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Kernel Jobs in Washington (NOW HIRING)

iOS CNO Software Engineer

Chantilly, VA · On-site

$53 - $73/hr

Debug user-space and kernel components using LLDB and other native debugging tools. * Reverse engineer native binaries, iOS frameworks, and operating system components. * Work with iOS internals ...

CNO Reverse Engineer

Hanover, MD · On-site

$185K - $190K/yr

Experience with Linux kernel development, kernel module analysis, device driver development, and low-level operating system internals. * Demonstrated experience performing software reverse ...

iOS CNO Software Engineer

Chantilly, VA · On-site

$144K/yr

Debug user-space and kernel components using LLDB and other native debugging tools. * Reverse engineer native binaries, iOS frameworks, and operating system components. * Work with iOS internals ...

You must be able to "speak the language" of ARM assembly, kernel debugging, and zero-day exploitation to prove how our virtualization technology turns weeks of manual hardware-tinkering into hours of ...

iOS CNO Software Engineer

Chantilly, VA · On-site

$144K/yr

Debug user-space and kernel components using LLDB and other native debugging tools. * Reverse engineer native binaries, iOS frameworks, and operating system components. * Work with iOS internals ...

CNO Reverse Engineer

Hanover, MD · On-site

$185K - $190K/yr

Experience with Linux kernel development, kernel module analysis, device driver development, and low-level operating system internals. * Demonstrated experience performing software reverse ...

ToyGarden Reverse Engineer 1

Hanover, MD · On-site

$78K - $250K/yr

Windows Kernel development experience * Windows Driver Development * Linux * Kernel Development / Driver Development * 75% focus SW RE * Malware Analysis * Vulnerability research and assessment

Reverse Engineer 2-TG

Hanover, MD · On-site

$78K - $250K/yr

Windows Kernel development experience * Windows Driver Development * Linux * Kernel Development / Driver Development * 75% focus SW RE * Malware Analysis * Vulnerability research and assessment

Showing results 41-60

Kernel information

See Washington salary details

$98.8K

$166.9K

$246.4K

How much do kernel jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 8, 2026, the average yearly pay for kernel in Washington is $166,915.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $139,576.00 and $181,986.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What are the typical daily responsibilities of a kernel engineer?

Kernel Engineers typically spend their days designing, implementing, and maintaining low-level components of an operating system’s kernel, such as device drivers, process schedulers, or memory management subsystems. They often review and refactor code, troubleshoot and resolve bugs, and collaborate closely with hardware engineers, application developers, and QA teams. Participation in code reviews and contributing to open source communities or internal repositories are also common activities. This role requires staying up to date with the latest kernel developments and ensuring code changes are performant and stable, directly impacting the reliability and efficiency of the broader system.

What is a kernel?

A Kernel job typically refers to a role focused on developing, maintaining, or optimizing an operating system's kernel—the core component that manages system resources, hardware interaction, and process scheduling. Kernel developers work with low-level programming languages like C and Assembly to improve system performance, security, and stability. These roles often involve debugging kernel crashes, implementing new features, and collaborating with hardware and software teams to ensure seamless integration.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive in the kernel position, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Kernel Engineer, you need strong expertise in operating system fundamentals, C/C++ programming, and kernel module development, often supported by a degree in computer science or equivalent experience. Familiarity with Linux kernel source code, debugging tools like GDB, and version control systems such as Git is essential. Analytical thinking, problem-solving skills, and effective communication distinguish outstanding professionals in this field. These skills are crucial for maintaining system stability, ensuring high performance, and collaborating on complex, low-level software projects.

