Senior Vulnerability Researcher

Nightwing; Maryland; On-site; USD 99,000 - 206,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Medical, vision, and dental insurance

401k plan

Paid Time Off (PTO)

Holidays

Job summary

A cybersecurity firm based in the United States is seeking an experienced professional specializing in cybersecurity and vulnerability research. The ideal candidate will possess a B.Sc. in a related technical field and at least 8 years of hands-on experience in identifying zero-day vulnerabilities. The role involves analyzing and debugging software applications while leveraging innovative cybersecurity techniques. Competitive compensation ranging between $99,000 and $206,000 based on qualifications and experience.

Qualifications

• Minimum of 8 years practical experience in a technology-related environment.
• Experience with debugging, fuzzing and vulnerability research.
• Familiarity with various reverse engineering tools.

Responsibilities

• Analyze, design, and identify programmatic behaviors.
• Develop, test, and debug software applications.
• Research data and provide new ideas for vulnerability techniques.

Skills

Vulnerability research

Code analysis tools

Reverse engineering

C/C++ and Python programming

Fuzzing experience

ARM or MIPS architectures

Education

Bachelor of Science in Computer Science, Computer Engineering, Electrical Engineering, or related field

Tools

AFL

CodeQL

Ghidra

Ida Pro

Job description

Nightwing provides technically advanced full‑spectr​e 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

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 FSP Poly

Required Skills

• Bachelor of Science in Computer Science, Computer Engineering, Electrical Engineering, or a related technical field
• At least 8 years of practical experience in a technology‑related environment
• 0‑day vulnerabilities or CVEs discovered and attributed to themselves
• History performing vulnerability research
• Experience with writing or using fuzzers – AFL, LibFuzzer, ClusterFuzz, oss‑fuzz
• Experience with code analysis tools – CodeQL, Joern, Semgrep
• History of exploiting or productizing 0‑day vulnerabilities
• History of exploiting or productizing n‑day vulnerabilities/CVEs/publicly disclosed vulnerabilities
• History of reverse engineering malware or other code for CNE purpose
  • Experience with reverse engineering tools – Ghidra, Ida Pro, Binary Ninja
  • Experience using debuggers – GDB or WinDbg
  • Experience writing, navigating, and building C/C++ code, Python
  • Experience with tools like VsCode, Visual Studio, VIM/Emacs
• Familiarity with ARM or MIPS architectures and Linux variants
• Bonus points if they list participating in CTF competitions as those leverage a lot these skills

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.

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 impactful mission 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‑spectr​e 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.

The salary associated with this position $99,000‑$206,000 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.

Nightwing offers medical, vision and dental insurance coverage in addition to a 401k plan, PTO, Holidays, and 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.