Senior Reverse Engineer / Vulnerability Researcher
Johns Hopkins University APL
Laurel, MD · Posted July 12, 2026
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About the job
Description
Our elite team of reverse engineers is growing! We’re looking for experienced reverse engineers who love discovering how complex embedded systems work and how to break them. We foster an innovative, highly collaborative environment where engineers tackle the hardest national security cyber challenges and deliver real-world impact.
Our team specializes in software and hardware reverse engineering, vulnerability research, and offensive cyber capability development. We believe the best solutions start with curious minds, multi-disciplinary expertise, and technical ingenuity. If you want to collaborate with world-class experts to solve problems that others consider impossible, we'd love to have you join our team at APL!
As a member of our group, you will…
Reverse engineer mission-relevant systems, discover vulnerabilities, and develop innovative exploits
Collaborate with teammates in custom laboratories purpose-built for foreign materiel, telecommunications infrastructure, and other embedded systems
Work alongside APL experts in domains such as missile defense, space, and maritime systems to understand the operational significance of your reverse engineering discoveries
Partner directly with government sponsors across multiple agencies to build mission-aligned offensive cyber capabilities
Explore novel techniques for automating reverse engineering and exploit development
Shape the future of our work by proposing new technical approaches and pioneering new research directions
Mentor early-career teammates in the art and science of reverse engineering
Qualifications
You meet our minimum qualifications for the job if you...
Have a Bachelor’s or Master’s degree in Computer Engineering, Computer Science, Electrical Engineering, or another field relevant to the duties as described above
At least 5 years of relevant professional experience
Are skilled with software debuggers and static analysis tools such as Ghidra, IDA, and Binary Ninja
Are proficient with one or more programming languages
Have experience reading and writing assembly
Understand Unix/Linux operating systems and embedded systems development toolchains
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.
You'll go above and beyond our minimum requirements if you ...
Previously held dynamic technical leadership roles and have demonstrated mentoring experience
Have experience applying AI systems to reverse engineering, vulnerability research, or exploit development
Have knowledge of advanced vulnerability discovery tools
Have experience with hardware debugging interfaces, code security mechanisms and their weaknesses, hardware diagnostic tools, and signal/protocol analysis
Possess an active TS/SCI clearance with full scope polygraph
About Us
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 Baltimore-Washington metro area. Learn more about our career opportunities at https://www.jhuapl.edu/careers .
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 participate in any part of the hiring process, please contact Accessibility@jhuapl.edu .
The referenced pay range is based on JHU APL’s good faith belief at the time of posting. Actual compensation may vary based on factors such as geographic location, work experience, market conditions, education/training and skill level with consideration for internal parity. For salaried employees scheduled to work less than 40 hours per week, annual salary will be prorated based on the number of hours worked. APL may offer bonuses or other forms of compensation per internal policy and/or contractual designation. Additional compensation may be provided in the form of a sign-on bonus, relocation benefits, locality allowance or discretionary payments for exceptional performance. APL provides eligible staff with a comprehensive benefits package including retirement plans, paid time off, medical, dental, vision, life insurance, short-term disability, long-term disability, flexible spending accounts, education assistance, and training and development. Applications are accepted on a rolling basis.
Minimum Rate
$105,000 Annually
Maximum Rate
$290,000 Annually
Our elite team of reverse engineers is growing! We’re looking for experienced reverse engineers who love discovering how complex embedded systems work and how to break them. We foster an innovative, highly collaborative environment where engineers tackle the hardest national security cyber challenges and deliver real-world impact.
Our team specializes in software and hardware reverse engineering, vulnerability research, and offensive cyber capability development. We believe the best solutions start with curious minds, multi-disciplinary expertise, and technical ingenuity. If you want to collaborate with world-class experts to solve problems that others consider impossible, we'd love to have you join our team at APL!
As a member of our group, you will…
Reverse engineer mission-relevant systems, discover vulnerabilities, and develop innovative exploits
Collaborate with teammates in custom laboratories purpose-built for foreign materiel, telecommunications infrastructure, and other embedded systems
Work alongside APL experts in domains such as missile defense, space, and maritime systems to understand the operational significance of your reverse engineering discoveries
Partner directly with government sponsors across multiple agencies to build mission-aligned offensive cyber capabilities
Explore novel techniques for automating reverse engineering and exploit development
Shape the future of our work by proposing new technical approaches and pioneering new research directions
Mentor early-career teammates in the art and science of reverse engineering
You meet our minimum qualifications for the job if you...
Have a Bachelor’s or Master’s degree in Computer Engineering, Computer Science, Electrical Engineering, or another field relevant to the duties as described above
At least 5 years of relevant professional experience
Are skilled with software debuggers and static analysis tools such as Ghidra, IDA, and Binary Ninja
Are proficient with one or more programming languages
Have experience reading and writing assembly
Understand Unix/Linux operating systems and embedded systems development toolchains
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.
You'll go above and beyond our minimum requirements if you ...
Previously held dynamic technical leadership roles and have demonstrated mentoring experience
Have experience applying AI systems to reverse engineering, vulnerability research, or exploit development
Have knowledge of advanced vulnerability discovery tools
Have experience with hardware debugging interfaces, code security mechanisms and their weaknesses, hardware diagnostic tools, and signal/protocol analysis
Possess an active TS/SCI clearance with full scope polygraph