Cyber Research Engineer

Cyber Research Engineer at Leidos

Leidos is actively seeking a talented Cyber Research Engineer to join our Intel Sector team. This role contributes to our leading efforts in Security Engineering, Computer Network Operations (CNO), Mission Software, Analytical Methods and Modeling, Signals Intelligence (SIGINT), and Cryptographic Key Management. At Leidos, we pride ourselves on offering competitive benefits, including Paid Time Off, 11 paid Holidays, a 401K with a 6% company match and immediate vesting, Flexible Schedules, Discounted Stock Purchase Plans, extensive Technical Upskilling, Education and Training Support, Parental Paid Leave, and much more. Join us and make a tangible difference in National Security!

The Opportunity

We are searching for a highly skilled Cyber Research Engineer with profound expertise in Offensive Cyber Operations (OCO), vulnerability research, exploit development, and reverse engineering. This position is perfect for a researcher who excels in low-level systems work, possesses an understanding of non-traditional and hardened environments, and can design and develop advanced cyber capabilities to support critical OCO objectives. The ideal candidate will bring a unique combination of software engineering discipline, offensive security innovation, and hands-on experience in meeting mission requirements.

Primary Responsibilities

• Conduct deep vulnerability research, reverse engineering, and exploit development across hardened, proprietary, and non-traditional systems.
• Design and implement low-level offensive capabilities while analyzing binaries and OS internals to uncover mission-relevant attack surfaces.

Basic Qualifications

• BS degree and 8+ years of technical experience in cybersecurity, software engineering, or related fields.
• Proven expertise in vulnerability research and exploit development.
• Proficiency in reverse engineering tools such as Ghidra, GDB/Pwndbg, and x64dbg.
• Strong background in Linux kernel programming and OS internals.
• Advanced proficiency in C/C++, Python, and Assembly (x86/64).
• Experience developing capabilities for Linux, Android, and custom OS environments.
• Familiarity with offensive tooling, network protocols, and post-exploitation techniques.
• Current and active TS/SCI clearance is required for consideration.

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience designing implants or C2 frameworks for denied, degraded, or hardened environments.
• Prior support to DoD or IC OCO missions.
• Knowledge of embedded systems, RTOS, or custom kernel environments.
• Graduate-level research in kernel security, rootkits, or offensive systems.

Why Join Leidos?

At Leidos, opportunities are limitless. We challenge our staff with engaging assignments that foster professional and personal growth. For us, investing in your career development is integral to our success. We look forward to learning more about you – apply today!

If you seek comfort, this isn't for you. At Leidos, we relentlessly outthink, outbuild, and outpace the status quo because the mission demands nothing less. We are not looking for followers; we are recruiting those who disrupt, provoke, and refuse to fail. We operate beyond conventional steps, moving faster than anyone else dares.

Key skills/competency

• Offensive Cyber Operations (OCO)
• Vulnerability Research
• Exploit Development
• Reverse Engineering
• Low-Level Systems
• Linux Kernel Programming
• OS Internals
• C/C++ Programming
• Python Programming
• Assembly (x86/64)
• TS/SCI Clearance
• Embedded Systems
• C2 Frameworks
• Network Protocols
• Post-Exploitation