Malware Analysis Software Developer

Description

Description

Do you have experience analyzing complex software systems and understanding how adversarial software behaves?

Are you passionate about developing innovative software and analysis capabilities that improve national security and cyber defense?

Do you work best in an intellectually stimulating, professionally rewarding, and fun environment?

If so, we're looking for someone like you to join our APL team.

We are seeking a motivated and creative Cyber Analytics Software Engineer who will...

• Design, develop, test, and maintain software tools and analytic capabilities that support malware analysis, reverse engineering, and cyber threat analysis.
• Analyze malicious software, adversarial techniques, and suspicious behaviors to support defensive cyber operations and national security missions.
• Develop scalable and maintainable software for binary analysis, behavioral analysis, telemetry processing, detection engineering, and automated cyber analytics.
• Work on multidisciplinary teams staffed with world-class experts in cybersecurity, software engineering, data science, and computer systems research.
• Develop software that enables analysts to better understand malware functionality, persistence mechanisms, command-and-control behavior, exploitation techniques, and system impacts.
• Participate in projects involving reverse engineering, systems programming, software architecture, distributed systems, data analysis, automation, and visualization.
• Devise and implement algorithms, frameworks, and new analytic approaches that improve malware detection, classification, and understanding of adversarial behavior.
• Analyze software, system artifacts, and operational data to identify malicious behaviors, vulnerabilities, and opportunities to improve defensive capabilities.
• Share knowledge by clearly articulating ideas through technical papers, presentations, and demonstrations to technical staff, management, and Government decision makers.
• Join an environment that promotes professional growth, work/life balance, and technical development.
• Have opportunities to participate in fun, social activities like our weekly game nights and yearly summer cookout!

Qualifications

You meet the minimum qualifications for this position if you have:

• A Bachelor's degree in Computer Science, Computer Engineering, Electrical Engineering, Cybersecurity, Applied Math, or a related field.
• 2+ years of professional experience or a combination of relevant internship, research, or graduate experience in software engineering, cybersecurity, malware analysis, reverse engineering, or related areas.
• Experience developing software in one or more programming languages such as Python, C++, Rust, Java, Go, or JavaScript/TypeScript.
• Experience working with Linux-based development environments and modern software engineering practices including version control, testing, and continuous integration.
• Familiarity with malware analysis, reverse engineering, binary analysis, operating systems internals, or cybersecurity concepts.
• Ability to understand complex software systems and develop robust, maintainable solutions in collaborative environments.
• Interest in local limited travel, which may be required.
• Ability to obtain an Interim Top Secret level security clearance by your start date. If selected, you will be subject to a government security clearance investigation and must meet the requirements for access to classified information. Eligibility requirements include U.S. citizenship.
• Demonstrate strong interpersonal skills and the ability to work independently and on a team.

You'll go above and beyond our minimum requirements if you have:

• A Master's degree in Computer Science, Computer Engineering, Electrical Engineering, Cybersecurity, Applied Math, or a related field, and 5+ years of experience in software engineering, malware analysis, reverse engineering, cyber threat analysis, or related areas.
• Experience performing malware analysis, reverse engineering, behavioral analysis, or binary analysis on Windows and Linux platforms.
• Experience with tools and frameworks such as Ghidra, IDA Pro, Binary Ninja, x64dbg, WinDbg, YARA, Wireshark, Volatility, or similar analysis platforms.
• Experience with low-level systems programming, operating systems internals, networking, or exploitation techniques.
• Experience developing software for cyber analytics, telemetry processing, detection engineering, or automated analysis pipelines.
• Experience with scripting and automation using Python or similar languages.
• Familiarity with virtualization, containers, cloud infrastructure, or distributed systems.
• Experience writing published papers and presenting results to conferences/workshops.
• Current DoD clearance and prior experience working with Government agencies or Research Labs.

About Us

Why Work at APL?

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 http://www.jhuapl.edu/careers.

All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, creed, color, religion, sex, gender identity or expression, sexual orientation, national origin, age, physical or mental disability, genetic information, veteran status, occupation, marital or familial status, political opinion, personal appearance, or any other characteristic protected by applicable law. APL is committed to providing reasonable accommodation to individuals of all abilities, including those with disabilities. If you require a reasonable accommodation to participate in any part of the hiring process, please contact Accommodations@jhuapl.edu.

The referenced pay range is based on JHU APL's good faith belief at the time of posting. Actual compensation may vary based on factors such as geographic location, work experience, market conditions, education/training and skill level with consideration for internal parity. For salaried employees scheduled to work less than 40 hours per week, annual salary will be prorated based on the number of hours worked. APL may offer bonuses or other forms of compensation per internal policy and/or contractual designation. Additional compensation may be provided in the form of a sign-on bonus, relocation benefits, locality allowance or discretionary payments for exceptional performance. APL provides eligible staff with a comprehensive benefits package including retirement plans, paid time off, medical, dental, vision, life insurance, short-term disability, long-term disability, flexible spending accounts, education assistance, and training and development. Applications are accepted on a rolling basis.

Minimum Rate

$100,000 Annually

Maximum Rate

$245,000 Annually