Vulnerability Researcher

STR is seeking a highly skilled Vulnerability Researcher to join our team. As a Vulnerability Researcher, you will be responsible for researching and analyzing vulnerabilities in cyber physical systems.

• Reverse engineer complex software or firmware targets, including Windows/Linux binaries and embedded firmware running non-traditional computer architectures and operating systems.
• Develop and apply automated reverse engineering and binary analysis tools to characterize protocols, interfaces, and functionality of target systems.
• Develop innovative cybersecurity solutions to mitigate vulnerabilities.
• Work in multi-discipline teams to tackle challenging problems from a wide variety of technologies to develop innovative cybersecurity solutions.
• Perform vulnerability weaponization, exploit development, payload development, and exploit mitigation on a variety of challenging targets.
• Develop custom emulation solutions to enable dynamic analysis.
• Document, demonstrate, and present research findings.
• Solve real-world problems that have an impact on national security.

• Active Secret security clearance and the ability to obtain a Top Secret (TS) clearance, for which U.S. citizenship is needed by U.S. Government.
• BS, MS or PhD in Computer Science, Computer Engineering, Cybersecurity or related field (or equivalent work experience).
• Experience with binary analysis of software/firmware.
• Experience with disassembly tools, such as IDA Pro, Binary Ninja, or Ghidra.
• Proficiency in one or more programming languages: C/C++, Python, etc.
• Proficiency in one or more Assembly Languages: x86, ARM, etc.
• General understanding of reverse engineering fundamentals: memory layout, calling conventions, etc.

• Active Security Clearance at the Top Secret (TS) level.
• Vulnerability research and analysis.
• Knowledge of weaponizing discovered vulnerabilities into exploits.
• Implant or software patch development.
• Familiarity with binary emulation or vulnerability research, including tools such as QEMU or AFL++.
• Operating system internals including memory/process/thread management.
• Embedded systems or firmware analysis.
• Knowledge of anti-reverse engineering techniques.
• Analyzing protocols or message structures.
• Knowledge of binary file structures and formats.
• Developing automated reverse engineering or software analysis tools.
• Developing disassembler/decompiler modules.
• Debugging software without source code.
• Analyzing and reconstructing code/data flow.
• Knowledge of intrusion detection and anti-malware systems and techniques.

STR is a growing technology company with locations near Boston, MA, Arlington, VA, near Dayton, OH, Melbourne, FL, and Carlsbad, CA. We specialize in advanced research and development for defense, intelligence, and national security in: cyber; next generation sensors, radar, sonar, communications, and electronic warfare; and artificial intelligence algorithms and analytics to make sense of the complexity that is exploding around us.

STR is committed to creating a collaborative learning environment that supports deep technical understanding and recognizes the contributions and achievements of all team members. Our work is challenging, and we go home at night knowing that we pushed the envelope of technology and made the world safer.

STR is an equal opportunity employer. We are fully dedicated to hiring the most qualified candidate regardless of race, color, religion, sex (including gender identity, sexual orientation and pregnancy), marital status, national origin, age, veteran status, disability, genetic information or any other characteristic protected by federal, state or local laws.

If you need a reasonable accommodation for any portion of the employment process, email us at appassist@str.us and provide your contact info.

Pursuant to applicable federal law and regulations, positions at STR require employees to obtain national security clearances and satisfy the requirements for compliance with export control and other applicable laws.