Senior Hardware Reverse Engineer

Grammatech; Herndon, Northern (VA, KY); Hybrid; USD 150,000 - 215,000; Full time

Job summary

GrammaTech in Herndon, VA is seeking a Senior Hardware Reverse Engineer to dissect complex embedded hardware, extract firmware, and assess vulnerabilities. You will work with hardware and security researchers on cutting-edge projects for national security, designing tests, and documenting findings.

The role requires extensive experience in reverse engineering, embedded systems, and C/C++, with TS/SCI-level clearance preferred.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree required or equivalent practical experience in security research, reverse engineering, vulnerability research, or exploit development.
• Experience with embedded systems development and debugging.
• Experience analyzing binaries (x86/ARM/AVR).
• Programming in C, C++, and Python.
• Development targeting FPGA devices.

Responsibilities

• Reverse engineer and analyze complex embedded systems designs to identify functional behaviors and vulnerability potential.
• Identify and exploit key system components, including communication channels and firmware memory.
• Conduct vulnerability research on hardened systems and architectures.
• Draft technical reports describing function, characteristics, and potential vulnerabilities of assessed hardware and firmware.
• Prototype innovative technologies to analyze and exploit target systems.
• Reconstruct schematics from boards and develop hardware-in-the-loop environments to test device behavior.
• Perform protocol and signal analysis using oscilloscopes, spectrum analyzers, and logic analyzers.
• Contribute to a diverse range of R&D projects focused on embedded system security.
• Isolate areas of interest in complex systems with precision.

Skills

Reverse engineering

Embedded systems

Binary analysis

C/C++/Python

Bootloaders

Education

Bachelor's degree in CS/CE/EE or related

Tools

JTAG

UART

Oscilloscopes

Logic analyzers

FPGA tooling (AMD/Xilinx/Altera/Microsemi)

Job description

If you are unable to complete this application due to a disability, contact this employer to ask for an accommodation or an alternative application process.

Senior Hardware Reverse Engineer

Herndon, VA, US

8 days ago Requisition ID: 1017

Join us at GrammaTech and become part of our team of innovative engineers and reverse engineers in Linthicum, Maryland or Herndon Virginia where you’ll dive into groundbreaking research on advanced embedded systems and architectures. Working with technologies like processor modules, digital boards, and high-speed signals, you’ll deconstruct physical hardware, extract firmware, identify vulnerabilities, and push the boundaries of what’s possible in embedded system security. Collaborating closely with top-tier hardware engineers and security researchers, you’ll help tackle some of the toughest challenges in the field.

Our growing roster of government customers depends on us to deliver cutting-edge security solutions. We’re looking for a skilled Hardware Reverse Engineer to help drive our mission forward. If you’re passionate about solving complex challenges and making a tangible impact on national security, we want you on our team.

Key Responsibilities:

• Reverse engineer and analyze complex embedded systems designs to identify functional behaviors and facilitate deeper vulnerability analysis.
• Identify and exploit key system components, including communication channels and firmware memory.
• Conduct vulnerability research on hardened systems and architectures.
• Draft technical reports related to the function, characteristics, and any potential vulnerabilities of the assessed hardware and firmware.
• Rapidly prototype innovative technologies to analyze and exploit target systems.
• Reconstruct schematics from physical boards and develop hardware-in-the-loop (HIL) environments to test and emulate device behavior
• Conduct protocol and signals analysis utilizing oscilloscopes, spectrum analyzers, and logic analyzers.
• Contribute to a diverse range of research and development projects focused on embedded system security.
• Isolate areas of interest in complex systems with precision and efficiency.

What you will have(Basic Qualifications):

• Bachelor’s degree in Computer Science, Computer Engineering, Electrical Engineering, or a related technical discipline. Equivalent practical experience in security research, reverse engineering, vulnerability research, or exploit development may substitute for a degree.
• Extensive hands on experience with the following:
  • Experience developing on embedded systems such as high speed data devices, or system-on-modules.
  • Experience analyzing and reverse engineering binaries (x86/ARM/AVR)
  • Debugging embedded systems using tools such as JTAG, UART, oscilloscopes, and logic analyzers.
  • Developing and integrating bootloaders for embedded systems.
  • Creating wiring diagrams and schematics.
  • Programming in C, C++, and Python.
  • Development targeting AMD/Xilinx, Altera, or Microsemi FPGA devices.

Nice if you Have (Preferred):

• Advanced degree (Master’s or Ph.D.) in Computer Science, Computer/Electrical Engineering, or a related scientific field.
• Experience as part of small R&D teams composed of researchers, engineers, and scientists.
• Custom PCB development experience with tools such as Altium.
• Knowledge of RF protocols and systems.
• Experience with Layer 1 and Layer 2 wired and wireless protocols, such as USB, SPI/I2C/1-Wire, Ethernet, PCI-Express, 802.11, and Bluetooth/ZigBee.
• Hacking experience on IoT products.
• Demonstrated experience managing and leading technical employees and engineering teams.

Security Clearance:

• Active TS/SCI level clearance with the ability to obtain a Polygraph required

The anticipated base salary range for this position is $150,000–$215,000 annually. This range reflects the Company's good-faith estimate at the time of posting. Final compensation will be determined based on a variety of factors, including the scope and level of the role, relevant experience, technical expertise, education, and other job-related qualifications.

GrammaTech offers a comprehensive total rewards package designed to support the health, well-being, and financial security of our employees. Benefits include medical, dental, and vision insurance; short- and long-term disability coverage; life insurance; and a 401(k) retirement plan with company contributions. Employees are also eligible for paid holidays, paid time off (PTO), sick and personal leave, annual merit increases, and performance-based bonus opportunities.

GrammaTech, Inc. is an Equal Opportunity Employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, or protected veteran status. GrammaTech is committed to providing reasonable accommodations to qualified individuals with disabilities throughout the application and hiring process. Applicants requiring accommodation should contact Human Resources.