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# Senior CNO Exploit Developer

- **Company:** X8 LLC
- **Location:** Columbia, MD, United States
- **Experience:** Expert
- **Salary:** $150,000
- **Contract:** Permanent contract
- **Skills:** C (Programming Language), Systems Engineering, C++ (Programming Language), Cyber Security, Computer Programming, X86 Assembly Languages, Python (Programming Language), Reliability Engineering, Reverse Engineering, Software Engineering, Computer Network Operations, Information Technology, Cyber Warfare
- **Published:** October 29, 2026
- **Apply:** https://www.careerbuilder.com/job-details/senior-cno-exploit-developer-columbia-md--182b872e-d868-4581-8969-b5a6d4ca2822

## About the Role

Computer Security, Proof of Concept, Military Operations, Reliability Engineering, Analysis Skills, Operations Planning, Reverse Engineering, Top Secret Clearance, Sensitive Compartmented Information (SCI), Computer Science, * Active TS/SCI clearance with polygraph; CI polygraph required for this requisition.

 * Bachelor's degree in Computer Science, Information Assurance, Information Security Systems Engineering, or a related discipline, and 8+ years of experience.
 * At least 5 years of exploit development or Computer Network Operations (CNO) tool development experience.
 * At least 2 years of programming experience with languages or low-level technologies such as Python, C, C++, or x86 assembly.
 * Demonstrated ability to analyze proof-of-concept exploits or CVEs and engineer stable, repeatable capabilities.
 * Extensive experience reverse-engineering compiled binaries and source code to identify vulnerabilities.
 * Experience developing software for CNO analytic or cloud-related projects.

WHAT DESIRED SKILLS YOU'LL BRING

 * Subject-matter expertise in exploit development and CVE-based vulnerability research.
 * 10+ years of CNO tool development experience.

## Description

X8 is seeking a Senior CNO Exploit Developer to support specialized military cyber operations on the PURPLEPIRANHA contract. This hands-on role focuses on transforming proof-of-concept exploits and disclosed vulnerabilities into reliable, operationally ready capabilities., * Engineer, stabilize, and productize proof-of-concept exploits and CVE-based vulnerabilities for operational use.

 * Analyze exploit behavior and improve reliability, repeatability, and suitability for live infrastructure.
 * Collaborate with vulnerability researchers to understand proof-of-concept findings, constraints, and technical details.
 * Work directly with mission stakeholders to validate that developed capabilities meet operational requirements.
 * Reverse-engineer compiled binaries and source code to identify vulnerabilities and support exploit development., * Build technically challenging capabilities supporting specialized national defense cyber missions.
 * Work closely with vulnerability researchers and mission stakeholders on operationally relevant engineering.