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Johns Hopkins Applied Physics Laboratory · 4 months ago

2026 PhD Graduate – Vulnerability Researcher – Offensive Cyber Capabilities

Laurel, MD

Full-time

Onsite

New Grad, Entry Level

$102K/yr - $228K/yr

Johns Hopkins Applied Physics Laboratory (APL) is dedicated to solving complex challenges in defense, security, space, and science. They are seeking a Vulnerability Researcher who will create and use cutting-edge techniques for automating reverse engineering and vulnerability analysis while collaborating with government sponsors to build mission-aligned capabilities.

EducationUniversities

No H1B

Security Clearance Required

U.S. Citizen Only

Responsibilities

Create and use cutting-edge techniques for automating reverse engineering and vulnerability analysis

Cultivate deep technical expertise of software, firmware, and hardware platforms

Develop exploits against bespoke embedded systems

Collaborate with government sponsors and operators to build mission-aligned capabilities

Deepen your expertise by working with reverse engineering experts

Widen your expertise by engaging with experts in other fields as you tackle problems intersecting other technical domains

Present research to team members, APL management, government decision makers, and the larger cybersecurity community in academia and industry

Qualification

Vulnerability analysisReverse engineeringEmbedded systemsProgramming languagesDebuggersToolsUnix/LinuxSoft skills

Required

Are graduating with a PhD in Computer Engineering, Computer Science, Electrical Engineering, or a related field

Have an excellent academic record with demonstrated mastery of fundamental topics such as computer architecture, operating systems, and data structures

Are proficient with one or more programming languages

Love solving puzzles and are excited to learn new tools, platforms, and programming languages

Are able to obtain an Interim Top Secret security clearance by your start date and can ultimately obtain a TS/SCI with 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

Preferred

Have an existing portfolio of research related to vulnerability analysis

Are experienced using debuggers and reverse engineering tools such as Ghidra

Are familiar with assembly

Participate in hackathons, CTFs, or other relevant cybersecurity activities

Understand Unix/Linux operating systems and embedded systems development toolchains

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

Benefits

Generous benefits

Robust education assistance program

Unparalleled retirement contributions

Healthy work/life balance

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

Company

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.

Founded in 1942