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Cyber Reverse Engineer Jobs in Washington, DC (NOW HIRING)

They are seeking a Principal Software Reverse Engineer to lead teams in reverse engineering software and firmware, develop innovative cybersecurity solutions, and address vulnerabilities in cyber ...

In this role, you will contribute to the development of mission-critical cyber capabilities, drive ... Perform Reverse Engineering of Hardware Components and Software Applications to design and develop ...

Reverse Engineer 4

Annapolis, MD · On-site

$182K - $233K/yr

... Cyber Planners, Intrusion Analysts, Protocol Analysts, Signals Analysts and Reverse Engineers ... responsible for improving, protecting, and defending our Nation's Security. * We are looking for a ...

Reverse Engineer 4

Annapolis, MD · On-site

$183K - $235K/yr

... Cyber Planners, Intrusion Analysts, Protocol Analysts, Signals Analysts and Reverse Engineers ... responsible for improving, protecting, and defending our Nation's Security. We are looking for a ...

Reverse Engineer 2

Annapolis, MD · On-site

$136K - $183K/yr

... Cyber Planners, Intrusion Analysts, Protocol Analysts, Signals Analysts and Reverse Engineers ... responsible for improving, protecting, and defending our Nation's Security. We are looking for a ...

Job Summary : STR is hiring a Principal Software Reverse Engineer who has a passion for research and analysis of vulnerabilities in cyber physical systems. This position offers an excellent ...

Job Summary : STR is hiring a Principal Software Reverse Engineer who has a passion for research and analysis of vulnerabilities in cyber physical systems. This position offers an excellent ...

CNO Reverse Engineer

Hanover, MD · On-site

$141K - $236K/yr

In this role, you will contribute to the development of mission-critical cyber capabilities, drive ... Perform Reverse Engineering of Hardware Components and Software Applications to design and develop ...

STR is hiring a Principal Software Reverse Engineer who has a passion for research and analysis of vulnerabilities in cyber physical systems. This opportunity will be part of a multidisciplinary team ...

Senior Reverse Engineer

Arlington, VA · On-site

$120K - $165K/yr

They are seeking a Senior Reverse Engineer to perform reverse engineering of software and firmware, develop automated tools for binary analysis, and work on innovative cyber solutions impacting ...

... nation's cyber infrastructure & providing expertise in malware analysis, attribution, mapping ... reverse engineering of network traffic and web applications to support mission objectives - Work ...

Reverse Engineer

Fort George G Meade, MD · On-site

$160K - $240K/yr

... nation's cyber infrastructure & providing expertise in malware analysis, attribution, mapping ... reverse engineering of network traffic and web applications to support mission objectives - Work ...

Job Summary : STR is hiring a Principal Software Reverse Engineer who has a passion for research and analysis of vulnerabilities in cyber physical systems. This position offers an excellent ...

STR is hiring a Principal Software Reverse Engineer who has a passion for research and analysis of vulnerabilities in cyber physical systems. This opportunity will be part of a multidisciplinary team ...

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Showing results 1-20

Cyber Reverse Engineer information

See Washington, DC salary details

$118.9K

$152.4K

$177.7K

How much do cyber reverse engineer jobs pay per year?

As of Jun 9, 2026, the average yearly pay for cyber reverse engineer in Washington, DC is $152,395.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $140,900.00 and $159,100.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is the difference between Cyber Reverse Engineer vs Malware Analyst?

AspectCyber Reverse EngineerMalware Analyst
Required CredentialsBachelor's in Cybersecurity, Computer Science, or related field; certifications like GREM or GREM+Bachelor's in Cybersecurity, Computer Science, or related field; certifications like GREM or GREM+
Work EnvironmentSecurity teams, R&D labs, cybersecurity firmsSecurity teams, incident response units, cybersecurity firms
Employer & Industry UsageUsed in cybersecurity firms, government agencies, and large corporations for malware analysis and threat detectionCommonly employed in incident response, threat intelligence, and malware research teams

While both roles involve analyzing malicious software, a Cyber Reverse Engineer focuses on dissecting and understanding malware at a code level to develop detection and mitigation strategies. A Malware Analyst primarily investigates and categorizes malware samples to identify threats and inform security measures. Both roles require similar skills and certifications but differ in their core focus and depth of reverse engineering.

