2025 PhD Graduate - Cyber Vulnerability Researcher

Are you a thought leader, a researcher, and a cyber capability developer passionate about reverse engineering - hardware and/or software?

Are you capable of developing groundbreaking technologies to defeat advanced security techniques?

If so, APL's Asymmetric Operations Sector (AOS) is seeking PhD-level innovators who are passionate about advancing the field of cybersecurity. Specifically, APL/AOS is searching for candidates with expertise and interest in developing novel methods for software, hardware, and firmware reverse engineering.

As a member of APL's professional staff, your role will be to provide our sponsors with innovation and subject matter expertise to push the boundaries of engineering and help our nation foresee the threats and challenges that lie on the horizon. APL provides a variety of funding sources to enable staff members to become simultaneously involved with classified as well as publishable research topics. And as a multi-discipline research center, APL encourages its staff members to work collaboratively on projects alongside world-class scientists in fields such as space exploration, radio communications, and additive manufacturing technologies.

We look forward to having you join our team of diverse staff as we help advance the future of cybersecurity and protect our nation! As a member of our team, you will...

• Join forces with team members in the analysis and reverse engineering of systems to identify and understand security vulnerabilities.
• Use internal funding opportunities to shape the direction of future research.
• Circulate knowledge by articulating ideas clearly through papers and presentations to technical staff, management, and government decision makers.
• Build forward-thinking solutions for prototype and operational systems.

You meet our minimum qualifications for the job if you...

• Possess a PhD in Computer Science, Computer Engineering, Electrical Engineering, Mathematics, or a related technical degree.
• Have experience in embedded development, reverse engineering, or hardware hacking.
• Demonstrate strong interpersonal skills and the ability to work independently and on a team.
• Are an outstanding communicator in both written and verbal forms.
• Can achieve (or currently hold) an active Secret security clearance by the first day of employment. Eligibility requirements include U.S. citizenship.
• Are able to obtain a TS/SCI security clearance.

You'll go above and beyond our minimum requirements if you...

• Have held dynamic technical leadership roles for 5+ years.
• Understand the internals of major operating systems, exploitation techniques, and mitigations.
• Have experience reading or writing assembly (x86/x64, Arm, PowerPC, MIPS, or others).
• Have had prior interactions with the Department of Defense and/or Intelligence Community.
• Hold an active TS/SCI Clearance.

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 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 www.jhuapl.edu/careers.

APL is an Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action employer. 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 promoting an innovative environment that embraces diversity, encourages creativity, and supports inclusion of new ideas. In doing so, we are 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 Accommodations@jhuapl.edu. Only by ensuring that everyone's voice is heard are we empowered to be bold, do great things, and make the world a better place.

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.