Senior CNO Exploit Developer

Bachelor's degree in Computer Science, Information Assurance, Information Security Systems Engineering, or a related discipline, and 8+ years of experience. This hands-on role focuses on transforming proof-of-concept exploits and disclosed vulnerabilities into reliable, operationally ready capabilities.

JOB DESCRIPTION
X8 is seeking a Senior CNO Exploit Developer to support specialized military cyber operations on the PURPLEPIRANHA contract. This hands-on role focuses on transforming proof-of-concept exploits and disclosed vulnerabilities into reliable, operationally ready capabilities.

WHAT YOU'LL BE DOING

• Engineer, stabilize, and productize proof-of-concept exploits and CVE-based vulnerabilities for operational use.
• Analyze exploit behavior and improve reliability, repeatability, and suitability for live infrastructure.
• Collaborate with vulnerability researchers to understand proof-of-concept findings, constraints, and technical details.
• Work directly with mission stakeholders to validate that developed capabilities meet operational requirements.
• Reverse-engineer compiled binaries and source code to identify vulnerabilities and support exploit development.

WHAT REQUIRED SKILLS YOU'LL BRING

• Active TS/SCI clearance with polygraph; CI polygraph required for this requisition.
• Bachelor's degree in Computer Science, Information Assurance, Information Security Systems Engineering, or a related discipline, and 8+ years of experience.
• At least 5 years of exploit development or Computer Network Operations (CNO) tool development experience.
• At least 2 years of programming experience with languages or low-level technologies such as Python, C, C++, or x86 assembly.
• Demonstrated ability to analyze proof-of-concept exploits or CVEs and engineer stable, repeatable capabilities.
• Extensive experience reverse-engineering compiled binaries and source code to identify vulnerabilities.
• Experience developing software for CNO analytic or cloud-related projects.

WHAT DESIRED SKILLS YOU'LL BRING

• Subject-matter expertise in exploit development and CVE-based vulnerability research.
• 10+ years of CNO tool development experience.

WHY JOIN X8?

• Build technically challenging capabilities supporting specialized national defense cyber missions.
• Work closely with vulnerability researchers and mission stakeholders on operationally relevant engineering.

MINIMUM CLEARANCE REQUIRED

• Active TS/SCI with CI polygraph required.

COMPENSATION

• $150,000+ (depending on experience and qualifications)
• Bonus potential
• 401(k) match – 10%
• Paid time off – 24 PTO days and 13 holidays
• Medical benefits – 100% employee, 80% dependent; $1,000 company-paid HSA contribution