Johns Hopkins Applied Physics Lab

Lead Cyber Vulnerability Researcher

Johns Hopkins Applied Physics Lab$105K — $290K *
Information Technology
8 - 10 years of experience
Job Overview by Ladders

Qualifications

  • Bachelor's degree in Computer Science, Electrical Engineering, Computer Engineering, or related discipline
  • 8+ years of experience in cyber vulnerability research or exploit development
  • Proven experience leading technical teams in complex cybersecurity projects
  • In-depth knowledge of operating systems, computer architecture, and exploitation techniques
  • Proficiency in C/C++, Rust, assembly, or similar low-level languages
  • Strong written and verbal communication skills
  • Ability to obtain Secret clearance and eventually TS/SCI clearance

Responsibilities

  • Lead projects to identify and analyze vulnerabilities in complex systems
  • Develop novel techniques for vulnerability discovery and exploit development
  • Mentor and guide engineers and researchers in technical aspects
  • Transition advanced research into operational capabilities with multidisciplinary teams
  • Shape technical strategy and drive proposal development
  • Communicate findings through presentations and publications to key stakeholders

Benefits

  • Collaborative and dynamic work environment
  • Focus on continuous learning and technical excellence
  • Opportunity to mentor upcoming cyber researchers
  • Engagement with multidisciplinary teams on advanced research initiatives
  • Involvement in high-stakes cybersecurity challenges for national defense
Full Job Description
Description

Are you passionate about discovering novel software and hardware vulnerabilities in complex systems?

Do you thrive on leading technical teams to develop innovative techniques for discovering and exploiting vulnerabilities?

If so, we want you to join our group of offensive cyber experts!

We are seeking an experienced cyber vulnerability researcher to lead efforts to identify, analyze, and exploit vulnerabilities in complex hardware, firmware, and software systems. You'll help shape technical strategy, mentor researchers, and drive innovative solutions to some of the nation's most challenging cybersecurity problems. We work in a dynamic environment where collaboration, technical excellence, and continuous learning are central to everything we do.

As a member of our team, you will...
  • Lead projects to identify and analyze vulnerabilities in complex software, firmware, and hardware systems
  • Develop novel techniques for vulnerability discovery, exploit development, and offensive cyber research
  • Mentor and guide engineers and researchers while providing technical leadership across projects
  • Transition advanced research into operational cyber capabilities in collaboration with multidisciplinary teams
  • Shape technical strategy and contribute to proposal development, sponsor engagement, and new research initiatives
  • Communicate findings through presentations, publications, and briefings to sponsors, leadership, and a technical community

Qualifications

You meet our minimum qualifications for the job if you have...
  • A Bachelor's in Computer Science, Electrical Engineering, Computer Engineering, or another discipline relevant to the duties as described above
  • At least 8+ years of experience conducting cyber vulnerability research, reverse engineering, exploit development, or offensive capability development
  • Demonstrated experience leading technical teams solving complex cybersecurity efforts
  • Deep understanding of operating systems, computer architecture, exploitation techniques, and modern mitigations
  • Experience developing software in C/C++, Rust, assembly, or similar low-level languages
  • Strong written and verbal communication skills
  • Are about to acquire a Secret level security clearance by your start date and can ultimately acquire 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.

You'll go above and beyond our minimum requirements if you...
  • Have a Master's or Ph.D. in Computer Science, Electrical Engineering, Computer Engineering, or related field
  • Have 12+ years of experience in reverse engineering, cyber capability development, or related technical work
  • Recognized technical expertise in vulnerability research or offensive cyber operations
  • Experience leading externally funded research efforts or interacting directly with government sponsors
  • Publications, presentations, patents, or open-source contributions related to cybersecurity
  • Experience with embedded systems, SoCs, firmware, or RF systems
  • Experience leveraging AI to improve vulnerability discovery or reverse engineering workflows
  • Hold an active TS/SCI security clearance

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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