Vulnerability Researcher

In a world of possibilities, pursue one with endless opportunities. Imagine Next! At Parsons, you can imagine a career where you thrive, work with exceptional people, and be yourself. Guided by our leadership vision of valuing people, embracing agility, and fostering growth, we cultivate an innovative culture that empowers you to achieve your full potential. Unleash your talent and redefine what’s possible. Job Description: Parsons is seeking a Vulnerability Research Engineer to join our team in support of advanced research and development contracts for the U.S. Government. You'll work alongside experienced vulnerability researchers on a small, highly technical team performing vulnerability research and reverse engineering against complex embedded and cyber-physical systems. This position provides an opportunity to develop hands-on expertise across the vulnerability research lifecycle, from initial target analysis and reverse engineering through vulnerability discovery, exploit development, and integration into operational cyber capabilities. This is an onsite position based at the Cromulence - Parsons office in the historic downtown of Melbourne, Florida, on Florida's Space Coast. Work will be performed in both classified and unclassified environments. What You'll Be Doing: Perform vulnerability research / reverse engineering (VR/RE) against embedded systems, including both hardware and software targets, under the guidance of senior researchersAnalyze software, firmware, binaries, protocols, and system behavior to identify potential vulnerabilitiesDevelop, test, debug, and document cyber tools, proof-of-concept exploits, and supporting research softwareUse debuggers, decompilers, disassemblers, emulators, and other low-level analysis tools to understand target behaviorCollaborate with senior researchers to develop new vulnerability research techniques and solve challenging technical problemsBuild expertise in reverse engineering, exploit development, operating system internals, embedded systems, and computer architecture What Qualifications You'll Bring: Bachelor's degree in Computer Science, Computer Engineering, Electrical Engineering, Cybersecurity, or a related technical field5+ years of related professional experienceProgramming experience in languages such as C, C++, and Python through academic projects, internships, research, or professional experienceFamiliarity with low-level software concepts including memory management, processes, threads, and operating system fundamentalsFamiliarity with a decompiler/disassembler such as Ghidra, IDA Pro, or Binary NinjaFamiliarity with at least one instruction set architecture, such as x86/x86-64, ARM/AArch64, or MIPSStrong analytical and problem-solving skills and an interest in understanding how complex systems work at a low levelDemonstrated interest in vulnerability research, reverse engineering, exploit development, embedded systems, or related technical security disciplinesFamiliarity with common exploitation concepts and mitigations such as memory corruption, DEP/NX, ASLR, and stack protections What Desired Skills You'll Bring: Internship, academic research, independent research, Capture the Flag (CTF), or other hands-on experience involving reverse engineering, vulnerability research, or exploit developmentExperience reverse engineering embedded and Internet of Things (IoT) systemsExperience with Ghidra, IDA Pro, Binary Ninja, or similar reverse engineering toolsExperience using debuggers such as GDB, WinDbg, or LLDBExperience with emulation or virtualization technologies such as QEMUKnowledge of networking protocols and network protocol analysisExperience with embedded software development, firmware analysis, microcontrollers, or hardware debuggingParticipation in cybersecurity competitions, vulnerability research projects, open-source projects, or publication of independent technical research Security Clearance Requirement: Must be able to obtain and maintain a Top Secret clearanceMust be able to obtain and maintain SCI and/or SAP accessesU.S. Citizenship is required Security Clearance Requirement: None This position is part of our Federal Solutions team. The Federal Solutions segment delivers resources to our US government customers that ensure the success of missions around the globe. Our intelligent employees drive the state of the art as they provide services and solutions in the areas of defense, security, intelligence, infrastructure, and environmental. We promote a culture of excellence and close-knit teams that take pride in delivering, protecting, and sustaining our nation's most critical assets, from Earth to cyberspace. Throughout the company, our people are anticipating what’s next to deliver the solutions our customers need now. Salary Range: $103,500.00 - $181,100.00 Parsons is an equal opportunity employer, and all qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, disability, veteran status or any other protected status. We truly invest and care about our employee’s wellbeing and provide endless growth opportunities as the sky is the limit, so aim for the stars! Imagine next and join the Parsons quest—APPLY TODAY! Parsons is aware of fraudulent recruitment practices. To learn more about recruitment fraud and how to report it, please refer to https://www.parsons.com/fraudulent-recruitment/.