Graduate - Reverse Engineer - Systems Exploitation

Description

Are you curious about how systems work, where they are vulnerable, and how they behave when they break?

Are you passionate about developing solutions to complex engineering challenges?

We are seeking motivated developers, computer scientists, computer engineers, and cyber researchers who are passionate about advancing the field of cybersecurity. Specifically, we are searching for candidates with interest and experience in software, hardware, and/or firmware reverse engineering. We work hard to build a team with a variety of perspectives and experiences to tackle cross-discipline problem sets.

The Systems Exploitation team performs vulnerability research, develops novel cyber capabilities, and pioneers groundbreaking approaches to defeat sophisticated security protections. As a member of our team, you will perform deep investigation of software, hardware, and firmware. You will build forward-thinking solutions for prototype and operational systems. You will gain experience and articulate your ideas in papers and presentations to technical staff, management, and government decision makers.

We strongly encourage our team to take advantage of opportunities to participate in working groups, customer meetings, proposal writing, and conferences. As a multidisciplinary research center, APL also encourages collaboration across disciplines, giving you the opportunity to work alongside world‑class experts in fields such as artificial intelligence, biotechnology, space exploration, radio communications, and additive manufacturing. We'd love to have you join our team!

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

• Have a Bachelor's or Master's degree in Computer Science, Computer Engineering, Cybersecurity, Electrical Engineering, or similar.
• Are skilled in and/or have knowledge of vulnerability analysis and reverse engineering of software, hardware, and/or firmware.
• Are able to acquire a Secret level security clearance by your start date and can ultimately obtain TS/SCI level clearance or higher. 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 will go above and beyond our minimum requirements if you...

• Understand the internals of major operating systems, exploitation techniques, and exploit mitigations.
• Have experience reading or writing assembly (x86/x64, Arm, PowerPC, MIPS, or others).
• Understand wire‑level protocols and radio frequency communications.
• Have used debuggers such as gdb, Win Dbg, or Olly Dbg, and you have worked with reverse engineering tools such as IDA Pro, Binary Ninja, or Ghidra.
• Enjoy crafting and prototyping hardware, including PCB design and leveraging on‑chip instrumentation standards such as JTAG.
• Hold a TS/SCI clearance with full‑scope polygraph.
• Have prior experience working with government agencies or in a government agency setting.

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…