Cyber Developer​/Vulnerability Researcher

Position Title: Cyber Developer/Vulnerability Researcher

Clearance Requirements: Active TS/SCI

Location: NIWC Atlantic, Charleston, SC (Full-Time, On-Site)

Echelon Services, LLC is seeking a hands‑on Cyber Developer / Vulnerability Researcher to support the Naval Information Warfare Center Atlantic (NIWC) Rapid Capability Office (RCO) Strike Team ACE, Advanced Cyber Effects. This is not a traditional cybersecurity compliance or policy role. This position is focused on offensive cyber capability research and development in support of mission objectives. The selected candidate will work with a dedicated technical team to identify critical vulnerabilities, reverse engineer systems and software, and develop custom cyber tools to support operational needs.

This role is ideal for a developer who enjoys solving complex technical problems, understanding how systems work, and finding creative ways to identify and exploit weaknesses. The position requires strong hands‑on‑keyboard technical ability, curiosity, and a willingness to work on challenging offensive cyber problems in a collaborative mission environment.

Echelon is seeking candidates with skillsets aligned to two mission areas:

• Vulnerability Research
• Cyber Development

Both areas require similar technical experience and will support cyber capability research and development for NIWC Atlantic.

The Cyber Developer / Vulnerability Researcher will support cyber capability research and development activities, including:

• Conducting vulnerability research across a range of targets, including web applications, software, systems, and embedded technologies.
• Identifying and analyzing potential zero-day vulnerabilities and other exploitable weaknesses.
• Reverse engineering binaries and software using tools such as Ghidra, IDA Pro, or similar platforms.
• Developing custom offensive cyber tools to support mission requirements.
• Writing, testing, and maintaining code in languages such as Python, C, C++, and Assembly.
• Analyzing system and software behavior to understand attack surfaces, weaknesses, and potential exploitation paths.
• Thinking like an adversary to evaluate and bypass security controls and defensive measures.
• Collaborating with developers, researchers, operators, and mission stakeholders to solve complex technical challenges.
• Supporting the development of mission‑critical cyber capabilities in an operationally focused environment.
• Documenting technical findings, tool functionality, and research outcomes as needed to support team knowledge sharing and mission continuity.

Requirements

• Active TS/SCI clearance required, Poly preferred
• Strong software development experience, particularly in one or more of the following languages:
  • C
  • C++
  • Python
  • Assembly
• Experience or strong interest in vulnerability research, reverse engineering, exploit development, or offensive cyber operations.
• Familiarity with reverse engineering tools such as Ghidra, IDA Pro, or similar tools.
• Ability to analyze software, binaries, systems, or applications to understand functionality and identify weaknesses.
• Strong problem‑solving skills and the ability to work through complex technical challenges independently and as part of a team.
• Demonstrated curiosity for how systems work and how they can fail or be exploited.
• Ability to think creatively and approach technical problems from an adversarial perspective.
• Willingness to learn and grow in advanced offensive cyber operations, vulnerability research, and cyber capability development.
• Ability to work collaboratively in a mission‑focused environment supporting NIWC Atlantic.

We are an Equal Opportunity Employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to disability or veteran status.