Lead CNO Developer (Onsite)

Nightwing provides technically advanced full-spectrum cyber, data operations, systems integration and intelligence mission support services to meet our customers’ most demanding challenges. Our capabilities include cyber space operations, cyber defense and resiliency, vulnerability research, ubiquitous technical surveillance, data intelligence, lifecycle mission enablement, and software modernization. Nightwing brings disruptive technologies, agility, and competitive offerings to customers in the intelligence community, defense, civil, and commercial markets.

Position Overview

The candidate will lead a team of developers in the design, development, testing, and maintenance of CNO capabilities tailored to meet operational mission requirements. They will oversee all aspects of prototyping and capability delivery, ensuring alignment with the Customer's objectives. This role requires strong technical leadership and innovation in support of dynamic mission needs.

Clearance: TS/SCI + FSP + CI Poly within 5 years

Required Qualifications

• Bachelor’s Degree plus twelve (12) years of experience, Master’s Degree plus ten (10) years of experience, or PhD plus eight (8) years of experience
• Minimum twelve (12) years’ experience programming in Assembly, C, C++, Java, Perl, and/or Python
• Minimum ten (10) years of experience programming CNO tools
• Minimum five (5) years of experience leading, managing, and/or supervising teams in support of CNO capability development
• Minimum four (4) years of experience programming techniques to evade host and/or network-based IDS
• Minimum four (4) years’ experience in network sockets programming and application-level protocols

Specialized Qualifications

• Proficiency in programming languages such as Python, C/C++, and/or Assembly, along with scripting languages (e.g., Bash, PowerShell),
• Deep understanding of operating systems internals and kernel-level programming
• Expertise in exploitation techniques, including buffer overflows, heap spraying, privilege escalation, and more
• Knowledge of modern encryption protocols, defense evasion strategies, and network interception
• Understanding of network protocols and sockets, common CNO techniques, exploitation mitigations such as DEP and ASLR, and modern software engineering concepts
• Experience with reverse engineering frameworks (e.g., IDA Pro, Ghidra, OllyDbg) and disassemblers/debuggers
• Experience providing technical leadership and guidance
• Experience managing workloads and priorities ensuring teams meet deadlines
• Experience mentoring team members, fostering a culture of innovation, collaboration, and professional growth
• Experience with project management best practices such as Scrum and Kanban methodologies
• Experience with version control systems (e.g., Git) along with understanding of basic configuration management principles

The salary associated with this position $122,000-$253,000 is commensurate with the selected candidate’s qualifications, years of relevant experience, and demonstrated level of expertise. Compensation will be determined based on these factors to ensure alignment with skills, responsibilities, and market standards.

Nightwing offers medical, vision and dental insurance coverage in addition to a 401k plan, PTO, Holidays, and additional insurances.

At Nightwing, we value collaboration and teamwork. You’ll have the opportunity to work alongside talented individuals who are passionate about what they do. Together, we’ll leverage our collective expertise to drive innovation, solve complex problems, and deliver exceptional results for our clients. Thank you for considering joining us as we embark on this new journey and shape the future of cybersecurity and intelligence together as part of the Nightwing team.

Nightwing is An Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action Employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability or veteran status, age or any other federally protected class.

Previously part of a leading Fortune 100 company and headquartered in Dulles, VA; Nightwing became independent in 2024 but continues to support the nation’s most mission impactful initiatives.

When we formed Nightwing, we brought a deep set of credentials and an unfaltering commitment to the mission. For over four decades, our team has been providing some of the world’s most technically advanced full-spectrum cyber, data operations, systems integration and intelligence support services to the U.S. government on its most important missions.

At Nightwing, we value collaboration and teamwork. You’ll have the opportunity to work alongside talented individuals who are passionate about what they do. Together, we’ll leverage our collective expertise to drive innovation, solve complex problems, and deliver exceptional results for our clients. Thank you for considering joining us as we embark on this new journey and shape the future of cybersecurity and intelligence together as part of the Nightwing team.