---
title: 'Principal Vulnerability Researcher ($300k+/year + Sign-On Bonus) at Two Six Technologies'
canonical: 'https://feeny.ai/job/principal-vulnerability-researcher-300k-year-sign-on-bonus-two-six-technologies-4r7my8aja9p9'
type: 'job'
last_seen: '2026-09-08'
---

# Principal Vulnerability Researcher ($300k+/year + Sign-On Bonus) at Two Six Technologies

- **Company:** Two Six Technologies
- **Location:** Linthicum, MD
- **Compensation:** $300k–$325k
- **Posted:** 2026-08-13
- **Last confirmed live:** 2026-09-08
- **Apply:** https://job-boards.greenhouse.io/twosixtechnologies/jobs/6141650004

## Job description

At Two Six Technologies, we build, deploy, and implement innovative products that solve the world’s most complex challenges today. Through unrivaled collaboration and unwavering trust, we push the boundaries of what’s possible to empower our team and support our customers in building a safer global future.

## Compensation & Incentive Highlights

- Target Base Salary: $300,000+ (Final salary is determined based on candidate qualifications and experience alignment with open roles)

- Sign-On Bonus: Starting at $25,000 for qualified FSP hires.

- Benefits & Flexible PTO: Comprehensive health, dental, and vision coverage, 401(k) matching, paid professional development, educational assistance, and flexible PTO with rollover options and annual payout opportunities.

## Overview of Opportunity

Join the Trusted Electronics & Effects business unit of Two Six Technologies, where you’ll provide strategic technical leadership in vulnerability research across hardware, software, and operational domains. Working alongside engineers, researchers, and clients, you’ll identify vulnerabilities, assess operational impacts, and develop effective countermeasures. Our fast-growing roster of government customers relies on us to deliver advanced security solutions, and we’re looking for a Principal Vulnerability Researcher to drive research programs and mentor technical teams.

This role requires regular on-site support at the Linthicum, Maryland customer site.

What you will do:

- Lead the identification of vulnerabilities and attacks across hardware, software, personnel, logistics, procedures, and physical security, linking them to operational and mission impacts.
- Identify vulnerabilities and potential attacks across hardware, software, procedures, logistics, and physical security of systems
- Develop proof of concept (PoC) code for identified vulnerabilities
- Reverse-engineer targeted embedded systems to identify vulnerabilities
- Review source code looking for risks and vulnerabilities
- Analyze the effects of vulnerabilities on mission outcomes and operational effectiveness.
- Compare system attack techniques and propose operationally effective countermeasures
- Produce reports, briefings, and perspectives on actual and potential attacks
- Provide technical leadership on research efforts, prioritizing investigations, reviewing methodologies, and overseeing proof-of-concepts.
- Mentor and guide junior engineers and researchers, reviewing technical approaches and fostering skill development.

What you will need (Basic Qualifications):

- Doctorate in Computer Science, Computer/Electrical Engineering, or a related field and 7 years of relevant experience, OR Master’s degree and 9 years of relevant experience, OR Bachelor’s degree and 11 years of relevant experience, OR Associate’s degree and 13 years of relevant experience.
- Relevant experience: computer/information systems design/development, programming, information/cyber/network security, reverse-engineering, vulnerability analysis, penetration testing, computer forensics, information assurance, or systems engineering
- Proficiency in C/C++, Python, and at least one ISA (e.g. x86/ARM/MIPS)
- Proficiency in Linux command-line environments
- Experience using a decompiler such as IDA Pro, Binary Ninja, or Ghidra
- Experience using vulnerability research tools such as emulators or fuzzers
- Experience using a software debugger such as GDB or WinDbg
- Ability to work on-site at Linthicum, Maryland customer site regularly.

Nice If You Have (Preferred):

- Experience translating vulnerabilities into operationally relevant impact assessments and countermeasures.
- Experience producing technical briefings for operational stakeholders
- Experience using a hardware debugger
- Experience with UART, SPI, I2C
- Experience with common secure communications such as TLS or SSH
- Familiarity with embedded firmware, RTOS, or networked systems
- Familiarity with high-side environments

Security Clearance:

- Active TS/SCI clearance with Polygraph required

## #LI-ZS1

## #LI-ONSITE

Two Six Technologies is committed to providing competitive and comprehensive compensation packages that reflect the value we place on our employees and their contributions. We believe in rewarding skills, experience, and performance. Our offerings include but are not limited to, medical, dental, and vision insurance, life and disability insurance, retirement benefits, paid leave, tuition assistance and professional development.

