> Markdown version of [/jobs/ext/1504288-senior-cyber-effects-engineer](https://www.wearedevelopers.com/jobs/ext/1504288-senior-cyber-effects-engineer). Every page supports `.md` or `Accept: text/markdown`. Links point to the HTML versions so they work for humans too. Agent guide: [/agents.md](https://www.wearedevelopers.com/agents.md). --- # Senior Cyber Effects Engineer - **Company:** The Charles Stark Draper Laboratory Inc - **Location:** Reston, VA, United States - **Experience:** Expert - **Salary:** $82,300.0 - $220,000.0 - **Contract:** Permanent contract - **Skills:** C (Programming Language), Microsoft Windows, Assembly Language, C++ (Programming Language), Cyber Security, Computer Engineering, Linux, Firmware, Python (Programming Language), Machine Learning, Program Analysis, Software Architecture, Real-Time Operating Systems, Software Tools, Reverse Engineering, Secure Coding, Software Engineering, Software Systems, Rust (Programming Language), Information Technology, Build Tools, Software Coding, Cyber Warfare, Vulnerability Analysis, Golang, Programming Languages - **Published:** July 30, 2026 - **Apply:** https://www.indeed.com/viewjob?jk=3461f6b384d8650f ## About the Role multi-disciplinary team with expertise in a wide array of technologies and skills such as embedded systems, compiler theory, threat intelligence, fuzzing, binary analysis, and vulnerability research., * Curiosity-driven approach to solving complex, customer-driven problems as part of a multi-disciplinary team. * Collaborate and communicate effectively and openly with multi-disciplinary program team members, program leadership, and non-technical personnel. * Be a team player able to work in a fast-paced environment with the ability to balance multiple competing tasks and demands. Education Requires a bachelor's in computer science, computer engineering, or related field. Experience 5-10 years experience in Cybersecurity or related field is required., * Proficiency in developing custom low-level software tools and integrating those tools into complex (both embedded and non-embedded) systems. * Proficiency with contemporary program analysis methodologies and techniques (static and dynamic). Relevant tools include Ghidra, Ida, Binary Ninja, Radare, Angr, debuggers (GDB, winDBG), emulation tools (Qemu), fuzzers (AFL++), etc. * Experience with techniques that prevent reverse engineering and employ obfuscation or diversification. * Proven background in researching and exploiting software vulnerabilities. * Knowledge of secure coding practices and mitigation techniques against software attack vectors. * Proficient using programming languages and their build systems such as: C, C++, Python, GoLang, Rust. * Experience in compiler toolchain development such as building custom LLVM passes. Experience with leveraging the different stages of compilation i.e. intermediate representation. * Experience in building high-quality code and helping others to meet those same coding standards. System and Architecture: * Proficiency with the core workings of operating systems (user mode, kernel mode, boot processes), especially in Windows, GNU/Linux, or RTOS contexts. * Experience leveraging a variety of computing architectures and their associated assembly languages (e.g. x86, ARM, RISCV, etc.). Leadership and Business Development: * Past experience in task leadership. Able to task delegate and plan individual task timelines. * Effective using different communication styles depending on team needs. Experience communicating during difficult situations. * Experience with presenting technical concepts to both technical and non-technical audiences. * Experience participating in proposal writing and business winning. Preferred Qualifications: * Experience in building reverse engineering automation tools and analysis frameworks. * Experience in leveraging machine learning (where appropriate) to automate cyber software tool development and program analysis. * History of business winning; proven experience leading proposals that resulted in new business. * Background in R&D and exploring novel, cutting-edge concepts that are high risk, high reward. This role is onsite in Cambridge, MA or Reston, VA. Applicants selected for this position will be required to obtain and maintain a government security clearance. Having an existing TS/SCI is preferred. ## Description Draper is actively seeking a Senior Cyber Effects Engineer that will support current and future reverse engineering, vulnerability research, and cyber tool development projects across a variety of domains supporting the United States of America's national interest. Due to the variety of USG organizational needs, our technical efforts and opportunities vary from conventional cyber operations enablement tooling to embedded vulnerability research and exploit development on a wide range of devices and systems. We are looking for enthusiastic and ambitious individuals to join and lead our growing set of programs and innovate for the greater good of our Nation's security. As a part of the Draper Cyber Effects team, you will drive the design and development of software tools and capabilities, perform static and dynamic analysis on diverse firmware and software, and share your expertise with others via mentoring and technical leadership opportunities. You will be a part of a, * Define and evolve software architecture for embedded, real-time, and kernel-mode systems to enable cyber effects. * Assess hardware and software for security vulnerabilities using a breadth of technologies and techniques. * Develop software that meets behavior and security requirements for tailored applications. * Integrate software capabilities with other tasks or groups to improve performance or behavior requirements. * Create new tools and systems to detect and exploit vulnerabilities and system weaknesses. * Document nominal application and system functionality, in addition to implemented changes. * Drive solutions to complex problems with limited direction - contribute to requirements. development, propose ways forward, and adapt appropriately to changes in requirements. * Provides insight and suggest design modifications based on analysis outcomes, and to apply analysis techniques across a range of technical disciplines. * Identifies program/system-level technical risks and develop and execute mitigation strategies. * Actively mentor less experienced engineers and provide thoughtful, constructive feedback. * Performs other related duties as assigned. ## Related Videos - [Security Pitfalls for Software Engineers](https://www.wearedevelopers.com/videos/726-security-pitfalls-for-software-engineers) - [Docker network without Docker](https://www.wearedevelopers.com/videos/1418-docker-network-without-docker) - [Go with the Flow: Stop the Leaks Before Your Memory's a Waterfall!](https://www.wearedevelopers.com/videos/100073-go-with-the-flow-stop-the-leaks-before-your-memory-s-a-waterfall) - [Playing Pong on a shoulder press machine](https://www.wearedevelopers.com/videos/100140-playing-pong-on-a-shoulder-press-machine) - [Agent Smith Gets Hardware: Autonomous IoT Hacking From Debug Port to Cloud API](https://www.wearedevelopers.com/videos/100258-agent-smith-gets-hardware-autonomous-iot-hacking-from-debug-port-to-cloud-api) - [Cyber Sleuth: Finding Hidden Connections in Cyber Data](https://www.wearedevelopers.com/videos/893-cyber-sleuth-finding-hidden-connections-in-cyber-data) ## Related Articles - [9 Ways to Make Money Hacking](https://www.wearedevelopers.com/magazine/333-9-ways-to-make-money-hacking) - [Dev Digest 134 - Where pixels sing?](https://www.wearedevelopers.com/magazine/477-dev-digest-134-where-pixels-sing) - [Résumé-Driven Development: How IT trends affect the job market for software developers](https://www.wearedevelopers.com/magazine/59-resume-driven-development-how-it-trends-affect-the-job-market-for-software-developers) - [Dev Digest 121 - AI goes offline](https://www.wearedevelopers.com/magazine/456-dev-digest-121-ai-goes-offline) - [Is Software Engineering Over-Saturated?](https://www.wearedevelopers.com/magazine/418-is-software-engineering-over-saturated) - [Dev Digest 138 - Are you secure about this?](https://www.wearedevelopers.com/magazine/486-dev-digest-138-are-you-secure-about-this)