Vulnerability Researcher

STR is hiring a Vulnerability Researcher who has a passion for research and analysis of vulnerabilities in cyber physical systems. Work must be performed onsite.

What you will do:

Reverse engineering complex software or firmware targets, ranging from typical Windows/Linux binaries to embedded firmware running non-traditional computer architectures and operating systems

Developing and applying automated reverse engineering and binary analysis tools to characterize protocols, interfaces, and functionality of target systems

Developing innovative cybersecurity solutions

Working in multi-discipline teams to tackle challenging problems from a wide variety of technologies to develop innovative cybersecurity solutions

Performing vulnerability weaponization, exploit development, payload development, and exploit mitigation on a variety of challenging targets

Developing custom emulation solutions to enable dynamic analysis

Documenting, demonstrating, and presenting research

Solving real world problems that have an impact on national security

Who you are:

This position requires an 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)

5+ years of relevant professional 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.

Nice to have:

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 not just any company. Our people, culture, and attitude along with their unique set of skills, experiences, and perspectives put us on a trajectory to change the world. We can't do it alone, though - we need fellow trailblazers. If you are one, join our team and help to keep our society safe! Visit us at for more info.

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 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.