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Cno Developer Jobs in Massachusetts (NOW HIRING)

Principal Software Engineer

Boston, MA · On-site +1

$193K - $318K/yr

Engineer and optimize software-defined networking solutions, including the integration of Open Virtual Network (OVN) with OpenShift's Cluster Network Operator (CNO) for DPU-offloaded workloads. What ...

Cno Developer information

See Massachusetts salary details

$79.7K

$170.2K

$284K

How much do cno developer jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 25, 2026, the average yearly pay for cno developer in Massachusetts is $170,189.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $137,600.00 and $188,900.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is a CNO Developer?

A CNO (Computer Network Operations) Developer is a specialized software engineer who focuses on cybersecurity, often involving offensive and defensive network operations. They design, develop, and implement tools for penetration testing, vulnerability research, and exploit development. This role typically requires expertise in low-level programming, reverse engineering, and networking protocols. CNO Developers often work with government agencies, defense contractors, or cybersecurity firms to enhance cyber capabilities. Due to the sensitive nature of their work, security clearances may be required.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a CNO Developer?

To thrive as a CNO Developer, you need a strong background in computer science, proficiency in programming languages (such as Python or C++), and understanding of network operations and cybersecurity principles. Familiarity with software development tools like Git, automated testing frameworks, and secure coding practices is essential, and certifications such as Certified Ethical Hacker (CEH) or CISSP can be advantageous. Strong analytical thinking, problem-solving skills, and the ability to communicate complex technical concepts to cross-functional teams are valuable soft skills. These competencies are crucial for developing secure, robust network operation solutions and collaborating effectively within multidisciplinary teams.

What are the typical challenges a CNO Developer might face on the job?

CNO Developers often encounter complex technical challenges such as integrating security at various levels of network operations, staying ahead of emerging cyber threats, and ensuring that their solutions are both robust and scalable. Balancing performance and security requirements while working with legacy systems can also present difficulties. The role may involve frequent collaboration with cybersecurity experts, network engineers, and other developers to create integrated solutions. Proactively improving your skills and remaining adaptable will help you navigate these unique challenges and contribute effectively to your team's success.

Infographic showing various Cno Developer job openings in Massachusetts as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 100% Full Time. Highlights an 75% In-person, and 25% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $170,189 per year, or $81.8 per hour.

CNO Software Engineer - OS, Hypervisor, UEFI/BIOS Specialist

Cambridge, MA • On-site

Full-time

Re-posted 3 days ago


Job description

Job Summary:
Draper is an independent, nonprofit research and development company headquartered in Cambridge, MA. They are seeking a CNO Software Engineer to develop tailored solutions for the Department of Defense and Intelligence Community, focusing on addressing national challenges through cybersecurity efforts.
Responsibilities:
• Assess hardware and software for security vulnerabilities using a breadth of technologies and techniques.
• Develop software that meets behavior and security requirements for tailored applications.
• Integrate software capabilities with other tasks or groups to improve performance or behavior requirements.
• Create new tools and systems to detect and exploit vulnerabilities and system weaknesses.
• Document nominal application and system functionality, in addition to implemented changes.
• Help define the analysis approach for a particular problem and independently execute assignments
• Contribute high quality content for technical reports and presentations with minimal guidance
• Proactively identify needs and concerns associated with design decisions and communicate them to project leadership
• Performs other related duties as assigned.
Qualifications:
Required:
• Requires a bachelor's in computer science, computer engineering, or related field.
• 3-5 years experience in Cybersecurity or related field is required.
• Proficiency in developing kernel modules, drivers, or firmware for Windows, GNU/Linux, RTOS, or UEFI/BIOS.
• Proficiency in implementing hypervisor internals, including VM lifecycle management and hardware emulation.
• Proficiency in crafting custom bootloaders or firmware instrumentation for forensic data collection (e.g. UEFI).
• Proficiency in techniques that prevent reverse engineering and employ obfuscation or diversification.
• Proficiency with core workings of operating systems (user mode, kernel mode, boot processes), particularly in Windows, GNU/Linux, or RTOS contexts.
• Proficiency in analyzing OS internals for forensic evidence extraction.
• Proficiency in reverse engineering closed-source hypervisors, firmware, or OS components to uncover system artifacts.
• Proficiency in dissecting memory management, interrupt handling, and system calls for forensic traces or anomaly detection.
• Proficiency in capturing and analyzing memory dumps, crash reports, runtime logs from OS and hypervisor environments.
• Proficiency in BIOS/UEFI forensic analysis, focusing on firmware modifications, bootkits, or tampered configurations.
• Proficiency in utilizing system internals to identify persistence mechanism, hidden processes, or kernel-level rootkits.
• Proficiency with programming languages and their build systems such as: C, C++, Python, GoLang, Rust.
• Proficiency with software version control systems.
• Successful history in authoring of technical proposals and documents.
• Leadership in advanced R&D initiatives, including government-funded projects.
• Leadership of critical programs with more than two full time staff members.
• Proficient in teamwork and communication with diverse audiences.
• Applicants selected for this position will be required to obtain and maintain a government TS/SCI security clearance.
Company:
Draper is a non-profit laboratory focused on applied research, engineering development, education, and technology transfer. Founded in 1932, the company is headquartered in Cambridge, USA, with a team of 1001-5000 employees. The company is currently Late Stage.