Nightwing
Principal Senior Vulnerability Research Engineer (Onsite)
At a Glance
About This Role
Nightwing provides technically advanced full-spectrum cyber, data operations, systems integration and intelligence mission support services to meet our customers’ most demanding challenges. Our capabilities include cyber space operations, cyber defense and resiliency, vulnerability research, ubiquitous technical surveillance, data intelligence, lifecycle mission enablement, and software modernization. Nightwing brings disruptive technologies, agility, and competitive offerings to customers in the intelligence community, defense, civil, and commercial markets.
Principal Senior Vulnerability Research Engineer
Job Description
Vulnerability Researcher:
Use advanced systems to find zero-day (O-day) vulnerabilities. Responsible for analyzing, designing, and identifying programmatic behaviors. Have an opportunity to develop, test, and debug software applications. Research data and provide new design ideas for vulnerability techniques. Understands terminologies like debugging and fuzzing and applying it into your work.
Required Skills:
- Requires 12 years and a bachelor’s degree or 10 years and a master’s degree in computer science or related field.
- We require you to have a solid understanding of software development and knowledge in any of the following: C, C++, or Python
- Experience with program analysis, reverse engineering, and debugging tools (e.g., angr, BAP, IDA Pro, Binary Ninja, gdb, Ghidra, windbg)
- Knowledge of Windows or Linux
- Knowledge of Assembly (x86/x64)
- Clearance Requirements: TS/SCI CI Poly Preferred
- Place of Performance - Maryland
Desired Skills:
- Understanding of OS Internals (any major OS)
- Experience with exploit development, Hack The Box, etc…
- Experience reading or writing assembly
- Understanding of network protocols, application layer, be able to read/write socket code
- Understanding of exploit mitigations such as DEP and ASLR
- Relevant Certifications (Not Required): Relevant Cybersecurity Certifications (e.g. oscp, oscE, OSWP, OSEP, OSWE, OSED, OSEE, GPEN, GWAPT, GXPN, CISSP)
What We Offer:
Whether you’re just starting out on your career journey or are an experienced professional, we offer a total rewards package that goes above and beyond with compensation; healthcare, wellness, retirement and work/life benefits; career development and recognition programs.
Previously part of a leading Fortune 100 company and headquartered in Dulles, VA; Nightwing became independent in 2024 but continues to support the nation’s most mission impactful initiatives.
When we formed Nightwing, we brought a deep set of credentials and an unfaltering commitment to the mission. For over four decades, our team has been providing some of the world’s most technically advanced full-spectrum cyber, data operations, systems integration and intelligence support services to the U.S. government on its most important missions.
At Nightwing, we value collaboration and teamwork. You’ll have the opportunity to work alongside talented individuals who are passionate about what they do. Together, we’ll leverage our collective expertise to drive innovation, solve complex problems, and deliver exceptional results for our clients.
Thank you for considering joining us as we embark on this new journey and shape the future of cybersecurity and intelligence together as part of the Nightwing team.
Nightwing offers medical, vision and dental insurance coverage in addition to a 401k plan, PTO, Holidays and additional insurances.
Salary & Benefits
The salary associated with this position ($122,000-$253,000) is commensurate with the selected candidate’s qualifications, years of relevant experience, and demonstrated level of expertise. Compensation will be determined based on these factors to ensure alignment with skills, responsibilities, and market standards.Nightwing offers medical, vision and dental insurance coverage in addition to a 401k plan, PTO, Holidays, and additional insurances.
Nightwing is An Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action Employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability or veteran status, age or any other federally protected class.
Source: Nightwing careers · View original posting
About Nightwing
Nightwing is an intelligence solutions company based in Dulles, Virginia, with additional operations in Indialantic, Florida. The company specializes in advanced cyber operations, data management, systems integration, and intelligence services, primarily serving government agencies, businesses, and organizations. With a workforce of over 2,000 professionals and a revenue of approximately $1.3 billion, Nightwing operates in 38 locations worldwide. Founded as a business unit of Raytheon, Nightwing became independent in April 2024. The company has a rich history of 40 years in innovation and focuses on mission-critical scenarios where reliability is essential. Nightwing's services include offensive and defensive cyber operations, software modernization, and specialized intelligence missions. The company also emphasizes training through its Offensive Labs program and supports STEM initiatives to cultivate cybersecurity talent. In March 2025, Nightwing enhanced its capabilities by acquiring Roka Security, expanding its offerings in secure data transport and technical training.
Security at Nightwing
Compiled from public job postings, careers pages, and company materials. Data may not reflect current state — verify during interviews.
Security Philosophy
- Nightwing's mission is to help customers stay ahead of emerging threats while serving the mission above all else.
- The company identifies and mitigates zero-day vulnerabilities through CVA services, focusing on core principles of reliability in mission-critical scenarios.
Security Team
- Key Public-Facing Leaders: Christopher Jones, EVP & CTO.
- Timothy Zentz, VP of CODEX. Timothy Zentz is Vice President of Cyber Offense and Defense Experts (CODEX) for Nightwing. Team Size Estimate: LinkedIn shows 1013 employees.
- Active AppSec Job Postings (1 identified):
- , low-level languages (C/C++), and emulation
Key Initiatives
- Vulnerability Management: Nightwing's CVA services identify and mitigate zero-day vulnerabilities.
- Secure SDLC focus on reverse engineering, emulation, vulnerability research, and cyber tool development.
- Recent partnership to enhance rugged computing with integrated cyber resiliency.
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