Are you a reverse engineer who loves to discover how bespoke systems work and how to break them?

Are you energized by working with world-class experts to solve the hardest offensive cyber problems?

Are you passionate about national security cyber challenges?

If so, we want you to join our elite team of reverse engineers at APL! We strive to foster an innovative team environment where engineers can hack the latest technologies to find and exploit vulnerabilities.

Our team specializes in software and hardware reverse engineering, vulnerability research, and developing offensive cyber capabilities with a focus on embedded systems. We have custom facilities tailored to specific classes of systems including foreign materiel, telecommunications/network infrastructure, and industrial systems as well as general reverse engineering labs.

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

• Reverse engineer embedded systems and develop innovative exploits
• Work with government sponsors and operators to build mission-aligned capabilities
• Explore novel techniques for automating reverse engineering and exploit development
• Propose groundbreaking ideas for internal and external funding opportunities
• Mentor early-career teammates in the art and science of reverse engineering
• Share knowledge by clearly articulating ideas through papers and presentations to team members, APL management, and government decision makers

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

• Have a Bachelor’s degree in Computer Engineering, Computer Science, Electrical Engineering, or another field relevant to the duties as described above
• Have at least 5 years of relevant experience
• Are skilled with software debuggers and static analysis tools such as Ghidra, IDA, and Binary Ninja
• Are proficient with one or more programming languages
• Understand Unix/Linux operating systems and embedded systems development toolchains
• 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 knowledge of advanced vulnerability discovery tools
• Have experience with hardware debugging interfaces, code security mechanisms and their weaknesses, hardware diagnostic tools, and signal/protocol analysis
• Have a Master’s degree in Computer Engineering, Computer Science or Electrical Engineering
• Possess an active TS/SCI clearance with full scope polygraph

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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 of perspectives 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  .

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 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 .

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.