identifying, analyzing, and exploiting vulnerabilities in complex hardware, firmware, and software systems. You will shape technical strategy, mentor researchers, and drive innovative solutions for national cybersecurity challenges.

You will lead projects across software, firmware, and hardware domains, develop novel offensive techniques, and transition research into