Principal Embedded Vulnerability Researcher

Overview Draper is an independent, nonprofit research and development company headquartered in Cambridge, MA. The 2,000+ employees of Draper tackle important national challenges with a promise of delivering successful and usable solutions. From military defense and space exploration to biomedical engineering, lives often depend on the solutions we provide. Our multidisciplinary teams of engineers and scientists work in a collaborative environment that inspires the cross‑fertilization of ideas necessary for true innovation. Job Description Summary Draper's Offensive Cyber Security Group is looking for dedicated individuals to develop tailored solutions to meet our DoD and IC Sponsor directives. Our organization’s not‑for‑profit status ensures a capability‑driven focus on the United States of America’s national interests that allows us to address some of our nation’s most pressing challenges. 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. Job Description Duties / Responsibilities Assess hardware and software for security vulnerabilities using a breadth of technologies and techniques. Develop software that meets behavioral 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. Independently drive solutions to complex problems – develop requirements, propose ways forward when customer requirements are unclear or incomplete, and adapt appropriately to changes in requirements. Subject Matter Expert (SME) in cyber security, able to plan, design, and execute large‑scale technical software and hardware solutions. Able to provide insight and suggest design modifications based on analysis outcomes, and to apply analysis techniques across a range of technical disciplines. Identify program/system‑level technical risks and develop and execute mitigation strategies. Develop, document, and teach best practices to less experienced engineers; demonstrate strong organization, planning, and time management skills to achieve program goals. Performs other related duties as assigned. Skills / Abilities Curiosity‑driven approach to solving complex, customer‑driven problems as part of a multidisciplinary team. Collaborate and communicate effectively and openly with multidisciplinary 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 10‑15 years experience in cybersecurity or related field is required. Additional Job Description Program Analysis, Reverse Engineering, and Vulnerability Research Proficiency with modern program analysis methodologies and techniques. Reverse‑engineering assessment techniques for firmware or embedded systems. Familiarity with binary file and filesystem structures and formats. Hands‑on proficiency with reverse engineering tooling such as Ghidra, IDA, GDB, RR. Hands‑on proficiency with physical instrumentation or hardware modification, soldering. Experience with JTAG/SWD/BDM, and eMMC/NAND/SPI flash data extraction. Exploitation techniques for embedded devices across platforms and architectures. Familiarity of network stack and internals. Familiarity of operating system internals throughout user mode, kernel mode, and during boot processes for at least one of the following: GNU/Linux, RTOS. Familiarity with architectures and assembly: x86, ARM, Hexagon, PowerPC. Languages and Development Proficiency with programming languages such as C, C++, Python, Java. Familiarity with scripting languages such as Bash, PowerShell. Familiarity in development environments for GNU/Linux or Windows. Leadership and Business Development Successful history in authoring of technical proposals and documents. Leadership in advanced R&D initiatives, including government‑funded projects. Leadership of critical programs with more than two full‑time staff members. Proficient in teamwork and communication with diverse audiences. Preferred Qualifications Experience with side channel attacks (glitching) to place components and/or devices into altered states to bypass protections. Familiarity with custom filesystem extraction and modification, removal and/or regeneration of OOB/CRC data. Familiarity with bus and protocol analysis. Applicants selected for this position must be required to obtain and maintain a government TS/SCI security clearance. Job Location City: Cambridge State: Massachusetts Postal Code: 02139-3563 Salary Range $95,000.00 - $237,500.00 Our salary ranges are determined by role, level, and location. The range displayed on each job posting reflects the minimum and maximum target salaries for the position across all US locations. Within the range, individual pay is determined by work location and additional factors, including job‑related skills, experience, and relevant education or training. Union ranges will be in compliance with the collective bargaining agreement’s approved rates by location and role. Your recruiter can share more about the specific salary range for your preferred location during the hiring process. Please note that the compensation details listed in US role postings reflect the base salary only, and does not include bonuses or benefits. Benefits Our work is very important to us, but so is our life outside of work. Draper supports many programs to improve work‑life balance including workplace flexibility, employee clubs ranging from photography to yoga, health and finance workshops, off‑site social events and discounts to local museums and cultural activities. Equal Opportunity Employer Draper is committed to creating an inclusive environment. We understand the value of inclusivity and its impact on a high‑performance culture. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, disability, age, sexual orientation, national origin, veteran status, or genetic information. Draper is committed to providing access, equal opportunity, and reasonable accommodation for individuals with disabilities in employment, its services, programs, and activities. To request reasonable accommodation, please contact View email address on click.appcast.io. #J-18808-Ljbffr Draper Labs