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Contract Software Reverse Engineer Jobs in Chicago, IL

Industrial Design Engineer

Itasca, IL · On-site

$85K - $115K/yr

... reverse engineering to analyze existing products and create accurate draft drawings. • Identify ... Must Haves: · Proficiency in CAD Software (SolidWorks, Inventor, Autodesk) · Technical Knowledge ...

Software Engineer 3

Rolling Meadows, IL · On-site

$57.75 - $77.75/hr

Job #218473 Chipton-Ross is seeking a Software Engineer 3 for a contract opportunity in Rolling Meadows, IL. BASIC QUALIFICATIONS (REQUIRED SKILLS/EXPERIENCE) * Bachelor's degree in Software ...

Software Engineer

Chicago, IL · On-site +1

$140K - $197K/yr

... and contract lifecycle management (CLM). What you'll do As a Software Engineer, you will be an ... integral part of a dynamic, Agile engineering team, contributing to software development. You will ...

Senior Software Developer

Morton Grove, IL

$54.25 - $71.75/hr

About the Role As Senior Software Developer, you will be a key technical contributor on a ... Participate in an active dual-domain migration for the identity platform, including reverse proxy ...

Candidates for this position are software engineers with strong programming skills who demonstrate ... Some contracts may have higher-level clearance requirements. Travel RequirementsNone Relocation ...

Embedded Software Engineer 3

Rolling Meadows, IL · On-site

$132K - $174K/yr

Job #218529 Chipton-Ross is seeking multiple Embedded Software Engineer 3's for a contract opportunity in Rolling Meadows, Illinois. BASIC QUALIFICATIONS (REQUIRED SKILLS/EXPERIENCE) * Bachelor ...

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Contract Software Reverse Engineer information

See Chicago, IL salary details

$79

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$106

How much do contract software reverse engineer jobs pay per hour?

As of Jun 18, 2026, the average hourly pay for contract software reverse engineer in Chicago, IL is $94.10, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $86.92 and $101.30 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a Contract Software Reverse Engineer, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Contract Software Reverse Engineer, you need expertise in programming languages (such as C/C++ and Assembly), a strong understanding of operating systems, and experience with software debugging, typically supported by a degree in computer science or related field. Proficiency with technical tools like IDA Pro, Ghidra, OllyDbg, and decompilers, as well as knowledge of malware analysis or cybersecurity certifications, is often required. Strong analytical thinking, attention to detail, and effective communication help you dissect complex systems and present findings clearly to clients. These skills are crucial for accurately analyzing software, identifying vulnerabilities, and delivering actionable insights in diverse and time-sensitive projects.

What are some of the most common challenges faced by contract software reverse engineers, and how can they be addressed?

Contract software reverse engineers often encounter challenges such as analyzing undocumented code, working with obfuscated binaries, and ensuring compliance with legal and ethical guidelines. To address these, it’s important to stay current with reverse engineering tools, maintain clear communication with clients about project scope, and document findings thoroughly. Additionally, collaborating with other security professionals and leveraging community resources can help solve complex technical problems and ensure the integrity of the work.

What is the difference between Contract Software Reverse Engineer vs Software Developer?

AspectContract Software Reverse EngineerSoftware Developer
CredentialsTypically requires knowledge of reverse engineering, programming, and security certificationsRequires programming skills, often with a degree in computer science or related field
Work EnvironmentOften project-based, working independently or in teams to analyze existing softwareUsually employed in development teams to create new software applications
Industry UsageUsed in cybersecurity, software analysis, and security testingUsed across various industries for software creation and maintenance
Search & Comparison IntentCommonly compared for skills overlap in security and reverse engineeringCompared for software creation and coding expertise

The main difference is that Contract Software Reverse Engineers focus on analyzing and understanding existing software, often for security or compatibility purposes, while Software Developers create new software applications. Both roles require strong programming skills, but their focus and work environments differ significantly.

What does a Contract Software Reverse Engineer do?

