Senior Principal Computer Network Operations Engineer
About The Position
Clarity Innovations is seeking a Senior Principal Computer Network Operations Engineer to support national security missions for the Intelligence Community and Department of Defense. The role focuses on reverse engineering, systems development, and cyber operations, including low-level programming, vulnerability analysis and exploit development, malware analysis, and custom cyber tool development. The engineer will apply expertise in operating system internals, assembly language, networking protocols, and threat emulation to address complex technical challenges. The position requires a bachelor’s degree in computer science, computer engineering, or a related technical field; the ability to obtain a TS/SCI clearance; and 8–12 years of specialized experience. CISSP, OSCP, GREM, or GPEN certifications are highly desirable. The role calls for curiosity, attention to detail, discretion, ethical conduct, and effective collaboration with operators, analysts, and engineers. The posted national salary range is $159,400–$271,000 USD. Actual compensation may vary based on location, contract requirements, experience, skills, education, certifications, and role responsibilities. Clarity’s Total Rewards package includes performance-based bonuses, medical, dental, and vision coverage, a 401(k) plan with company match, paid time off and holidays, flexible work arrangements where possible, and income protection benefits.
Requirements
- Bachelor’s degree in computer science, computer engineering, or a related technical field.
- Ability to obtain a TS/SCI security clearance.
- 8–12 years of specialized experience in reverse engineering, systems development, or cyber operations.
- Demonstrated proficiency in C/C++ and inline assembly, including memory management, pointer arithmetic, and system call interfaces.
- Expertise analyzing binary blobs, malware, and firmware, with a strong grasp of ELF and PE formats.
- Proven ability to identify and exploit vulnerabilities, including buffer overflows and use-after-free, and create proof-of-concept exploits.
- Advanced knowledge of x86/x64 and ARM assembly architectures.
- Comprehensive understanding of Linux and Windows kernel-mode programming, process/thread management, and virtual memory.
- In-depth knowledge of TCP/IP, DNS, and HTTP/S, including packet manipulation and covert-channel techniques.
- Experience engineering custom implants, backdoors, beacons, and C2 infrastructure.
- Experience with encryption, authentication, sandboxing, and privilege-escalation methodologies.
- Experience with red teaming and emulating APT tradecraft, including practical application of the MITRE ATT&CK framework.
- Proficiency in static and dynamic malware analysis, including AV evasion, packers, and obfuscation techniques.
- Expertise with IDA Pro, Ghidra, Binary Ninja, WinDbg, x64dbg, and GDB.
- Skill using Wireshark, Scapy, Nmap, and tcpdump for network protocol analysis.
- Proficiency with Git, Make, CMake, and GCC/Clang cross-compilation suites.
- Curiosity and problem-solving ability to understand complex systems and resolve intricate technical challenges.
- Strong attention to detail.
- Commitment to discretion, ethics, and protecting sensitive mission tools and data.
- Ability to work effectively in multidisciplinary teams.
Nice To Haves
- CISSP, OSCP, GREM, or GPEN certification.
Responsibilities
- Analyze binaries, malware, and firmware using reverse-engineering tools.
- Identify and exploit software vulnerabilities, including buffer overflows and use-after-free issues, and create proof-of-concept exploits.
- Read, write, and analyze shellcode and disassembled code for x86/x64 and ARM architectures.
- Apply knowledge of Linux and Windows kernel-mode programming, process and thread management, and virtual memory.
- Manipulate network packets and apply knowledge of TCP/IP, DNS, and HTTP/S, including covert-channel techniques.
- Engineer custom implants, backdoors, beacons, and Command and Control infrastructure.
- Conduct static and dynamic malware analysis, including analysis of AV evasion, packers, and obfuscation.
- Emulate adversary tradecraft through red teaming and practical application of the MITRE ATT&CK framework.
- Collaborate with operators, analysts, and fellow engineers.
Benefits
- Performance-based bonuses.
- Medical coverage.
- Dental coverage.
- Vision coverage.
- 401(k) plan with company match.
- Substantial paid time off and holidays.
- Flexible work arrangements where possible.
- Income protection benefits.
Stand Out From the Crowd
Upload your resume and get instant feedback on how well it matches this job.
What This Job Offers
Job Type
Full-time
Career Level
Senior
