Mission-Embedded CNO Exploit Developer

Ft. Meade, Maryland

Application Developer, Level 3

An active TS//SCI clearance with polygraph is required for this role

👋🏼 Hey!

Bitwise is a leading provider of mission-focused intelligence solutions that advance national security for the Intelligence Community and Department of Defense. We're a small and growing company, so you can expect to hop in on the ground floor with us and be a consequential member of the team. You'll be more than a contract performer for us — you'll also be asked for ideas to improve our company and improve your career, and you'll contribute to our team culture. We value growth and community above almost all else, so we gather regularly for game nights, happy hours, tech talks, and plenty more. We think you'll like it here!

Remember, Bitwise is not a cult. 🖖🏼

🎯 What We Look For

Bitwise hires talented engineers who are driven by purpose and who value a culture of technical excellence, growth, and overall wellness. We deliver new and innovative intelligence solutions to our customers at the very forefront of our country's national security missions. And we do it every single day. Our work matters, and so will you.

We ask that every new hire be able to:

Contribute meaningful thought leadership — if not right away, over time
Interact with our customers and earn their confidence in your abilities
Be detailed, even if that means taking a little more time to get it right
Contribute their ideas and ideals to improve all aspects of our company
Allow us to invest in their education so we both grow together
Know and live our core values every single day

💡 About this Role

This is not a back-office software role. As a senior Application Developer embedded directly on a fast-moving CNO mission, you'll design, develop, prototype, and integrate software solutions that deliver real, tangible results for national security. You'll work shoulder-to-shoulder with analysts, operators, data scientists, and fellow engineers — contributing not just code, but ideas — to provide mission tactical support at the cutting edge of what's possible.

This environment moves fast and demands a lot. You'll be expected to adapt continuously, pick up new technologies as the mission evolves, and build relationships with customer leadership that help drive mission success. If you're the kind of engineer who gets energized by hard problems, thrives in dynamic settings, and wants your work to actually matter, this role was built for you.

You'll be based in Ft. Meade, Maryland.

📋 Requirements

12 years of experience with a B.S., or 10 years with an M.S. (4 years of additional software engineering experience may be substituted for a bachelor's degree)
Expert-level proficiency in reverse engineering, with hands-on experience using Ghidra
Experience developing CNO-specific software for Linux, Windows, and/or embedded platforms
Proficiency producing and modifying software in C, C++, Python, Rust, and Go
Deep experience in vulnerability research and exploit development
Knowledge of end-to-end SIGINT collection and analysis systems
Experience with production CNO capabilities and operations
Ability to derive, document, and analyze requirements, and build prototypes that demonstrate mission understanding
Experience supporting fielded software systems
Familiarity with version control systems including Git and Subversion
Familiarity with Atlassian tools, including Jira and Confluence
Willingness to continuously learn new technologies and systems to meet mission objectives

🌟 Preferred Skills

Experience with any of the following languages: Java, JavaScript, Go, Bash, Assembly (x86 and x64), PowerShell, Perl, or C#
Cryptologic development experience

🏝️ Benefits at Bitwise

Top salaries because we're top performers
Pick your PTO — Everyone values time and money differently, so we give you the flexibility to choose between 3 and 5 weeks of PTO with a corresponding adjustment to your pay. Your choice, your balance.
All 11 federal holidays, paid!
Up to 2 snow days, paid!
We'll quadruple (4x!) the first 6% you contribute to your 401(k), giving you up to a 24% company match. Contributing less than 6%? Unclaimed matches come right back to you as extra income, giving you a guaranteed 24% that goes to your retirement, to your paycheck, or both. C'mon now! 🚀
100% employer-paid medical, dental, vision, life, and disability insurances. That's a lot. Already covered on health insurance? No problem — we'll trade you this benefit for a boost to your salary instead.
$5,250 annual education assistance for training, certifications, tuition, and even student loan repayments.
Spot bonuses for obtained certifications, customer recognition, and just about anything else that makes us go "Hot damn!". We hope to say that many times about you. 🔥

💰 Salary Range

$287,500 – $338,000

This range includes our flex income and depends upon your annual work hours.

Salary is determined on an individual basis following the interview process and considering various factors such as years of experience, skills, education, and certifications.

🛎️ What to Expect After Applying

You'll get an email from us right away to acknowledge your application. After that, we'll:

Send over additional company materials for you to review
Schedule a video call to talk about you, our company, and your place in it
Craft a delightful offer package for you and record a video walkthrough
Work closely with you through onboarding. We'll keep it joyful and easy.

ℹ️ Disclaimers

Bitwise is an Equal Opportunity Employer. We celebrate diversity and are committed to creating an inclusive environment for all employees. We do not discriminate based on race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, age, disability, veteran status, or any other legally protected status. All employment decisions are based on qualifications, merit, and business needs.

Compensation for this position, including all compensation options, will be determined on an individual basis following the interview process.

If you require accommodations at any stage of the application or interview process, please reach out to us.

Last updated: 5/4/26