Hardware Reverse Engineer (SME II)

Covenant HR LLC; Arlington (VA); On-site; USD 180,000 - 240,000; Full time

Job summary

Covenant HR LLC is seeking a Subject Matter Expert II in Arlington, VA to conduct high-level hardware reverse engineering for government-grade cybersecurity and critical infrastructure devices. The role emphasizes embedded systems analysis, firmware investigations, and threat research within mission-critical environments.

The position requires active security clearance and hands-on experience with tools like IDA Pro, Ghidra, and Binary Ninja, plus hardware interfaces such as JTAG, SWD, and UART.

Qualifications

• 10+ years of hardware reverse engineering experience.
• Deep expertise in OT/ICS and critical infrastructure devices.
• Experience with reverse engineering tools and hardware interfaces (JTAG, SWD, UART).
• Proficiency in ARM, MIPS, PowerPC architectures; programming in Python, C, Assembly.
• Experience with hardware malware analysis and forensics.

Responsibilities

• Support a government cybersecurity incident response program protecting federal civilian agencies.
• Conduct advanced hardware reverse engineering and forensic investigations of embedded devices.
• Investigate firmware implants, embedded malware, and exploitation techniques.
• Perform firmware extraction and low-level software analysis of network-edge devices.
• Collaborate with engineers on chip-off forensics and hardware imaging.
• Research emerging hardware threats and supply chain compromises.
• Develop SOPs and documentation for hardware forensic investigations.
• Train analysts in hardware reverse engineering methodologies.

Skills

Hardware reverse engineering

OT/ICS security

Reverse engineering tools (IDA Pro, Gh

Tools

IDA Pro

Ghidra

Binary Ninja

Job description

Company - Our client is an award-winning technology consulting firm specializing in cybersecurity, IT operations, and mission-critical solutions. The organization supports government and commercial clients through innovative security solutions, advanced technical expertise, and a commitment to strengthening cyber resilience.

Job Title - SME Hardware Reverse Engineer (Subject Matter Expert II)

Location - Arlington, VA (100% Onsite)

Role Type - Direct Hire

Must Have Skills:

• 10+ years of hardware reverse engineering experience analyzing proprietary hardware, embedded systems, firmware, and low-level software, including identifying vulnerabilities and malicious modifications.
• Deep expertise in Operational Technology (OT), Industrial Control Systems (ICS), and critical infrastructure devices, including SCADA, PLCs, RTUs, and network-edge equipment.
• Strong experience with reverse engineering tools such as IDA Pro, Ghidra, or Binary Ninja, along with hardware debugging interfaces including JTAG, SWD, and UART.
• Knowledge of ARM, MIPS, PowerPC, and other embedded processor architectures, with programming proficiency in Python, C, and Assembly.
• Experience with hardware malware analysis and forensics, including identifying firmware implants, hardware backdoors, embedded malware, and exploitation techniques where traditional EDR visibility is unavailable.

Responsibilities and Job Details:

• Support a mission-critical U.S. Government cybersecurity incident response program protecting federal civilian agencies and critical infrastructure.
• Conduct advanced hardware reverse engineering, forensic investigations, failure analysis, and vulnerability assessments of compromised embedded devices and proprietary hardware.
• Investigate malicious hardware modifications, firmware implants, embedded malware, and threat actor exploitation techniques.
• Perform firmware extraction, low-level software analysis, and forensic examination of network-edge and industrial control devices.
• Utilize and enhance KI2 system emulation capabilities to investigate suspicious hardware behavior and potential security vulnerabilities.
• Collaborate with electrical engineers and technical research teams on chip-off forensics, hardware imaging, and invasive analysis techniques.
• Research emerging hardware threats, supply chain compromises, and advanced exploitation techniques targeting embedded systems and critical infrastructure.
• Develop and maintain standard operating procedures (SOPs) and technical documentation for hardware forensic investigations.
• Train and mentor cybersecurity analysts on hardware reverse engineering methodologies, forensic tools, and investigative best practices.
• Provide subject matter expertise and hands-on technical support during active cybersecurity incident investigations.
• Communicate technical findings, vulnerability assessments, and actionable recommendations to stakeholders and incident response teams.
• Security Clearance: Must have an active Secret clearance and the ability to obtain TS/SCI clearance.