Senior Reverse Engineer / Vulnerability Researcher

Job overview

The Senior Reverse Engineer / Vulnerability Researcher role is an onsite position based in Laurel, MD. Compensation is not specified, though the role supports the Johns Hopkins Applied Physics Laboratory (APL) in tackling critical national security cyber challenges. This role exists to perform software and hardware reverse engineering, vulnerability research, and offensive cyber capability development. The engineer will collaborate with multidisciplinary teams to analyze mission-relevant systems, develop innovative exploits, and mentor early-career staff to ensure the laboratory remains at the forefront of cyber defense.

What you'll do

• Reverse engineer mission-relevant systems, discover vulnerabilities, and develop innovative exploits.
• Collaborate with teammates in custom laboratories purpose-built for foreign materiel, telecommunications infrastructure, and other embedded systems.
• Work alongside APL experts in domains such as missile defense, space, and maritime systems.
• Partner directly with government sponsors to build mission-aligned offensive cyber capabilities.
• Explore novel techniques for automating reverse engineering and exploit development.
• Mentor early-career teammates.

What we're looking for

Skills & competencies

contract

day shift

laurel md

cybersecurity

reverse engineering

vulnerability research

embedded systems

ts/sci clearance

full-time

apl

national security

engineering

Work arrangement

• Weekend coverage required

Benefits & perks

• Robust education assistance program, unparalleled retirement contributions, medical, dental, vision, life insurance, short-term/long-term disability, flexible spending accounts.

Why this role

Active TS/SCI clearance required; experience with Ghidra, IDA, and Binary Ninja; background in computer engineering or electrical engineering.

About the employer

Johns Hopkins Applied Physics Laboratory (APL) is hiring for this role. Industry: Research and Development in the Physical, Engineering, and Life Sciences (except Nanotechnology and Biotechnology). Sector: 54.