The projected salary range listed for this position is annualized. This is a general guideline and not a guarantee of salary. Salary is one component of our total compensation package and the specific salary offered is determined by various factors, including, but not limited to education, experience, knowledge, skills, geographic location, as well as contract specific affordability and organizational requirements.

Salary Range $300,000—$325,000 USD

Looking for other great opportunities? Check out [Two Six Technologies Opportunities](https://twosixtech.com/careers/current-opportunities/) for all our Company’s current openings!

Ready to make the first move towards growing your career? If so, check out the [Two Six Technologies Candidate Journey](https://twosixtech.com/careers/candidate-resources/)!  This will give you step-by-step directions on applying, what to expect during the application process, information about our rich benefits and perks along with our most frequently asked questions.  If you are undecided and would like to learn more about us and how we are contributing to essential missions, check out our  [Two Six Technologies News](https://twosixtech.com/about/news/) page!  We share information about the tech world around us and how we are making an impact!  Still have questions, no worries!  You can reach us at [Contact Two Six Technologies](https://twosixtech.com/contact/). We are happy to connect and cover the information needed to assist you in reaching your next career milestone.

Two Six Technologies is an Equal Opportunity Employer and does not discriminate in employment opportunities or practices based on race (including traits historically associated with race, such as hair texture, hair type and protective hair styles (e.g., braids, twists, locs and twists)), color, religion, national origin, sex (including pregnancy, childbirth or related medical conditions and lactation), sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, age (40 and over), marital status, disability, genetic information, and protected veteran status or any other characteristic protected by applicable federal, state, or local law. For more information review the Two Six Technologies [Equal Employment Opportunity and Affirmative Action Policy](https://twosixtech.com/wp-content/uploads/Two-Six-EEO-Policy-Statement-2026.pdf) and the [EEO Poster](https://twosixtech.com/wp-content/uploads/TST-EEO-Know-Your-Rights-2026.pdf).

If you are an individual with a disability and would like to request reasonable workplace accommodation for any part of our employment process, please send an email to accommodations@twosixtech.com. Information provided will be kept confidential and used only to the extent required to provide needed reasonable accommodations.

Additionally, please be advised that this business uses E-Verify in its hiring practices.

By submitting the following application, I hereby certify that to the best of my knowledge, the information provided is true and accurate.

## About Two Six Technologies

## Company Overview
- **One-liner**: Two Six Technologies builds, deploys, and implements innovative products to solve complex national security and humanitarian challenges, focusing on information advantage, cyber defense, and secure communications.
- **Entity Type**: Private (no public funding rounds disclosed; defense contractor, likely bootstrapped or government-funded)
- **Headquarters**: Arlington, Virginia, USA
- **Founded**: Not publicly available (company emerged from a merger of Two Six Labs and other entities around 2020, but exact year not confirmed)
- **Founders**: Not publicly available

## Core Business
- Primary industry/industries: National security, defense, cyber security, information operations, data analytics, electronic systems, communications.
- Target customers: U.S. Department of Defense, U.S. Department of Homeland Security, DARPA, U.S. Cyber Command, Department of State, and allied international partners.
- Mission or purpose statement: "Delivering technological superiority for our nation, allies, and partners through rapid, impact-focused innovation" and "achieving defense superiority by developing fast-paced, impactful technology for our nation, allies, and partners."

## Products & Services
- **Sentr**: AI-driven command center for the information environment – enables sense, plan, and coordinate effects at scale. Bridges legacy systems to agentic AI securely without rebuilds or disruption.
- **IKE**: Information Advantage Platform – provides reliable access and communication for vulnerable and hard-to-reach communities worldwide.
- **Agentic AI Orchestrator**: Orchestrates AI agents for cognitive warfare and complex decision-making.
- **Cyber**: Products to defend critical networks and protect sensitive data, including object-level encryption for cloud, on-premise, or hybrid environments.
- **Data Analytics**: Synthesized, actionable insights for informed mission decisions.
- **Electronic Systems**: Sensor technology to integrate, monitor, and advance mission objectives.
- **Secure Solutions**: Secure communications and infrastructure for government clients.

## Market Standing
- **Valuation/Market Cap**: Not publicly available (private company, no disclosed valuation).
- **Key Metric**: Not disclosed (annual revenue); total funding not publicly available. The company works under government contracts (e.g., DARPA, DHS, DoD).
- **Notable Investors/Partners**: Partners include U.S. Department of Defense, U.S. Department of Homeland Security, DARPA, U.S. Cyber Command, Department of State, and international allies. Also named a Top 10 Finalist in the NATO Innovation Challenge for Agentic AI in Cognitive Warfare.
- **Growth Signals**: Rapid headcount growth (multiple offices across the U.S. – Arlington, Laurel, Fredericksburg, Augusta, Colorado Springs, Austin, San Antonio, Herndon, Chantilly). Active hiring for engineers, scientists, developers, and project managers. Continually expanding product portfolio with AI-driven platforms.

