Vulnerability Research and Exploit Developer

CACI; Fort Meade (MD); On-site; USD 150,000 - 210,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Flexible time off

Job summary

CACI seeks a Vulnerability Research and Exploit Developer to analyze and exploit mobile and network devices for DoD/IA/IC requirements, working with JCOG partners. You will lead exploit development, research vulnerabilities, and build tools while maintaining rigorous documentation and security practices.

The role requires a TS/SCI clearance with polygraph, a BS in a related field and 5+ years of relevant experience, plus strong C/C++, Python, and assembly skills.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Computer Science, Cybersecurity, Engineering, or related field; five years of relevant experience or equivalent.
• Proven track record in identifying/exploiting security weaknesses on mobile/network devices.
• Strong programming in C/C++, Python; assembly knowledge required.
• Experience with exploit development, reverse engineering, vulnerability assessment tools.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills.

Responsibilities

• Conduct in-depth vulnerability research and exploit development for mobile and network devices.
• Identify and analyze security weaknesses in complex systems; provide actionable insights.
• Apply AI models and AI-assisted workflows to accelerate vulnerability discovery and exploit development.
• Collaborate with interagency partners and JCOG personnel to support missions.
• Develop and maintain tools/scripts for automated vulnerability detection and exploitation.
• Ensure seamless integration of solutions into existing systems without disruption.

Skills

C/C++

Python

Assembly (ARM/x86)

TS/SCI clearance

Communication

Education

Bachelor's degree in CS/Cybersecurity/Engineering

Tools

IDA Pro

Ghidra

Binary Ninja

Frida

GDB/LLDB

QEMU

Job description

Job Title: Vulnerability Research and Exploit Developer

Job Category: Engineering

Time Type: Full time

Minimum Clearance Required to Start: TS/SCI with Polygraph

Employee Type: Regular

Percentage of Travel Required: Up to 10%

Type of Travel: Local

The Opportunity

As a Vulnerability Research and Exploit Developer (VRED) at CACI, you will play a crucial role supporting DoD and IA/IC requirements analyzing and exploiting mobile and network devices. You will be responsible for identifying and exploiting security weaknesses in complex systems while working closely with interagency partners within an interagency facility. Your role will involve seamless integration with Joint Cyber Operations Group (JCOG) personnel to ensure non-disruptive mission execution. This position demands strong analytical and problem-solving skills, excellent written and verbal communication skills, and the ability to thrive in a fast-paced, dynamic environment. The successful candidate will attain and maintain a Polygraph and Top Secret/SCI (TS/SCI) security clearance.

Responsibilities

• Conduct in-depth vulnerability research and exploit development for mobile and network devices.
• Identify and analyze security weaknesses in complex systems, providing actionable insights and solutions.
• Experience applying artificial intelligence models and AI-assisted workflows to accelerate vulnerability discovery and exploit development (e.g., LLM-assisted code analysis, reverse engineering, and triage).
• Collaborate effectively with interagency partners and JCOG personnel to support mission objectives.
• Develop and maintain tools and scripts for automated vulnerability detection and exploitation.
• Ensure seamless integration of developed solutions into existing systems without disrupting ongoing operations.
• Provide technical guidance and support to team members, fostering a collaborative work environment.
• Maintain detailed documentation of research findings, exploit development processes, and solution implementations.
• Stay current with cybersecurity/VR/exploit development.

Qualifications

Required

• Current Top Secret/SCI (TS/SCI) security clearance with polygraph.
• Bachelor's degree in Computer Science, Cybersecurity, Engineering, or a related field, with a minimum of five years of relevant experience; or equivalent combination of education and experience.
• Proven track record of identifying and exploiting security weaknesses in mobile and network devices.
• Strong proficiency in programming languages such as C/C++, Python, and assembly (ARM/x86).
• Experience with exploit development techniques, reverse engineering, and vulnerability assessment tools and frameworks (e.g., IDA Pro, Ghidra, Binary Ninja, Frida, GDB/LLDB, QEMU).
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills.
• Ability to work independently with minimal oversight and function effectively within a team.

Desired

• Master's degree in a related field.
• Certifications such as OSCP (Offensive Security Certified Professional), OSED/OSEE (Offensive Security exploit development certifications), GXPN (GIAC Exploit Researcher and Advanced Penetration Tester), and GREM (GIAC Reverse Engineering Malware).
• Experience building fuzzing harnesses (e.g., AFL++, libFuzzer, honggfuzz) and triaging the resulting crashes to root cause.
• Deep understanding of memory‑corruption vulnerability classes (stack/heap overflow, use‑after‑free, type confusion) and techniques for bypassing modern exploit mitigations (ASLR, DEP/NX, stack canaries, CFI/CFG, PAC, application sandboxing).
• Proficiency in reverse engineering closed‑source binaries and embedded firmware (static and dynamic analysis).
• Hands‑on experience with iOS and/or Android internals‑sandbox escape, kernel exploitation, baseband, and TrustZone/Secure Enclave‑beyond general familiarity.
• Demonstrated research output‑published CVEs, Pwn2Own results, DEFCON/BlackHat talks, or competitive CTF placements.
• Experience with kernel‑mode/low‑level exploitation and OS internals (e.g., XNU, Linux, Windows), including drivers.
• Java/Kotlin for Android‑focused vulnerability research; familiarity with Rust or similar memory‑safe systems languages is a pl

This position is contingent on funding and may not be filled immediately. However, this position is representative of positions within CACI that are consistently available. Individuals who apply may also be considered for other positions at CACI.

What You Can Expect

A culture of integrity.

At CACI, we place character and innovation at the center of everything we do. As a valued team member, you'll be part of a high‑performing group dedicated to our customer's missions and driven by a higher purpose - to ensure the safety of our nation.

An environment of trust.

CACI values the unique contributions that every employee brings to our company and our customers - every day. You'll have the autonomy to take the time you need through a unique flexible time off benefit