Embedded Systems Reverse Engineer – Clearance Eligible

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

Benefits offered by this job

Bonuses

Job summary

Johns Hopkins Applied Physics Laboratory in Laurel, MD is seeking an Embedded Systems Reverse Engineer to analyze hardware, firmware, and software of embedded platforms to identify designs, functions, and vulnerabilities. You will develop solutions to modify target platforms and explore AI-assisted methods to speed analysis.

You will document findings for teammates and sponsors, identify emerging technologies, and propose ideas addressing evolving operational challenges in defense and

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Computer Engineering, Electrical Engineering, Computer Science, or related discipline.
• 3+ years of embedded systems engineering or security research.
• Proficiency in hardware reverse engineering, including PCB trace analysis and component identification.
• Expert-level experience with hardware debug interfaces (JTAG, SWD, UART, SPI, I2C).
• Mastery of disassembly and decompilation tools (Ghidra, IDA Pro, Binary Ninja).
• C and Assembly development for ARM or similar architectures.
• U.S. citizenship and ability to obtain Interim Top Secret clearance by start date.

Responsibilities

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

Skills

Embedded systems

Hardware reverse engineering

C/Assembly programming

Ability to obtain TS clearance

Education

Bachelor's degree in Computer Engineering, Electrical Engineering, or Computer Science

Master's degree in a related field

Tools

Ghidra

IDA Pro

Binary Ninja

JTAG / SWD / UART / SPI / I2C

Oscilloscope / Logic analyzers / DMMs

Job description

Johns Hopkins Applied Physics Laboratory in Laurel, MD is seeking an Embedded Systems Reverse Engineer to analyze hardware, firmware, and software of embedded platforms to identify designs, functions, and vulnerabilities. You will develop solutions to modify target platforms and explore AI-assisted methods to speed analysis.

You will document findings for teammates and sponsors, identify emerging technologies, and propose ideas addressing evolving operational challenges in defense and