Apprentice Software Reverse Engineer Jobs in Santa Clara, CA

Join us and make YOUR mark on the World!

Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory (LLNL) has turned bold ideas into world-changing impact advancing science and technology to strengthen U.S. security and promote global stability. 

Our mission spans four critical national security areas nuclear deterrence, threat preparedness, energy security, and multi-domain defense empowering teams to take on the toughest challenges of today and tomorrow. With a culture built on innovation and operational excellence, LLNL is a place where your expertise can make a real impact.

We have an opening for a Senior Cybersecurity Reverse Engineer to lead efforts to analyze malware and identify vulnerabilities to software supporting critical infrastructure systems and Federal networks. You will help to shape research and development efforts to secure software and firmware used in systems critical to our national security, including industrial control systems, in partnership with the Federal government, manufacturers, and asset owners and operators. You will also lead software analysis projects to better understand supply chain threats to critical systems and networks. These positions are programmatically in Global Security's Energy and Homeland Security (E) Program and administratively in the Global Security Computing Applications Division (GS-CAD) within the Computing Directorate.

This position will be filled at either level based on knowledge and related experience as assessed by the hiring team. Additional job responsibilities (outlined below) will be assigned if hired at the higher level.

You will

• Lead and support a range of complex research projects requiring creative use of innovative methods for development and implementation of new, automated software analysis methods.
• Analyze novel software, firmware, and malware using existing reversing tools; develop repeatable workflows applying those tools to support future analyses; and write reports to deliver analyses to sponsors.
• Analyze source code and binaries to identify weaknesses or malicious functionality in software and firmware.
• Develop new tools for source code and binary analysis, as well as vulnerability assessment, for devices residing in United States critical networks and infrastructure.
• Develop tools and techniques to better understand and mitigate threats to operational technology such as industrial control system malware.
• Identify new applications and opportunities for and help create vision and technical direction for software assurance capabilities for critical networks and infrastructure cybersecurity working with LLNL's program leadership.
• Develop new program growth opportunities through research proposal development and identifying needs for existing and potential sponsors.
• Mentor others and utilize technical expertise to attract and retain projects, programs and funding.
• Perform other duties as assigned.

Additional job responsibilities, at the SES.4 level 

• Guide and provide scientific and technical direction for a portfolio of highly complex technical tasks and projects that consistently require the application of creativity and innovation; set broad research/project vision and strategy and influence technical direction for Laboratory, self and/or others wielding extensive influence with senior management and policy makers.
• Provide highly innovative solutions to abstract complex problems/ideas, convert them into useable algorithms/software modules, and provide solutions that require in-depth analysis of multiple factors and the creative use of established methods.
• Lead strategic planning initiatives, direct and accomplish project/program goals and objectives significantly impacting major Laboratory programs, set high-level goals, and contribute to the revolutionary advancement of knowledge.

• Ability to maintain a U.S. DOE Q-level security clearance which requires U.S. citizenship.
• Bachelor's degree with significant focus in cybersecurity, computer science, information technology, computer engineering, or related technical field or equivalent combination of education and related experience and significant experience and demonstrated ability to lead independent work.
• Significant experience leading program analysis of source code, binaries, and firmware.
• Experience in the use of hardware or software debuggers, static disassemblers and decompilers (such as IDA Pro), common binary file formats, dynamic analysis tools, software bills of materials, and/or network analysis tools.
• Significant experience communicating technical information across multi-disciplinary teams and to non-cyber experts or senior management, while applying interpersonal skills to collaborate effectively in a team environment.
• Experience mitigating anti-reverse engineering techniques.
• Advanced knowledge of state-of-the-art technologies in software assurance.
• Advanced analytical, problem-solving, and decision-making skills to develop creative solutions to complex problems.
• Advanced ability to effectively manage concurrent technical tasks with competing priorities, along with the demonstrated ability to approach difficult problems with enthusiasm and creativity and to effectively change focus when necessary.
• Advanced ability to communicate comprehensive knowledge effectively across multi-disciplinary teams and to non-cyber experts, and advise senior management and/or external sponsors, and proficient interpersonal skills necessary to effectively collaborate and lead in a team environment.

