Senior Vulnerability Researcher (Team Lead), Lead Associate - TS/SCI

Peraton is looking for a Senior Vulnerability Researcher to lead a small team supporting Rapid Application Development (RAD) for both offensive and defensive cyber security tools, network topologies, and secured networks.

In this role, you’ll apply your expertise to challenging, real-world cyber problems, contributing to capabilities that directly support critical national security objectives.

The Senior Vulnerability Researcher will leverage red and blue team operational expertise to advance mission objectives through focused development efforts in software engineering and network analysis. Support activities span both user and kernel levels and include the configuration and management of complex network environments, administration of covert and virtualized systems, performing vulnerability research and analysis, and utilizing open-source penetration testing tools.

Required Qualifications:

• Education / Experience:
• High School Diploma with minimum of 8 years of related experience
• BS/BA with 5+ years of related experience
• Ability to identify vulnerabilities in network, host, and web application endpoints using a combination of open-source research and manual analysis techniques
• Experience with rapid development and prototyping of tools for Windows and Linux endpoints
• Ability to create, manage, and deploy virtual environments using platforms such as VMware, Proxmox, QEMU/KVM, or similar technologies
• Experience with software engineering using modern development practices and industry-standard languages (e.g., C, C++, .NET, Python)
• Strong understanding of networking concepts, including network topologies, routing, and internet protocols, as well as experience with VPNs, proxies, and tunneling mechanisms
• Active TS/SCI security clearance required, with the ability to obtain a polygraph

Strongly Desired Qualifications:

• Experience with techniques for establishing and maintaining persistence on endpoints, leveraging utilities associated with identified vulnerabilities
• Familiarity with cloud environments (e.g., AWS, Azure, GCP)
• Ability to work independently, take initiative, and quickly adapt to new technical challenges

This critical National Security role is eligible for Peraton's premier benefits package, designed to recognize and support the professionals safeguarding our nation. A few highlights:

• 280 hours of annual leave (5 weeks of PTO & 2 weeks of holiday)
• Health Benefits (medical, dental & vision) – very low to no cost employee contributions
• Annual Critical Skills Bonus