Embedded Systems Reverse Engineer

Johns Hopkins Applied Physics Laboratory; Laurel (MD); On-site; USD 100,000 - 245,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

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Job summary

Johns Hopkins University Applied Physics Laboratory LLC (APL) is seeking an Embedded Systems Reverse Engineer in Laurel, MD. You will analyze embedded hardware, firmware, and software to understand designs, discover vulnerabilities, and develop modifications for advanced platforms.

You will also research AI techniques to accelerate capability development, document findings for sponsors, and propose new ideas to address evolving operational challenges. U.S.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in computer/elec engineering or CS.
• 3+ years in embedded systems engineering or security research.
• Proficiency with hardware reverse engineering incl. PCB trace analysis and oscilloscope use.
• Experience with hardware debug interfaces (JTAG, SWD, UART, SPI, I2C).
• Mastery of disassembly tools: Ghidra, IDA Pro, Binary Ninja.
• Development in C and Assembly for ARM or similar architectures.
• Ability to rapidly acquire deep technical proficiency in new domains.
• US citizenship and eligibility for Interim Top Secret clearance.

Responsibilities

• Analyze hardware, firmware, and software of embedded systems to understand designs and vulnerabilities.
• Develop solutions to modify behavior of target platforms.
• Research and apply AI technologies to accelerate cyber capability development.
• Document knowledge and capabilities for teammates, leaders, and sponsors.
• Identify emerging technologies, engage sponsors, and propose new ideas.

Skills

C and Assembly development

Hardware reverse engineering

ARM or similar architectures

Deep technical proficiency in new/dom0

Education

Bachelor's degree in Computer/Electrical Engineering or CS

Master's degree (preferred)

Tools

Ghidra

IDA Pro

Binary Ninja

Job description

Description

Are you enticed about uncovering the inner workings of today's most advanced technologies, including distributed surveillance systems and teams of uncrewed platforms?

Are you ready to make critical contributions to national security operations that require a rare combination of technical mastery and mission focus?

If so, we're looking for someone like you to join our team at APL.

The Cyber-Physical Systems Development Group is seeking an Embedded Systems Reverse Engineer to develop advanced capabilities that address some of the toughest challenges facing the defense and intelligence communities. Our group develops capabilities to analyze and exploit technologies that sense, communicate, and operate in the real world, such as cameras, drones, networking gear, mobile devices, and wearables. As these technologies become more pervasive and interconnected, the data and signals they generate offer new sources of intelligence, while their software and communications introduce vulnerabilities that can be exploited to degrade or deny their operation. We turn these opportunities into practical capabilities that expand U.S. operators' awareness, access, and freedom of action.

As an Embedded Systems Reverse Engineering you will…

• Analyze the hardware, firmware, and software of embedded systems to understand designs, functions, and vulnerabilities.
• Develop solutions that enhance, moderate, or otherwise modify the behavior of target platforms.
• Research and apply AI technologies to accelerate all stages of cyber capability development.
• Document and communicate knowledge and delivered capabilities to teammates, leaders, and sponsors.
• Identifying emerging technologies, engage with sponsors, and propose new ideas that address evolving operational challenges.

Qualifications

You meet our minimum qualifications for the job if you possess…

• A Bachelor's degree in Computer Engineering, Electrical Engineering, Computer Science, or another discipline relevant to the duties as described above.
• 3+ years of experience in embedded systems engineering or security research.
• Proficiency in hardware reverse engineering, including PCB trace analysis, component identification, and the use of digital multimeters, logic analyzers, and oscilloscopes.
• Expert-level experience interacting with hardware debug interfaces (e.g., JTAG, SWD, UART, SPI, I2C).
• Mastery of disassembly and decompilation tools (e.g., Ghidra, IDA Pro, Binary Ninja).
• Development experience in low-level languages, such as C and Assembly, for ARM or similar architectures.
• Proven track record of quickly acquiring deep technical proficiency in unfamiliar domains or specialized systems.
• Are able to obtain an Interim Top Secret level security clearance by your start date and can ultimately obtain a Top Secret level clearance. If selected, you will be subject to a government security clearance investigation and must meet the requirements for access to classified information. Eligibility requirements include U.S. citizenship.

You'll go above and beyond our minimum requirements if you possess…

• A Master's degree or Ph.D. in Computer Engineering, Electrical Engineering, Computer Science, or a related technical discipline.
• 5+ years of professional experience that includes offensive cyber capability development.
• Demonstrated experience with the hardware and software architectures of IoT devices, uncrewed systems, or other edge computing devices.
• Experience applying AI/ML, including agentic AI, to automate vulnerability discovery, reverse engineering, software engineering, or other complex technical workflows.

About Us

Why Work at APL?

The Johns Hopkins University Applied Physics Laboratory (APL) brings world-class expertise to our nation’s most critical defense, security, space and science challenges. While we are dedicated to solving complex challenges and pioneering new technologies, what makes us truly outstanding is our culture. We offer a vibrant, welcoming atmosphere where you can bring your authentic self to work, continue to grow, and build strong connections with inspiring teammates.

At APL, we celebrate our differences of perspectives and encourage creativity and bold, new ideas. Our employees enjoy generous benefits, including a robust education assistance program, unparalleled retirement contributions, and a healthy work/life balance. APL's campus is located in the Baltimore-Washington metro area. Learn more about our career opportunities at https://www.jhuapl.edu/careers.

All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, creed, color, religion, sex, gender identity or expression, sexual orientation, national origin, age, physical or mental disability, genetic information, veteran status, occupation, marital or familial status, political opinion, personal appearance, or any other characteristic protected by applicable law. APL is committed to providing reasonable accommodation to individuals of all abilities, including those with disabilities. If you require a reasonable accommodation to participate in any part of the hiring process, please contact [e-mail].

The referenced pay range is based on JHU APL's good faith belief at the time of posting. Actual compensation may vary based on factors such as geographic location, work experience, market conditions, education/training and skill level with consideration for internal parity. For salaried employees scheduled to work less than 40 hours per week, annual salary will be prorated based on the number of hours worked. APL may offer bonuses or other forms of compensation per internal policy and/or contractual designation. Additional compensation may be provided in the form of a sign-on bonus, relocation benefits, locality allowance or discretionary payments for exceptional performance. APL provides eligible staff with a comprehensive benefits package including retirement plans, paid time off, medical, dental, vision, life insurance, short-term disability, long-term disability, flexible spending accounts, education assistance, and training and development. Applications are accepted on a rolling basis.

Minimum Rate

$100,000 Annually

Maximum Rate

$245,000 Annually