Senior Hardware Reverse Engineer

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

Benefits offered by this job

Generous education assistance program

Exceptional retirement contributions

Healthy work/life balance

Job summary

Johns Hopkins Applied Physics Lab in Laurel, MD is seeking hardware experts for reverse engineering embedded systems. Join a dynamic team that tackles national security challenges through innovative technology and collaboration with government sponsors.

The ideal candidate possesses a Bachelor’s degree in a relevant field, at least 5 years of experience, and an active TS/SCI clearance. APL offers a vibrant work environment and competitive benefits, including substantial retirement contributions and education assistance.

Qualifications

• 5+ years of relevant experience in reverse engineering.
• Experience with hardware debugging interfaces and code security mechanisms.
• Active TS/SCI clearance required.

Responsibilities

• Reverse engineer embedded systems to develop innovative exploits.
• Collaborate with government sponsors to build mission-aligned capabilities.
• Propose groundbreaking ideas for funding opportunities.

Skills

Embedded systems understanding

Hardware debugging

Low-level programming languages

Signal/protocol analysis

Soldering and prototyping

Education

Bachelor’s degree in Electrical Engineering or related field

Tools

Ghidra

Oscilloscopes

Logic analyzers

Multi-meters

Power supplies

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.

Do you want to collaborate with world‑class experts to crack seemingly‑impossible problems? If so, we want you to join our team at APL!

As a member of our group, you will…

• 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

You meet our minimum qualifications for the job if you…

• 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.

You'll go above and beyond our minimum requirements if you…

• 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. Learn more about our career opportunities at http://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