Senior Vulnerability Researcher with Security Clearance

Redhorse Corporation; Herndon (VA); On-site; USD 150,000 - 275,000; Full time

Job summary

Redhorse Corporation is seeking a Senior Vulnerability Researcher to advance national security capabilities. The role emphasizes autonomy, mentoring, and delivering vulnerability research, reverse engineering, and exploitation capabilities for critical cyber requirements.

The candidate should hold an active TS/SCI clearance, 7+ years of VR experience, and strong coding skills in C, C++, Java, and JavaScript, with hands-on use of IDA Pro, OllyDbg, and Windbg in Windows and Linux environments.

Qualifications

• 7+ years of professional experience in vulnerability research.
• Active TS/SCI security clearance.
• Experience reverse engineering Windows/Linux applications and OS kernel modules.
• Proficiency in programming with C, C++, Java, and JavaScript.
• Extensive experience using reverse engineering tools such as IDA Pro, OllyDbg, and Windbg.
• Exceptional written and oral communication skills.

Responsibilities

• Apply VR techniques—including fuzzing, RE, and online research—to identify vulnerabilities and determine exploitability.
• Develop proof-of-concept software and creative solutions to meet diverse customer requirements.
• Perform vulnerability assessments of secure technologies to determine recoverability of protected information.
• Manage customer expectations by providing proactive feedback and technical insights.
• Prepare and deliver concise presentations and reports of research findings for technical and non-technical stakeholders.
• Collaborate with internal and external stakeholders to identify and communicate operational requirements.
• Shape Computer Architecture requirements to align with broader operational goals.
• Synthesize information to develop innovative solutions for complex cyber challenges.
• Mentor junior personnel and foster a culture of continuous learning.

Skills

Vulnerability research

Reverse engineering

Programming in C/C++

Java/JavaScript

Threat analysis

Communication

Tools

IDA Pro

OllyDbg

WinDbg

Job description

About the Organization Now is a great time to join Redhorse Corporation. We are a solution-driven company delivering data insights and technology solutions to customers with missions critical to U.S. national interests. We’re looking for thoughtful, skilled professionals who thrive as trusted partners building technology-agnostic solutions and want to apply their talents supporting customers with difficult and important mission sets. About the Role Redhorse is transforming how the government utilizes data and technology. We are seeking a self-motivated Senior Vulnerability Researcher who is ready to solve some of the most challenging technical problems in a fast-paced environment supporting national security. In this role, you will be a key driver of our cyber mission, applying advanced vulnerability research (VR), reverse engineering (RE), and vulnerability exploitation (VE) skills to support critical defensive and offensive cyber requirements. As a senior member of our team, you will operate with a high degree of autonomy, solving complex problems with minimal oversight while mentoring the next generation of technical talent. Your work will directly impact the safety and efficacy of national security operations. Key Responsibilities

• Apply a variety of VR techniques—including fuzzing, RE, and online research—to identify vulnerabilities and determine exploitability.
• Develop proof-of-concept software and creative solutions to meet diverse customer requirements.
• Perform vulnerability assessments of secure technologies to determine if protected or inaccessible information is recoverable.
• Manage customer expectations by implementing proactive feedback mechanisms and providing technical insights.
• Prepare and deliver concise presentations and reports summarizing research findings for technical and non-technical stakeholders.
• Collaborate with internal and external stakeholders to identify and communicate operational requirements.
• Shape Computer Architecture (CA) requirements to ensure they align with broader operational goals.
• Synthesize technical and operational information to develop innovative solutions for complex cyber challenges.
• Mentor junior personnel, providing technical guidance and fostering a culture of continuous learning. Required Experience/Clearance
• Active TS/SCI security clearance.
• Seven (7)+ years of professional experience in vulnerability research.
• Proven expertise in programming within contemporary Windows and Linux/Unix environments.
• Proficiency in multiple languages including C, C++, Java, and JavaScript.
• Extensive experience using reverse engineering tools such as IDA Pro, OllyDbg, and Windbg.
• Demonstrated experience reverse engineering Windows/Linux applications and OS kernel modules.
• Exceptional written and oral communication skills, with the ability to explain complex technical concepts clearly. Desired Experience
• Experience with network protocol analysis and deep-packet inspection.
• Static and dynamic malware analysis experience for mobile platforms, specifically iOS and Android.
• Knowledge of software engineering with a focus on workflow automation for existing security tools.
• Proficiency in identifying discreet, complex communications technologies that support investigative techniques.
• Advanced Vulnerability Exploitation (VE) capabilities, including understanding the relationship between analysis concepts and computational resource requirements. $150,000 - $275,000 a year The salary range provided for this position represents the anticipated base salary for successful candidates. Actual compensation will be determined based on a variety of factors, including relevant experience, education, certifications, skills, security clearance level, geographic location, market conditions, and internal equity. In addition to base salary, eligible employees may participate in Redhorse's comprehensive benefits programs and may be eligible for performance-based or other incentive compensation, where applicable. Redhorse Corporation is an equal opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment and will not be discriminated against on the basis of race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, veteran status, disability, or any other protected class. If you are a qualified individual with a disability or a disabled veteran, you may request a reasonable accommodation if you are unable or limited in your ability to access job openings or apply for a job on this site as a result of your disability. You can request reasonable accommodations by contacting Talent Acquisition at Redhorse Corporation shall, in its discretion, modify or adjust the position to meet Redhorse’s changing needs. This job description is not a contract and may be adjusted as deemed appropriate in Redhorse’s sole discretion. We may use artificial intelligence (AI) tools to support parts of the hiring process, such as reviewing applications, analyzing resumes, or assessing responses and identifying potential inconsistencies or verification signals in application materials based on available information. These tools assist our recruitment team but do not replace human judgment. Final hiring decisions are ultimately made by humans. If you would like more information about how your data is processed, please contact us.