Reverse Engineer for Offensive Cyber Operations at Johns Hopkins Applied Physics Laboratory (APL)

Are you passionate about making impactful technical contributions to critical national security cyber challenges?

Do you love researching the hardest cyber security problems and collaborating with outstanding software reverse engineers and developers to build jaw-dropping proof-of-concept capabilities?

Do you have experience crafting exploits on embedded systems?

If so, we 're looking for someone like you to join our innovative team at APL!

We are seeking a creative engineer to find vulnerabilities in embedded systems before our adversaries do. Our team specializes in hardware and software reverse engineering, vulnerability research, and developing proof-of-concept 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 industrial systems as well as general reverse engineering labs. We strive to foster an innovative and collaborative team environment where engineers can hack the latest technologies to understand how they work and how to break them.

As a member of our group, you will...

• Reverse engineer and exploit embedded systems
• Join forces with APL team members to identify vulnerabilities or security weaknesses stemming from publicly disclosed vulnerabilities or previously unknown vulnerabilities
• Build innovative and mission-aligned proof-of-concept capabilities that can be deployed within operational constraints
• Explore advanced techniques for automating embedded system software analysis and reverse engineering
• Propose ground-breaking ideas for internal and external funding opportunities
• Circulate knowledge by clearly articulating ideas through papers and presentations to team members, APL management, and government decision makers

We are looking for team members that have attained a degree in Computer Engineering, Computer Science, Electrical Engineering, or a related technical degree.

You meet our minimum qualifications for the job if you have...

• Proficiency with software debuggers and static analysis tools (IDA Pro, Binary Ninja, Ghidra, etc.)
• Expertise with one or more programming languages including C/C++ and Python
• Familiarity with Unix/Linux operating systems and embedded systems development toolchains
• Experience reading or writing assembly (x86/x64, Arm, PowerPC, MIPS, or others)
• A Master's degree with at least 1 year of relevant experience or a Bachelor's degree with at least 3 years of relevant experience
• Hold an active Secret security clearance and the ability to 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 ...

• Are an expert with advanced vulnerability discovery tools (e.g., symbolic execution)
• Have experience with debugging interfaces (e.g., JTAG, SWD, etc.), code security mechanisms and their weaknesses, hardware diagnostic tools, and signal/protocol analysis (e.g., RS232, Serial, CAN, etc.)
• Previously held dynamic technical leadership roles

• Possess an active TS/SCI clearance with full scope polygraph

Why work at APL?

The Johns Hopkins University Applied Physics Laboratory (APL) brings world-class expertise to our nation's most critical defense, security, space and science challenges. While we are dedicated to solving complex challenges and pioneering new technologies, what makes us truly outstanding is our culture. We offer a vibrant, welcoming atmosphere where you can bring your authentic self to work, continue to grow, and build strong connections with inspiring teammates.

At APL, we celebrate our differences and encourage creativity and bold, new ideas. Our employees enjoy generous benefits, including a robust education assistance program, unparalleled retirement contributions, and a healthy work/life balance. APL's campus is located in the Baltimore-Washington metro area. Learn more about our career opportunities at http://www.jhuapl.edu/careers.

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APL is an Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, creed, color, religion, sex, gender identity or expression, sexual orientation, national origin, age, physical or mental disability, genetic information, veteran status, occupation, marital or familial status, political opinion, personal appearance, or any other characteristic protected by applicable law.

APL is committed to promoting an innovative environment that embraces diversity, encourages creativity, and supports inclusion of new ideas. In doing so, we are committed to providing reasonable accommodation to individuals of all abilities, including those with disabilities. If you require a reasonable accommodation to participate in any part of the hiring process, please contact Accommodations@jhuapl.edu. Only by ensuring that everyone’s voice is heard are we empowered to be bold, do great things, and make the world a better place.

The referenced pay range is based on JHU APL’s good faith belief at the time of posting. Actual compensation may vary based on factors such as geographic location, work experience, market conditions, education/training and skill level with consideration for internal parity. For salaried employees scheduled to work less than 40 hours per week, annual salary will be prorated based on the number of hours worked. APL may offer bonuses or other forms of compensation per internal policy and/or contractual designation. Additional compensation may be provided in the form of a sign-on bonus, relocation benefits, locality allowance or discretionary payments for exceptional performance. APL provides eligible staff with a comprehensive benefits package including retirement plans, paid time off, medical, dental, vision, life insurance, short-term disability, long-term disability, flexible spending accounts, education assistance, and training and development. Applications are accepted on a rolling basis.