Sr. Software Engineer - Cobalt Strike

Fortra; United States; On-site; USD 120,000 - 165,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Health coverage

401(k) plan

HSA

FSA

Flexible PTO

Tuition reimbursement

ID Theft Protection

Job summary

Fortra is seeking a Senior Software Engineer to join the Cobalt Strike engineering team. This hands-on role focuses on building and maintaining systems-level capabilities across native and Java components, with a focus on Windows behavior and cross-platform reliability.

You will write C code for cross-platform support and contribute to Java-based features, debugging, and integration within a security product environment.

Qualifications

• Strong professional experience developing in C.
• Experience with Java, or the ability and willingness to work in an existing Java codebase.
• Working knowledge of low-level operating system internals, especially Windows.
• Experience designing, maintaining, and debugging complex production software.

Responsibilities

• Design, implement, test, and maintain core Cobalt Strike functionality across native and Java-based components.
• Write high-quality C code for cross-platform capabilities (Windows, Linux, macOS).
• Work with Java-based components, including feature development, maintenance, and debugging.
• Debug complex issues across native code, Java code, Windows behavior, and customer environments.
• Collaborate with engineers, product managers, security researchers, QA, and support to design practical solutions.
• Translate product ideas and security research into well-engineered capabilities.

Skills

C programming

Java

Windows internals

Code reviews

Git

Testing & documentation

Tools

WinDbg

Visual Studio Debugger

Process Monitor

Process Explorer

x64dbg

Python

Git

Job description

Whether you’re an experienced professional or just getting started, your contributions matter at Fortra. If you’re passionate about tackling meaningful challenges alongside talented team members committed to helping each other succeed, all while having lots of fun, we want to hear from you. We offer competitive benefits and salaries, personal and professional development opportunities, flexibility, and much more!

Cobalt Strike is Fortra’s adversary simulation and red team operations platform, used by security teams to emulate advanced threat actor behaviors in controlled, authorized environments. The product helps organizations strengthen security operations and incident response by enabling realistic attack simulation, post-exploitation tradecraft, and collaborative red team engagements.

We are looking for a Senior Software Engineer to join the Cobalt Strike engineering team. This is a hands-on engineering role focused on building and maintaining systems-level capabilities in a complex security product. You should be comfortable writing C, working in an existing Java codebase, and reasoning about low-level Windows behavior. You do not need to have a red team background, but you should be curious about how operating systems, security controls, and adversary techniques work under the hood.

What You’ll Do

• Design, implement, test, and maintain core Cobalt Strike functionality across native and Java-based components.


• Write high-quality C code for cross-platform capabilities, including Windows, Linux, and macOS, where reliability, maintainability, performance, and correctness matter.


• Work with Java-based components of the product, including feature development, maintenance, debugging, and integration of work.


• Debug complex issues across native code, Java code, Windows behavior, and customer environments.


• Collaborate with engineers, product managers, security researchers, QA, support, and other teams to design practical, maintainable solutions.


• Translate product ideas, customer needs, and security research into well-engineered product capabilities.


• Participate in design discussions, code reviews, testing, documentation, and Agile planning.


• Help improve engineering practices, internal tooling, build processes, reliability, and long-term maintainability.


• Serve as a technical resource for areas where you have deep expertise.

Qualifications

• Strong professional experience developing in C.


• Experience with Java, or the ability and willingness to work effectively in an existing Java codebase.


• Working knowledge of low-level operating system internals, especially Windows, with familiarity in Linux and/or macOS internals considered a plus.


• Experience designing, maintaining, and debugging complex production software.


• Strong problem-solving and analytical skills, with keen attention to detail.


• Ability to work independently on complex technical problems while communicating clearly with the team.


• Experience using Git and participating in code reviews in a collaborative engineering environment.


• A practical approach to software quality, including testing, documentation, maintainability, and secure coding practices.


• Strong written and verbal communication skills.


• High ethical standards and sound judgment, especially when working with offensive security technology.

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience with offensive security, red teaming, penetration testing, threat emulation, reverse engineering, malware analysis, endpoint security, or related security disciplines.


• Experience with Windows debugging or analysis tools such as WinDbg, Visual Studio Debugger, Process Monitor, Process Explorer, x64dbg, or similar tools.


• Experience with Python, scripting, build automation, compiler toolchains, or low-level debugging workflows.


• Experience applying AI/ML tools, including LLMs or coding agents, to improve software engineering workflows such as code analysis, debugging, testing, documentation, or developer productivity.


• Experience with compiler toolchains such as MinGW/LLVM, with a strong understanding of how compilation, linking, optimization, and binary generation work under the hood.

Compensation

120,000 USD - 165,000 USD

At Fortra, we’re breaking the attack chain. Ready to join us?

At Fortra, our compensation philosophy prioritizes fair market value and internal equity, aligning with your experience and specialized skill set.

As a full-time, exempt employee at Fortra, you’ll enjoy a comprehensive benefits package that includes:

• Health, dental, and vision coverage as of hire


• Immediate enrollment in 401(k), HSA, and FSA plans


• Flexible PTO policy


• Tuition and personal enrichment reimbursement


• Option to enroll in ID Theft Protection Program

At Fortra, work is only part of the story. Explore what Life at Fortra is all about, from perks that support holistic wellbeing to a culture that keeps you connected and empowered to make an impact beyond the job.

Visit our website to learn more about why employees choose to work for Fortra. Remember to connect with us on LinkedIn.

As an EEO/Affirmative Action Employer, all qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, sexual orientation, gender identity, veteran or disability status.