2025 Graduate - Reverse Engineer - Offensive Cyber Capabilities

Do you have an insatiable curiosity to understand how things work?

Are you a creative engineer who loves to imagine new solutions to complex problems?

Do you want the chance to solve some our nation's hardest cyber challenges?

If so, we want you to join our team at APL! Our team of world-class reverse engineers is growing! We are looking for motivated and enthusiastic engineers who want to learn, want to collaborate, and love to hack anything.

Our team specializes in software and hardware reverse engineering, vulnerability research, and developing proof-of-concept offensive cyber capabilities with a focus on embedded systems. We have custom facilities tailored to specific classes of systems including vehicles, telecommunications/network infrastructure, and industrial systems as well as general reverse engineering labs.

As a member of our group you will...

• Be mentored by top experts to learn the art and science of reverse engineering
• Perform deep investigations of software, firmware, and hardware
• Develop exploits against embedded systems
• Build mission-aligned capabilities
• Propose new ideas for internal and external funding opportunities
• Share knowledge by clearly articulating ideas through papers and presentations to team members, APL management, and government decision makers

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

• Are graduating with a Bachelor's or Master's degree in Computer Engineering, Computer Science, Electrical Engineering, or a related field
• Have an excellent academic record with demonstrated knowledge of fundamental topics such as computer architecture, operating systems, and data structures
• Are proficient with one or more programming languages
• Have experience using debuggers and reverse engineering tools such as Ghidra, IDA, and Binary Ninja
• Love solving puzzles and have experience persevering through technical challenges
• Are excited to learn new tools, platforms, and programming languages
• Are able to obtain a 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.

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

• Are graduating with a Master's degree in Computer Engineering, Computer Science, Electrical Engineering, or a related field
• Participate in hackathons, CTFs, cybersecurity clubs or other relevant extracurriculars
• Have relevant internship experience
• Understand Unix/Linux operating systems
• Are familiar with assembly language
• Are skilled with tools including oscilloscopes, multi-meters, power supplies, and logic analyzers
• Have demonstrated leadership experience
• Possess an active TS/SCI clearance with full scope polygraph

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.