2026 PhD Graduate – Vulnerability Researcher – Offensive Cyber Capabilities

Johns Hopkins APL · Laurel, MD · Cybersecurity

junior Security Engineer ic Phd's · Posted Aug 8, 2025

About this role

Johns Hopkins APL is hiring a junior-level Security Engineer based in Laurel, MD. The posting calls out experience with TypeScript, Linux, Networking, Data Structures. Listed education preference: a Ph.D. or equivalent.

Role
Security Engineer
Function
security
Level
junior
Track
Individual contributor
Location
Laurel, MD
Education
Ph.D. preferred
Visa
Not sponsored
Department
Cybersecurity
Posted
Aug 8, 2025
AI Summary
Junior-level reverse engineer developing offensive cyber capabilities for embedded systems, vehicles, and network infrastructure. Requires PhD in Computer Science/Engineering or related field, proficiency in programming, and ability to obtain TS/SCI security clearance. Work involves vulnerability research, exploit development, and collaboration with government sponsors.
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Job description

from Johns Hopkins APL careers
Description

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

Do you have an insatiable curiosity to understand how technology works from the inside out?

Are you eager to solve some our nation’s hardest cyber challenges and have real impact?

If so, we want you to join our elite team of reverse engineers at APL! 

Our team specializes in software and hardware reverse engineering, vulnerability research, and developing 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 other cyber-physical systems as well as general reverse engineering labs.

 

As a member of our group, you will...
• 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

This is an excerpt. Read the full job description on Johns Hopkins APL careers →
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