Vulnerability Researcher, Senior Associate - TS/SCI w/poly

Peraton; Chantilly (VA); On-site; USD 112,000 - 179,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

280 hours of annual leave

Health Benefits (medical, dental, vision)

Annual Critical Skills Bonus

Job summary

Peraton is seeking a Senior Associate Vulnerability Researcher in Chantilly, Virginia. This role involves supporting both offensive and defensive cyber security tools while leveraging red and blue team expertise to enhance national security. Candidates should have a strong background in vulnerability identification and software engineering, with a TS/SCI clearance required. The position offers a salary ranging from $112,000 to $179,000 along with comprehensive health benefits and generous leave policies.

Qualifications

• Ability to identify vulnerabilities in various endpoints using open-source research.
• Experience with rapid development for Windows and Linux endpoints.
• Familiarity with network concepts and protocols required.

Responsibilities

• Support Rapid Application Development for offensive and defensive cyber tools.
• Leverage expertise to address real-world cyber problems.
• Conduct vulnerability research and analysis using open-source tools.

Skills

Vulnerability identification

Network analysis

Software engineering

Virtual environment management

Open-source research

Cloud environment familiarity

Education

High School Diploma + 5 years experience

BS/BA + 2 years experience

Tools

VMware

Proxmox

QEMU/KVM

C/C++

.NET

Python

Job description

Vulnerability Researcher, Senior Associate - TS/SCI w/poly

Job Locations: US-VA-Chantilly

Job Details

Requisition ID: 2026-166048

Position Category: Cyber Security

Clearance: Top Secret/SCI w/Poly

Responsibilities

Peraton is looking for a Vulnerability Researcher to support Rapid Application Development (RAD) for both offensive and defensive cyber security tools, network topologies, and secured networks.

In this role, you'll apply your expertise to challenging, real-world cyber problems, contributing to capabilities that directly support critical national security objectives.

The Vulnerability Researcher will leverage red and blue team operational expertise to advance mission objectives through focused development efforts in software engineering and network analysis. Support activities span both user and kernel levels and include the configuration and management of complex network environments, administration of covert and virtualized systems, performing vulnerability research and analysis, and utilizing open-source penetration testing tools.

Qualifications

Required Qualifications:

• Education / Experience:
• High School Diploma with a minimum 5 years of related experience
• BS/BA with a minimum of 2 years of related experience
• Ability to identify vulnerabilities in network, host, and web application endpoints using a combination of open-source research and manual analysis techniques
• Experience with rapid development and prototyping of tools for Windows and Linux endpoints
• Ability to create, manage, and deploy virtual environments using platforms such as VMware, Proxmox, QEMU/KVM, or similar technologies
• Experience with software engineering using modern development practices and industry-standard languages (e.g., C, C++, .NET, Python)
• Strong understanding of networking concepts, including network topologies, routing, and internet protocols, as well as experience with VPNs, proxies, and tunneling mechanisms
• Active TS/SCI security clearance required, with the ability to obtain a polygraph

Strongly Desired Qualifications:

• Experience with techniques for establishing and maintaining persistence on endpoints, leveraging utilities associated with identified vulnerabilities
• Familiarity with cloud environments (e.g., AWS, Azure, GCP)
• Ability to work independently, take initiative, and quickly adapt to new technical challenges

Benefits

This critical National Security role is eligible for Peraton's premier benefits package, designed to recognize and support the professionals safeguarding our nation. A few highlights:

• 280 hours of annual leave (5 weeks of PTO and 2 weeks of holiday)
• Health Benefits (medical, dental and vision) - very low to no cost employee contributions
• Annual Critical Skills Bonus

Target Salary Range

$112,000 - $179,000. This represents the typical salary range for this position. Salary is determined by various factors, including but not limited to, the scope and responsibilities of the position, the individual's experience, education, knowledge, skills, and competencies, as well as geographic location and business and contract considerations. Depending on the position, employees may be eligible for overtime, shift differential, and a discretionary bonus in addition to base pay.

EEO Statement

EEO: Equal opportunity employer, including disability and protected veterans, or other characteristics protected by law.