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Contract Software Reverse Engineer Jobs in Santa Clara, CA

LLNL

Senior Cybersecurity Reverse Engineer

Livermore, CA · On-site

You will also lead software analysis projects to better understand supply chain threats to critical ... Experience mitigating anti-reverse engineering techniques. * Advanced knowledge of state-of-the-art ...

LLNL

Senior Cybersecurity Reverse Engineer

Livermore, CA · On-site

$9.8K/wk

You will also lead software analysis projects to better understand supply chain threats to critical ... Experience mitigating anti-reverse engineering techniques. * Advanced knowledge of state-of-the-art ...

LLNL

Senior Cybersecurity Reverse Engineer

Livermore, CA · On-site

You will also lead software analysis projects to better understand supply chain threats to critical ... Experience mitigating anti-reverse engineering techniques. * Advanced knowledge of state-of-the-art ...

Archer

VMS Software Engineer

San Jose, CA

$142K - $220K/yr

You aren't afraid to reverse-engineer a protocol or write a custom driver if the standard one fails ... Design software with a safety-first mindset. You anticipate edge cases and write defensive code ...

Flex Ltd.

Sr Manager, Software Engineering

Milpitas, CA · On-site

$195K - $268K/yr

Use AI tools to Reverse-engineer legacy applications, generate technical documentation, accelerate ... Bachelor's degree in computer science, Software Engineering, or related field. * 8+ years of ...

Archer

VMS Software Engineer

San Jose, CA · On-site

$142K - $220K/yr

You aren't afraid to reverse-engineer a protocol or write a custom driver if the standard one fails ... Design software with a safety-first mindset. You anticipate edge cases and write defensive code ...

Snap-on Inc

Sr. Embedded Software Engineer

San Jose, CA · On-site

$110K - $150K/yr

Performs software design and implementation of vehicle interface software and protocols ... Understands and implements methodologies for reverse engineering of vehicle communication protocols ...

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Contract Software Reverse Engineer information

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

As of Jul 30, 2026, the average hourly pay for contract software reverse engineer in Santa Clara, CA is $107.28, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $99.09 and $115.48 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What engineers make $300,000 a year?

Senior software engineers, especially those with expertise in high-demand areas like machine learning, cloud computing, or cybersecurity, can earn $300,000 or more annually. These roles often require advanced skills, extensive experience, and sometimes leadership responsibilities or specialized certifications.

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 salary of a Reverse Engineer in software engineering?

The salary of a Contract Software Reverse Engineer varies based on experience, location, and project complexity, but typically ranges from $80,000 to $150,000 annually. Skilled reverse engineers with expertise in debugging, malware analysis, and security tools can command higher rates, especially for specialized or contract roles.

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.

Is it legal to Reverse Engineer a software?

For a Contract Software Reverse Engineer, the legality of reverse engineering software depends on the jurisdiction and the specific circumstances, such as whether the software is copyrighted or protected by licensing agreements. In some cases, reverse engineering is permitted for interoperability, security research, or with explicit permission, but in others it may violate intellectual property laws. Professionals in this field should ensure they understand applicable laws and obtain necessary permissions to avoid legal issues.

What engineers make $500,000 a year?

Highly experienced software engineers, especially those in specialized fields like reverse engineering, cybersecurity, or working at top tech companies, can earn $500,000 or more annually. These roles often require advanced skills, certifications, and sometimes involve stock options or bonuses as part of compensation packages.
What are the most commonly searched types of Software Reverse Engineer jobs in Santa Clara, CA? The most popular types of Software Reverse Engineer jobs in Santa Clara, CA are:
What are popular job titles related to Contract Software Reverse Engineer jobs in Santa Clara, CA? For Contract Software Reverse Engineer jobs in Santa Clara, CA, the most frequently searched job titles are:
What job categories do people searching Contract Software Reverse Engineer jobs in Santa Clara, CA look for? The top searched job categories for Contract Software Reverse Engineer jobs in Santa Clara, CA are:
What cities near Santa Clara, CA are hiring for Contract Software Reverse Engineer jobs? Cities near Santa Clara, CA with the most Contract Software Reverse Engineer job openings:
Contract Software Reverse Engineer jobs near you
Infographic showing various Contract Software Reverse Engineer job openings in Santa Clara, CA as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 62% Full Time, 20% Part Time, 1% Temporary, and 17% Contract. Highlights an 82% Physical, 2% Hybrid, and 16% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $223,142 per year, or $107.3 per hour.