Additional qualifications at the SES.4

• Extensive experience and ability to plan the integration and implementation of new programs and/or operational best practices.
• Extensive project leadership experience and ability to apply, lead and develop cutting-edge principles and research, working independently while effectively managing concurrent technical tasks with competing priorities.
• Substantial experience creating technical direction and vision, writing research proposals, and securing sponsor funding.
• Extensive experience in and knowledge of at least one of the following subject areas:
  • Instruction set architectures, such as ARM, x86/x64, PowerPC, and/or MIPS;
  • Reverse engineering intermediate languages such as .NET or Java bytecode;
  • Firmware analysis and extraction; or
  • Operational technology implementation.

Qualifications We Desire

• Master's degree with significant focus in cybersecurity, computer science, information technology, computer engineering, or a related technical field.
• Knowledge of one or more of the following computer science disciplines: embedded systems, scientific data analysis, machine learning, systems programming, software engineering, formal verification methods, and high-performance computing.
• Experience with industrial control systems software and hardware.
• Ability to secure sponsor funding through winning proposals and sponsor relationships. Previous experience working Department of Energy, Department of Homeland Security, Department of Defense, a utility, manufacturing, or hardware/software company, or a cybersecurity firm.

Pay Range

$175,530 - $267,060 Annually

$175,530 - $222,564 Annually for the SES.3 level

$210,630 - $267,060 Annually for the SES.4 level

This is the lowest to highest salary we in good faith believe we would pay for this role at the time of this posting; pay will not be below any applicable local minimum wage.  An employee's position within the salary range will be based on several factors including, but not limited to, specific competencies, relevant education, qualifications, certifications, experience, skills, seniority, geographic location, performance, and business or organizational needs.

#LI-Hybrid

Position Information

This is a Flexible Term appointment, which is for a definite period not to exceed six years.  If final candidate is a Career Indefinite employee, Career Indefinite status may be maintained (should funding allow).

Why Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory?

• Included in 2026 Best Places to Work by Glassdoor!
• Flexible Benefits Package
• 401(k)
• Relocation Assistance
• Education Reimbursement Program
• Flexible schedules (*depending on project needs)
• Our values - visit https://www.llnl.gov/inclusion/our-values

Security Clearance

This position requires a Department of Energy (DOE) Q-level clearance.  If you are selected, we will initiate a Federal background investigation to determine if you meet eligibility requirements for access to classified information or matter. Also, all L or Q cleared employees are subject to random drug testing.  Q-level clearance requires U.S. citizenship. 

Pre-Employment Drug Test

External applicant(s) selected for this position must pass a post-offer, pre-employment drug test. This includes testing for use of marijuana as Federal Law applies to us as a Federal Contractor.

Wireless and Medical Devices

Per the Department of Energy (DOE), Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory must meet certain restrictions with the use and/or possession of mobile devices in Limited Areas. Depending on your job duties, you may be required to work in a Limited Area where you are not permitted to have a personal and/or laboratory mobile device in your possession.  This includes, but not limited to cell phones, tablets, fitness devices, wireless headphones, and other Bluetooth/wireless enabled devices.  

If you use a medical device, which pairs with a mobile device, you must still follow the rules concerning the mobile device in individual sections within Limited Areas.  Sensitive Compartmented Information Facilities require separate approval. Hearing aids without wireless capabilities or wireless that has been disabled are allowed in Limited Areas, Secure Space and Transit/Buffer Space within buildings.

How to identify fake job advertisements

Please be aware of recruitment scams where people or entities are misusing the name of Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory (LLNL) to post fake job advertisements. LLNL never extends an offer without a personal interview and will never charge a fee for joining our company. All current job openings are displayed on the Career Page under "Find Your Job" of our website. If you have encountered a job posting or have been approached with a job offer that you suspect may be fraudulent, we strongly recommend you do not respond.

To learn more about recruitment scams: https://www.llnl.gov/sites/www/files/2023-05/LLNL-Job-Fraud-Statement-Updated-4.26.23.pdf

Equal Employment Opportunity

We are an equal opportunity employer that is committed to providing all with a work environment free of discrimination and harassment. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, marital status, national origin, ancestry, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, disability, medical condition, pregnancy, protected veteran status, age, citizenship, or any other characteristic protected by applicable laws.

Reasonable Accommodation

Our goal is to create an accessible and inclusive experience for all candidates applying and interviewing at the Laboratory.  If you need a reasonable accommodation during the application or the recruiting process, please use our online form to submit a request. 

California Privacy Notice

The California Consumer Privacy Act (CCPA) grants privacy rights to all California residents. The law also entitles job applicants, employees, and non-employee workers to be notified of what personal information LLNL collects and for what purpose. The Employee Privacy Notice can be accessed here.