A Contract Software Reverse Engineer is a professional who is hired on a temporary or project basis to analyze software applications and systems to understand their structure, functionality, and behavior. This process often involves decompiling or disassembling software to recover source code or design elements, identify vulnerabilities, or ensure software compliance. Contract Software Reverse Engineers commonly work with legacy systems, malware analysis, or software interoperability tasks. Their expertise is valuable for clients who need insight into proprietary or undocumented software components.
What are the most commonly searched types of Software Reverse Engineer jobs in Chicago, IL? The most popular types of Software Reverse Engineer jobs in Chicago, IL are:
What are popular job titles related to Contract Software Reverse Engineer jobs in Chicago, IL? For Contract Software Reverse Engineer jobs in Chicago, IL, the most frequently searched job titles are:
What job categories do people searching Contract Software Reverse Engineer jobs in Chicago, IL look for? The top searched job categories for Contract Software Reverse Engineer jobs in Chicago, IL are:
Software/Principal Software Engineer

Software/Principal Software Engineer

Northrop Grumman Corporation

Rolling Meadows, IL • On-site

$135K - $182K/yr

Full-time

Medical, Life, PTO

Posted 4 days ago


Northrop Grumman rating

8.1

Company rating: 8.1 out of 10

Based on 340 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

109th of 518 rated manufacturers


Job description

RELOCATION ASSISTANCE: Relocation assistance may be availableCLEARANCE REQUIRED FOR START: YesCLEARANCE TYPE: SAPTRAVEL: Yes, 10% of the TimeDescriptionAt Northrop Grumman, our employees have incredible opportunities to work on revolutionary systems that impact people's lives around the world today, and for generations to come. Our pioneering and inventive spirit has enabled us to be at the forefront of many technological advancements in our nation's history - from the first flight across the Atlantic Ocean, to stealth bombers, to landing on the moon. We look for people who have bold new ideas, courage and a pioneering spirit to join forces to invent the future, and have fun along the way. Our culture thrives on intellectual curiosity, cognitive diversity and bringing your whole self to work - and we have an insatiable drive to do what others think is impossible. Our employees are not only part of history, they're making history.

Northrop Grumman Mission Systems is a trusted provider of mission-enabling solutions for global security. Our Engineering and Sciences (E&S) organization pushes the boundaries of innovation, redefines engineering capabilities, and drives advances in various sciences. Our team is chartered with providing the skills, innovative technologies to develop, design, produce and sustain optimized product lines across the sector while providing a decisive advantage to the warfighter. Come be a part of our mission!

As a Software Engineer/Principal Software Engineer at Northrop Grumman you will have a challenging and rewarding opportunity to be a part of our Enterprise-wide digital transformation. Through the use of Model-based Engineering, DevSecOps and Agile practices we continue to evolve how we deliver critical national defense products and capabilities for the warfighter. Our success is grounded in our ability to embrace change, move quickly and continuously drive innovation. The successful candidate will be collaborative, open, transparent, and team-oriented with a focus on team empowerment & shared responsibility, flexibility, continuous learning, and a culture of automation.

Northrop Grumman is looking to add to our talented team of Software Engineers. Our engineers are self-starters who are part of a team of software professionals developing world-class software to meet our customer's high expectations. The Software Engineer designs, develops, operates, and maintains software components and computing systems software to be applied to and integrated with engineering, scientific and manufacturing requirements. The individual shall apply the appropriate standards, processes, procedures, and tools throughout the system development life cycle to support the generation of engineering applications and products within the RF Business Unit. This includes interfacing with customers, suppliers, application users and other technical and support personnel. The ideal individual will have experience including the full software development life cycle, which includes requirements, design, coding, testing, and integration.

This position can be filled at the Software or Principal Software level based on specific requirements.

This position will be full-time, on-site at our Rolling Meadows, IL. location.

This position is contingent upon Funding/Contract award, special access program and acquiring and maintaining the necessary US Government security clearance per customers' requirements prior to start.

