Reverse Engineer and Offensive Cyber Developer

Overview

Are you passionate about reverse engineering low level software and hardware and developing sophisticated cyber tools? Do you enjoy turning concepts into operational capabilities? If so, join our group of offensive cyber experts. We seek experienced reverse engineers and developers who will build inventive cyber capabilities leveraging novel reverse engineering and exploitation techniques. We work in a dynamic, mission driven environment where our efforts have real world impact. Collaboration is at the heart of our culture, and we value multidisciplinary perspectives, curiosity, and continuous learning. We encourage our staff to explore new approaches, share knowledge, and deepen their expertise as they take on some of the nation’s toughest challenges.

Responsibilities

• Reverse engineer the software, firmware, and hardware of target systems to identify vulnerabilities and potential exploits.
• Work in teams to modify device firmware and software to perform additional effects or to communicate in alternative ways.
• Operationalize proof of concept code by thoroughly testing, documenting, and integrating with sponsor systems.
• Propose promising ideas for internal and external funding opportunities.
• Share and enhance knowledge by clearly articulating ideas through papers and presentations to government decision makers, team members, and senior management.

Qualifications

Minimum qualifications

• Bachelor’s in Computer Science, Electrical Engineering, Computer Engineering, or other discipline relevant to the work described above.
• At least 2 years of proven experience reverse engineering or developing offensive cyber capabilities.
• Understand operating system fundamentals and internals, exploitation techniques, and mitigations.
• Development experience in low level languages such as assembly or C/C++.
• Have used software or hardware debuggers to debug complex problems.
• Outstanding communicator in both written and verbal forms.
• Able to acquire a Secret level security clearance by your start date and can ultimately obtain a TS/SCI level clearance. If selected, you will be subject to a government security clearance investigation and must meet the requirements for access to classified information. Eligibility requirements include U.S. citizenship.

Preferred qualifications

• Master’s or PhD in Computer Science, Electrical Engineering, Computer Engineering, or related field.
• 8+ years of experience reverse engineering or developing offensive cyber capabilities.
• Enjoy prototyping hardware and systems with embedded microcontrollers.
• Solid understanding of radiofrequency concepts.
• Hold an active TS/SCI security clearance.

About the organization

The Johns Hopkins University Applied Physics Laboratory (APL) brings world class expertise to defense, security, space, and science challenges. While solving complex problems and advancing new technologies, our culture stands out. We offer a welcoming atmosphere where you can be your authentic self, grow professionally, and connect with inspiring teammates. We value diverse perspectives and bold, new ideas, and provide generous benefits, including strong education assistance, retirement contributions, and healthy work life balance. APL is located in the Baltimore-Washington metro area.

Location

Laurel, Maryland 20723

Compensation and benefits

The pay range referenced is based on JHU APL's good faith belief at the time of posting. Actual compensation may vary based on factors such as geographic location, work experience, market conditions, education, and skill level with consideration for internal parity. For salaried employees scheduled to work less than 40 hours per week, annual salary will be prorated based on the number of hours worked. APL may offer bonuses or other forms of compensation per internal policy or contractual designation. Additional compensation may be provided in the form of a sign-on bonus, relocation benefits, locality allowance, or discretionary payments for exceptional performance. APL provides eligible staff with a comprehensive benefits package including retirement plans, paid time off, medical, dental, vision, life insurance, short term disability, long term disability, flexible spending accounts, education assistance, and training and development. Applications are accepted on a rolling basis.

Additional information

Learn more about our career opportunities at http://www.jhuapl.edu/careers