Principal Software Reverse Engineer

Systemstechnologyresearch; Arlington (VA); On-site; USD 204,000 - 284,000; Full time

Job summary

Systemstechnologyresearch in Arlington, Virginia is hiring a Principal Software Reverse Engineer to analyze vulnerabilities in cyber physical systems. This role demands expertise in reverse engineering and developing innovative cybersecurity solutions, working onsite with an active TS clearance.

The position requires a Bachelor's degree in Computer Science or related and at least 15 years of experience, with salaries ranging from $204,000 to $284,000 based on qualifications.

Qualifications

• Active Top Secret (TS) security clearance required.
• Minimum of 15 years relevant experience.
• Experience leading technical teams.
• Proficiency in multiple Assembly Languages.

Responsibilities

• Reverse engineering software targets from Windows/Linux binaries to embedded firmware.
• Develop automated reverse engineering and binary analysis tools.
• Lead multi-discipline teams for cybersecurity solutions.
• Perform vulnerability weaponization and exploit development.
• Document and present research findings.

Skills

Reverse engineering complex software

Automated reverse engineering tools

Cybersecurity solutions development

Technical team leadership

Vulnerability weaponization

Multiple Assembly Languages

Programming in C/C++ and Python

Binary analysis

Education

Bachelor's Degree in Computer Science or related field

Tools

IDA Pro

Binary Ninja

Ghidra

Job description

STR is hiring a Principal Software Reverse Engineer who has a passion for research and analysis of vulnerabilities in cyber physical systems. This opportunity will be part of a multidisciplinary team of researchers and engineers dedicated to developing cutting‑edge technologies with significant and immediate impact on our national security. This position offers an excellent opportunity to work at the nexus of computers and real‑world physical systems. We believe that each employee has a unique set of skills, experiences, and perspectives that are essential to providing our customers with innovative solutions. The skills listed below are representative of those needed for this role but are not the only acceptable set. If you see an overlap with your skills, go ahead and apply!

Work must be performed onsite and Active Top Secret (TS) Clearance required.

What you’ll do:

• Reverse engineering complex software or firmware targets, ranging from typical Windows/Linux binaries to embedded firmware running non‑traditional computer architectures and operating systems
• Developing and applying automated reverse engineering and binary analysis tools to characterize protocols, interfaces, and functionality of target systems
• Developing innovative cybersecurity solutions
• Leading multi‑discipline teams to tackle challenging problems from a wide variety of technologies to develop innovative cybersecurity solutions
• Performing vulnerability weaponization, exploit development, payload development, and exploit mitigation on a variety of challenging targets
• Technical marketing to existing and potential customers
• Technical proposal development (idea generation, writing, reviewing, editing)
• Documenting, demonstrating, and presenting research
• Solving real world problems that have an impact on national security

Who you are:

• This position requires an Active Top Secret (TS) security clearance, for which U.S. citizenship is needed by the U.S. Government.
• Bachelors Degree in Computer Science, Computer Engineering, Cybersecurity or related field plus a minimum of 15 years relevant experience (MS or PhD with equivalent work experience may also be considered)
• Substantial experience leading technical teams on advanced reverse engineering and exploitation programs
• Experience with binary analysis of software/firmware
• Experience with disassembly tools, such as IDA Pro, Binary Ninja, or Ghidra
• Proficiency in multiple Assembly Languages: x86, ARM, etc.
• Proficiency in one or more programming languages: C/C++, Python, etc.
• Deep understanding of reverse engineering fundamentals
• Experience in Vulnerability research and analysis
• Knowledge of weaponizing discovered vulnerabilities into exploits

Nice to haves:

• Implant or software patch development
• Familiarity with binary emulation or vulnerability research, including tools such as QEMU or AFL++
• Experience with DSP architectures, such as Texas Instruments, STMicroelectronics, NXP, or Analog Devices.
• Knowledge of operating system internals including memory/process/thread management
• Embedded systems or firmware analysis
• Experience development custom emulation tools to enable dynamic analysis
• Disassembler/decompiler module development
• Experience analyzing and reconstructing code/data flow
• Automated reverse engineering or software analysis tool development
• Experience debugging software without source code
• Knowledge of binary file structures and formats
• Experience analyzing protocols or message structures
• Knowledge of anti‑reverse engineering techniques
• Knowledge of intrusion detection and anti‑malware systems and techniques

Pay Information

Full‑Time Salary Range: $204,000 - $284,000

The salary range listed is based on external market data. Offers are based on factors, such as but not limited to, the candidate’s experience, education, training, key skills/critical skills, security clearances, and prevailing market and business conditions.

STR is an equal opportunity employer. We are fully dedicated to hiring the most qualified candidate regardless of race, color, religion, sex (including gender identity, sexual orientation and pregnancy), marital status, national origin, age, veteran status, disability, genetic information or any other characteristic protected by federal, state or local laws.

If you need a reasonable accommodation for any portion of the employment process, email us at [e-mail] and provide your contact info.

Pursuant to applicable federal law and regulations, positions at STR require employees to obtain national security clearances and satisfy the requirements for compliance with export control and other applicable laws.