Senior Vulnerability Research Engineer

Nightwing; Maryland; On-site; USD 77,000 - 163,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

medical, vision and dental insurance

401k plan

PTO

Holidays

additional insurances

Job summary

Nightwing is seeking a Vulnerability Researcher in the United States to use advanced systems to locate zero-day vulnerabilities and analyze programmatic behaviors. You will have opportunities to develop, test, and debug software while researching new vulnerability techniques.

Required are a TS/SCI clearance with CI polygraph, US citizenship, and a BS in CS/CE/EE with about 6 years in a tech environment; strong knowledge of C/C++/Python and tools like IDA Pro, Ghidra, and GDB is expected.

Qualifications

• Current TS/SCI with CI polygraph clearance; US citizens only.
• BS in CS/CE/EE or related field with ~6 years in a tech environment.
• Solid software development knowledge; proficient in 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; Assembly (x86/x64).

Responsibilities

• Find zero-day (O-day) vulnerabilities using advanced systems.
• Analyze, design, and identify programmatic behaviors.
• Develop, test, and debug software applications; research data for new vulnerability techniques.
• Explain and apply debugging and fuzzing concepts to improve security.

Skills

TS/SCI clearance

Bachelor's degree in CS/CE/EE

C/C++/Python

Program analysis tools

Windows/Linux knowledge

Assembly (x86/x64)

Education

BS in CS/CE/EE or related field

Tools

IDA Pro

Ghidra

Binary Ninja

GDB

Angr/BAP

Job description

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.

Job Description

Vulnerability Researcher

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.

Role Type

This position is an onsite role

Required Skills

• Must have a current TS/SCI with CI polygraph security clearance. Because the position requires a clearance all candidates must be US citizens.
• Typically requires a Bachelor of Science in Computer Science, Computer Engineering, Electrical Engineering, or a related technical field at 6 years of practical experience in a technology-related environment
• We require you to have a 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

• compensation
• healthcare, wellness, retirement and work/life benefits
• career development and recognition programs

Previously part of a leading Fortune 100 company and headquartered in Dulles, VA; Nightwing became independent in 2024 but continues to support the nation’s most mission impactful initiatives.

When we formed Nightwing, we brought a deep set of credentials and an unfaltering commitment to the mission. 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.

Thank you for considering joining us as we embark on this new journey and shape the future of cybersecurity and intelligence together as part of the Nightwing team.

Salary & Benefits

The salary associated with this position ($77,000–$163,000) is commensurate with the selected candidate’s qualifications, years of relevant experience, and demonstrated level of expertise. Compensation will be determined based on these factors to ensure alignment with skills, responsibilities, and market standards.

• medical, vision and dental insurance coverage
• 401k plan
• PTO
• Holidays
• additional insurances

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.