Blockchain Vulnerability Researcher

Are you a reverse engineer who is passionate about applying innovative approaches to automate vulnerability analysis?

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

If so, we want you to join our elite team of reverse engineers at APL! Our team is growing and we need more blockchain experts. We strive to foster an innovative and collaborative team environment where engineers can hack the latest technologies to find and exploit vulnerabilities to solve the hardest national security challenges and have real-world impact. Our team specializes in software and hardware reverse engineering, vulnerability research, and developing proof-of-concept offensive cyber capabilities.

As a member of our group, you will…

• Reverse engineer mission-relevant systems and develop innovative exploits
• Work with government sponsors and operators to build mission-aligned capabilities
• Explore novel techniques for automating reverse engineering and exploit development
• Propose groundbreaking ideas for internal and external funding opportunities
• Mentor early-career teammates in the art and science of reverse engineering
• Share knowledge by clearly articulating ideas through papers and presentations to team members, APL management, and government decision makers

• Have a Bachelor’s degree in Computer Engineering, Computer Science, Electrical Engineering, or another field relevant to the duties as described above
• A minimum of 5 years of relevant professional experience
• Have knowledge and interest in blockchain, smart contracts, and crypto currency
• Are skilled with software debuggers and static analysis tools such as Ghidra
• Are proficient with one or more programming languages
• Understand Unix/Linux operating systems
• Love solving puzzles and have experience persevering through technical challenges
• Hold an active TS/SCI clearance and can ultimately obtain a TS/SCI+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…

• Previously held dynamic technical leadership roles and have demonstrated mentoring experience
• Have experience with smart contract debugging and vulnerability detection to ensure code security before deployment
• Have experience writing Solidity smart contracts and deploying to Ethereum and other EVM-compatible blockchains
• Have expertise in agentic AI
• Have knowledge of advanced vulnerability discovery tools
• Possess an active TS/SCI clearance with full scope polygraph, Applied Physics, Blockchain, Computer Engineering, Computer Science, Computer Security, Contract Creation, Debugging Skills, Earned Value Management (EVM), Electrical Engineering, Emerging Technology, Ethereum, Full Scope Polygraph, Funding, Government, Linux Operating System, Mentoring, Programming Languages, Proof of Concept, Research & Development (R&D), Research Skills, Reverse Engineering, Security Analysis, Security Clearance, Sensitive Compartmented Information (SCI), Software Debugging, Space Science, Static Analysis, Team Player, Technical Leadership, Top Secret Clearance, United States Citizen, Unix Operating Systems

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. Minimum Rate: $100,000 Annually Maximum Rate: $245,000 Annually

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 of perspectives 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 https://www.jhuapl.edu/careers.