Reverse Engineer for RF Systems

The Johns Hopkins University Applied Physics Laboratory; Laurel (MD); On-site; USD 100,000 - 245,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Robust education assistance program

Unparalleled retirement contributions

Healthy work/life balance

Job summary

A research and engineering laboratory in Laurel, MD seeks a Reverse Engineer for RF Systems. In this critical role, you will reverse engineer software and hardware within wireless systems, develop innovative signal processing prototypes, and collaborate with teams to enhance communication methodologies. Ideal candidates will possess a Bachelor's in a relevant field, along with at least three years of programming experience and capabilities to engage in technical presentations. The position offers a competitive salary and a dynamic work environment promoting creative solutions.

Qualifications

• At least 3 years of experience with embedded systems programming.
• Excellent communication skills required.
• Ability to acquire Secret and TS/SCI security clearance.

Responsibilities

• Reverse engineer software and hardware for wireless behavior understanding.
• Develop and operationalize prototypes of signal processing approaches.
• Modify device firmware and software for communication.

Skills

Assembly language programming

C programming

C++ programming

Digital signal processing

Protocol reverse engineering

Communication systems

Presenting ideas

Team collaboration

Education

Bachelor's in Computer Science, Electrical Engineering, or related degree

Master's or Ph.D. (preferred)

Tools

VHDL

Verilog

Job description

Are you interested in applying your signal processing experience to reverse engineer systems that communicate wirelessly?

Do you love working on a multi-disciplinary set of problems and delivering new capabilities that are deployed in the real world?

If so, we want you to join our group of offensive cyber experts! We seek tenacious self-starters who will develop their technical skills in service of inventive capabilities and novel RF solutions. We work in a dynamic, mission driven environment that has real world impact. Our work environment offers many opportunities for collaboration, and in our culture, we celebrate curiosity.

As a Reverse Engineer for RF Systems , you will

• Reverse engineer the software, firmware, and hardware that comprise target systems for understanding wireless behavior
• Develop prototypes of novel signal processing approaches
• Work in teams to modify device firmware and software to communicate in alternative ways
• Operationalize developed code by thoroughly testing, documenting, and integrating with sponsor systems
• Propose promising ideas for internal and external funding opportunities
• Share and enhance knowledge by clearly articulating ideas through papers and presentations to government decision makers, team members, and senior management

Qualifications

• Possess a Bachelor's in Computer Science, Electrical Engineering, Computer Engineering, or other degree relevant to the duties as described above
• Have at least 3 years of experience writing assembly language, C, or C++ code that runs directly on embedded systems or integrates with real-time operating systems (RTOSes)
• Have experience with protocol reverse engineering and complex communication systems
• Have extensive experience with digital signal processing algorithms and are capable of (and excited by!) hypothesizing, prototyping, and extracting data from waveforms
• Are an outstanding communicator in both written and verbal forms
• Are able to acquire a Secret level security clearance by your start date and can ultimately acquire a TS/SCI level clearance. If selected, you will be subject to a government security clearance investigation and must meet the requirements for access to classified information. Eligibility requirements include U.S. citizenship.

You’ll go above and beyond our minimum requirements if you

• Have a Master's or Ph.D. in Computer Science, Electrical Engineering, Computer Engineering, or related field
• Have 6+ years of relevant experience
• Have experience with VHDL, Verilog, or other FPGA development languages
• Have developed novel concepts based on analyzing wireless systems
• Have experience with field testing or leading technical teams
• Hold an active TS/SCI security clearance

About Us

The Johns Hopkins University Applied Physics Laboratory (APL) brings world‑class expertise to our nation's most critical defense, security, space and science challenges. While we are dedicated to solving complex challenges and pioneering new technologies, what makes us truly outstanding is our culture. We offer a vibrant, welcoming atmosphere where you can bring your authentic self to work, continue to grow, and build strong connections with inspiring teammates.

At APL, we celebrate our differences of perspectives and encourage creativity and bold, new ideas. Our employees enjoy generous benefits, including a robust education assistance program, unparalleled retirement contributions, and a healthy work/life balance. APL's campus is located in the Baltimore‑Washington metro area. Learn more about our career opportunities athttp://www.jhuapl.edu/careers.

All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, creed, color, religion, sex, gender identity or expression, sexual orientation, national origin, age, physical or mental disability, genetic information, veteran status, occupation, marital or familial status, political opinion, personal appearance, or any other characteristic protected by applicable law. APL is committed to providing reasonable accommodation to individuals of all abilities, including those with disabilities. If you require a reasonable accommodation to participate in any part of the hiring process, please contact [e-mail].

The referenced pay range is based on JHU APL's good faith belief at the time of posting. Actual compensation may vary based on factors such as geographic location, work experience, market conditions, education/training and skill level with consideration for internal parity. For salaried employees scheduled to work less than 40 hours per week, annual salary will be prorated based on the number of hours worked. APL may offer bonuses or other forms of compensation per internal policy and/or contractual designation. Additional compensation may be provided in the form of a sign‑on bonus, relocation benefits, locality allowance or discretionary payments for exceptional performance. APL provides eligible staff with a comprehensive benefits package including retirement plans, paid time off, medical, dental, vision, life insurance, short‑term disability, long‑term disability, flexible spending accounts, education assistance, and training and development. Applications are accepted on a rolling basis.

Minimum Rate

$100,000 Annually

Maximum Rate

$245,000 Annually

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