Senior Vulnerability Research Lead — Embedded & IoT Security

Parsons; Melbourne (FL); On-site; USD 160,000 - 230,000; Full time

Job summary

Parsons in Melbourne, FL is seeking a Principal Vulnerability Research Engineer to lead vulnerability research and reverse engineering on embedded systems for government-related projects. The role blends hands-on work with mentoring a team of researchers, across hardware, firmware, and software domains.

You will guide vulnerability research from target analysis through exploit development, tooling, and integration into capabilities, working onsite on Space Coast in a fast-paced,

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in a technical field required; 10+ years in related work; Master’s may substitute 4 years.
• 10+ years hands-on vulnerability research, reverse engineering, exploit development, or cyber tool development.
• Deep experience with decompilers/disassemblers (Ghidra preferred) and other tools.
• Strong knowledge of instruction set architectures (x86/x64, ARM/AArch64, MIPS).
• Experience exploiting mitigations and modern protections (DEP/NX, ASLR, CFI).
• Ability to lead complex VR/RE efforts and mentor others.
• Proficiency in C, C++, and Python.

Responsibilities

• Lead VR/RE efforts against complex embedded systems (hardware and software).
• Develop, test, and integrate advanced cyber tools and exploits.
• Define technical approaches from target analysis to capability development.
• Provide technical leadership and mentorship to vulnerability researchers.
• Collaborate with customers and stakeholders to understand mission problems.

Skills

Vulnerability research

Reverse engineering

Exploit development

Cyber tool development

Decompiler/Disassembler

Architectures (x86/x64, ARM, MIPS)

Exploit mitigations (DEP, ASLR, CFI)

Technical leadership

C/C++ and Python

Windows/Linux internals

Education

Bachelor's degree in a related technical field

Master's degree in related field (considered in lieu of 4 years)

Tools

Ghidra

IDA Pro

Binary Ninja

QEMU

Job description

Parsons in Melbourne, FL is seeking a Principal Vulnerability Research Engineer to lead vulnerability research and reverse engineering on embedded systems for government-related projects. The role blends hands-on work with mentoring a team of researchers, across hardware, firmware, and software domains.

You will guide vulnerability research from target analysis through exploit development, tooling, and integration into capabilities, working onsite on Space Coast in a fast-paced,