Senior Vulnerability Researcher

GrammaTech; Maryland; On-site; USD 165,000 - 200,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Medical insurance

Dental insurance

Vision insurance

Disability coverage

Life insurance

401(k) with company contributions

Paid holidays

PTO

Job summary

GrammaTech is seeking a Senior Vulnerability Researcher to join our team in Herndon, VA, with on-site requirements at the Linthicum, MD customer site or at our Herndon headquarters. You will identify vulnerabilities in embedded systems, develop PoC code, and reverse-engineer targets to assess risk and mission impact.

You will collaborate with security researchers, produce detailed reports, and mentor junior engineers while contributing to national security through advanced vulnerability

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree with relevant experience or equivalent.
• Proficiency in C/C++, Python, and at least one ISA.
• Proficiency with Linux command-line environments.
• Experience using decompilers (IDA Pro, Binary Ninja, Ghidra) and vulnerability tools.

Responsibilities

• Identify vulnerabilities across hardware, software, procedures, logistics, and physical security of systems.
• Develop PoC code for identified vulnerabilities.
• Reverse-engineer embedded systems to identify vulnerabilities.
• Review source code for risks and vulnerabilities.
• Analyze effects of vulnerabilities on mission outcomes and operational effectiveness.
• Produce reports and briefings on attacks and countermeasures.
• Mentor junior engineers and analysts on research methods.

Skills

C/C++

Python

ISA knowledge

Linux CLI

IDA Pro

Binary Ninja

Ghidra

Emulators/Fuzzers

GDB/WinDbg

Reverse engineering

Security testing

Education

Bachelor’s degree or higher

Associate’s degree

Tools

IDA Pro

Binary Ninja

Ghidra

GDB

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.