Vulnerability/Malware Researcher (Reverse Engineer)

Socket.dev; Arlington (VA); Hybrid; USD 160,000 - 180,000; Full time

Job summary

Everforth ECS in Arlington, VA (Hybrid) seeks a seasoned Vulnerability/Malware Researcher (Reverse Engineer) to identify, analyze, and understand complex software vulnerabilities and malicious code impacting systems and infrastructure.

You will conduct in-depth malware analysis, reverse engineer software and firmware, and perform TTP analysis to uncover exploitable weaknesses, providing actionable intelligence to improve detection, response, and remediation.

Qualifications

• 7+ years of malware analysis, reverse engineering, vulnerability research, or offensive security.
• Strong understanding of operating system internals (Windows & Linux).
• Familiarity with MITRE ATT&CK framework and threat intelligence concepts.
• Experience reverse engineering compiled software with industry-standard tools.
• Knowledge of assembly language (x86/x64/ARM) and executable formats.
• Proficiency in at least one language such as Python, C, C++, Rust, or Go.
• Experience analyzing malware behavior using static and dynamic techniques.
• Understanding of software exploitation and memory corruption concepts.

Responsibilities

• Perform static and dynamic analysis of malware (ransomware, trojans, rootkits, spyware, APT).
• Reverse engineer malware to identify functionality, persistence, C2, and attacker objectives.
• Develop detailed malware analysis reports and documentation.
• Research evolving malware techniques and adversary capabilities.
• Identify and analyze software, OS, firmware, and application vulnerabilities.
• Perform code analysis to discover security weaknesses and exploit paths.
• Collaborate with remediation teams to prioritize and mitigate risks.
• Create and maintain IOCs, YARA rules, Sigma rules, and detection signatures.
• Develop detection content for SOC use and threat hunting support.
• Collaborate with Incident Response, Threat Intelligence, SOC, Product Security, and Engineering teams.
• Present findings to security leadership and engineers; produce research briefs.

Skills

Top Secret Clearance

Malware analysis

Reverse engineering

OS internals

MITRE ATT&CK

Compiled software analysis

Assembly language

Programming: Python/C/C++/Rust/Go

Static/dynamic analysis

Exploitation concepts

Education

Bachelor's degree in Computer Science/Cybersecurity/Computer Engineering or related field

Job description

Everforth ECS is seeking a Vulnerability/Malware Researcher (Reverse Engineer) to join our team in Arlington, VA (Hybrid). This position is contingent upon award.

We are seeking a highly skilled Vulnerability/Malware Researcher (Reverse Engineer) to identify, analyze, and understand complex software vulnerabilities and malicious code that may impact organizational systems, products, and infrastructure. This role will conduct in-depth malware analysis, reverse engineer software and firmware, perform exploitation and tactics, techniques, and procedures (TTPs) analysis to uncover exploitable weaknesses, and provide actionable intelligence to support detection, response, and remediation efforts.

The ideal candidate possesses strong low-level programming knowledge, reverse engineering expertise, and experience analyzing sophisticated malware, exploit techniques, and advanced adversary tradecraft.

Key Responsibilities

Malware Analysis & Reverse Engineering

• Perform static and dynamic analysis of malicious software, including ransomware, trojans, rootkits, spyware, and advanced persistent threat (APT) malware.
• Reverse engineer malware samples to identify functionality, persistence mechanisms, command-and-control (C2) communications, and attacker objectives.
• Develop detailed malware analysis reports and technical documentation.
• Research evolving malware techniques and adversary capabilities.

Vulnerability Research

• Identify and analyze software, operating system, firmware, and application vulnerabilities.
• Perform code analysis to discover security weaknesses and exploit paths.
• Research emerging vulnerabilities and assess organizational exposure.
• Validate security findings through proof-of-concept testing and exploit analysis.
• Collaborate with remediation teams to prioritize and mitigate identified risks.

Security Research & Threat Analysis

• Investigate adversary tactics, techniques, and procedures (TTPs) on device/service targeting procedures.
• Analyze exploit kits, attack frameworks, and intrusion methods used by threat actors.
• Support intelligence-driven security initiatives through technical research and threat assessments.
• Correlate research findings with threat intelligence and incident response investigations.

Detection Development

• Create and maintain Indicators of Compromise (IOCs), YARA rules, Sigma rules, and detection signatures.
• Develop behavioral detections and analytic content for Security Operations Center (SOC) use.
• Assist threat hunting teams by providing technical indicators and adversary insights.
• Support development of MITRE ATT&CK procedure-level mapping artifacts.
• Enhance detection coverage based on research findings and threat trends.

Research Tool Development

• Develop custom scripts, automation tools, and utilities to support malware analysis and vulnerability research.
• Improve reverse engineering workflows through automation and tooling enhancements.
• Maintain secure malware analysis laboratories and research environments.
• Evaluate emerging security research technologies and platforms.

Collaboration & Reporting

• Partner with Incident Response, Threat Intelligence, SOC, Product Security, and Engineering teams.
• Present technical findings to security leadership and engineering stakeholders.
• Produce technical reports, white papers, and research briefings.
• Contribute to internal knowledge bases and security best practices.

Salary Range: $160,000 - $180,000

General Description of Benefits

Qualifications

• Top Secret Clearance
• Bachelor's degree in Computer Science, Cybersecurity, Computer Engineering, or a related technical field, or equivalent experience.
• 7+ years of experience in malware analysis, reverse engineering, vulnerability research, or offensive security.
• Strong understanding of operating system internals, including Windows and Linux.
• Understanding and familiarity with MITRE ATT&CK framework.
• Experience reverse engineering compiled software using industry-standard tools.
• Knowledge of assembly language (x86, x64, ARM) and executable file formats.
• Proficiency in at least one programming language such as Python, C, C++, Rust, or Go.
• Experience analyzing malware behavior through static and dynamic analysis techniques.
• Understanding of software exploitation concepts, memory corruption vulnerabilities, and attack methodologies.
• Strong analytical, problem-solving, and investigative skills.