Journeyman CNO Software Developer
Fort Meade / Columbia, MD | CNMF JTF-0
JOB DESCRIPTION
X8 is seeking a Journeyman CNO Software Developer to support specialized military cyber operations under the PURPLEPIRANHA program.
Join an embedded mission team developing and rapidly prototyping offensive cyber capabilities in collaboration with senior engineers, vulnerability researchers, and operational stakeholders.
WHAT YOU'LL BE DOING- Rapidly prototype advanced offensive cyber capabilities with senior engineers to address evolving mission requirements.
- Work on-site with mission experts in C, Windows internals, Linux internals, and other low-level engineering disciplines.
- Collaborate with vulnerability researchers to evaluate proof-of-concept exploits and translate findings into operationally useful tools.
- Analyze proof-of-concept exploits and CVE vulnerabilities; engineer stable, testable capabilities.
- Develop and refine low-level software using .NET, Python, C/C++, and/or assembly.
- Contribute to design and code reviews, accurate developer/tester documentation, and technical knowledge sharing.
- Apply offensive cyber experience, including red/purple team methods, to mission-focused capability development.
- Support rapid prototyping and testing with operational stakeholders to ensure mission fit.
- Maintain and expand expertise in Windows/Linux internals, low-level programming, and offensive cyber techniques.
WHAT REQUIRED SKILLS YOU'LL BRING- Active TS/SCI clearance with CI polygraph.
- USCYBERCOM JQR-qualified with proven offensive cyber experience, OR equivalent contract/civilian offensive cyber work.
- Bachelor's degree in a related field plus 5+ years of exploit/CNO tool development; OR related master's degree plus 3+ years; 4 additional years of directly related experience may substitute for a degree.
- Proficiency in .NET, Python, C/C++, and/or assembly programming.
- Ability to analyze proof-of-concept exploits/CVE vulnerabilities and engineer stable, testable capabilities.
- Technical knowledge of Windows and/or Linux operating systems.
- Ability to produce accurate documentation for developers and testers.
WHAT DESIRED SKILLS YOU'LL BRING
- 6–8 years of exploit/CNO tool development experience.
- Rapid prototyping, automation tooling, and network protocol/testing expertise.
- Corelan Bootcamp/Advanced; ManTech ACTP Windows/Linux/VR&E; OSCP, OSED, OSWE; BCI; or USCYBERCOM CCD Developer (Senior) training/certification.
- Experience with Ghidra, GDB, WinDbg, or fuzzing.
- Prior offensive cyber operations, red/purple team activities, or equivalent contract/civilian experience.
WHY JOIN X8?
- Support mission-critical offensive cyber capability development for USCYBERCOM.
- Work directly with a small, embedded team of experienced cyber engineers.
- Build and refine operationally relevant tools through rapid prototyping and collaboration.
MINIMUM CLEARANCE REQUIRED- Active TS/SCI with CI polygraph required.
COMPENSATION
- $105,000+ (depending on education and experience)
- Bonus potential
- 401K Match – 10%
- Paid time off – 24 PTO Days, 13 Holidays
- Medical Benefits – 100% Employee, 80% Dependent, $1000 company paid HSA Contribution