Principal Linux Software Engineer

At Two Six Technologies, we build, deploy, and implement innovative products that solve the world’s most complex challenges today. Through unrivaled collaboration and unwavering trust, we push the boundaries of what’s possible to empower our team and support our customers in building a safer global future.

Two Six Technologies is seeking a Principal Linux Software Engineer to provide technical expertise in the development and deployment capabilities for our customers. The ideal candidate will be comfortable with ambiguity and forging their own path; our small team setting will provide you the opportunity for outsized impact. You must be comfortable executing against goals independently since there’s no playbook for our innovative research work.

Our fast‑growing roster of government customers relies on us to deliver advanced security solutions, and we’re looking for a skilled, innovative technical engineer to drive research programs and mentor technical teams.

The work will be in our Laurel, Maryland office, working mostly onsite up to 4 days a week.

• Provide technical expertise on research efforts, prioritizing investigations, reviewing methodologies, and overseeing proof‑of‑concepts (PoCs).
• Serve as the capability developer on a small, highly motivated team.
• Productize PoCs that are handed off from a team of reverse engineers.
• Apply Linux/Unix based systems expertise to help solve complex mission challenges.
• Mature proof‑of‑concept R&D technology to operational fieldable solutions.
• Mentor and guide junior engineers and researchers, reviewing technical approaches and fostering skill development.
• Assist with reverse engineering and debugging of relevant Linux applications.
• Engage in technical exchanges with transition partners and key stakeholders.

• 9+ years of experience developing Linux/Unix‑based systems to help solve complex mission challenges.
• 5+ years of experience at the Unix kernel/internals level, which includes mandatory/discretionary access controls, runtime linker/loader, object file formats, file systems, and process/thread APIs & data structures.
• 4+ years of experience with network sockets programming and expert packet‑level understanding of IP, TCP, and other application level protocols.
• Demonstrated experience in developing applications in C/C++ and Python.
• Experience hardening Linux kernels for a variety of distributions.
• Experience with at least one modern automation framework (preferably Ansible).
• Knowledge of memory protection modules (ASLR/DEP, etc.).
• Experience as a developer on an Agile development‑style team.
• Active TS/SCI clearance.

• Experience with testing, CI/CD pipelines, and virtual machine test ranges.
• Experience with hosted version controls (Git or Gitlab).
• Experience with firmware/driver development across Linux, Windows, or embedded systems.
• Experience with identifying and analyzing vulnerabilities in complex applications.
• Ability to rapidly find bearings in unfamiliar code bases.

• Active TS/SCI clearance.

Two Six Technologies is committed to providing competitive and comprehensive compensation packages that reflect the value we place on our employees and their contributions. We believe in rewarding skills, experience, and performance. Our offerings include but are not limited to medical, dental, and vision insurance, life and disability insurance, retirement benefits, paid leave, tuition assistance, and professional development.

The projected salary range listed for this position is annualized. This is a general guideline and not a guarantee of salary. Salary is one component of our total compensation package and the specific salary offered is determined by various factors, including, but not limited to education, experience, knowledge, skills, geographic location, as well as contract‑specific affordability and organizational requirements.

Ready to make the first move towards growing your career? If so, check out the Two Six Technologies Candidate Journey! This will give you step‑by‑step directions on applying, what to expect during the application process, information…