Senior Principal Vulnerability Researcher

Nightwing; Maryland; On-site; USD 120,000 - 150,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Comprehensive compensation package

Healthcare and wellness benefits

Career development programs

Job summary

A leading cybersecurity firm in the United States is seeking a Senior Principal Vulnerability Researcher to analyze, design, and identify programmatic behaviors while researching zero-day vulnerabilities. The ideal candidate should possess a Bachelor's degree in a technical field and at least 10 years of technology-related experience, with knowledge in programming languages and reverse engineering tools. This role offers a comprehensive perks package including healthcare and career development opportunities.

Qualifications

• 10+ years of experience in a technology-related field.
• Solid understanding of C/C++ or Python.
• Experience with program analysis and debugging tools.

Responsibilities

• Analyze and identify zero-day vulnerabilities.
• Develop, test, and debug software applications.
• Research and provide new ideas for vulnerability techniques.

Skills

Software development knowledge

Understanding of network protocols

Experience with reverse engineering

Knowledge of Assembly

Fuzzing techniques

Education

Bachelor of Science in Computer Science or related field

Tools

gdb

IDA Pro

Binary Ninja

Ghidra

Job description

Senior Principal Vulnerability Researcher

Nightwing provides technically advanced full‑spectrum cyber, data operations, systems integration and intelligence mission support services to meet our customers’ most demanding challenges. Our capabilities include cyber space operations, cyber defense and resiliency, vulnerability research, ubiquitous technical surveillance, data intelligence, lifecycle mission enablement, and software modernization. Nightwing brings disruptive technologies, agility, and competitive offerings to customers in the intelligence community, defense, civil, and commercial markets.

Use advanced systems to find zero‑day (O‑day) vulnerabilities. Responsible for analyzing, designing, and identifying programmatic behaviors. Have an opportunity to develop, test, and debug software applications. Research data and provide new design ideas for vulnerability techniques. Understands terminologies like debugging and fuzzing and applying it into your work.

Security Clearance

TS/SCI with CI Poly (FSP is desired but not required)

Required Skills

• Bachelor of Science in Computer Science, Computer Engineering, Electrical Engineering, or a related technical field.
• At least 10 years of practical experience in a technology‑related environment
• Solid understanding of software development and knowledge in any of the following: C, C++, or Python
• Experience with program analysis, reverse engineering, and debugging tools (e.g., angr, BAP, IDA Pro, Binary Ninja, gdb, Ghidra, windbg)
• Knowledge of Windows or Linux
• Knowledge of Assembly (x86/x64)

Desired Skills

• Understanding of OS Internals (any major OS)
• Experience with exploit development, Hack The Box, etc…
• Experience reading or writing assembly
• Understanding of network protocols, application layer, be able to read/write socket code
• Understanding of exploit mitigations such as DEP and ASLR

Relevant Certifications (Not Required)

Relevant Cybersecurity Certifications (e.g., oscp, oscE, OSWP, OSEP, OSWE, OSED, OSEE, GPEN, GWAPT, GXPN, CISSP)

What We Offer

Whether you’re just starting out on your career journey or are an experienced professional, we offer a total rewards package that goes above and beyond with compensation; healthcare, wellness, retirement and work/life benefits; career development and recognition programs.

Nightwing became independent in 2024 but continues to support the nation’s most mission‑impactful initiatives. For over four decades, our team has been providing some of the world’s most technically advanced full‑spectrum cyber, data operations, systems integration and intelligence support services to the U.S. government on its most important missions.

At Nightwing, we value collaboration and teamwork. You’ll have the opportunity to work alongside talented individuals who are passionate about what they do. Together, we’ll leverage our collective expertise to drive innovation, solve complex problems, and deliver exceptional results for our clients.

Nightwing is an Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action Employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability or veteran status, age or any other federally protected class.