CNO Network Device Developer (Senior Level)
Fort Meade, MDCNO Network Device Developer (Senior-Level)
Location: Fort Meade, MD
Employment Type: Full-time
Experience Level: Senior (12+ years)
Security Clearance: Active TS/SCI with polygraph required
Position Overview
The selected candidate will serve as a Computer Network Operations (CNO) developer and reverse engineer specializing in network-based devices. This role supports emerging, mission-focused initiatives through the design, development, prototyping, and integration of specialized software capabilities.
The candidate will collaborate closely with analysts, operators, data scientists, and software engineers to deliver tactical and scalable solutions in support of complex operational environments.
Key Responsibilities
Capability Development
- Design, develop, prototype, and integrate software solutions for network-based devices
- Augment and enhance existing toolsets to meet evolving mission requirements
- Develop deployable capabilities that operate effectively within mission constraints
Requirements & Prototyping
- Derive, document, and analyze technical and operational requirements
- Translate mission needs into functional and scalable solutions
- Build prototypes to validate technical approaches and operational understanding
Testing & Deployment
- Test and validate developed toolsets to ensure reliability and mission readiness
- Oversee and support testing efforts prior to deployment
- Support release processes and ensure tools meet operational standards
Reverse Engineering & Analysis
- Perform reverse engineering of Linux-based network devices
- Analyze firmware, system behavior, and communications
- Conduct network protocol analysis and traffic inspection
Operational Support
- Provide sustainment and troubleshooting support for fielded software systems
- Collaborate across teams to ensure successful deployment and mission effectiveness
Required Qualifications
- Minimum of 12 years of relevant experience, or equivalent combination of education and experience
- Bachelor’s degree in a technical discipline, or:
- Master’s degree with at least 10 years of experience, or
- 4 additional years of software engineering experience in lieu of a degree
- Strong experience working in Unix/Linux-based environments
- Demonstrated experience reverse engineering Linux-based network devices
- In-depth understanding of networking protocols (e.g., TCP/IP)
- Experience analyzing network traffic using tools such as Wireshark
- Proficiency in one or more of the following programming languages:
- C / C++
- Python
- Assembly
- Experience developing and modifying systems-level software
- Experience supporting production CNO capabilities and operations
- Familiarity with version control systems (e.g., Git, Subversion)
- Experience with collaboration and issue-tracking tools (e.g., Jira, Confluence)
Preferred Qualifications
- Experience reverse engineering Windows or embedded/RTOS-based systems
- Experience with additional programming or scripting languages (e.g., Java, JavaScript, Bash, PowerShell, Perl, C#, Rust)
- Experience developing CNO-specific capabilities across Linux, Windows, or embedded platforms
- Background in vulnerability research and exploit development
- Familiarity with end-to-end signals intelligence (SIGINT) collection and analysis systems
Desired Attributes
- Ability to operate effectively in a highly secure, mission-driven environment
- Strong analytical and reverse engineering capabilities
- Effective collaboration across multidisciplinary teams
- High level of ownership, adaptability, and attention to detail
- Ability to translate complex technical findings into actionable solutions
Benefits & Total Compensation
Compensation & Retirement
- Highly competitive base salary
- Performance-based bonus opportunities
- Employee referral bonus program (up to $10,000 per referral)
- 401(k) and Roth retirement plans with up to 10% profit-sharing contribution
Paid Time Off & Leave
- 25 days of paid time off annually
- PTO buy-back program
- 11 paid holidays annually (with flexible scheduling options)
- 3 additional paid site closure days per year
- Paid bereavement leave
- Paid parental leave:
- 8 weeks childbirth leave for birthing parent
- 4 weeks bonding leave for all parents (birth or adoption)
Health & Insurance
- 100% employer-paid medical, dental, and vision coverage for employees and eligible dependents
- Health Savings Account (HSA) and Flexible Spending Accounts (medical, dependent care, limited purpose)
- Company-paid basic life insurance
- Short-term and long-term disability coverage
Education & Professional Development
- Unlimited company-funded training courses and industry conferences
- Education assistance and continuing education support
- Up to 5 paid training days per year
Additional Benefits
- Company-provided apparel
- Regular company-sponsored events, including family-friendly gatherings and social events
- Annual holiday celebration
Benefits are subject to change based on contract and organizational policies.
Additional Information
- This position requires work to be performed on-site in a secure environment
- Candidates must maintain an active security clearance
- U.S. citizenship may be required based on contract requirements
Equal Opportunity Employer
We are an Equal Opportunity Employer and consider all qualified applicants without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, veteran status, or disability.