Reverse Engineering Researcher - Malware Analysis & AI Tools

Software Engineering Institute | Carnegie Mellon University; Pittsburgh (Allegheny County); On-site; USD 120,000 - 160,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Retirement contribution (8%)

Tuition benefits at CMU and affiliates

Flexible work arrangements

Job summary

The Software Engineering Institute (SEI), a federally funded R&D center at Carnegie Mellon University, seeks a Reverse Engineer Researcher for the Threat Analysis directorate. You will reverse engineer malware, develop tools, and apply AI to improve threat analysis, while collaborating with government, industry, and academia.

Requirements include advanced degree variants with years of experience, strong writing, and willingness to travel. Security clearance is required.

Qualifications

• BS/MS/PhD in computer science or related with years of experience as stated.
• Experience reverse engineering malware and complex threats.
• Analytical mindset and curiosity about how software works.
• Balance rapid prototyping with maintainable tools.
• Strong technical writing and handling sensitive information.
• Willingness to travel up to 15%.
• Ability to obtain and maintain security clearance.

Responsibilities

• Reverse engineer malicious code for high-impact customers and develop new analysis methods.
• Perform in-depth reverse engineering and document results in reports and presentations.
• Explore AI-enabled approaches to support reverse engineering and malware analysis.
• Prototype and transition new analysis tools and methods.
• Identify emerging and complex security threats and document them.
• Collaborate with the security community through papers and presentations.

Skills

Reverse engineering

Malware analysis

Intel/analysis mindset

Prototyping

Technical writing

C/C++

Java

Python

GoLang

AI/ML concepts

Binary analysis tools

Ghidra/IDA/Binary Ninja

x64dbg/x32dbg

GDB/WinDbg

PE/ELF/Mach-O

Education

BS in Computer Science or related

MS in Computer Science or related

PhD in Computer Science or related

Tools

IDA Pro

NSA Ghidra

Binary Ninja

x64dbg

gdb

WinDbg

Frida

QEMU

Unicorn Engine

Job description

The Software Engineering Institute (SEI), a federally funded R&D center at Carnegie Mellon University, seeks a Reverse Engineer Researcher for the Threat Analysis directorate. You will reverse engineer malware, develop tools, and apply AI to improve threat analysis, while collaborating with government, industry, and academia.

Requirements include advanced degree variants with years of experience, strong writing, and willingness to travel. Security clearance is required.