Cryptography Apprentice: Early Mid or Higher ; currently hold

Cryptography Apprentice:
Early Mid or Higher Experience Level (Applicants must currently hold a Secret clearance or higher) - FUTURE NEED

• 12-Jun-2026 to 30-Sep-2026 (EST)
• Linthicum Heights, MD, USA
• per hour
• Full Time
• Subsidized healthcare, 401k matching, tuition reimbursement, vacation time, paid holidays, flexible work schedules, and more

FUTURE NEED - Not a current vacancy. If you apply, this could be a multi-year process.

Location: Linthicum Heights, MD

Description:

Assist personnel in the Data Recovery lab by using advanced techniques to forensically acquire data in support of criminal investigations.

Challenges include, but are not limited to:

• Decrypting data from mobile phone apps
• Diagnosing error correction code (ECC) algorithms
• Reconstructing data from raw NAND flash dumps
• Recovery of deleted data that file carvers cannot typically recover

Regardless of whether you are applying to a software developer or reverse engineer position, if your application is approved, we will test you on both skills as part of our hiring process. At this time, the majority of our open positions require an aptitude in both domains.

• Must be a US Citizen who currently holds a US government security clearance at the Secret level or higher.
• Must have a Bachelor's degree in one of the following:
  Computer Science, Computer Engineering, Electrical Engineering, Math, Physics, or a closely-related field.
• Must have at least 3 or more years of professional and related experience outside of a classroom setting specific to Reverse Engineering (Firmware and Malware).
• Must have ability to read and understand assembly code (x86 and x64 Assembly).
• Must have proficiency in the following programming languages: C and Python.
• Must be familiar with both high (i.e. Java) and low (i.e. C/C++ or Assembly) level programming languages.
• Must have experience using static analysis tools such as IDA Pro and dynamic analysis tools including debuggers.
• Must have cryptography experience.
• Excellent customer service and communication skills as well as the ability to prioritize and meet deadlines.
• Strong leadership interpersonal and verbal/written communications skills that enable the ability to work effectively in a collaborative team environment and think outside of the box.
• Experience in computer engineering or a related field with in-depth knowledge of software reverse engineering and/or software development.
• Experience in a digital forensic lab setting.
• Proficiency in development for IDA Pro.
• Experience with reversing ARM.
• Proficiency in Android/Linux OS internals.
• Familiarity with EnCase, FTK, or other forensic software tools.
• SANS certifications.
• Experience with malware analysis.

Remote work is not an option. We do offer relocation assistance. Please see our careers page or inquire with your recruiter about the terms and conditions.

The hourly rate of pay ranges from $43.27 - $79.33.

The salary range for this position is subject not only to the hire's skills, education, expertise, and years of experience, but also to features of the final position offered to the hire: including, but not limited to the location of the position, clearance required for the position, and the contract associated with the position. See our Perks & Benefits page for a general description of benefits and other potential compensation benefits:

Be aware that you are applying for a job that requires you currently hold a U.S. Government Security Clearance at time of application.

The U.S. government will not issue security clearances to recent users of illegal drugs. On your application to us, you must acknowledge that you have not engaged in any illegal drug use within the past twelve months.

Note:

Cipher Tech will not discriminate against any qualified applicants with a disability or who have recently sought professional treatment for a drug problem.

Cipher Tech is an Equal Opportunity Employer. All hiring and employment decisions are made on the basis of business requirements, performance, and merit with no regard to race, color, religion, sexual orientation, gender, gender identity, national origin, or other protected status.

All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity or national origin.