Senior Malware Engineer / Active Top Secret

Peraton; United States; Hybrid; USD 135,000 - 216,000; Full time

Job summary

Peraton is seeking a Senior Malware Reverse Engineer in Arlington, VA. The role supports Federal Strategic Cyber programs with hybrid work (50/50 on-site/remote) and requires U.S. citizenship and an active Top Secret clearance to obtain SCI.

You will isolate and reverse-engineer malware, perform cross-platform analyses, produce technical reports, and collaborate with operators to strengthen defenses for government networks. Expect advanced malware challenges and threat-hunting engagements.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree with 12+ years or Master's degree with 10+ years of experience.
• Experience analyzing malicious applications across Linux, macOS, Windows, iOS, Android and IoT.
• Proficiency with IDA Pro, OllyDbg, x64dbg, Scylla x64, Objdump, Ghidra and related tools.
• U.S. citizenship and active Top Secret clearance with SCI eligibility.
• Strong reverse-engineering methodologies and file reconstruction.

Responsibilities

• Isolate, analyze, and reverse-engineer malicious binaries to determine behavior and intent.
• Conduct static and dynamic analysis of malware across platforms.
• Produce technical reports detailing findings and operational impact.
• Support active cyber operations and threat-hunting missions.
• Recommend countermeasures and mitigation strategies for government targets.
• Develop and refine malware investigation policies and procedures.
• Collaborate with operators and mission partners to enhance defenses.

Skills

Malware analysis

Reverse engineering

Python

Cross-platform

Education

Bachelor's degree + 12+ years experience

Master's degree + 10+ years experience

Tools

IDA Pro

Ghidra

OllyDbg

x64dbg

Wireshark

Process Explorer

Fiddler

Job description

Responsibilities

Peraton is currently hiring a Senior Malware Reverse Engineer for its' Federal Strategic Cyber programs.

Location:

Arlington, VA (Hybrid - On-site/Remote: 50/50). Local candidates able to work in a hybrid environment required.

Overview:

The Federal Strategic Cyber group is seeking a Senior Malware Reverse Engineer to support mission-critical cybersecurity operations for a long-term government customer. This role offers the opportunity to work on advanced malware threats, support active operations, and shape defensive strategies that protect high-value federal networks.

Responsibilities:

• Isolate, analyze, and reverse-engineer malicious binaries to determine behavior, functionality, and intent.
• Conduct in-depth static and dynamic analysis of malware samples across multiple platforms.
• Produce comprehensive technical reports detailing findings, characteristics, and operational impact of malicious code.
• Support active cyber operations and engage with cutting-edge challenges in the malware analysis domain.
• Recommend countermeasures and mitigation strategies for malware targeting government communication systems.
• Reverse-engineer known and suspected malware to support incident response and threat-hunting missions.
• Develop and refine policies, procedures, and methodologies for malware investigations across diverse networks.
• Collaborate with cyber operators, analysts, and mission partners to enhance malware defense capabilities.

#CISA

Qualifications

Minimum Qualifications:

• Bachelor's degree with 12+ years of relevant technical experience, or a Master's degree with 10+ years of experience.
  • An additional 4 years of experience may be substituted for the bachelor's degree.
• Demonstrated experience and expertise in analyzing malicious applications across Linux, macOS, Windows, iOS, Android, and IoT devices.
• Proficiency with several of the following tools:
  • IDA Pro, OllyDbg, x64dbg, Scylla x64, Objdump, Readelf, Ghidra, Process Explorer, CFF Explorer, Wireshark, Fiddler, Regshot, Process Monitor, Process Hacker
• Demonstrated strong understanding of reverse-engineering methodologies and file reconstruction.
• Ability to unpack, de-obfuscate, and analyze highly complex malicious applications.
• Hands-on debugging experience, including identifying and defeating custom or known packers.
• Experience with disassemblers and disassembly workflows.
• U.S. citizenship required.
• Active Top Secret Clearance with the ability to obtain SCI.
  • Ability to obtain and maintain a DHS EOD background investigation.

Preferred Skills:

• Experience with Python for automation or tooling.
• Programming knowledge in one or more of the following:
  • Java, C, C++, .NET, PowerShell, Golang, C#
• Familiarity with ICS/SCADA systems and related security considerations.

Peraton Overview

Peraton is a next-generation national security company that drives missions of consequence spanning the globe and extending to the furthest reaches of the galaxy. As the world's leading mission capability integrator and transformative enterprise IT provider, we deliver trusted, highly differentiated solutions and technologies to protect our nation and allies. Peraton operates at the critical nexus between traditional and nontraditional threats across all domains: land, sea, space, air, and cyberspace. The company serves as a valued partner to essential government agencies and supports every branch of the U.S. armed forces. Each day, our employees do the can't be done by solving the most daunting challenges facing our customers. Visit peraton.com to learn how we're keeping people around the world safe and secure.

Target Salary Range

$135,000 - $216,000. This represents the typical salary range for this position. Salary is determined by various factors, including but not limited to, the scope and responsibilities of the position, the individual's experience, education, knowledge, skills, and competencies, as well as geographic location and business and contract considerations. Depending on the position, employees may be eligible for overtime, shift differential, and a discretionary bonus in addition to base pay.

EEO

EEO: Equal opportunity employer, including disability and protected veterans, or other characteristics protected by law.

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