Software Developer II (System Security)

Nightwing•Huntsville, AL

About The Position

Nightwing is seeking an early-career software developer to strengthen its flagship cyber-resiliency products, which provide OS-level protections for Windows, Linux, and VxWorks environments. The products protect mission-critical Department of Defense weapon systems and platforms, including against adversaries who have escalated privileges and bypassed traditional security controls. The role involves developing security capabilities that constrain execution environments, protect applications and data at rest and during execution, and provide cyber detection and response. The developer will work on OS-level security features, counter advanced persistent threats, bind sensitive software cryptographically to trusted hardware, and integrate with Hardware Root of Trust solutions. The position offers mentorship and on-the-job learning in kernel programming and driver development. Applicants must be U.S. citizens and meet the requirements to obtain and maintain a Secret government security clearance. Nightwing describes the role as an opportunity to work on technology protecting critical defense systems, learn from experienced engineers, contribute to a multi-layered cyber-resiliency portfolio, and support national security.

Requirements

At least 2 years of professional software development experience in systems-level programming.
C/C++ skills, including understanding of memory management, pointers, and low-level programming concepts.
Debugging experience using tools such as gdb, WinDbg, Visual Studio Debugger, or similar to diagnose crashes, memory corruption, and system-level problems.
Proficiency with Git in a team environment.
Ability to learn new technical concepts, with a demonstrated record of mastering new technical domains.
A university degree or equivalent experience and at least 2 years of relevant experience, or an advanced degree in a related field.
Must meet the requirements to obtain and maintain a Secret government security clearance.
U.S. citizenship.

Nice To Haves

Experience with OS-level development, such as kernel modules, device drivers, system services, OS internals projects, or security tools.
Background in security-sensitive code, such as anti-malware, EDR, security monitoring, or exploit mitigation.
Understanding of operating system concepts, including process and thread management, memory management, I/O systems, and interrupt handling.
Assembly language experience with x86_64 or ARM, including reading and debugging at the instruction level.
Experience with scripting languages such as Python or Batch for automation and testing.
Familiarity with security concepts such as cryptography, threat modeling, and attack surfaces.
Knowledge of boot processes, firmware, or hardware security, including TPM, Secure Boot, or UEFI.
Understanding of the Linux Driver Model and/or Windows driver models (WDM/WDF/WDK), including conceptual familiarity.

Responsibilities

Develop and enhance OS-level security features that operate deep within the operating system.
Build detection and response mechanisms to counter advanced persistent threats.
Implement cryptographic binding of sensitive software to trusted hardware.
Integrate with Hardware Root of Trust (HRoT) solutions.
Protect against sophisticated attacks from well-funded adversaries.
Support Windows, Linux, and VxWorks platforms.
Learn kernel programming and driver development with mentorship from senior engineers.