Lead Vulnerability Researcher ($285k+/year + Sign-On Bonus)

Compensation & Incentive Highlights

• Target Base Salary: $285,000+ (Final salary is determined based on candidate qualifications and experience alignment with open roles)

• Sign-On Bonus: Starting at $25,000 for qualified FSP hires.

• Benefits & Flexible PTO: Comprehensive health, dental, and vision coverage, 401(k) matching, paid professional development, tuition assistance, and flexible PTO with rollover options and annual payout opportunities.

Overview of Opportunity

Join the Trusted Electronics & Effects team at Two Six Technologies, where you’ll lead vulnerability research across hardware, software, and operational systems. Working side by side with engineers and security researchers, you’ll guide investigations, identify critical vulnerabilities, and develop countermeasures with operational impact. Our fast-growing roster of government customers relies on us to deliver advanced security solutions, and we’re looking for a Lead Vulnerability Researcher to provide technical leadership and mentorship.

This role requires regular on-site support at the Linthicum, Maryland customer site.

What you will do:

• Lead the identification of vulnerabilities and attacks across hardware, software, personnel, logistics, procedures, and physical security.
• Develop proof of concept (PoC) code for identified vulnerabilities
• Reverse-engineer targeted embedded systems to identify vulnerabilities
• Review source code looking for risks and vulnerabilities
• Analyze the effects of vulnerabilities on mission outcomes and operational effectiveness.
• Compare system attack techniques and propose operationally effective countermeasures
• Produce reports, briefings, and perspectives on actual and potential attacks
• Provide technical leadership on research efforts, prioritizing investigations, reviewing methodologies, and overseeing proof-of-concepts.
• Mentor and guide junior engineers and researchers, reviewing technical approaches and fostering skill development.

What you will need (Basic Qualifications):

• Doctorate in Computer Science, Computer/Electrical Engineering, or a related field and 4 years of relevant experience, OR Master’s degree and 6 years of relevant experience, OR Bachelor’s degree and 8 years of relevant experience, OR Associate’s degree and 10 years of relevant experience.
• Relevant experience: computer/information systems design/development, programming, information/cyber/network security, reverse-engineering, vulnerability analysis, penetration testing, computer forensics, information assurance, or systems engineering
• Proficiency in C/C++, Python, and at least one ISA (e.g. x86/ARM/MIPS)
• Proficiency in Linux command-line environments
• Experience using a decompiler such as IDA Pro, Binary Ninja, or Ghidra
• Experience using vulnerability research tools such as emulators or fuzzers
• Experience using a software debugger such as GDB or WinDbg
• Ability to work on-site at Linthicum, Maryland customer site regularly.

Nice If You Have (Preferred):

• Experience translating vulnerabilities into operationally relevant impact assessments and countermeasures.
• Experience producing client-facing technical briefings for operational stakeholders
• Experience using a hardware debugger
• Experience with UART, SPI, I2C
• Experience with common secure communications such as TLS or SSH
• Familiarity with embedded firmware, RTOS, or networked systems
• Familiarity with high-side environments

Security Clearance:

• Active TS/SCI clearance with Polygraph required

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