Johns Hopkins Applied Physics Lab

2027 PhD Graduate - Vulnerability Researcher - Offensive Cyber Capabilities

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

Qualifications

  • PhD in Computer Engineering, Computer Science, Electrical Engineering, or related field
  • Strong academic background in computer architecture, operating systems, and data structures
  • Proficiency in one or more programming languages
  • Experience with debuggers and reverse engineering tools like Ghidra, IDA, and Binary Ninja
  • Passion for solving puzzles and learning new technologies
  • Ability to obtain a TS/SCI clearance and meet U.S. citizenship requirements

Responsibilities

  • Create and implement innovative automation techniques for reverse engineering
  • Cultivate expertise in software, firmware, and hardware systems
  • Develop exploits for bespoke embedded systems
  • Collaborate with government sponsors on mission-oriented projects
  • Enhance knowledge through collaboration with reverse engineering experts
  • Broaden skills by engaging with professionals across various technical domains
  • Present research findings to internal and external stakeholders

Benefits

  • Opportunity to work on cutting-edge cybersecurity technologies
  • Collaboration with government and industry leaders
  • Access to skill-enhancing projects and team expertise
  • Potential for contributing to mission-critical work
  • Exposure to interdisciplinary technological fields
Full Job Description
Description

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
• Have experience using debuggers and reverse engineering tools such as Ghidra, IDA, and Binary Ninja
• 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 particularly applying AI systems to reverse engineering
• 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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