Embedded Systems Emulation Engineer

Systemstechnologyresearch; Arlington (VA); On-site; USD 110,000 - 151,000; Full time

Job summary

Systemstechnologyresearch is seeking an Embedded Systems Emulation Engineer in Arlington, Virginia. In this role, you will work on innovative technologies impacting national security, focusing on emulating cyber-physical systems.

The ideal candidate will have strong C/C++ and Python skills, and must possess an Active Secret security clearance. The salary range for this full-time position is $110,000 - $151,000, reflecting the importance of the role.

Qualifications

• Active Secret security clearance needed; eligibility for Top Secret clearance required.
• Experience with low-level software modifications and device drivers is beneficial.
• Familiarity with network architecture and protocols is a plus.

Responsibilities

• Develop software applications and tools for emulating cyber-physical systems.
• Customize existing emulation frameworks like QEMU.
• Develop emulator tooling and virtual device models.

Skills

C/C++ proficiency

Python proficiency

Understanding of computer architecture

Familiarity with emulation tools

Experience with Git

Education

BS in Computer Engineering, Computer Science, Electrical Engineering or related field

Tools

QEMU

Ghidra

IDA Pro

Job description

STR is hiring an Embedded Systems Emulation Engineer to join our multidisciplinary team of researchers and engineers developing cutting‑edge technologies with significant and immediate impact on our national security. In this role, you will work at the intersection of computer systems and real‑world physical systems, building the tools and models that emulate complex cyber‑physical platforms to enable analysis, reverse engineering, and experimentation.

We believe every employee brings a unique set of skills, experiences, and perspectives that are essential to providing innovative solutions for our customers. You do not need to have experience with every technology listed to be successful in this role. Strong fundamentals, curiosity, and the ability to learn new tools and domains are highly valued.

What you will do

• Work as part of a small, focused team to architect, develop, implement, and test modular software applications and tools for emulating cyber‑physical systems.
• Extend and customize existing emulation frameworks (e.g., QEMU) in C/C++ and Python to support new targets, peripherals, and capabilities.
• Rehost unknown or sparsely documented firmware by analyzing binaries, identifying hardware dependencies, and adapting these to run correctly in emulated environments.
• Develop emulator tooling and virtual device models to support reverse engineering and analysis of embedded systems across diverse architectures (e.g., ARM, PPC).
• Develop digital models using virtualization tools (e.g., QEMU) and network them together to create integrated, end‑to‑end system simulations that closely approximate real hardware behavior.
• Ensure model quality and correctness through unit‑level and system‑level testing, and by validating behavior against first principles, measured data, documentation, and hardware/software artifacts.
• Communicate technical foundations of models and algorithms through reports and briefings

Who you are

• This position requires an Active Secret security clearance with eligibility for Top Secret (TS) clearance, for which U.S. citizenship is required by the U.S. Government.
• Proficiency in C/C++ for systems‑level or embedded software development.
• Proficiency in Python for tool development, automation, and integration.
• Familiarity with emulation and virtualization tools (e.g., QEMU or similar frameworks).
• Strong understanding of computer architecture, emulation principles, and software engineering best practices (e.g., modular design, testing, code review).
• Experience using collaborative source code management (e.g., Git).

Education

• BS in Computer Engineering, Computer Science, Electrical Engineering or related field.

Nice to have

• Active Top Secret (TS) Security Clearance.
• Familiarity with network architecture and protocols, and experience integrating networked simulations.
• Experience with low‑level software modifications (e.g., implants, firmware changes, binary patch development).
• Experience at the software/hardware interface, including device drivers or real‑time/embedded operating systems.
• Experience with reverse engineering and firmware rehosting for embedded systems, including analysis of instruction set architectures (e.g., ARM, PPC) and use of tools such as Ghidra, IDA Pro, or Binary Ninja.
• Experience implementing component models (e.g., sensors, actuators, dynamics, environmental factors) in Python and/or C/C++, and integrating them into system‑level simulations and software processing chains.
• Experience working with hardware components and interfaces.
• Masters or PhD in related field.

Pay Information

Full‑Time Salary Range: $110,000 - $151,000

STR is an equal opportunity employer. We are fully dedicated to hiring the most qualified candidate regardless of race, color, religion, sex (including gender identity, sexual orientation and pregnancy), marital status, national origin, age, veteran status, disability, genetic information or any other characteristic protected by federal, state or local laws.

If you need a reasonable accommodation for any portion of the employment process, email us at [e-mail] and provide your contact info.

Pursuant to applicable federal law and regulations, positions at STR require employees to obtain national security clearances and satisfy the requirements for compliance with export control and other applicable laws.