Reverse Engineer

SIXGEN; Sterling (VA); Hybrid; USD 150,000 - 225,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Employer-paid health insurance

401(k) with employer contribution

Professional development reimbursement

Flexible and remote work policies

Flexible PTO and holidays

Job summary

SIXGEN in Sterling, VA seeks a Reverse Engineer to support IC, DoD, and DoJ customers. This full-time role requires flexibility between in-office and hybrid work depending on project.

Candidates will reverse engineer code with IDA Pro or Ghidra, develop C/C++ and Python, and analyze embedded systems across Linux, Windows, and embedded OSes.

Active Top Secret clearance and U.S. citizenship are required; compensation ranges from $150k to $225k plus benefits.

Qualifications

• Experience reverse engineering compiled code using IDA Pro or Ghidra.
• Proficiency in C, C++, and Python.
• Experience developing code for Linux, Windows, or embedded operating systems.
• Experience identifying vulnerabilities through reverse engineering.
• Experience with hardware and software reverse engineering.
• U.S. citizenship required.
• Active Top Secret clearance required.

Responsibilities

• Reverse engineering compiled code with IDA Pro or Ghidra from a variety of computing platforms
• Identifying vulnerabilities through reverse engineering
• Developing C/C++ code in the kernel and userland on Linux, Windows, and embedded operating systems
• Developing Python code for server applications and processing of binary data streams
• Reverse engineering embedded system hardware including black box analysis, firmware extraction, and debugging using GDB, JTAG, and other equivalent tools
• Implementing automation for testing our tools, fuzzing, and using AI/ML for reverse engineering

Skills

Reverse engineering

C/C++ programming

Python scripting

Linux/Windows

Tools

IDA Pro

Ghidra

GDB

JTAG

Git

Job description

SIXGEN's mission is to deliver agile, mission-ready cybersecurity solutions that empower government and critical infrastructure organizations to stay ahead of advanced cyber threats. We combine innovation, deep expertise, and cutting‑edge capabilities to uncover vulnerabilities, protect vital systems, and ensure operational superiority in an ever‑evolving digital landscape.

POSITION OVERVIEW

Position: Reverse Engineer

Job Type: Full-time

Location: Sterling, VA (Five days in office)

Clearance Requirements: Active Top Secret clearance required

Experience: Intermediate, Senior, and Principal levels

What You'll Do

SIXGEN is actively seeking candidates to provide critical support for a variety of IC, DoD, and DoJ customers. We welcome candidates across a range of experience levels, from early‑career professionals to seasoned veterans. Our reverse engineers should be familiar with both traditional applications and operating systems, as well as embedded systems.

SIXGEN is embracing AI to enhance the speed and efficiency of our work. You'll have the opportunity to incorporate AI into your workflow, and experiment with new tools and strategies as the space evolves.

This position may allow hybrid work; however, this is dependent on the project, therefore candidates may be required to be in the office full time.

Key Responsibilities

• Reverse engineering compiled code with IDA Pro or Ghidra from a variety of computing platforms
• Identifying vulnerabilities through reverse engineering
• Developing C/C++ code in the kernel and userland on Linux, Windows, and embedded operating systems
• Developing Python code for server applications and processing of binary data streams
• Reverse engineering embedded system hardware including black box analysis, firmware extraction, and debugging using GDB, JTAG, and other equivalent tools
• Implementing automation for testing our tools, fuzzing, and using AI/ML for reverse engineering

Qualifications

• Intermediate: 3+ years of relevant experience.
• Senior: 6+ years of relevant experience.
• Principal: 10+ years of relevant experience.
• Experience reverse engineering compiled code using IDA Pro or Ghidra.
• Proficiency in C, C++, and Python.
• Experience developing code for Linux, Windows, or embedded operating systems.
• Experience identifying vulnerabilities through reverse engineering.
• Experience with hardware and software reverse engineering.
• U.S. citizenship required.
• Active Top Secret clearance required.

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience reverse engineering embedded systems.
• Experience with black-box analysis and firmware extraction.
• Experience debugging with GDB, JTAG, or equivalent tools.
• Experience with fuzzing and automated testing.
• Experience applying AI or machine learning to reverse‑engineering workflows.
• Background supporting IC, DoD, or DoJ customers.

DESIRED TRAITS

• Curiosity and passion for solving complex technical challenges.
• Ability to work independently and collaboratively.
• Strong analytical and problem‑solving skills.
• Adaptability as tools, technologies, and strategies evolve.

TECHNOLOGIES

• C, C++, and Python
• Git
• IDA Pro and Ghidra
• GDB and JTAG
• Linux and Windows
• Hardware/Software Reverse Engineering

COMPENSATION & BENEFITS

At SIXGEN, we are committed to fair and equitable compensation practices. Compensation for this role will be based on experience, qualifications, technical expertise, and overall alignment with the position.

• Intermediate 3+ Years: $150,000–$165,000
• Senior 6+ Years : $175,000–$190,000
• Principal 10+ Years: $205,000–$225,000

Additionally, SIXGEN offers top‑tier benefits for full‑time employees, including:

• Employer‑paid health insurance premiums (medical, dental, vision) for you and your family
• Employer‑paid short/long‑term disability insurance and basic life/AD&D insurance
• 401(k) with a 4% employer contribution
• Professional development reimbursement options available (training, certification, education, etc.)
• Flexible and remote work policies for most positions
• Flexible PTO and holiday schedule

For more information, please reach out to our Director of Human Resources, Amy Maxwell, at [e-mail].

OUR COMMITMENT

SIXGEN is an Equal Opportunity Employer. We ensure that all applicants are considered for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, age, marital status, ancestry, protected veteran status, or any other protected group or class.

We are committed to fostering an inclusive culture that values diversity in our people, reflecting the communities we serve and our customer base. We strive to attract and retain a diverse talent pool and create an environment where everyone is empowered to be their authentic selves at work.