Clarityinnovates
Principal Reverse Engineering/Vulnerability Research Engineer
Herndon, VA
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- Seniority
- Lead / management
- Stated salary
- $113,000 – $338,000 per year
- Country
- US
- Work mode
- On-site / unstated
- First seen by hirly
- 21 Sept 2026
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the posting
Clarity Innovations is a trusted national security partner, dedicated to safeguarding our nation’s interests and delivering innovative solutions that empower the Intelligence Community (IC) and Department of Defense (DoD) to transform data into actionable intelligence, ensuring mission success in an evolving world.
Our mission-first software and data engineering platform modernizes data operations, utilizing advanced workflows, CI/CD, and secure DevSecOps practices. We focus on challenges in Information Warfare, Cyber Operations, Operational Security, and Data Structuring, enabling end-to-end solutions that drive operational impact.
We are committed to delivering cutting-edge tools and capabilities that address the most complex national security challenges, empowering our partners to stay ahead of emerging threats and ensuring the success of their critical missions. At Clarity, we are people-focused and set on being a destination employer for top talent, offering an environment where innovation thrives, careers grow, and individuals are valued. Join us as we continue to lead innovation and tackle the most pressing challenges in national security.
Position Summary
We are seeking a highly skilled Security Researcher who views a black box not as a roadblock, but as an invitation. We need an investigator with an insatiable, demonstrated curiosity for figuring out how software and hardware truly work under the hood—regardless of how they are advertised or intended to function. In this role, you will be on the front lines of vulnerability discovery, dismantling complex systems to expose their flaws. You will frequently operate in the dark, confronting entirely new pieces of software or hardware with zero documentation. Success requires extreme comfort with uncertainty, a hypothesis-driven approach to experimentation, and the engineering chops to build custom utilities when off-the-shelf tools fall short.
You will not be working in a silo. You will push your research to the absolute limit, but you also possess the wisdom to know when to ask for help, share your breakthroughs, and collaborate to drive the broader project forward.
Role Expectations
Typically has a University Degree (BA/BS) or equivalent experience and minimum 5 years of prior relevant experience.
Works to achieve operational targets with a significant impact on the job area often influence departmental results.
Responsible for making adjustments or recommending enhancements to systems and processes to solve problems or improve effectiveness of job area.
Communicates and collaborates within and occasionally outside of own job area and may work to influence parties within own job area at an operational level.
May provide guidance and assistance to junior individual contributors.
Requires practical knowledge of job area typically obtained through advanced education combined with experience.
Contract Specific Qualifications
Deep experience with the Windows OS architecture, kernel, hardware abstraction layer, Win32 API, memory management, and security mitigations
Expert-level understanding of Windows binary formats, calling conventions, and execution flows
Advanced knowledge of Windows-related file systems
Knowledge of Windows networking stack and proprietary protocols
Strong knowledge of static and dynamic analysis tools and methods
Fluent in x86/x64 assembly, ARM assembly, C/C++, and Python
Experience with creating and orchestrating automated AI workflows, integrating traditional reverse engineering tools
Experience with frontier models (e.g., GPT-5, Claude), Binary Ninja, Ghidra, IDA Pro, WinDbg
Great communication skills and ability to integrate work products with other tools
Salary Range: $113,000 - $338,000
Pay Range
The posted pay range reflects the anticipated base salary range for this position and is provided to give candidates a general understanding of the compensation opportunity. The actual salary offered will be determined based on the requirements of the position and a variety of job-related factors, which may include geographic location, applicable Federal Government contract labor categories and wage rates, relevant experience, skills and competencies, education, certifications, and the scope and responsibilities of the role.
Because this position may be performed in multiple locations and may be subject to different contract requirements, the salary ultimately offered may vary based on the applicable location and contract. The posted range is not a guarantee of a specific starting salary or an indication that an offer will be made at any particular point within the range.
Total Rewards
In addition to competitive base pay, Clarity provides a Total Rewards package designed to attract and retain exceptional professionals committed to excellence. Our benefits reflect the value we place on skilled individuals who drive our impact in critical digital missions.
At Clarity, a career means joining a high-performing team advancing vital work in the digital landscape. We encourage you to consider the total value of joining us—competitive compensation, comprehensive benefits, and resources that support your growth and impact.
Our Total Rewards package includes performance-based bonuses, extensive medical, dental, and vision coverage, a 401(k) plan with company match, substantial paid time off and holidays, flexible work arrangements where possible, and a range of income protection benefits. We are committed to supporting your well-being, professional growth, and ability to contribute to essential digital missions.
We are 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, or veteran status.
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