Firmware Engineer

Mission Technologies, a division of HII; Roanoke (VA); On-site; USD 90,000 - 140,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Medical insurance

Dental insurance

Vision plans

401(k)

Job summary

Mission Technologies, a division of HII, in Roanoke, VA, seeks engineers who excel at reverse engineering and microelectronics trust and assurance. You will lead a team, decode how systems work, and translate discoveries into code while solving complex problems with fast-moving innovation and high stakes.

Applicants should be versed in object‑oriented design, C++, Java, Python, and HDL tools; FPGA experience (Quartus, Vivado) is a plus.

Qualifications

• US citizen able to obtain and maintain a DoD security clearance.
• Experience with object‑oriented languages (C++, Java, Python).
• Exposure to HDL tools and basics of logic design.
• Ability to learn quickly in a fast‑paced environment.

Responsibilities

• Lead reverse engineering efforts and mentor engineers.
• Architect maintainable solutions to complex problems.
• Collaborate on development of new ideas with hardware and software teams.
• Translate discoveries into code and improve algorithms.

Skills

C++

Java

Python

OOP

Boolean logic

Rapid learning

Education

B.S. in Computer Science or related

Tools

Verilog/VHDL

Quartus

Vivado

Ghidra

IDA Pro

Git

Perforce

Job description

Position Overview

Full‑time, salaried, exempt role located in Roanoke, VA. Requires 0‑10% travel and the ability to obtain a DoD security clearance. Level of experience: Mid.

Leadership Mindset at HII – Mission Technologies

• Know & Grow Your People – Commit to learning and supporting team success.
• Build Relationships – Communicate openly, collaborate well, and build trust.
• Take Ownership – Deliver on commitments and take pride in your work.
• Customer First – Focus on the mission and those we serve.
• Shape the Future – Bring ideas, curiosity, and continuous improvement.
• Act with Urgency – Take initiative and follow through with purpose.

Role

Leadership at HII is a mindset, not a title. Through our Leadership Capability Framework, we define how every employee grows, leads, and contributes—regardless of role. It sets the standard for how you can develop yourself and what you can expect from leaders across our organization.

Job Description

Are you driven by curiosity, energized by complex challenges, and motivated to dissect the unknown? Join a cutting‑edge team where your expertise directly shapes mission outcomes and national security. We’re looking for engineers who excel at uncovering how systems work (and why), thrive in an environment where innovation moves fast and the stakes are high.

We’re seeking talented engineers who are excited to work in a flipped engineering environment. Our team in Roanoke, VA specializes in reverse engineering and microelectronics trust and assurance. Candidates will lead a team performing reverse engineering tasks on existing products and encode discoveries directly into our codebase. They will also research, design, and develop innovative algorithms to automate challenging or time‑consuming tasks within the reverse engineering domain. Candidates will become proficient with hardware description languages, embedded instruction architectures, high‑level software development languages, formal verification tools, and more.

Minimum experience includes familiarity with object‑oriented design and basic logic gates. Preferred expertise includes FPGA design (Quartus, Vivado, ISE), embedded system design, EDA tools (synthesis, P&R, simulation), and microcontrollers. Software reverse engineering experience is also valued.

Essential Job Responsibilities

Lead reverse engineering efforts for systems of interest and mentor junior engineers in reverse engineering and development processes. Communicate clearly and effectively, architect maintainable solutions to complex problems, and collaborate on the development of new ideas. Accept constructive feedback through the code review process. Implement algorithms created by hardware engineers or from academic sources with limited documentation.

Minimum Qualifications

• United States citizen with the ability to obtain and maintain a DOD security clearance.
• Extensive experience with object‑oriented programming languages (C++, Java, Python).
• Exposure to basic logic gates and Boolean math (AND, OR).
• Rapid ability to learn new skills.

Preferred Requirements

• Active security clearance.
• Experience with modern C++ (C++17) and STL.
• Experience with Python.
• Demonstrated use of design patterns.
• Software development experience using Agile, TDD, etc.
• Familiarity with Verilog or VHDL.
• Experience with FPGA design software (Quartus, ISE, Vivado).
• Experience with software reverse engineering tools (IDA Pro, Ghidra, Binary Ninja).
• Proficiency with source control systems (git, svn, Perforce).
• Experience with the code review process.
• Experience with binary patching.
• Experience bypassing encryption schemes (power glitching, side‑channel attacks, etc.).
• Publications in cybersecurity, software exploitation, or reverse engineering.

Benefits

Competitive benefits include best‑in‑class medical, dental, and vision plans; wellness resources; employee assistance programs; 401(k) savings plan; financial planning tools; life insurance; employee discounts; paid holidays; paid time off; tuition reimbursement; early childhood and post‑secondary education scholarships.

EEO Statement

All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, gender, gender identity or expression, sexual orientation, national origin, physical or mental disability, age, veteran status or any other basis protected by federal, state, or local law.

Accommodations

If you need a reasonable accommodation for any part of the employment process, please email [e-mail] and let us know the nature of your request and your contact information. For additional assistance you may call 1-844-849-8463 and press #3 for HII Mission Technologies.