Senior Vulnerability Researcher ($250k+/year + Sign-On Bonus)

Two Six Technologies; Linthicum (MD); On-site; USD 250,000 - 285,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Healthcare benefits

401(k) matching

Paid professional development

Educational assistance

Flexible PTO

Job summary

Two Six Technologies, based in Linthicum, MD, seeks a Senior Vulnerability Researcher to assess vulnerabilities across embedded systems and software. You will work with reverse engineers and security researchers to identify attack vectors and evaluate operational impacts for national security customers.

The role emphasizes on-site work at the Linthicum customer site, with a focus on PoC development, vulnerability research, and mentoring junior staff within a fast-growing team.

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.
• Ability to work on-site at the Linthicum, Maryland customer site regularly.

Responsibilities

• 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.

Skills

Reverse engineering

Vulnerability analysis

Penetration testing

C/C++

Python

Linux

Education

Bachelor's degree in a relevant field

Associate's degree with 7 years of experience

Tools

IDA Pro

Binary Ninja

Ghidra

Emulators

Fuzzers

GDB

Job description

At Two Six Technologies, we build, deploy, and implement innovative products that solve the world’s most complex challenges today. Through unrivaled collaboration and unwavering trust, we push the boundaries of what’s possible to empower our team and support our customers in building a safer global future.

Compensation & Incentive Highlights

• Target Base Salary: $250,000+ (Final salary is determined based on candidate qualifications and experience alignment with open roles)
• Sign-On Bonus: Starting at $25,000 for qualified FSP hires.
• Benefits & Flexible PTO: Comprehensive health, dental, and vision coverage, 401(k) matching, paid professional development, educational assistance, and flexible PTO with rollover options and annual payout opportunities.

Overview Of Opportunity

Join the Trusted Electronics & Effects business unit of Two Six Technologies, where you’ll 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.

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
• Ability to work on-site at the Linthicum, Maryland customer site regularly

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 with Polygraph required

Two Six Technologies is committed to providing competitive and comprehensive compensation packages that reflect the value we place on our employees and their contributions. We believe in rewarding skills, experience, and performance. Our offerings include but are not limited to, medical, dental, and vision insurance, life and disability insurance, retirement benefits, paid leave, tuition assistance and professional development.

The projected salary range listed for this position is annualized. This is a general guideline and not a guarantee of salary. Salary is one component of our total compensation package and the specific salary offered is determined by various factors, including, but not limited to education, experience, knowledge, skills, geographic location, as well as contract specific affordability and organizational requirements.

Salary Range

$250,000 - $284,999 USD

Two Six Technologies is an Equal Opportunity Employer and does not discriminate in employment opportunities or practices based on race (including traits historically associated with race, such as hair texture, hair type and protective hair styles (e.g., braids, twists, locs and twists)), color, religion, national origin, sex (including pregnancy, childbirth or related medical conditions and lactation), sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, age (40 and over), marital status, disability, genetic information, and protected veteran status or any other characteristic protected by applicable federal, state, or local law. For more information review the Two Six Technologies Equal Employment Opportunity and Affinitive Action Policy and the EEO Poster.

If you are an individual with a disability and would like to request reasonable workplace accommodation for any part of our employment process, please send an email to [e-mail]. Information provided will be kept confidential and used only to the extent required to provide needed reasonable accommodations.

Additionally, please be advised that this business uses E-Verify in its hiring practices.

By submitting the following application, I hereby certify that to the best of my knowledge, the information provided is true and accurate.