Senior Zero‑Day Vulnerability Research Engineer

Nightwing; Maryland; On-site; USD 122,000 - 253,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Medical, vision, and dental insurance

401(k) plan

PTO and holidays

Job summary

Nightwing is looking for a Principal Senior Vulnerability Research Engineer in Maryland, where you’ll work on using advanced systems to find zero-day vulnerabilities and contribute to cutting-edge projects in cyber defense and resilience. This position requires strong software development skills, particularly in C, C++, or Python, and familiarity with tools like Ghidra and IDA Pro.

The salary ranges from $122,000 to $253,000 based on experience and qualifications, and includes comprehensive benefits such as health insurance and a 401(k) plan.

Qualifications

• 12 years of experience and a bachelor’s degree or 10 years with a master’s.
• Clearance Requirements: TS/SCI CI Poly Preferred.
• Experience with exploit development and Hack The Box.

Responsibilities

• Use advanced systems to find zero‑day vulnerabilities.
• Analyze, design, and identify programmatic behaviors.
• Research data for new design ideas for vulnerability techniques.

Skills

Software development

C, C++, or Python

Program analysis and reverse engineering

Debugging tools (angr, BAP, IDA Pro, etc.)

Knowledge of Windows or Linux

Assembly (x86/x64)

Understanding of OS Internals

Exploit development

Network protocols

Exploit mitigations (DEP, ASLR)

Education

Bachelor’s degree in computer science or related field

Master’s degree in computer science or related field

Tools

Ghidra

Binary Ninja

IDA Pro

windbg

gdb

Job description

Nightwing provides technically advanced full-spectrum 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.

Principal Senior Vulnerability Research Engineer

Job Description

Vulnerability Researcher:

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.

Required Skills

• Requires 12 years and a bachelor’s degree or 10 years and a master’s degree in computer science or related field.
• We require you to have a solid understanding of software development and knowledge in any of the following: C, C++, or Python
• Experience with program analysis, reverse engineering, and debugging tools (e.g., angr, BAP, IDA Pro, Binary Ninja, gdb, Ghidra, windbg)
• Knowledge of Windows or Linux
• Knowledge of Assembly (x86/x64)
• Clearance Requirements: TS/SCI CI Poly Preferred
• Place of Performance - Maryland
  
  

Desired Skills

• Understanding of OS Internals (any major OS)
• Experience with exploit development, Hack The Box, etc…
• Experience reading or writing assembly
• Understanding of network protocols, application layer, be able to read/write socket code
• Understanding of exploit mitigations such as DEP and ASLR
• Relevant Certifications (Not Required): Relevant Cybersecurity Certifications (e.g. oscp, oscE, OSWP, OSEP, OSWE, OSED, OSEE, GPEN, GWAPT, GXPN, CISSP)
  
  

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 mission impactful 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-spectrum 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.

Thank you for considering joining us as we embark on this new journey and shape the future of cybersecurity and intelligence together as part of the Nightwing team.

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

Salary & Benefits

The salary associated with this position ($122,000-$253,000) 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.