2026 PhD Graduate – Vulnerability Researcher – Offensive Cyber Capabilities
$102.5k/y-$227.5k/y
6 days ago
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OnsiteFull-timeEntry
Summary
Johns Hopkins Applied Physics Laboratory is seeking a 2026 PhD Graduate – Vulnerability Researcher – Offensive Cyber Capabilities to join their team in Laurel, MD. The role involves creating and using cutting-edge techniques for automating reverse engineering and vulnerability analysis.
About the Role
As a Vulnerability Researcher, you will be responsible for developing exploits against bespoke embedded systems, collaborating with government sponsors, and presenting research to various stakeholders. You will cultivate deep technical expertise in software, firmware, and hardware platforms while engaging with experts across different technical domains.
About You
Required:
- PhD in Computer Engineering, Computer Science, Electrical Engineering, or a related field.
- Excellent academic record with mastery of computer architecture, operating systems, and data structures.
- Proficiency in one or more programming languages.
- Ability to obtain an Interim Top Secret security clearance.
Preferred:
- Existing portfolio of research related to vulnerability analysis.
- Experience using debuggers and reverse engineering tools such as Ghidra.
- Familiarity with assembly language.
- Participation in hackathons, CTFs, or other relevant cybersecurity activities.
- Understanding of Unix/Linux operating systems and embedded systems development toolchains.
- Experience with hardware debugging interfaces and code security mechanisms.
Benefits
- Robust education assistance program.
- Unparalleled retirement contributions.
- Healthy work/life balance.
- Comprehensive benefits package including medical, dental, vision, life insurance, short-term and long-term disability.
Johns Hopkins Applied Physics Laboratory
The Johns Hopkins Applied Physics Laboratory (APL) is a not-for-profit university-affiliated research center (UARC) that provides solutions to complex national security and scientific challenges with technical expertise and prototyping, research and development, and analysis.
Laurel, MD