Johns Hopkins Applied Physics Lab

AI-Enabled Cyber Capabilities Developer

Johns Hopkins Applied Physics Lab$105K — $290K *
Technical Services
5 - 7 years of experience
Job Overview by Ladders

Qualifications

  • Bachelor's degree in Computer Engineering, Computer Science, Electrical Engineering, or related field
  • 5+ years of relevant experience
  • Experience developing agentic AI systems for planning and multi-step reasoning
  • Proficiency with software debuggers and static analysis tools like Ghidra
  • Familiarity with AI development platforms such as Claude Code, Gemini, Codex, or Copilot
  • Proficient in one or more programming languages
  • Understanding of Unix/Linux operating systems
  • Problem-solving mindset with experience in technical challenges
  • Active TS/SCI clearance; ability to obtain TS/SCI+Polygraph clearance

Responsibilities

  • Reverse engineer mission-relevant systems and create innovative exploits
  • Design and implement AI systems to automate vulnerability workflows
  • Collaborate with government partners to develop mission-focused capabilities
  • Integrate AI services and external tools into cyber applications
  • Propose innovative ideas for funding opportunities
  • Mentor team members in enhancing offensive cyber capabilities
  • Communicate insights and findings through papers and presentations

Benefits

  • Collaborative and multidisciplinary work environment
  • Opportunities for continuous learning and exploration of emerging technologies
  • Engagement with real-world impact projects
  • Mentorship and knowledge-sharing culture
Full Job Description
Description

Are you passionate about building AI-enabled capabilities that accelerate reverse engineering and vulnerability research?

Do you want to design systems that can reason, plan, use tools, and rapidly demonstrate mission impact?

If so, we want you to join our group of offensive cyber experts! We are seeking reverse engineers, vulnerability researchers, and cyber capability developers who know how to leverage modern AI technology to solve complex cyber challenges. This is not a traditional software development role! It requires designing AI-native architectures, orchestrating tool-using agents, and rapidly iterating on prototypes that demonstrate functional, outcome-driven impact. 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 emerging technologies, share knowledge, and deepen their expertise as they take on some of the nation's toughest challenges.

As a member of our group, you will...
  • Reverse engineer mission-relevant systems and develop innovative exploits
  • Design and implement agentic AI systems to automate vulnerability research, reverse engineering, and capability development workflows
  • Collaborate with government sponsors and operators to build mission-aligned capabilities
  • Integrate large language models, AI services, external tools, and data sources into full-stack applications for cyber use cases
  • Propose groundbreaking ideas for internal and external funding opportunities
  • Mentor teammates in the art and science of using AI to enhance offensive cyber capability development
  • Share knowledge by clearly articulating ideas through papers and presentations to team members, APL management, and government decision makers

Qualifications

You meet our minimum qualifications for the job if you...
  • Have a Bachelor's degree in Computer Engineering, Computer Science, Electrical Engineering, or a related field
  • At least 5 years of relevant experience
  • Have experience developing agentic AI systems including planning, memory, tool use, and multi-step reasoning workflows
  • Are skilled with software debuggers and static analysis tools such as Ghidra
  • Have experience with modern AI development platforms such as Claude Code, Gemini, Codex, or Copilot
  • Are proficient with one or more programming languages
  • Understand Unix/Linux operating systems
  • Love solving puzzles and have experience persevering through technical challenges
  • Hold an active TS/SCI clearance and can ultimately obtain a TS/SCI+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...
  • Previously held dynamic technical leadership roles and have demonstrated mentoring experience
  • Have experience applying AI systems to reverse engineering, vulnerability research, or exploit development
  • Have experience designing production-grade agent workflows, including orchestration, evaluation, guardrails, observability, and reliability testing
  • Have familiarity with virtualization, emulation, sandboxing, or automated analysis environments
  • Have knowledge of advanced vulnerability discovery tools
  • Possess an active TS/SCI clearance with full scope polygraph


#LI-AG1

Minimum Rate

$105,000 Annually

Maximum Rate

$290,000 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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