Cleared Vulnerability Research Engineer

Job Summary

This role is focused on end-to-end exploit development for real-world targets. The specialist will design, develop, and validate novel vulnerability discovery and exploitation capabilities against complex software and systems. Work is conducted at the operating system, binary, and micro-architectural levels, with a strong emphasis on creating new technical capabilities. Success in this position requires the ability to independently translate an under-defined mission objective into a concrete, technically novel capability and the comfort of operating with minimal supervision, incomplete problem definitions, and delayed feedback.

Education, Experience, Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities

• Design, develop, and validate novel vulnerability discovery and exploitation capabilities.
• Conduct expert reverse engineering of binaries (x86-64, ARM64, etc.) using industry-standard tools.
• Identify and exploit real-world vulnerabilities such as Use-after-free, Type confusion, Integer truncation, and Buffer overflow.
• Demonstrate ability to discover new, novel vulnerabilities in complex systems.
• Rapidly understand current vulnerability research and apply findings to identify new instances of vulnerability classes.
• Employ both manual analysis and automated techniques (e.g., fuzzing) for vulnerability discovery.
• Code and debug complex functions in C, Python, and Assembly (x86-64, ARM, etc.).
• Independently manage and execute research objectives, including scoping, research, experimentation, validation, and iteration.
• Travel to customer sites as required.
• Perform on-site for extended periods of time.

Education, Experience, Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities

• Exploit Development:
• Expertise in reverse engineering of binaries (x86-64, ARM64, etc) using tools such as Binary Ninja, Ghidra, or IDA Pro.
• Precise understanding of stack and heap objects and exploit-relevant vulnerabilities (e.g., Use-after-free, Type confusion, Integer truncation, Buffer overflow).
• Vulnerability Discovery:
• Demonstrated ability to discover new vulnerabilities, not just exploit known ones.
• Experience with both manual analysis and automated techniques (e.g., fuzzing).
• Languages:
• Ability to code and debug C, Python, and Assembly (x86-64, ARM, etc).
• Research Ownership & Autonomy:
• Ability to independently translate an under defined mission objective into a concrete, technically novel capability.
• Comfort operating with minimal supervision.
• Clearance & Logistics:
• TS/SCI clearance required (inactive SCI acceptable if SCI-clearable).
• Ability to travel to customer sites as required.

Working Conditions and Physical Requirements

The ideal candidate must be able to complete all physical requirements of the job with or without reasonable accommodation.
Sitting and / or standing - Must be able to remain in a stationary position 50% of the time
Carrying and / or lifting - Must be able to carry / move laptop as needed throughout the work day.
Environment - remote, work-from-home with travel to customer location in Alabama to perform work in cleared spaces.

ADA Statement

Bugcrowd is committed to the full inclusion of all qualified individuals. In keeping with our commitment, Bugcrowd will take the steps to assure that people with disabilities are provided reasonable accommodations. Accordingly, if reasonable accommodation is required to fully participate in the job application or interview process, to perform the essential functions of the position, and/or to receive all other benefits and privileges of employment, please contact HR at ada@bugcrowd.com.

Pay Range Disclosure

At Bugcrowd, we strive for fairness, equality and to create an environment that allows our people to perform at their very best. Our compensation philosophy is to foster a collaborative community that rewards, attracts and retains the best possible talent. The provided salary details are based on US national averages and we retain the flexibility to tailor to the needs of the business.

The national estimate for the current base range for the position is $154,800 - $193,500.

This position may also be eligible to participate in a discretionary bonus program or commission plan, subject to the rules governing the program, whereby an award, if any, depends on various factors, including, without limitation, individual and organizational performance.