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Apprentice Software Reverse Engineer Jobs in Pennsylvania

About the role The SEI helps advance software engineering principles and practices and serves as a ... Reverse engineer malicious code in support of high-impact customers, design and develop new ...

Principal CNO Software Engineer

State College, PA · On-site

$132K - $177K/yr

Reverse engineering experience (gdb, Binary Ninja, IDA Pro) * Familiar reading assembly / compiled ... Developed software on mobile platforms (Android, iOS) * Successfully led small cross-domain ...

Principal CNO Software Engineer

State College, PA · On-site

$132K - $177K/yr

Reverse engineering experience (gdb, Binary Ninja, IDA Pro) * Familiar reading assembly / compiled ... Developed software on mobile platforms (Android, iOS) * Successfully led small cross-domain ...

Principal CNO Software Engineer

State College, PA · On-site

$134K - $180K/yr

Reverse engineering experience (gdb, Binary Ninja, IDA Pro) * Familiar reading assembly / compiled ... Developed software on mobile platforms (Android, iOS) * Successfully led small cross-domain ...

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Apprentice Software Reverse Engineer information

What does an apprentice software reverse engineer do?

An Apprentice Software Reverse Engineer assists in analyzing software applications to understand their structure, functionality, and behavior, often by deconstructing compiled code. They learn to use specialized tools and techniques to examine binaries, debug programs, and identify vulnerabilities or intellectual property. This role is typically entry-level and combines hands-on learning with mentorship from experienced engineers. Apprentices often work on real-world projects under supervision, gradually building expertise in reverse engineering and cybersecurity.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as an apprentice software reverse engineer?

To thrive as an Apprentice Software Reverse Engineer, you need a solid understanding of programming languages, computer architecture, and low-level operating system concepts, often supported by a degree or coursework in computer science or cybersecurity. Familiarity with tools such as IDA Pro, Ghidra, debuggers, and hex editors, as well as knowledge of assembly language, is typically required. Strong analytical thinking, attention to detail, and persistence are crucial soft skills that set outstanding candidates apart. These competencies are vital for dissecting software, identifying vulnerabilities, and producing accurate technical analyses in a challenging, detail-oriented field.

What types of projects or tasks can an apprentice software reverse engineer expect to work on during the initial months?

As an Apprentice Software Reverse Engineer, you’ll typically start by assisting with basic analysis of software binaries, documentation of findings, and learning how to safely use reverse engineering tools under supervision. Early tasks often include disassembling code, identifying software vulnerabilities, and supporting more senior engineers in decompiling or debugging software. You’ll also participate in team meetings to discuss findings and collaborate with cybersecurity professionals or developers to understand software behavior and security implications. This hands-on exposure helps build your technical foundation and prepares you for more advanced independent analysis as you progress.

What is the difference between Apprentice Software Reverse Engineer vs Junior Software Developer?

AspectApprentice Software Reverse EngineerJunior Software Developer
Required CredentialsBasic programming knowledge, understanding of reverse engineering toolsDegree in Computer Science or related field, coding skills
Work EnvironmentSecurity firms, cybersecurity teams, software companiesSoftware development teams, tech companies, startups
Employer & Industry UsageCybersecurity, software security analysisGeneral software development
Common Search & ComparisonOften compared for entry-level cybersecurity rolesCompared for entry-level programming roles

The Apprentice Software Reverse Engineer typically focuses on analyzing and understanding software through reverse engineering techniques, often in cybersecurity contexts. In contrast, a Junior Software Developer primarily writes, tests, and maintains software code. While both roles may require programming skills, the reverse engineer emphasizes security analysis and disassembly, whereas the developer concentrates on software creation. Understanding these differences helps job seekers identify roles aligned with their skills and career goals.

What are the most commonly searched types of Software Reverse Engineer jobs in Pennsylvania?

The most popular types of Software Reverse Engineer jobs in Pennsylvania are:

What cities in Pennsylvania are hiring for Apprentice Software Reverse Engineer jobs?

