Blockchain Vulnerability Researcher

Description

Are you a reverse engineer who is passionate about applying innovative approaches to automate vulnerability analysis?

Are you a creative researcher who loves to imagine new solutions to complex problems?

If so, we want you to join our elite team of reverse engineers at APL! Our team is growing and we need more blockchain experts. We strive to foster an innovative and collaborative team environment where engineers can hack the latest technologies to find and exploit vulnerabilities to solve the hardest national security challenges and have real-world impact. Our team specializes in software and hardware reverse engineering, vulnerability research, and developing proof‑of‑concept offensive cyber capabilities.

• Reverse engineer mission‑relevant 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
• A minimum of 5 years of relevant professional experience
• Have knowledge and interest in blockchain, smart contracts, and crypto currency
• Are skilled with software debuggers and static analysis tools such as Ghidra
• Are proficient with one or more programming languages
• Understand Unix/Linux operating systems
• 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.

• Previously held dynamic technical leadership roles and have demonstrated mentoring experience
• Have experience with smart contract debugging and vulnerability detection to ensure code security before deployment
• Have experience writing Solidity smart contracts and deploying to Ethereum and other EVM‑compatible blockchains
• Have expertise in agentic AI
• Have knowledge of advanced vulnerability discovery tools
• Possess an active TS/SCI clearance with full scope polygraph

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 http://(Use the "Apply for this Job" box below)..

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…