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Windows Kernel Developer Jobs in Maryland (NOW HIRING)

Demonstrated experience conducting Windows software reverse engineering, including analysis of user-mode and kernel-mode applications, Windows kernel internals, and Windows driver development.

CNO Reverse Engineer

Hanover, MD · On-site

$185 - $190/hr

Demonstrated experience conducting Windows software reverse engineering, including analysis of user‑mode and kernel‑mode applications, Windows kernel internals, and Windows driver development.

Showing results 21-40

Windows Kernel Developer information

See Maryland salary details

$58.7K

$131K

$216.9K

How much do windows kernel developer jobs pay per year?

As of Sep 6, 2026, the average yearly pay for windows kernel developer in Maryland is $130,993.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $106,800.00 and $155,300.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is a Windows Kernel Developer?

A Windows Kernel Developer is responsible for designing, developing, and debugging software that interacts with the Windows operating system at the kernel level. This includes creating drivers, improving system performance, and ensuring security. They work with low-level programming languages like C and C++ and require a deep understanding of Windows internals, memory management, and concurrency. Their role is critical in industries such as cybersecurity, device driver development, and enterprise software solutions.

What are some typical challenges a Windows Kernel Developer can expect to face on the job?

As a Windows Kernel Developer, you will often encounter complex debugging scenarios, where identifying and addressing low-level issues such as memory corruption, race conditions, or system crashes can be challenging. Working closely with hardware teams, application developers, and QA engineers, you'll need to interpret intricate technical details and integrate kernel changes without disrupting system stability. The environment may require handling urgent production issues and keeping up with Microsoft's evolving kernel architecture and security models. However, these challenges offer valuable opportunities to deepen your expertise and have a direct impact on system reliability and performance.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a Windows Kernel Developer, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Windows Kernel Developer, you need strong programming skills in C/C++, deep knowledge of operating system concepts, and experience with kernel-mode debugging and Windows internals, typically supported by a degree in computer science or a related field. Proficiency with tools like WinDbg, Visual Studio, and the Windows Driver Kit (WDK), as well as certifications such as Microsoft Certified: Windows Operating System Fundamentals, is valuable. Analytical thinking, attention to detail, and effective communication are essential soft skills, enabling you to solve complex technical challenges and collaborate with cross-functional teams. These capabilities are crucial for designing robust, secure, and high-performance system software that operates at the core of Windows environments.

What are the most commonly searched types of Windows Kernel Developer jobs in Maryland?

The most popular types of Windows Kernel Developer jobs in Maryland are:

What are popular job titles related to Windows Kernel Developer jobs in Maryland?

For Windows Kernel Developer jobs in Maryland, the most frequently searched job titles are:

Infographic showing various Windows Kernel Developer job openings in Maryland as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 78% Full Time, 14% Part Time, and 7% Contract. Highlights an 91% Physical, 2% Hybrid, and 7% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $130,993 per year, or $63 per hour.

$185K - $190K/yr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Re-posted 17 days ago


Job description

Be Challenged and Make a Difference 
 
In a world of technology, people make the difference. We believe if we invest in great people, then great things will happen. At AnaVation, we provide unmatched value to our customers and employees through innovative solutions and an engaging culture. 

Description of Task to be Performed:

Perform reverse engineering of hardware components, software applications and operating systems to determine functionality, code structure, and circuit design for use in the design and development of CNO tools and techniques. Document and deliver reports, proof-of-concept code, prototypes and hands-on demonstrations. Author and participate in technical presentations on assigned projects. The Level 2 CNO Reverse Engineer shall possess the following capabilities: Program in Assembly, C, C#, C++, Java, Perl, or Python. Administer and use hardware and software reverse engineering tools. Program using CNO tools and techniques. Use software version control tools (e.g., Subversion and CVS). Create and brief technical presentations. Provide written reports, proof-of-concept code, prototypes, and hands-on demonstrations of reverse engineering results. Provide/author and participate in technical presentations on assigned projects.