## Competitive Advantages
- Deep integration with U.S. national security agencies (DoD, DHS, DARPA) and long-standing government trust.
- Focus on "agentic AI" and information warfare – a high-demand, niche area.
- Ability to bridge legacy systems with modern AI without requiring rebuilds, reducing disruption for government clients.
- Object-level encryption and secure solutions for sensitive data at scale.
- Small-company culture despite rapid growth, fostering agility and innovation.

## Strategic Focus
- Current priorities: Expanding AI-driven information operations (Sentr, Agentic AI Orchestrator) and secure communications (IKE) for defense and humanitarian missions.
- Growth direction: Deepening partnerships with U.S. and allied governments, entering new global markets, and scaling agentic AI capabilities for cognitive warfare.
- Developing technologies for vulnerable and hard-to-reach communities, balancing defense and humanitarian impact.

## Why Work Here
- Culture highlights: "Small-company atmosphere" with genuine concern for people; "culture is everything" – emphasis on creativity, curiosity, and innovation. Regular team-building events, annual "Two Six Day of Service" volunteering.
- Remote/hybrid/office policy: Positions available in multiple offices; some roles listed as Remote. Many roles require on-site presence (likely due to security clearance requirements).
- Notable perks: Comprehensive benefits including 401K with employer match and immediate vesting, discretionary profit share, tuition reimbursement, employer-sponsored training & certification, comprehensive health/dental/vision insurance, HSA with employer contribution, life & disability plans, paid parental leave, military leave, community service hours, bonus incentives and awards.
- Engineering culture: Collaboration with top scientists, developers, and engineers on projects of national importance. Opportunities for growth through conferences, open discussions, and social events.
- Internship program: Structured internships for students, preparing them for success.

## Sources
1. [twosixtech.com](https://twosixtech.com/) – Main website, product overview
2. [twosixtech.com/about](https://twosixtech.com/about/) – About page, location, mission
3. [twosixtech.com/careers/life-at-two-six](https://twosixtech.com/careers/life-at-two-six/) – Culture, values, internship program
4. [twosixtech.com/careers](https://twosixtech.com/careers/) – Benefits, career philosophy, candidate resources
5. [twosixtech.com/careers/current-opportunities](https://twosixtech.com/careers/current-opportunities/) – Current openings, clearance levels, remote/hybrid info

## Other roles at Two Six Technologies

- [Technical Product Engineering Lead](https://feeny.ai/job/technical-product-engineering-lead-two-six-technologies-arlington-xrh0a85cgpkg) — Arlington, VA
- [Vice President of Growth - Intelligence Community](https://feeny.ai/job/vice-president-of-growth-intelligence-community-two-six-technologies-herndon-492aq5en9vty) — Herndon, VA
- [CNO Developer - Wireless Systems](https://feeny.ai/job/cno-developer-wireless-systems-two-six-technologies-arlington-bbdk55g4e97h) — Arlington, VA
- [Lead CNO Developer - Wireless Systems](https://feeny.ai/job/lead-cno-developer-wireless-systems-two-six-technologies-arlington-0fmzkag0141g) — Arlington, VA
- [Senior CNO Developer - Wireless Systems](https://feeny.ai/job/senior-cno-developer-wireless-systems-two-six-technologies-arlington-vd6xseh4y30b) — Arlington, VA
- [Lead Full Stack Software Engineer](https://feeny.ai/job/lead-full-stack-software-engineer-two-six-technologies-arlington-zee312v2r5rq) — Arlington, VA
- [Senior Front End Software Engineer](https://feeny.ai/job/senior-front-end-software-engineer-two-six-technologies-arlington-4hspzmsqxv3z) — Arlington, VA
- [Hardware Reverse Engingeer](https://feeny.ai/job/hardware-reverse-engingeer-two-six-technologies-herndon-sty21qspt29t) — Herndon, VA
- [Embedded Systems Reverse Engineer](https://feeny.ai/job/embedded-systems-reverse-engineer-two-six-technologies-herndon-8m35jrrkgee7) — Herndon, VA
- [Systems Engineer](https://feeny.ai/job/systems-engineer-two-six-technologies-aurora-z2tq25rt6jww) — Aurora, CO / Herndon, VA