What is a Cyber Reverse Engineer?

A Cyber Reverse Engineer is a cybersecurity professional who analyzes software, firmware, or hardware to understand its structure, functionality, and behavior, often without access to source code. Their work typically involves dissecting malware, identifying vulnerabilities, and uncovering hidden features or malicious code within applications. This process helps security teams develop defenses, detect threats, and improve overall cybersecurity. Reverse engineers use specialized tools and techniques to deconstruct code and understand how it operates.

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

To thrive as a Cyber Reverse Engineer, you need a solid background in computer science, malware analysis, and assembly language, often supported by a relevant degree or certifications like GIAC Reverse Engineering Malware (GREM). Proficiency with technical tools such as IDA Pro, Ghidra, OllyDbg, and network protocol analyzers is essential for dissecting and understanding malicious code. Strong analytical thinking, attention to detail, and effective problem-solving skills help you excel in unraveling complex threats. These skills and qualities are crucial for protecting organizations by identifying, understanding, and mitigating sophisticated cyberattacks.

What are some typical challenges faced by Cyber Reverse Engineers when analyzing malware, and how can they be addressed?

Cyber Reverse Engineers often encounter highly obfuscated or encrypted malware designed to evade analysis, which can make it challenging to understand its behavior. Additionally, they may need to work quickly to identify threats in high-pressure environments, often with incomplete information. Staying updated with the latest tools, practicing advanced debugging, and collaborating closely with threat intelligence teams can help address these challenges. Regular training and participation in Capture the Flag (CTF) competitions also enhance problem-solving skills and adaptability in the fast-evolving cybersecurity landscape.

What Does a Cyber Reverse Engineer Do?

A cyber reverse engineer examines malware and software by breaking it down to pure code to better understand the potential vulnerability of a software. You also work to find out how the malware affects existing security. A cyber reverse engineer's responsibilities revolve around the design of systems and applications and how those designs can create additional vulnerability or security for the company. You test software and document your findings as a researcher to create a more secure network overall and to help beat those who are creating malicious software. Your daily job duties are mainly reading and understanding code.

What are popular job titles related to Cyber Reverse Engineer jobs in Washington, DC? For Cyber Reverse Engineer jobs in Washington, DC, the most frequently searched job titles are:
What job categories do people searching Cyber Reverse Engineer jobs in Washington, DC look for? The top searched job categories for Cyber Reverse Engineer jobs in Washington, DC are:
Infographic showing various Cyber Reverse Engineer job openings in Washington, DC as of June 2026, with employment types broken down into 99% Full Time, and 1% Part Time. Highlights an 87% Physical, 5% Hybrid, and 8% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $152,395 per year, or $73.3 per hour.
Senior Reverse Engineer / Cyber Capability Engineer

Senior Reverse Engineer / Cyber Capability Engineer

Johns Hopkins Applied Physics Laboratory

Laurel, MD • On-site

$103K - $142K/yr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Posted 6 days ago


