SME CNO Vulnerability Researcher

Core4ce Careers; Fort Meade (MD); On-site; USD 110,000 - 150,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

401(k) with 100% company match

Comprehensive medical, dental, and vision coverage

Unlimited access to training and certifications

Tuition assistance for job-related degrees

Paid parental leave and generous PTO

Job summary

Core4ce Careers is seeking a highly skilled SME CNO Vulnerability Researcher in Fort Meade, MD. This role calls for an experienced professional in vulnerability research and reverse engineering, supporting national security objectives.

Responsibilities include discovering vulnerabilities across platforms, leading technical efforts, and mentoring junior staff. Ideal candidates must hold a TS/SCI with Polygraph and have extensive experience in cyber operations.

Join a team driven to innovate and strengthen national security, while enjoying comprehensive benefits.

Qualifications

• Must possess a current and active TS/SCI with Polygraph.
• At least 7 years of directly relevant experience in vulnerability research or related cyber operations.
• Must be able to communicate effectively via email, phone, and virtual platforms.

Responsibilities

• Research and discover software vulnerabilities across various platforms.
• Reverse engineer software to identify security weaknesses.
• Lead technical efforts and provide team leadership.

Skills

Vulnerability research

Reverse engineering

Low-level software analysis

Python

C/C++

Assembly (x86/x64)

Education

Bachelor’s degree and 12+ years of experience

Master’s degree and 10+ years of experience

PhD and 8+ years of experience

Tools

IDA Pro

Ghidra

Radare

Binary Ninja

Sysinternals

GDB

WinDBG

Job description

Core4ce is seeking a highly skilled SME CNO Vulnerability Researcher to support mission‑critical cyber operations in Hanover, MD. This role is ideal for an experienced cybersecurity professional with deep expertise in vulnerability research, reverse engineering, and low‑level software analysis. The successful candidate will work on advanced technical challenges in support of national security objectives and contribute to the development of innovative cyber capabilities.

Responsibilities

• Research and discover software vulnerabilities across a variety of platforms and technologies.
• Reverse engineer software to identify security weaknesses and bypass mechanisms.
• Lead technical efforts and provide team leadership on projects, as needed.
• Support the design, development, documentation, testing, and debugging of user‑land and kernel‑level software and systems.
• Maintain proficiency in current and emerging tools, techniques, countermeasures, and trends related to:
• Computer network vulnerabilities
• Static and dynamic program analysis
• Network security
• Encryption
• Communicate project status, technical findings, and risks to leadership.
• Mentor and guide junior staff and support team development.

Minimum Qualifications

• Must possess a current and active TS/SCI with Polygraph.
• One of the following education/experience combinations:
• Bachelor’s degree and 12+ years of experience
• High school diploma and 16+ years of experience
• Associate degree and 14+ years of experience
• Master’s degree and 10+ years of experience
• PhD and 8+ years of experience
• At least 7 years of directly relevant experience in vulnerability research or related cyber operations.
• Experience conducting vulnerability research.
• Experience with reverse engineering and common security research tools, such as:
• IDA Pro, Ghidra, Radare, Binary Ninja, Sysinternals, GDB, WinDBG
• Proficiency in one or more of the following:
• Python, C/C++, Assembly (x86/x64)
• Experience in CNO capability development.
• Strong understanding of low-level internals in one or more of the following areas:
• Windows, Linux, Mobile platforms
• Strong troubleshooting and debugging skills.
• Must be able to remain in a stationary position approximately 50% of the time.
• May occasionally need to move about the office to access equipment or communicate with coworkers, management, and customers.
• Must be able to communicate effectively via email, phone, and virtual platforms, including presenting information when needed.

Preferred Qualifications

• Degree in Computer Science or a related technical discipline.
• 9+ years of directly relevant experience.

Why Work for Us?

Core4ce is a team of innovators, self‑staters, and critical thinkers—driven by a shared mission to strengthen national security and advance warfighting outcomes.

We offer:

• 401(k) with 100% company match on the first 6% deferred, withimmediatevesting
• Comprehensive medical, dental, and vision coverage—employee portion paid 100% by Core4ce
• Unlimitedaccess totrainingand certifications, with no pre-set cap on eligible professional development
• Tuition assistancefor job-related degrees and courses
• Paidparental leave, PTO that grows with tenure, and generous holiday schedules
• Got a big idea? At Core4ce,The Forge gives every employee the chance to propose bold innovations and help bring them to life with internal backing.

Join us to build a career that matters—supported by a company that invests in you.

All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex (including pregnancy), national origin, disability, veteran status, age, genetic information, or other legally protected status.