Senior Mobile Exploitation Engineer/ Vulnerability Researcher

Tyto Athene is searching for a Senior Mobile Exploitation Engineer/Vulnerability Researcher to support a highly classified mission within the Operational Technology Division (OTD). This role serves as a senior technical authority responsible for researching, developing, and leading advanced mobile device exploitation capabilities, with a primary focus on iOS and mobile operating system internals. The successful candidate will work on cutting-edge offensive cyber capabilities in support of national security and law enforcement operations.

Responsibilities:

• Conduct advanced vulnerability research and exploit development targeting mobile operating systems, with primary emphasis on iOS and macOS
• Lead and execute mobile device exploitation investigations, including application-layer, OS-level, and hardware-adjacent attack surfaces
• Perform deep reverse engineering of mobile operating systems, firmware, binaries, and applications
• Research, analyze, and develop exploits for remote access to mobile devices
• Identify, assess, and weaponize vulnerabilities across applications, operating system, and hardware layers
• Develop and analyze mobile-focused malware and exploitation tooling
• Utilize industry-standard reverse engineering tools to support vulnerability discovery and exploit development
• Provide technical leadership for exploit investigations, guiding designated software developers and junior engineers
• Collaborate with application-, OS-, and hardware-focused engineers to deliver integrated exploitation capabilities
• Analyze and exploit wireless technologies, including Wi-Fi and Bluetooth, as they relate to mobile platforms
• Document technical findings and brief stakeholders in a classified operational environment

Qualifications

Required:

• 6-10+ years of professional experience in offensive cyber operations, vulnerability research, and exploit development, including Computer Network Exploitation (CNE)
• Extensive, hands-on experience researching, evaluating, and exploiting the security of iOS and macOS devices and operating systems; Android experience is desirable
• Demonstrated expertise in mobile device exploitation, reverse engineering (VR/RE), and exploit development across applications, operating system, and hardware-adjacent layers
• Deep understanding of mobile operating system internals, architecture, and security mechanisms
• Experience using advanced reverse engineering tools such as IDA Pro (referred), Ghidra, Binary Ninja, and Radare2
• Proficiency in low-level and systems programming, including C, Python, Rust, and ARM64 assembly, with strong knowledge of memory exploitation techniques
• Experience with wireless communications technologies and attack surfaces, including Wi-Fi and Bluetooth
• Knowledge of remote access, covert persistence techniques, and mobile-focused malware development
• Familiarity with digital forensics tools and techniques related to mobile operating systems
• Proven ability to independently lead exploit development efforts with a strong investigative and analytical mindset
• Ability to operate effectively in a fast-paced, highly classified environment

Desired:

• Bachelor's degree in Computer Science, Software Engineering, Electronics Engineering, or Master's Degree in Cyber Security, Cyber Security Engineering, or a related discipline
• Experience with Android exploitation and mobile application reverse engineering
• Experience developing or analyzing mobile malware
• Prior work within Operational Technology Divisions (OTD) or similar advanced R&D environments
• Experience mentoring or leading small, highly technical engineering teams
• Familiarity with hardware-adjacent exploitation techniques for mobile platforms

Clearance:

• Top Secret clearance required, with the ability to obtain SCI read-in and successfully complete a Counter-Intelligence (CI) polygraph

Location:

• Springfield, VA (Hybrid-remote, 1-2 days onsite/week)

About Tyto Athene

Compensation:

• Compensation is unique to each candidate and relative to the skills and experience they bring to the position. The salary range for this position is typically between $160,000-$200,000. This does not guarantee a specific salary as compensation is based upon multiple factors such as education, experience, certifications, and other requirements, and may fall outside of the above-stated range.

Benefits:

• Highlights of our benefits include Health/Dental/Vision, 401(k) match, Paid Time Off, STD/LTD/Life Insurance, Referral Bonuses, professional development reimbursement, and parental leave.

Tyto Athene is a trusted leader in IT services and solutions, delivering mission-focused digital transformation that drives measurable success. Our expertise spans four core technology domains-Network Modernization, Hybrid Cloud, Cybersecurity, and Enterprise IT-empowering our clients with cutting-edge solutions tailored to their evolving needs. With over 50 years of experience, Tyto Athene proudly support Defense, Intelligence, Space, National Security, Civilian, Health, and Public Safety clients across the United States and worldwide.

At Tyto Athene, we believe that success starts with our people. We foster a collaborative, innovative, and mission-driven environment where every team member plays a critical role in shaping the future of technology. Are you ready to join #TeamTyto?

Tyto Athene, LLC is an Equal Opportunity Employer; all qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, [sexual orientation, gender identity,] national origin, disability, status as a protected veteran, or any characteristic protected by applicable law.