AI-Enabled Cyber Capabilities Developer

About the role

We are seeking reverse engineers, vulnerability researchers, and cyber capability developers who know how to leverage modern AI technology to solve complex cyber challenges. This is not a traditional software development role! It requires designing AI-native architectures, orchestrating tool-using agents, and rapidly iterating on prototypes that demonstrate functional, outcome-driven impact.

Responsibilities

• Reverse engineer mission-relevant systems and develop innovative exploits
• Design and implement agentic AI systems to automate vulnerability research, reverse engineering, and capability development workflows
• Collaborate with government sponsors and operators to build mission-aligned capabilities
• Integrate large language models, AI services, external tools, and data sources into full-stack applications for cyber use cases
• Propose groundbreaking ideas for internal and external funding opportunities
• Mentor teammates in the art and science of using AI to enhance offensive cyber capability development
• Share knowledge by clearly articulating ideas through papers and presentations to team members, APL management, and government decision makers

Qualifications

• Have a Bachelor’s degree in Computer Engineering, Computer Science, Electrical Engineering, or a related field
• At least 5 years of relevant experience
• Experience developing agentic AI systems including planning, memory, tool use, and multi-step reasoning workflows
• Skilled with software debuggers and static analysis tools such as Ghidra
• Experience with modern AI development platforms such as Claude Code, Gemini, Codex, or Copilot
• 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 can ultimately obtain a TS/SCI+Polygraph clearance

Qualifications (continued)

• Previously held dynamic technical leadership roles and have demonstrated mentoring experience
• Experience applying AI systems to reverse engineering, vulnerability research, or exploit development
• Experience designing production-grade agent workflows, including orchestration, evaluation, guardrails, observability, and reliability testing
• Familiarity with virtualization, emulation, sandboxing, or automated analysis environments
• Knowledge of advanced vulnerability discovery tools
• Possess an active TS/SCI clearance with full scope polygraph

About Us

The Johns Hopkins University Applied Physics Laboratory (APL) brings world-class expertise to our nation’s most critical defense, security, space and science challenges. While we are dedicated to solving complex challenges and pioneering new technologies, what makes us truly outstanding is our culture. We offer a vibrant, welcoming atmosphere where you can bring your authentic self to work, continue to grow, and build strong connections with inspiring teammates. At APL, we celebrate our differences of perspectives and encourage creativity and bold, new ideas. Our employees enjoy generous benefits, including a robust education assistance program, unparalleled retirement contributions, and a healthy work/life balance. APL’s campus is located in the Baltimore-Washington metro area. Learn more about our career opportunities at https://www.jhuapl.edu/careers.