What cities in Washington are hiring for Kernel jobs? Cities in Washington with the most Kernel job openings:
Infographic showing various Kernel job openings in Washington as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 93% Full Time, 1% Part Time, and 6% Contract. Highlights an 83% Physical, 6% Hybrid, and 11% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $166,915 per year, or $80.2 per hour.

iOS CNO Software Engineer

REDLattice

Chantilly, VA • On-site

$53 - $73/hr

Full-time

Posted 14 days ago


Job description

iOS CNO Software Engineer

Location: Chantilly, VA
Security Clearance: Active TS/SCI with Polygraph Required
Employment Type: Full-Time

About REDLattice

At REDLattice, we are a global leader in delivering cutting-edge technical cybersecurity products and services. We are driven by mission-critical and innovative work that directly contributes to protecting our nations and strategic partners most vital infrastructure. Our teams develop advanced cyber capabilities, forensic solutions, and technical analysis tools that support law enforcement, defense, and national security operations. With offices in Northern Virginia, Melbourne, Florida, Tel Aviv, Israel, and other strategic locations, REDLattice is growing rapidly to meet the evolving needs of our customers.

Position Summary

REDLattice is seeking an iOS CNO Software Engineer to support the development of advanced cyber capabilities for mission-critical national security programs. The ideal candidate will have experience developing iOS software, conducting vulnerability research, reverse engineering native binaries, and building custom capabilities in support of offensive cyber operations.

In this role, you'll work as part of a highly collaborative engineering team tackling complex technical challenges across iOS platform internals, vulnerability research, exploit development, and reverse engineering. Engineers at REDLattice have the opportunity to make a direct impact, take ownership of challenging technical work, and collaborate with some of the industry's most respected cyber professionals developing next-generation mission capabilities.

Responsibilities

  • Design, develop, and deploy custom CNO capabilities for the iOS platform.
  • Develop, test, and debug in Objective-C, Swift, C, C++, and Python environments.
  • Conduct exploit development, vulnerability research, and proof-of-concept creation.
  • Debug user-space and kernel components using LLDB and other native debugging tools.
  • Reverse engineer native binaries, iOS frameworks, and operating system components.
  • Work with iOS internals, kernel subsystems, security mechanisms, and runtime protections.
  • Perform application research and behavioral analysis.
  • Trace execution with native debugging and instrumentation tools to isolate and resolve issues.
  • Produce documentation for operational use and sustainment.
  • Mentor junior engineers and collaborate with mission operators.

Required Experience

  • Advanced development in Objective-C, Swift, C, C++, and Python.
  • Exploit development and memory corruption techniques.
  • Kernel debugging and operating system internals knowledge.
  • UNIX/Linux internals and system-level engineering.
  • Network socket programming and protocol analysis.
  • Reverse engineering tools including IDA Pro, Ghidra, LLDB, Frida, and Hopper (or equivalent).
  • Security protections including ASLR, DEP, Pointer Authentication (PAC), code signing, sandboxing, and bypass techniques.
  • Experience with Git/Bitbucket.

Desired Experience

  • ARM64 assembly language.
  • Frida, objection, or similar instrumentation frameworks.
  • Mobile vulnerability research and exploit chaining.
  • iOS kernel, XNU, Mach, and Objective-C runtime familiarity.
  • Jailbreak development or iOS security research experience.
  • Offensive tool development and mission support experience.
  • Ability to operate autonomously in a high-tempo environment.

Basic Qualifications

  • Active TS/SCI with Polygraph required.
  • Bachelor's degree in Computer Science, Computer Engineering, Electrical Engineering, Cybersecurity, or a related technical discipline (or equivalent experience).
  • Strong analytical, troubleshooting, and problem-solving skills.
  • Excellent written and verbal communication skills.
  • Ability to work independently and collaboratively within a highly technical team.

Why Join REDLattice?

  • Work on mission-driven technology supporting critical law enforcement and national security missions.
  • Join small, highly collaborative engineering teams where your contributions have a direct impact.
  • Solve complex engineering challenges across advanced cyber platforms and technologies.
  • Collaborate with experienced cyber engineers developing next-generation mission capabilities.
  • Gain exposure to cutting-edge cyber research, capability development, and emerging technologies.
  • Competitive compensation, comprehensive benefits, and opportunities for professional growth.

Equal Employment Opportunity Statement

REDLattice is an equal opportunity employer. We welcome applicants from all backgrounds and do not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, sex, age, national origin, veteran status, disability, or any other protected status. Join us at REDLattice and help shape the future of cyber innovation and national security. Apply today!