Required Qualifications:
  • Clearance: U.S. Citizen with an active Top Secret/Sensitive Compartmented Information (TS/SCI) clearance and a Full Scope Polygraph (FSP) completed within the last two (2) years.
  • Location: Full time on-site in Hanover, Maryland.
  • Experience and knowledge:
    • Bachelor's degree in computer science, Cybersecurity, Computer Engineering, Intelligence Studies, Information Technology, or a related technical discipline.
    • Minimum of five (5) years of professional experience performing software reverse engineering, vulnerability research, or low-level software analysis supporting Department of Defense (DoD), Intelligence Community (IC), or Federal Government programs.
    • Demonstrated experience developing, modifying, and maintaining production-quality software, with the ability to clearly explain software engineering methodologies, design decisions, and implementation approaches.
    • Proficiency in one or more of the following programming languages: C, C++, and Python, with experience developing tools, utilities, or mission applications supporting cyber operations.
    • Demonstrated experience conducting Windows software reverse engineering, including analysis of user-mode and kernel-mode applications, Windows kernel internals, and Windows driver development.
    • Experience with Linux kernel development, kernel module analysis, device driver development, and low-level operating system internals.
    • Demonstrated experience performing software reverse engineering as a primary duty, with approximately 75% of previous responsibilities focused on reverse engineering, binary analysis, or vulnerability research.
    • Experience conducting static and dynamic malware analysis, reverse engineering malicious code, and identifying adversary tactics, techniques, and procedures (TTPs).
    • Experience supporting cyber operations, with familiarity across the Computer Network Operations (CNO) mission space, including offensive cyber operations, defensive cyber operations, exploitation, and cyber intelligence workflows.
    • Practical experience with exploit development, vulnerability discovery, binary exploitation, or software vulnerability research.
Preferred Qualifications:
  • Master's degree in Computer Science, Cybersecurity, Computer Engineering, Information Assurance, Intelligence Studies, or a related technical discipline.
  • Professional cybersecurity certification(s) demonstrating advanced knowledge of offensive security, vulnerability research, reverse engineering, or penetration testing, such as:
  • Offensive Security Certified Professional (OSCP)
  • Certified Ethical Hacker (CEH)
  • GIAC Exploit Researcher and Advanced Penetration Tester (GXPN)
  • Demonstrated experience conducting advanced exploit development, vulnerability research, or software exploitation against complex operating systems and applications.
  • Experience supporting offensive cyber operations, cyber capability development, or research and development efforts within the Department of Defense (DoD), Intelligence Community (IC), or other Federal Government organizations.
  • Experience reverse engineering sophisticated malware, advanced persistent threat (APT) toolsets, or nation-state cyber capabilities.
  • Working knowledge of current adversary tactics, techniques, and procedures (TTPs), emerging cyber threats, and evolving trends in offensive cybersecurity, exploit research, and vulnerability discovery
$185,000 - $190,000 a year
Please note: The listed salary range reflects our market-based compensation structure. Final compensation will depend on business needs, local market conditions, internal equity, and the selected candidate's skills, education, and experience. 
Benefits 
  •         Generous cost sharing for medical insurance for the employee and dependents 
  •         100% company paid dental insurance for employees and dependents 
  •         100% company paid long-term and short-term disability insurance 
  •         100% company paid vision insurance for employees and dependents 
  •         401k plan with generous match and 100% immediate vesting 
  •         Competitive Pay 
  •         Generous paid leave and holiday package 
  •         Tuition and training reimbursement 
  •         Life and AD&D Insurance
About AnaVation 
AnaVation is the leader in solving the most complex technical challenges for collection and processing in the U.S. Federal Intelligence Community. We are a US owned company headquartered in Chantilly, Virginia. We deliver groundbreaking research with advanced software and systems engineering that provides an information advantage to contribute to the mission and operational success of our customers. We offer complex challenges, a top-notch work environment, and a world-class, collaborative team.  
 
If you want to grow your career and make a difference while doing it, AnaVation is the perfect fit for you! 
 
AnaVation is an equal opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to sex, race, color, religion, national origin, disability, protected Veteran status, age, or any other characteristic protected by law.
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