Senior Vulnerability Researcher

Grammatech; Herndon (VA); Hybrid; USD 165,000 - 200,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Health insurance

Dental insurance

Vision insurance

Disability insurance

Life insurance

401(k) with company contributions

Paid holidays

Paid time off

Sick leave

Personal leave

Merit increases

Performance-based bonus

Job summary

GrammaTech in Herndon, VA is seeking a Senior Vulnerability Researcher to advance reverse engineering and vulnerability research across embedded systems, software, and operational processes. Working alongside reverse engineers and security researchers, you’ll identify vulnerabilities, analyze attack vectors, and assess operational impacts for critical systems.

This on-site role requires regular on-site support at the Linthicum, Maryland customer site or headquarters in Herndon, VA, and includes

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree with 5+ years of relevant experience, or Associate’s with 7+ years.
• Experience in computer/information systems design/development and security fields.
• Proficiency in C/C++, Python, and at least one ISA (x86/ARM/MIPS).
• Proficiency with Linux command-line environments.
• Experience using a decompiler (IDA Pro, Binary Ninja, Ghidra).
• Experience using vulnerability research tools such as emulators or fuzzers.
• Experience using a software debugger (GDB or WinDbg).

Responsibilities

• Identify vulnerabilities and attack vectors across hardware, software, procedures, logistics, and physical security.
• Develop PoC code for identified vulnerabilities.
• Reverse‑engineer embedded systems to identify vulnerabilities.
• Review source code for risks and vulnerabilities.
• Analyze vulnerability effects on mission outcomes and operations.
• Compare attack techniques and propose countermeasures.
• Produce reports, briefings, and perspectives on attacks.
• Mentor junior engineers and guide research methodology.

Skills

C/C++

Python

Reverse engineering

Vulnerability analysis

Education

Bachelor's degree

Associate's degree

Tools

IDA Pro

Binary Ninja

Ghidra

emulators

fuzzers

GDB

WinDbg

Job description

If you are unable to complete this application due to a disability, contact this employer to ask for an accommodation or an alternative application process.

Senior Vulnerability Researcher

Herndon, VA, US

Join our GrammaTech team and immerse yourself in reverse engineering and vulnerability research on a wide range of embedded systems, software, and operational processes. Working alongside reverse engineers and security researchers, you’ll identify vulnerabilities, analyze attack vectors, and assess operational impacts on some of the most critical systems for our customers. Our fast-growing roster of government customers relies on us to deliver advanced security solutions, and we’re looking for a Senior Vulnerability Researcher to help us continue pushing boundaries. If you’re passionate about vulnerability research that can make a tangible impact on national security, we want you on our team.

This role requires regular on-site support at the Linthicum, Maryland customer site or our headquarters in Herndon VA

What you will do:

• Identify vulnerabilities and potential attacks across hardware, software, procedures, logistics, and physical security of systems
• Develop proof of concept (PoC) code for identified vulnerabilities
• Reverse-engineer targeted embedded systems to identify vulnerabilities
• Review source code looking for risks and vulnerabilities
• Analyze the effects of vulnerabilities on mission outcomes and operational effectiveness.
• Compare system attack techniques and propose operationally effective countermeasures
• Produce reports, briefings, and perspectives on actual and potential attacks
• Mentor junior engineers and analysts, reviewing technical approaches and guiding research methodology

What you will need (Basic Qualifications):

• Bachelor’s degree and 5 years of relevant experience, OR Associate’s degree and 7 years of relevant experience.
  • Relevant experience: computer/information systems design/development, programming, information/cyber/network security, reverse-engineering, vulnerability analysis, penetration testing, computer forensics, information assurance, or systems engineering
• Proficiency in C/C++, Python, and at least one ISA (e.g. x86/ARM/MIPS)
• Proficiency in Linux command-line environments
• Experience using a decompiler such as IDA Pro, Binary Ninja, or Ghidra
• Experience using vulnerability research tools such as emulators or fuzzers
• Experience using a software debugger such as GDB or WinDbg

Nice If You Have (Preferred):

• Experience producing technical briefings for operational stakeholders
• Experience using a hardware debugger
• Experience with UART, SPI, I2C
• Experience with common secure communications such as TLS or SSH
• Familiarity with embedded firmware, RTOS, or networked systems
• Familiarity with high-side environments

Security Clearance:

• Active TS/SCI clearance required (Polygraph preferred)

The anticipated base salary range for this position is $165,000–$200,000 annually. This range reflects the Company's good-faith estimate at the time of posting. Final compensation will be determined based on a variety of factors, including the scope and level of the role, relevant experience, technical expertise, education, and other job-related qualifications.

GrammaTech offers a comprehensive total rewards package designed to support the health, well-being, and financial security of our employees. Benefits include medical, dental, and vision insurance; short- and long-term disability coverage; life insurance; and a 401(k) retirement plan with company contributions. Employees are also eligible for paid holidays, paid time off (PTO), sick and personal leave, annual merit increases, and performance-based bonus opportunities.

GrammaTech, Inc. is an Equal Opportunity Employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, or protected veteran status. GrammaTech is committed to providing reasonable accommodations to qualified individuals with disabilities throughout the application and hiring process. Applicants requiring accommodation should contact Human Resources.