Basic Qualifications for Software Engineer:

  • Bachelor's degree in Software Engineering, Computer Science, Computer Engineering, or similar engineering discipline with a minimum of 2+ years of engineering experience, or Master's degree in Software Engineering, Computer Science, Computer Engineering or similar engineering discipline or in lieu of degree, an additional 4 years of experience is required.
  • Object Oriented Programming in C++
  • Experience creating Graphical User Interfaces
  • Familiarity with Software architecture (design patterns, objected oriented design)
  • Familiarity with relational database management systems using SQL
  • Experience Developing Software running Windows Operating Systems
  • Familiarity with software development methodologies and frameworks such as Waterfall Methodology and/or Agile
  • Familiarity with various version control systems (Git, Gitlabs, Github, Bitbucket, ClearCase. etc) and Agile software planning tools (Rally, Jira, etc)
  • US Citizenship
  • Must be able to obtain an active Secret or Top-Secret Security Clearance and meet Enhanced Security Review criteria prior to start which may vary by program(s).

Basic Qualifications for Principal Embedded Software Engineer:

  • Bachelor's degree in Software Engineering, Computer Science, Computer Engineering, or similar engineering discipline with a minimum of 5+ years of engineering experience, or 3+ years with a Master's degree in Software Engineering, Computer Science, Computer Engineering or similar engineering discipline or in lieu of degree, an additional 4 years of experience is required.
  • Object Oriented Programming in C++
  • Experience creating Graphical User Interfaces
  • Familiarity with Software architecture (design patterns, objected oriented design)
  • Familiarity with relational database management systems using SQL
  • Experience Developing Software running Windows Operating Systems
  • Familiarity with software development methodologies and frameworks such as Waterfall Methodology and/or Agile
  • Familiarity with various version control systems (Git, Gitlabs, Github, Bitbucket, ClearCase. etc) and Agile software planning tools (Rally, Jira, etc)
  • US Citizenship
  • Must be able to obtain an active Secret or Top-Secret Security Clearance and meet Enhanced Security Review criteria prior to start which may vary by program(s).

Preferred Qualifications:

  • Experience with Object Oriented Programming in C++ 11
  • Familiarity with scripting languages (Python, Bash, Batch, etc)
  • Experience with Software development methodologies and frameworks such as Waterfall Methodology and/or Agile.
  • Experience testing, debugging, and integrating Software on target hardware platforms
  • Experience with the Qt framework
  • Experience with DOORs requirements management
  • Active Secret Clearance
  • Differentiating characteristics include demonstrated leadership and teamwork capability, interpersonal communication skills and activities.
Primary Level Salary Range: $85,400.00 - $128,000.00Secondary Level Salary Range: $105,400.00 - $158,000.00The above salary range represents a general guideline; however, Northrop Grumman considers a number of factors when determining base salary offers such as the scope and responsibilities of the position and the candidate's experience, education, skills and current market conditions.Depending on the position, employees may be eligible for overtime, shift differential, and a discretionary bonus in addition to base pay. Annual bonuses are designed to reward individual contributions as well as allow employees to share in company results. Employees in Vice President or Director positions may be eligible for Long Term Incentives. In addition, Northrop Grumman provides a variety of benefits including health insurance coverage, life and disability insurance, savings plan, Company paid holidays and paid time off (PTO) for vacation and/or personal business.The application period for the job is estimated to be 20 days from the job posting date. However, this timeline may be shortened or extended depending on business needs and the availability of qualified candidates.Northrop Grumman is an Equal Opportunity Employer, making decisions without regard to race, color, religion, creed, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, marital status, national origin, age, veteran status, disability, or any other protected class. For our complete EEO and pay transparency statement, please visit http://www.northropgrumman.com/EEO. U.S. Citizenship is required for all positions with a government clearance and certain other restricted positions.

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About Northrop Grumman

Sourced by ZipRecruiter

At Northrop Grumman, our employees have incredible opportunities to work on revolutionary systems that impact people's lives around the world today, and for generations to come. Our pioneering and inventive spirit has enabled us to be at the forefront of many technological advancements in our nation's history - from the first flight across the Atlantic Ocean, to stealth bombers, to landing on the moon. We look for people who have bold new ideas, courage and a pioneering spirit to join forces to invent the future, and have fun along the way. Our culture thrives on intellectual curiosity, cognitive diversity and bringing your whole self to work - and we have an insatiable drive to do what others think is impossible.

Industry

Space research administration

Company size

10,000+ Employees

Headquarters location

Falls Church, VA, US

Year founded

1939