Principal Offensive Cyber Research Engineer

The role

You will serve as the technical authority for the offensive cyber research program. You will set the long-term vision, drive breakthroughs in adversary emulation, and advise executive leadership and government stakeholders.

What you will do

• Define and drive the long-term technical vision and roadmap for offensive cyber research and capabilities.
• Serve as the principal technical advisor to executive leadership on strategy, capability development, and technical risk.
• Lead research into advanced adversary behaviors and next-generation offensive cyber techniques.
• Establish company-wide standards, frameworks, and best practices for offensive tooling and engineering quality.
• Architect and guide development of advanced adversary emulation and attack automation systems.
• Lead technical governance and provide authoritative guidance on complex decisions.
• Mentor Staff and Senior engineers and build growth plans.
• Recruit, interview, and assess top-tier offensive cyber talent.
• Lead technical engagements with senior government stakeholders.
• Build strategic research partnerships across government, academia, and industry.

Required qualifications

• 8–12 years of distinguished experience across offensive cyber operations, advanced research, and software development.
• Served in senior technical leadership roles in government/military DNEA, Exploitation Analyst (EA) operations, elite red teams, or nation-state threat research.
• Defined technical strategy and led large-scale initiatives that shipped durable, high-impact capabilities.
• Expert-level understanding of adversary behaviors and TTPs, including deep familiarity with MITRE ATT&CK.
• Demonstrated technical judgment in designing complex, scalable systems and establishing engineering standards.
• Led and mentored senior engineers, including setting expectations, running technical reviews, and developing talent.
• Strong executive and customer communication skills, with experience briefing senior leaders and shaping decisions.
• Eligible to obtain a U.S. Government security clearance.
• Active TS/SCI with CI Polygraph

Nice to have

• Deployed offensive cyber capabilities into operational use with measurable mission impact.
• Track record of thought leadership through publications, conference talks, or widely respected technical writing.
• Deep background in malware development, vulnerability research, or exploit engineering with notable discoveries.
• Advanced technical certifications (e.g., OSEE, GXPN, or equivalent government credentials).
• Experience with multi-source intelligence fusion or cross-domain operational environments.
• Familiarity with acquisition/requirements processes and guiding capability development across multiple teams.

Benefits

• Medical, dental, and vision plan options.
• Life / AD&D, disability coverage options.
• Paid parental leave: 12 weeks for birthing parents, 4 weeks for non-birthing parents, 6 weeks for adoptive, foster, or intended parents through surrogacy.
• Paid holidays and flexible PTO.
• 401(k) with pre-tax and Roth options.
• HSA/FSA options, dependent care FSA.

Before you apply

• Role is limited to U.S. citizens.
• Requires active TS/SCI with CI Polygraph.

About the company

Twenty Technologies industrializes offensive cyber operations for the U.S. and its allies. Headquartered in Arlington, Virginia, the company was founded in 2024.