Linux Reverse Engineer / Vulnerability Researcher
Company websitenightwing.com (Nightwing, opens in new tab)
Base salary $122K to $253K
Employer-published annual base salary, USD. Advertised base range in Sterling, VA
You apply on the employer's own site. Six Figure Work does not handle applications.
- LocationSterling, VA
- WorkplaceWorkplace not stated
- Status at last checkSource accepting applications when checked
- Last checked (17 min ago) · observed since
About this job
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.
Nightwing is seeking a highly skilled Linux Reverse Engineer / Vulnerability Researcher (VRER) to support advanced research, development, and exploitation efforts against native Linux applications. The ideal candidate will have deep technical expertise in low-level software analysis, vulnerability discovery, and exploit development across multiple architectures.
All technical personnel must meet baseline technical requirements and demonstrate strong analytical, problem-solving, and debugging skills in complex Linux environments.
Key Responsibilities
Perform reverse engineering of native Linux applications to identify vulnerabilities and weaknesses
Develop, test, and debug software components and proof-of-concept exploits
Conduct vulnerability research and exploitation activities targeting Linux binaries
Analyze compiled code and system behavior across multiple architectures
Collaborate with cross-functional technical teams to support research and operational objectives
Produce clear technical documentation and reports detailing findings and methodologies
Required Qualifications
Current TS/SCI with Poly Clearance
Minimum of three (3) years of hands-on experience developing, testing, and debugging software in:
C
C++
Python
Demonstrated experience with:
Reverse Engineering (RE)
Vulnerability Research (VR)
Exploitation of native Linux applications
Strong understanding of Linux internals, system calls, memory management, and debugging tools
Experience analyzing compiled binaries and low-level system behavior
Desired / Preferred Qualifications
Exploitation and reverse engineering experience on ARM and MIPS architectures
Familiarity with common exploitation techniques (e.g., memory corruption, privilege escalation)
Experience with tools such as GDB, IDA Pro, Ghidra, radare2, or similar
Knowledge of secure coding practices and vulnerability mitigation techniques
Please Note: This position is contingent upon contract award.
Salary & Benefits
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 on Workday · View original posting (opens in new tab)
Pay in context
This role's base floor ($122,000) is above 37% of the 190 IT & Security roles in Virginia listed on this site; 14 others list the same floor. Their median floor is $129,600; the middle half runs from $113,200 to $159,300.
Only jobs on this site count, and each one publishes a base salary of $100,000 or more, so this compares six-figure jobs with each other, not with the whole market. Computed Nov 6, 2026.
This listingLinux Reverse Engineer / Vulnerability Researcher$122K to $253K
Windows Kernel Developer$122K to $253K
Software Engineer 3$122K to $253K
Windows Vulnerability Research$122K to $253K
Senior Program / Product Manager$122K to $253K
Systems Engineer/Technical Project Manager$122K to $253K
Cyber Host Forensic Analyst IV$122K to $253K
Chart as a table
| Role | Published base |
|---|---|
| Linux Reverse Engineer / Vulnerability Researcher (this listing) | $122K - $253K |
| Windows Kernel Developer | $122K - $253K |
| Software Engineer 3 | $122K - $253K |
| Windows Vulnerability Research | $122K - $253K |
| Senior Program / Product Manager | $122K - $253K |
| Systems Engineer/Technical Project Manager | $122K - $253K |
| Cyber Host Forensic Analyst IV | $122K - $253K |
Observed changes
- First observed on the employer's board
- Began meeting the published-salary criteria
- Observed since
- Employer-stated posting date
- 2026-07-13
Where this pay comes from
Location as the employer wrote it: Sterling, VA
The salary associated with this position ($122,000-$253,000) is commensurate with the selected candidate’s qualificatio
- Method
- Employer text, read with fixed rules and re-verified
- Checked
- Rule set
- us-base-v2
The pay passage appears in the employer's own job text. Fixed, deterministic rules located it, and the passage below was checked against the stored copy of the posting.
What we verified
- The pay figures come from the employer's own listing, quoted exactly above.
- The pay is an annual base salary in US dollars with a minimum of at least $100,000.
- The role was publicly listed on the employer's job board when last checked.
We do not verify what the employer will actually offer, whether the employer is still recruiting for the role, or anything beyond what the employer published. Full methodology.