Advanced Reverse Engineer

General Dynamics Mission Systems, Inc

San Jose, CA • On-site

$161K - $178K/yr

Full-time

Medical, Retirement

This job post has expired today. Applications are no longer accepted.

General Dynamics Mission Systems rating

7.9

Company rating: 7.9 out of 10

Based on 30 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

129th of 246 rated software companies

Job description

Basic Qualifications
Bachelor's degree in Engineering, or a related Science or Mathematics field, plus a minimum of 5 years of relevant experience; or Master's degree plus a minimum of 3 years of relevant experience.
CLEARANCE REQUIREMENTS:
Department of Defense TS/SCI security clearance is required at time of hire. Applicants selected will be subject to a U.S. Government security investigation and must meet eligibility requirements for access to classified information. Due to the nature of work performed within our facilities, U.S. citizenship is required.
Responsibilities for this Position
Imagine being part of the team that develops the technologies, products and services that help our nation's heroes keep our nation safe. The work is important. The challenges are career-defining. The opportunity is waiting for you at GDMS. General Dynamics Mission Systems (GDMS) has an immediate opening for a Reverse Engineerto join us in our San Jose, CA location. This position provides an opportunity to further advance cutting-edge technologies that support some of our nation's core defense/intelligence services and systems. GDMS employees work closely with esteemed customers to develop solutions that allow them to carry out high-stakes national security missions.
The Reverse Engineer will be part of an innovative team that loves to evaluate RF systems, such as RADARs, jammers, or communications systems, including their software and signals, for capabilities, performance, and vulnerabilities. This individual is expected to work effectively in multi-disciplined engineering teams where communication and innovation are key.
2024 Gallup Exceptional Workplace Award Winner
What you'll experience:
  • Technologies that aren't just top-notch, they're often top-secret
  • A team of bold thinkers committed to exploring what's next
  • Opportunities to gain new knowledge - as it's discovered

What you bring to the table:
  • Understanding of electrical engineering concepts, principles, theories, and processes
  • Understanding of communications signals and protocols, specifically within the Physical and Data Link Layers of the OSI model
  • Proficiency in communication protocol implementation and analysis in one or more of C, C++, Python, LabVIEW, MATLAB, Wireshark
  • Understanding of networking concepts
  • Understanding of cyber security concepts
  • Ability to contribute to rapid prototyping of proof-of-concept capabilities
  • Strong ability to manage tasks and projects independently with urgency

What sets you apart:
  • Advanced degree in relevant field of study
  • Advanced understanding of RF physical layer implementations
  • Advanced understanding of Data Link, Network, and Transport layer implementations
  • Experience with RF test equipment, such as RF signal generators and spectrum analyzers
  • Experience with Digital Signal Processing
  • Demonstrated problem-solving, verbal and written communication, presentation, and organizational skill
  • Proven technical leadership skills - ability to generate and deliver creative problem solutions
  • Identifies opportunities to apply AI for continuous improvement and innovation

Our Commitment to You:
  • An exciting career path with opportunities for continuous learning and development.
  • Research oriented work, alongside award winning teams developing practical solutions for our nation's security
  • Flexible schedules with every other Friday off work, if desired (9/80 schedule)
  • Competitive benefits, including 401k matching, flex time off, paid parental leave, healthcare benefits, health & wellness programs, employee resource and social groups, and more
  • See more at gdmissionsystems.com/careers/why-work-for-us/benefits

Workplace Options:
  • This position is fully on-site
  • While on-site, you will be a member of the Intelligence Systems team in San Jose, CA

Salary Note
This estimate represents the typical salary range for this position based on experience and other factors (geographic location, etc.). Actual pay may vary. This job posting will remain open until the position is filled.
Combined Salary Range
USD $161,067.00 - USD $178,684.00 /Yr.
Company Overview
General Dynamics Mission Systems (GDMS) engineers a diverse portfolio of high technology solutions, products and services that enable customers to successfully execute missions across all domains of operation. With a global team of 12,000+ top professionals, we partner with the best in industry to expand the bounds of innovation in the defense and scientific arenas. Given the nature of our work and who we are, we value trust, honesty, alignment and transparency. We offer highly competitive benefits and pride ourselves in being a great place to work with a shared sense of purpose. You will also enjoy a flexible work environment where contributions are recognized and rewarded. If who we are and what we do resonates with you, we invite you to join our high-performance team!
Equal Opportunity Employer / Individuals with Disabilities / Protected Veterans

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