Jr Malware Engineer / Active Secret Clearance

Peraton; Arlington (VA); Hybrid; USD 86,000 - 138,000; Full time

Job summary

Peraton is hiring a Junior Malware Reverse Engineer for its Federal Strategic Cyber group in Arlington, VA. The role is hybrid (50/50 on-site/remote), requiring local candidates able to work on-site as needed.

You will analyze, reverse-engineer malware, produce technical reports, and support cyber operations across multiple platforms, contributing to defensive strategies protecting government systems. U.S. citizenship and a Secret clearance (TS/SCI possible) are required.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree with 5+ years of relevant technical experience, or a Master’s degree with 3+ years of experience.
• Experience analyzing malicious applications across multiple platforms, including Linux, macOS, Windows, iOS, Android, and IoT devices.
• Familiarity with listed malware analysis tools and disassembly workflows.
• U.S. citizenship required.
• Active Secret Clearance with ability to obtain TS/SCI.

Responsibilities

• Analyze, isolate, and reverse-engineer malicious binaries to determine behavior and capabilities.
• Conduct static and dynamic analysis of malware samples across operating systems.
• Produce detailed technical reports outlining findings and threat implications.
• Support ongoing cyber operations with malware insights and assessments.
• Recommend countermeasures and mitigation strategies for malware targeting government systems.
• Reverse-engineer known and suspected malware to support incident response and threat hunting.
• Develop and refine policies and methodologies for malware investigations.

Skills

Malware analysis

Reverse engineering

Debugging

Disassembly

Threat hunting

Incident response

Education

Bachelor’s degree

Master’s degree

Tools

Process Explorer

CFF Explorer

Wireshark

Fiddler

Regshot

Process Monitor

Process Hacker

Job description

Responsibilities

Peraton is currently hiring for a Junior Malware Reverse Engineer role with its' Federal Strategic Cyber group.

Location: Arlington, VA (Hybrid - On-site/Remote: 50/50). Local candidates able to work in a hybrid environment required.

About the Role:

• As a Junior Malware Reverse Engineer, you’ll work hands‑on with malicious binaries, support active cyber operations, and contribute to defensive strategies that protect critical government systems.
• This position requires local candidates able to work in a hybrid environment and report on‑site as mission needs dictate.

What You’ll Do

• Analyze, isolate, and reverse‑engineer malicious binaries to determine behavior, functionality, and capabilities.
• Conduct static and dynamic analysis of malware samples across multiple operating systems.
• Produce detailed technical reports outlining findings, characteristics, and threat implications.
• Support ongoing cyber operations with timely malware insights and assessments.
• Recommend countermeasures and mitigation strategies for malware and exploitation techniques targeting government communication systems.
• Reverse‑engineer known and suspected malware files to support incident response and threat‑hunting activities.
• Develop and refine policies, procedures, and methodologies for malware investigations across diverse networks.

#CISA

Qualifications

Minimum Qualifications:

• Bachelor’s degree with 5+ years of relevant technical experience, or a Master’s degree with 3+ years of experience.
  • An additional 4 years of experience may be substituted for a bachelor's degree.
• Experience analyzing malicious applications across multiple platforms, including Linux, macOS, Windows, iOS, Android, and IoT devices.
• Familiarity with tools such as:
  • Process Explorer, CFF Explorer, Wireshark, Fiddler, Regshot, Process Monitor, Process Hacker
• Demonstrated strong understanding of reverse‑engineering methodologies and file reconstruction.
• Ability to unpack, de‑obfuscate, and analyze highly complex malicious applications.
• Hands‑on debugging experience, including identifying and defeating custom or known packers.
• Experience with disassemblers and disassembly workflows.
• U.S. citizenship required.
• Active Secret Clearance with the ability to obtain TS/SCI.
  • Ability to obtain and maintain a DHS EOD background investigation.

Preferred Qualifications:

• Programming knowledge in one or more of the following:
  • Java, C, C++, .NET, PowerShell, Golang, C#
• Familiarity with IC S/SCADA environments and related security considerations.

Peraton Overview

Peraton is a next-generation national security company that drives missions of consequence spanning the globe and extending to the farthest reaches of the galaxy. As the world’s leading mission capability integrator and transformative enterprise IT provider, we deliver trusted, highly differentiated solutions and technologies to protect our nation and allies. Peraton operates at the critical nexus between traditional and nontraditional threats across all domains: land, sea, space, air, and cyberspace. The company serves as a valued partner to essential government agencies and supports every branch of the U.S. armed forces. Each day, our employees do the can’t be done by solving the most daunting challenges facing our customers. Visit peraton.com to learn how we’re keeping people around the world safe and secure.

Target Salary Range

$86,000 - $138,000. This represents the typical salary range for this position. Salary is determined by various factors, including but not limited to, the scope and responsibilities of the position, the individual’s experience, education, knowledge, skills, and competencies, as well as geographic location and business and contract considerations. Depending on the position, employees may be eligible for overtime, shift differential, and a discretionary bonus in addition to base pay.

EEO

EEO: Equal opportunity employer, including disability and protected veterans, or other characteristics protected by law.