Senior Hardware Reverse Engineer

Johns Hopkins 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

Johns Hopkins Applied Physics Laboratory in Laurel, Maryland is seeking hardware experts to join their elite reverse engineering team. Candidates will work on developing innovative exploits for embedded systems and collaborating with government sponsors. A Bachelor’s degree in a relevant field and a minimum of 5 years of experience are required.

The position offers a supportive environment aimed at solving national security challenges and includes comprehensive benefits and a competitive salary ranging from $100,000 to $245,000 annually.

Qualifications

• 5+ years relevant experience in reverse engineering and exploit development.
• Experience with soldering, prototyping, and bread boarding.
• Ability to work with Unix/Linux operating systems.

Responsibilities

• Reverse engineer embedded systems and develop innovative exploits.
• Collaborate with government sponsors to build mission-aligned capabilities.
• Mentor teammates in reverse engineering hardware.

Skills

Embedded hardware and software understanding

Experience with hardware debugging interfaces

Proficiency in low-level programming languages

Ability to solve technical puzzles

Education

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

Tools

Ghidra

Oscilloscopes

Logic analyzers

Job description

Description

Our elite team of reverse engineers is growing and we need more hardware experts who love to understand the inner workings of embedded systems! We strive to foster an innovative and collaborative team environment where engineers can hack the latest technologies to find and exploit vulnerabilities to solve the hardest national security challenges and have real-world impact. Our team specializes in software and hardware reverse engineering, vulnerability research, and developing proof‑of‑concept offensive cyber capabilities with a focus on embedded systems.

Responsibilities

• Reverse engineer embedded systems and develop innovative exploits
• Collaborate with government sponsors and operators to build mission‑aligned capabilities
• Explore novel techniques for automating reverse engineering and exploit development
• Propose groundbreaking ideas for internal and external funding opportunities
• Mentor teammates in the art and science of reverse engineering hardware
• Share knowledge by clearly articulating ideas through papers and presentations to team members, APL management, and government decision makers

Qualifications

• Have a Bachelor’s degree in Electrical Engineering, Computer Engineering, Computer Science, or another field relevant to the duties as described above
• At least 5 years of relevant experience
• Understand embedded hardware and software design, development, and testing
• Have experience with hardware debugging interfaces, code security mechanisms and their weaknesses, hardware diagnostic tools, and signal/protocol analysis
• Are skilled with oscilloscopes, multi‑meters, power supplies, and logic analyzers
• Have experience soldering, prototyping, and bread boarding
• Have familiarity with software debuggers and static analysis tools such as Ghidra
• Are proficient with one or more low‑level programming languages
• Understand Unix/Linux operating systems
• Love solving puzzles and have experience persevering through technical challenges
• Hold an active TS/SCI clearance and can ultimately obtain a TS/SCI+Polygraph 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.

Additional Qualifications

• Previously held dynamic technical leadership roles and have demonstrated mentoring experience
• Have demonstrated versatility with professional experience in hardware RE, software RE, and capability development
• Have knowledge of advanced vulnerability discovery tools
• Possess an active TS/SCI clearance with full scope polygraph

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.

Why Work at APL

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.

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].

Compensation

Minimum Rate: $100,000 annually
Maximum Rate: $245,000 annually