Johns Hopkins Applied Physics Lab

2026 PhD Graduate - Vulnerability Researcher - Offensive Cyber Capabilities

Johns Hopkins Applied Physics Lab$105K — $245K *
Information Technology
5 - 7 years of experience
Job Overview by Ladders

Qualifications

  • PhD in Computer Engineering, Computer Science, Electrical Engineering, or related field
  • Strong grasp of computer architecture, operating systems, and data structures
  • Proficient in one or more programming languages
  • Keen problem solver with eagerness to learn new technologies
  • Ability to obtain an Interim Top Secret security clearance and ultimately a TS/SCI with polygraph clearance

Responsibilities

  • Develop advanced methods for automating reverse engineering and vulnerability analysis
  • Gain in-depth knowledge of software, firmware, and hardware platforms
  • Create exploits for unique embedded systems
  • Collaborate with government clients to align on mission objectives
  • Enhance your skills through mentorship from reverse engineering experts
  • Expand your knowledge through interdisciplinary engagement with specialists
  • Share findings with team members, APL management, government leaders, and the cybersecurity community

Benefits

  • Robust education assistance program
  • Generous retirement contributions
  • Healthy work/life balance
  • Collaborative and inclusive work culture
  • Opportunities for professional growth and inspiration from teammates
Full Job Description
Description

Our team specializes in software and hardware reverse engineering, vulnerability research, and developing offensive cyber capabilities with a focus on embedded systems. We have custom facilities tailored to specific classes of systems including vehicles, telecommunications/network infrastructure, and other cyber-physical systems as well as general reverse engineering labs.

As a member of our group, you will...
• Create and use cutting-edge techniques for automating reverse engineering and vulnerability analysis
• Cultivate deep technical expertise of software, firmware, and hardware platforms
• Develop exploits against bespoke embedded systems
• Collaborate with government sponsors and operators to build mission-aligned capabilities
• Deepen your expertise by working with reverse engineering experts
• Widen your expertise by engaging with experts in other fields as you tackle problems intersecting other technical domains
• Present research to team members, APL management, government decision makers, and the larger cybersecurity community in academia and industry

Qualifications

You meet our minimum qualifications for the job if you...
• Are graduating with a PhD in Computer Engineering, Computer Science, Electrical Engineering, or a related field
• Have an excellent academic record with demonstrated mastery of fundamental topics such as computer architecture, operating systems, and data structures
• Are proficient with one or more programming languages
• Love solving puzzles and are excited to learn new tools, platforms, and programming languages
• Are able to obtain an Interim Top Secret security clearance by your start date and can ultimately obtain a TS/SCI with polygraph 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.

You'll go above and beyond our minimum requirements if you...
• Have an existing portfolio of research related to vulnerability analysis
• Are experienced using debuggers and reverse engineering tools such as Ghidra
• Are familiar with assembly
• Participate in hackathons, CTFs, or other relevant cybersecurity activities
• Understand Unix/Linux operating systems and embedded systems development toolchains
• Have experience with hardware debugging interfaces, code security mechanisms and their weaknesses, hardware diagnostic tools, and signal/protocol analysis
• Possess an active TS/SCI clearance with full scope polygraph.

Minimum Rate

$105,000 Annually

Maximum Rate

$245,000 Annually

About Johns Hopkins Applied Physics Lab

The Johns Hopkins University Applied Physics Laboratory (APL) is a research and development organization that provides solutions to national security and scientific challenges. The laboratory was founded in 1942 and is located in Laurel, Maryland. APL is a division of the Johns Hopkins University and is a not-for-profit organization. The laboratory has expertise in a variety of areas, including space exploration, national security, and healthcare.
Learn more about Johns Hopkins Applied Physics Lab
Size
7,000 employees
Industry
Founded
1942

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