Senior Principal Computer Network Operations Engineer

Clarity Innovations · Fort Meade, MD

  • Senior
  • Full-time
  • Posted 2026-11-05
  • Confirmed live on 10 November 2026

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Job description

Clarity Innovations is a trusted national security partner, dedicated to safeguarding our nation’s interests and delivering innovative solutions that empower the Intelligence Community (IC) and Department of Defense (DoD) to transform data into actionable intelligence, ensuring mission success in an evolving world.

Our mission-first software and data engineering platform modernizes data operations, utilizing advanced workflows, CI/CD, and secure DevSecOps practices. We focus on challenges in Information Warfare, Cyber Operations, Operational Security, and Data Structuring, enabling end-to-end solutions that drive operational impact.

We are committed to delivering cutting-edge tools and capabilities that address the most complex national security challenges, empowering our partners to stay ahead of emerging threats and ensuring the success of their critical missions. At Clarity, we are people-focused and set on being a destination employer for top talent, offering an environment where innovation thrives, careers grow, and individuals are valued. Join us as we continue to lead innovation and tackle the most pressing challenges in national security.

Technical Proficiencies

• Low-Level Programming: Demonstrated proficiency in C/C++ and inline assembly, with a deep understanding of memory management, pointer arithmetic, and system call interfaces.

• Reverse Engineering: Expertise in analyzing binary blobs, malware, and firmware using industry-standard tools (IDA Pro, Ghidra, Binary Ninja) and a strong grasp of ELF/PE formats.

• Exploit Development: Proven ability to identify and exploit vulnerabilities such as buffer overflows and use-after-free, including the creation of proof-of-concept exploits.

• Assembly Language: Advanced knowledge of x86/x64 and ARM architectures for reading, writing, and analyzing shellcode and disassembled code.

• Operating System Internals: Comprehensive understanding of Linux and Windows kernel-mode programming, process/thread management, and virtual memory.

• Networking Protocols: In-depth knowledge of the TCP/IP stack, DNS, and HTTP/S, with the ability to manipulate packets and implement covert channel techniques.

• Cyber Tool Development: Experience engineering custom implants, backdoors, beacons, and Command and Control (C2) infrastructure.

Security & Domain Expertise

• Security Fundamentals: Experience with encryption, authentication, sandboxing, and privilege escalation methodologies.

• Threat Emulation: Experience in red teaming and emulating APT tradecraft, with practical application of the MITRE ATT&CK framework.

• Malware Analysis: Proficiency in static and dynamic analysis, including AV evasion, packers, and obfuscation techniques.

Tooling & Environment

• Reverse Engineering & Debugging: Expertise in IDA Pro, Ghidra, Binary Ninja, WinDbg, x64dbg, and GDB.

• Network Analysis: Skilled in using Wireshark, Scapy, Nmap, and tcpdump for protocol analysis.

• Development Lifecycle: Proficient in Git, Make, CMake, and GCC/Clang cross-compilation suites.

Qualifications & Requirements

• Education: Bachelor’s degree in computer science, Computer Engineering, or a related technical field.

• Security Clearance: The ability to obtain a TS/SCI clearance.

• Experience: 8-12 years of specialized experience in reverse engineering, systems development, or cyber operations.

• Certifications: Possession of CISSP, OSCP, GREM, or GPEN is highly desirable.

Soft Skills & Professional Attributes

• Curiosity & Problem-Solving: An innate drive to understand the inner workings of complex systems and resolve intricate technical challenges.

• Attention to Detail: Critical precision required for successful exploit development and reverse engineering tasks.

• Discretion & Ethics: Unwavering commitment to maintaining the integrity and confidentiality of sensitive mission tools and data.

• Collaboration: Ability to work effectively in multi-disciplinary teams alongside operators, analysts, and fellow engineers.

Senior Principal Computer Network Operations Engineer
$159,400—$271,000 USD

Pay Range

The posted pay range reflects the national salary range for this position and is provided to give candidates a general understanding of the compensation opportunity. The actual salary offered will be determined based on the requirements of the position and a variety of job-related factors, which may include geographic location, applicable Federal Government contract labor categories and wage rates, relevant experience, skills and competencies, education, certifications, and the scope and responsibilities of the role.

Because this position may be performed in multiple locations and may be subject to different contract requirements, the salary ultimately offered may vary based on the applicable location and contract. The posted range is not a guarantee of a specific starting salary or an indication that an offer will be made at any particular point within the range.

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