Johns Hopkins Applied Physics Laboratory rating

9.9

Company rating: 9.9 out of 10

Based on 5 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

1st of 57 rated research


Job description

Description
Are you a reverse engineer who loves to discover how bespoke systems work and how to break them?
Are you energized by working with world-class experts to solve the hardest offensive cyber problems?
Are you passionate about national security cyber challenges?
If so, we want you to join our elite team of reverse engineers at APL! We strive to foster an innovative team environment where engineers can hack the latest technologies to find and exploit vulnerabilities.
Our team specializes in software and hardware reverse engineering, vulnerability research, and developing offensive cyber capabilities with a focus on embedded systems. We have custom facilities tailored to specific classes of systems including foreign materiel, telecommunications/network infrastructure, and industrial systems as well as general reverse engineering labs.
As a member of our group, you will...
  • Reverse engineer embedded systems and develop innovative exploits
  • Work with government sponsors and operators to build mission-aligned capabilities
  • Explore novel techniques for automating reverse engineering and exploit development
  • Propose groundbreaking ideas for internal and external funding opportunities
  • Mentor early-career teammates in the art and science of reverse engineering
  • Share knowledge by clearly articulating ideas through papers and presentations to team members, APL management, and government decision makers

Qualifications
You meet our minimum qualifications for the job if you...
  • Have a Bachelor's degree in Computer Engineering, Computer Science, Electrical Engineering, or another field relevant to the duties as described above
  • Have at least 5 years of relevant experience
  • Are skilled with software debuggers and static analysis tools such as Ghidra, IDA, and Binary Ninja
  • Are proficient with one or more programming languages
  • Understand Unix/Linux operating systems and embedded systems development toolchains
  • Love solving puzzles and have experience persevering through technical challenges
  • Hold an active TS/SCI clearance and can ultimately obtain a TS/SCI+Polygraph clearance. If selected, you will be subject to a government security clearance investigation and must meet the requirements for access to classified information; eligibility requirements include U.S. citizenship.

You'll go above and beyond our minimum requirements if you...
  • Previously held dynamic technical leadership roles and have demonstrated mentoring experience
  • Have knowledge of advanced vulnerability discovery tools
  • Have experience with hardware debugging interfaces, code security mechanisms and their weaknesses, hardware diagnostic tools, and signal/protocol analysis
  • Have a Master's degree in Computer Engineering, Computer Science or Electrical Engineering
  • Possess an active TS/SCI clearance with full scope polygraph

#LI-AG1
About Us
Why Work at APL?
The Johns Hopkins University Applied Physics Laboratory (APL) brings world-class expertise to our nation's most critical defense, security, space and science challenges. While we are dedicated to solving complex challenges and pioneering new technologies, what makes us truly outstanding is our culture. We offer a vibrant, welcoming atmosphere where you can bring your authentic self to work, continue to grow, and build strong connections with inspiring teammates.
At APL, we celebrate our differences of perspectives and encourage creativity and bold, new ideas. Our employees enjoy generous benefits, including a robust education assistance program, unparalleled retirement contributions, and a healthy work/life balance. APL's campus is located in the Baltimore-Washington metro area. Learn more about our career opportunities at http://www.jhuapl.edu/careers.
All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, creed, color, religion, sex, gender identity or expression, sexual orientation, national origin, age, physical or mental disability, genetic information, veteran status, occupation, marital or familial status, political opinion, personal appearance, or any other characteristic protected by applicable law. APL is committed to providing reasonable accommodation to individuals of all abilities, including those with disabilities. If you require a reasonable accommodation to participate in any part of the hiring process, please contact Accommodations@jhuapl.edu.
The referenced pay range is based on JHU APL's good faith belief at the time of posting. Actual compensation may vary based on factors such as geographic location, work experience, market conditions, education/training and skill level with consideration for internal parity. For salaried employees scheduled to work less than 40 hours per week, annual salary will be prorated based on the number of hours worked. APL may offer bonuses or other forms of compensation per internal policy and/or contractual designation. Additional compensation may be provided in the form of a sign-on bonus, relocation benefits, locality allowance or discretionary payments for exceptional performance. APL provides eligible staff with a comprehensive benefits package including retirement plans, paid time off, medical, dental, vision, life insurance, short-term disability, long-term disability, flexible spending accounts, education assistance, and training and development. Applications are accepted on a rolling basis.
Minimum Rate
$105,000 Annually
Maximum Rate
$290,000 Annually