Blockchain Vulnerability Researcher

Position Overview 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 specializes in software and hardware reverse engineering, vulnerability research, and developing proof-of-concept offensive cyber capabilities to address national security challenges. Responsibilities 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. Minimum Qualifications Have a Bachelor’s degree in Computer Engineering, Computer Science, Electrical Engineering, or a related field. A minimum of 5 years of relevant professional experience. Have knowledge and interest in blockchain, smart contracts, and cryptocurrency. Be skilled with software debuggers and static analysis tools such as Ghidra. Be 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 be able to obtain TS/SCI+Polygraph clearance. Eligibility requires U.S. citizenship. Desired Qualifications Previously held dynamic technical leadership roles and have demonstrated mentoring experience. Experience with smart contract debugging and vulnerability detection before deployment. Experience writing Solidity smart contracts and deploying to Ethereum and other EVM‑compatible blockchains. Expertise in agentic AI. Knowledge of advanced vulnerability discovery tools. Possess an active TS/SCI clearance with full‑scope polygraph. Compensation Minimum Rate: $100,000 Annually Maximum Rate: $245,000 Annually EEO Statement All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, creed, color, religion, sex, gender identity or expression, sexual orientation, national origin, age, physical or mental disability, genetic information, veteran status, occupation, marital or familial status, political opinion, personal appearance, or any other characteristic protected by applicable law. APL is committed to providing reasonable accommodation to individuals of all abilities, including those with disabilities. If you require a reasonable accommodation to participate in any part of the hiring process, please contact View email address on click.appcast.io. #J-18808-Ljbffr Johns Hopkins Applied Physics Laboratory