Cities in Pennsylvania with the most Apprentice Software Reverse Engineer job openings:

Reverse Engineer Researcher

Software Engineering Institute

Pittsburgh, PA • On-site

Full-time

Re-posted 20 days ago


Job description

About the role
The SEI helps advance software engineering principles and practices and serves as a national resource in software engineering, computer security, and process improvement. The SEI works closely with defense and government organizations, industry, and academia to continually improve software-intensive systems. Our core purpose is to help organizations improve software engineering capabilities and develop or acquire the right software, defect free, within budget and on time, every time.
The CERT Division of the Software Engineering Institute (SEI) is seeking an applicant for the role of a Reverse Engineer Researcher for the Threat Analysis directorate. The SEI is a federally funded research and development center at Carnegie Mellon University.
What you'll do
  • Reverse engineer malicious code in support of high-impact customers, design and develop new analysis methods and tools, work to identify and address emerging and complex threats, and effectively participate in the broader security community

  • Perform in-depth reverse engineering of malicious code, document and transition results in reports, presentations, and technical exchanges

  • Explore ways to use artificial intelligence to support of reverse engineering and apply reverse engineering practices to artificial intelligence systems

  • Design, prototype, and transition new analysis methods and tools

  • Identify and document emerging and complex active security threats

  • Participate in the broader security community through collaboration, papers, and presentations

Who you are
  • You have BS in Computer Science or related discipline with eight (8) years of experience; OR MS in the same fields with five (5) years of experience; OR PhD in the same fields with two (2) years of experience.

  • You enjoy working on emerging and complex malware analysis and reverse engineering problems.

  • You have an analytical mindset and deep curiosity about how software works.

  • You have the ability to balance rapid prototyping with maintainable tool development.

  • You have strong technical writing experience.

  • You recognize and deal appropriately with confidential and sensitive information.

  • You are able to handle continual shifting priorities.

  • You enjoy mentoring and training others as well as sharing knowledge.

  • You communicate effectively with technical and non-technical audiences.

  • You have a willingness to travel to various locations to support the SEI's overall mission This includes sponsor sites, conferences, and offsite meetings on occasion. Moderate Travel (15%)

  • You will be subject to a background check and obtain and maintain an active Department of War security clearance

You have experience with or knowledge of
  • Reverse engineering software binaries for a variety of architectures, both at the user level and kernel level

  • Static analysis tools (e.g. IDA Pro, NSA Ghidra, Binary Ninja)

  • User-level and kernel-level debuggers (e.g. x32dbg, x64dbg, gdb, WinDbg)

  • Native programminglanguages(e.g. C/C++).

  • High-level programming languages (e.g. Java, Python, GoLang, etc.)

  • Software engineering and design concepts

  • Firmware and device driver development

  • Malware tradecraft and threat actor tactics, techniques, and procedures (TTPs)

  • Malware signature creation and use, independent of detection technology

  • Operating system concepts and internals and binary file formats (e.g. PE, ELF, Mach-O, etc.)

  • Internet Protocols and network analysis tools (e.g. Wireshark, netcat, etc.)

  • Compiler theory, cryptography, and malware deobfuscation techniques.

  • Mobile device development and reverse engineering

  • Malware sandboxes or instrumentation frameworks (e.g., Frida, QEMU, Unicorn Engine).

  • General understanding and experience in artificial intelligence and machine learning and using artificial intelligence to support reverse engineering and malware analysis

Why work here?
  • Join a world-class organization that has significant impact on software

  • Work with cutting edge technologies and experts to solve tough problems for the government and the nation

  • Get 8% monthly contribution for your retirement, without having to contribute yourself

  • Get tuition benefits to CMU and other institutions for you and your dependent children

  • Enjoy a healthy work/life balance with flexible work arrangements and paid parental and military leave

  • Get access to university resources including mindfulness programs, childcare and back-up care benefits, a monthly transit benefit on WMATA, free transportation on the Pittsburgh Regional Transit System

  • Enjoy annual professional development opportunities; attend conferences and training or obtain a certification and get reimbursed for membership in professional societies

  • Qualify for relocation assistance and so much more

Location
Arlington, VA, Pittsburgh, PA
Job Function
Software/Applications Development/Engineering
Position Type
Staff - Regular
Full time/Part time
Full time
Pay Basis
SalaryMore Information:
  • Please visit "Why Carnegie Mellon" to learn more about becoming part of an institution inspiring innovations that change the world.
  • Click here to view a listing of employee benefits
  • Carnegie Mellon University is an Equal Opportunity Employer/Disability/Veteran.
  • Statement of Assurance