Microelectronics Vulnerability Researcher

Booz Allen Hamilton; Huntsville (AL); On-site; USD 86,800 - 198,000; Full time

Job summary

Phase2 Technology is seeking a skilled Microelectronics Vulnerability Researcher to join our team in Huntsville, Alabama. This role involves investigating hardware security and analyzing embedded systems to support law enforcement capabilities.

The ideal candidate will have significant experience in software development, embedded systems, and reverse engineering, with a focus on hardware analysis. Top Secret clearance is mandatory for this position.

Qualifications

• 3+ years of experience in software development with C, C++, or Python.
• Experience with embedded systems, including assembly‑level microcontroller programming.
• Top Secret clearance is required.

Responsibilities

• Investigate hardware security implementations and embedded systems.
• Analyze and reverse engineer firmware and electronics using tools such as IDA Pro and Ghidra.
• Develop techniques to recover data and evaluate device security.

Skills

C/C++/Python development

Embedded systems

Reverse engineering

Test equipment proficiency

Top Secret clearance

Education

Bachelor's degree in engineering

Master's degree in engineering

Tools

IDA Pro

Ghidra

Oscilloscopes

Logic analyzers

Hardware debuggers

Job description

Microelectronics Vulnerability Researcher

Job Number: R0235891

We are seeking a hands‑on engineer who enjoys understanding how embedded devices work at a low level. In this role, you will investigate hardware security implementations, analyze embedded systems, and develop techniques to recover data and evaluate device security in support of investigative capabilities for law enforcement.

This is a highly technical, lab‑focused engineering role centered on hardware analysis, reverse engineering, debugging, and experimentation. You will work with embedded systems, security subsystems, debugging interfaces, and memory technologies to solve challenging technical problems and support mission‑critical investigative capabilities.

Responsibilities

• Investigate hardware security implementations and embedded systems. • Analyze and reverse engineer firmware and electronics using tools such as IDA Pro, Ghidra, and embedded debuggers. • Develop techniques to recover data and evaluate device security. • Utilize side‑channel analysis, fault injection, and other hardware testing methods. • Use test equipment such as oscilloscopes, logic analyzers, and hardware debuggers to monitor and analyze hardware.

Qualifications

• 3+ years of experience in software development with C, C++, or Python.
• Experience with embedded systems, including assembly‑level microcontroller programming and configuration.
• Experience with reverse engineering of embedded systems and electronics, including firmware, using tools like IDA Pro, Ghidra, or embedded software debuggers or emulators.
• Experience with side‑channel analysis, fault injection, failure analysis, differential power analysis (DPA), correlation power analysis (CPA), electromagnetic analysis (EMA), or glitching.
• Experience using test equipment such as oscilloscopes, logic analyzers, hardware debuggers, and tools to monitor and analyze hardware.
• Top Secret clearance.
• Bachelor’s degree and 3+ years of experience in engineering, or Master’s degree and 1+ year of experience in engineering, or 10+ years of experience in engineering in lieu of a degree.

Nice to Have

• Experience with FPGA development.
• Experience monitoring and capturing system‑level buses and interfaces such as i2C, USB, or JTAG.
• Experience working with operating system code.
• Knowledge of secure boot processes.
• Knowledge of cryptography and signal processing.
• Knowledge of flash memory and RAM concepts.
• Bachelor’s degree in Electrical Engineering or Computer Engineering.

Clearance

Applicants selected will be subject to a security investigation and may need to meet eligibility requirements for access to classified information. Top Secret clearance is required.

Compensation

Salary range: $86,800.00 to $198,000.00 (annualized USD). The salary is determined by location, education, skills, and experience, as well as contract‑specific affordability and organizational requirements.

EEO Statement

All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to disability, status as a protected veteran or any other status protected by applicable federal, state, local, or international law.