CNO 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.

Apply to CNO Network Device Developer (Senior Level)