Cleared Vulnerability Research Engineer

We are Bugcrowd. Since 2012, we've been empowering organizations to take back control and stay ahead of threat actors by uniting the collective ingenuity and expertise of our customers and trusted alliance of elite hackers, with our patented data and AI-powered Security Knowledge Platform™. Our network of hackers brings diverse expertise to uncover hidden weaknesses, adapting swiftly to evolving threats, even against zero‑day exploits. With unmatched scalability and adaptability, our data and AI‑driven CrowdMatch™ technology in our platform finds the perfect talent for your unique fight. We aim to create a new era of modern crowdsourced security that outpaces threat actors. Unleash the ingenuity of the hacker community with Bugcrowd, visit Based in San Francisco and New Hampshire, Bugcrowd is supported by General Catalyst, Rally Ventures, Costanoa Ventures, and others.

Job Summary

This role is focused on end‑to‑end exploit development for real‑world targets. The specialist will design, develop, and validate novel vulnerability discovery and exploitation capabilities against complex software and systems. Work is conducted at the operating system, binary, and micro‑architectural levels, with a strong emphasis on creating new technical capabilities. Success in this position requires the ability to independently translate an under‑defined mission objective into a concrete, technically novel capability and the comfort of operating with minimal supervision, incomplete problem definitions, and delayed feedback.

Education, Experience, Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities

• Design, develop, and validate novel vulnerability discovery and exploitation capabilities.
• Conduct expert reverse engineering of binaries (x86‑64, ARM64, etc.) using industry‑standard tools.
• Identify and exploit real‑world vulnerabilities such as Use‑after‑free, Type confusion, Integer truncation, and Buffer overflow.
• Demonstrate ability to discover new, novel vulnerabilities in complex systems.
• Rapidly understand current vulnerability research and apply findings to identify new instances of vulnerability classes.
• Employ both manual analysis and automated techniques (e.g., fuzzing) for vulnerability discovery.
• Code and debug complex functions in C, Python, and Assembly (x86‑64, ARM, etc.).
• Independently manage and execute research objectives, including scoping, research, experimentation, validation, and iteration.
• Travel to customer sites as required.
• Perform on‑site for extended periods of time.

Education, Experience, Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities

• Exploit Development:
  • Expertise in reverse engineering of binaries (x86‑64, ARM64, etc) using tools such as Binary Ninja, Ghidra, or IDA Pro.
  • Precise understanding of stack and heap objects and exploit‑relevant vulnerabilities (e.g., Use‑after‑free, Type confusion, Integer truncation, Buffer overflow).
• Vulnerability Discovery:
  • Demonstrated ability to discover new vulnerabilities, not just exploit known ones.
  • Experience with both manual analysis and automated techniques (e.g., fuzzing).
• Languages:
  • Ability to code and debug C, Python, and Assembly (x86‑64, ARM, etc).
• Research Ownership & Autonomy:
  • Ability to independently translate an under defined mission objective into a concrete, technically novel capability.
  • Comfort operating with minimal supervision.
• Clearance & Logistics:
  • TS/SCI clearance required (inactive SCI acceptable if SCI‑clearable).
  • Ability to travel to customer sites as required.

Working Conditions and Physical Requirements

• Sitting and / or standing - Must be able to remain in a stationary position 50% of the time.
• Carrying and / or lifting - Must be able to carry / move laptop as needed throughout the work day.
• Environment - remote, work‑from‑home with travel to customer location in Alabama to perform work in cleared spaces.

ADA Statement

Bugcrowd is committed to the full inclusion of all qualified individuals. In keeping with our commitment, Bugcrowd will take the steps to assure that people with disabilities are provided reasonable accommodations. Accordingly, if reasonable accommodation is required to fully participate in the job application or interview process, to perform the essential functions of the position, and/or to receive all other benefits and privileges of employment, please contact HR at [email protected].

Pay Range Disclosure

At Bugcrowd, we strive for fairness, equality and to create an environment that allows our people to perform at their very best. Our compensation philosophy is to foster a collaborative community that rewards, attracts and retains the best possible talent. The provided salary details are based on US national averages and we retain the flexibility to tailor to the needs of the business.

The national estimate for the current base range for the position is $154,800 - $193,500.

This position may also be eligible to participate in a discretionary bonus program or commission plan, subject to the rules governing the program, whereby an award, if any, depends on various factors, including, without limitation, individual and organizational performance.

Culture

• At Bugcrowd, we understand that diversity in the workplace is vital to a company's success and growth. We strive to make sure that people are included and have a sense of being part of making Bugcrowd not only a great product but a great place to work.
• We regularly hear from both customers and researchers that Bugcrowd feels like a family, and we strive to maintain that internally as well.
• Our team consists of a broad range of people: musicians, adventure sports junkies, nature lovers, parents, cereal enthusiasts, night owls, cyclists, artists-you get the point.

At Bugcrowd, we are solving security threats and vulnerabilities that are relevant to everyone, therefore we believe solving these problems takes all kinds of backgrounds. We value the perspectives and experiences people from underrepresented backgrounds bring.

Disclaimer

This position has access to highly confidential, sensitive information relating to the technologies of Bugcrowd. It is essential that the applicant possess the requisite integrity to maintain the information in the strictest confidence.

The company is authorized to obtain background checks for employment purposes under state and federal law. Background checks will be conducted for positions that involve access to confidential or proprietary information (including trade secrets).

Background checks may include Social Security verification, prior employment verification, personal and professional references, educational verification, and criminal history. Applicants with conviction histories will not be excluded from consideration to the extent required by law.

Equal Employment Opportunity

Bugcrowd is EOE, Disability/Age Employer.

Individuals seeking employment at Bugcrowd are considered without regards to race, color, religion, national origin, age, sex, marital status, ancestry, physical or mental disability, veteran status, gender identity, or sexual orientation.

Bugcrowd is committed to the full inclusion of all qualified individuals. In keeping with our commitment, Bugcrowd will take the steps to assure that people with disabilities are provided reasonable accommodations. Accordingly, if reasonable accommodation is required to fully participate in the job application or interview process, to perform the essential functions of the position, and/or to receive all other benefits and privileges of employment, please contact HR at ADA at bugcrowd.com.

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