Lead Cybersecurity Researcher

Two Six Technologies

$168K — $252K *
Information Technology
Less than 5 years of experience
Job Overview by Ladders

Qualifications

  • Doctorate in Computer Science, Engineering, or related field with 4 years experience, Master's with 6 years, Bachelor's with 8 years, or Associate's with 10 years.
  • Proficient in C/C++, Python, and at least one ISA (x86/ARM/MIPS).
  • Experienced in Linux command-line environments.
  • Proficient with decompilers (IDA Pro, Binary Ninja, Ghidra).
  • Experienced with vulnerability research tools (emulators, fuzzers) and debuggers (GDB, WinDbg).
  • Ability to regularly work on-site at Laurel, Maryland customer site.

Responsibilities

  • Lead vulnerability identification in hardware, software, and security procedures.
  • Develop proof of concept (PoC) code for identified vulnerabilities.
  • Reverse-engineer embedded systems for vulnerability analysis.
  • Review source code to find risks and vulnerabilities.
  • Analyze the impact of vulnerabilities on operations and missions.
  • Compare attack techniques and propose effective countermeasures.
  • Produce detailed reports and briefings on vulnerabilities and attacks.
  • Mentor junior engineers, guiding reviews and skill development.

Benefits

  • Medical, dental, and vision insurance.
  • Life and disability insurance.
  • Retirement benefits.
  • Paid leave.
  • Tuition assistance and professional development.
Full Job Description
Overview of Opportunity

Join the Trusted Electronics & Effects business unit of Two Six Technologies, where you'll lead vulnerability research across hardware, software, and operational systems. Working side by side with engineers and security researchers, you'll guide investigations, identify critical vulnerabilities, and develop countermeasures with operational impact. Our fast-growing roster of government customers relies on us to deliver advanced security solutions, and we're looking for a Lead Vulnerability Researcher to provide technical leadership and mentorship.

This role requires regular on-site support at the Laurel, Maryland customer site.

What you will do:
  • Lead the identification of vulnerabilities and attacks across hardware, software, personnel, logistics, procedures, and physical security.
  • Develop proof of concept (PoC) code for identified vulnerabilities
  • Reverse-engineer targeted embedded systems to identify vulnerabilities
  • Review source code looking for risks and vulnerabilities
  • Analyze the effects of vulnerabilities on mission outcomes and operational effectiveness.
  • Compare system attack techniques and propose operationally effective countermeasures
  • Produce reports, briefings, and perspectives on actual and potential attacks
  • Provide technical leadership on research efforts, prioritizing investigations, reviewing methodologies, and overseeing proof-of-concepts.
  • Mentor and guide junior engineers and researchers, reviewing technical approaches and fostering skill development.

What you will need (Basic Qualifications):
  • Doctorate in Computer Science, Computer/Electrical Engineering, or a related field and 4 years of relevant experience, OR Master's degree and 6 years of relevant experience, OR Bachelor's degree and 8 years of relevant experience, OR Associate's degree and 10 years of relevant experience.
    • Relevant experience: computer/information systems design/development, programming, information/cyber/network security, reverse-engineering, vulnerability analysis, penetration testing, computer forensics, information assurance, or systems engineering
  • Proficiency in C/C++, Python, and at least one ISA (e.g. x86/ARM/MIPS)
  • Proficiency in Linux command-line environments
  • Experience using a decompiler such as IDA Pro, Binary Ninja, or Ghidra
  • Experience using vulnerability research tools such as emulators or fuzzers
  • Experience using a software debugger such as GDB or WinDbg
  • Ability to work on-site at Laurel, Maryland customer site regularly.

Nice If You Have (Preferred):
  • Experience translating vulnerabilities into operationally relevant impact assessments and countermeasures.
  • Experience producing client-facing technical briefings for operational stakeholders
  • Experience using a hardware debugger
  • Experience with UART, SPI, I2C
  • Experience with common secure communications such as TLS or SSH
  • Familiarity with embedded firmware, RTOS, or networked systems
  • Familiarity with high-side environments

Security Clearance:
  • Active TS/SCI clearance with Polygraph required

#LI-AM1

#LI-ONSITE

Two Six Technologies is committed to providing competitive and comprehensive compensation packages that reflect the value we place on our employees and their contributions. We believe in rewarding skills, experience, and performance. Our offerings include but are not limited to, medical, dental, and vision insurance, life and disability insurance, retirement benefits, paid leave, tuition assistance and professional development.

The projected salary range listed for this position is annualized. This is a general guideline and not a guarantee of salary. Salary is one component of our total compensation package and the specific salary offered is determined by various factors, including, but not limited to education, experience, knowledge, skills, geographic location, as well as contract specific affordability and organizational requirements.

Salary Range

$168,197-$252,295 USD

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