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Firmware Reverse Engineer Jobs (NOW HIRING)

KBR

Reverse Engineer

Beavercreek, OH · On-site

$99.20K - $130K/yr

Perform fullscope reverse engineering of hardware, firmware, software, and network protocols * Analyze system components, architectures, and interactions to understand functionality and security ...

KBR, Inc.

Reverse Engineer

Beavercreek, OH · On-site

$99.20K - $130K/yr

Perform full-scope reverse engineering of hardware, firmware, software, and network protocols * Analyze system components, architectures, and interactions to understand functionality and security ...

Navstar

Software Reverse Engineer

Melbourne, FL

$112K - $154K/yr

Reverse engineering complex software or firmware targets, ranging from typical Windows/Linux binaries to embedded firmware running non-traditional computer architectures and operating systems

STR

Software Reverse Engineer

Melbourne, FL

$112K - $154K/yr

Reverse engineering complex software or firmware targets, ranging from typical Windows/Linux binaries to embedded firmware running non-traditional computer architectures and operating systems

Nwis

Senior Principal Reverse Engineer

Arlington, VA

$144.40K - $199K/yr

... Reverse engineer firmware and low-level software on embedded devices -Collaborate ... withNightwingresearch teams toleveragecutting-edgeanalytical capabilities -Utilize and enhance KI2 ...

STR

Software Reverse Engineer

Woburn, MA

$112K - $154K/yr

Reverse engineering complex software or firmware targets, ranging from typical Windows/Linux binaries to embedded firmware running non-traditional computer architectures and operating systems

STR

Software Reverse Engineer

Arlington, VA

$112K - $154K/yr

Reverse engineering complex software or firmware targets, ranging from typical Windows/Linux binaries to embedded firmware running non-traditional computer architectures and operating systems

Nightwing

Senior Principal Reverse Engineer

Arlington, VA · On-site

$144.40K - $199K/yr

... firmware and low-level software on embedded devices - Collaborate with Nightwing research teams to leverage cutting-edge analytical capabilities - Utilize and enhance KI2 system emulation ...

Nightwing

Senior Principal Reverse Engineer

Arlington, VA

$144.60K - $199.30K/yr

... firmware and low-level software on embedded devices - Collaborate with Nightwing research teams to leverage cutting-edge analytical capabilities - Utilize and enhance KI2 system emulation ...

STR

Principal Software Reverse Engineer

Melbourne, FL · On-site

This role involves reverse engineering complex software and firmware, developing innovative cybersecurity solutions, and leading multi-discipline teams to tackle challenging problems that impact ...

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All JobsFirmware Reverse Engineer Jobs

Firmware Reverse Engineer information

See salary details

$75K

$167.4K

$205K

How much do firmware reverse engineer jobs pay per year?

As of Jun 3, 2026, the average yearly pay for firmware reverse engineer in the United States is $167,438.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $143,000.00 and $205,000.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

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

To thrive as a Firmware Reverse Engineer, you need a deep understanding of embedded systems, low-level programming languages (like C and Assembly), and binary analysis, often supported by a degree in computer science or electrical engineering. Mastery of tools such as IDA Pro, Ghidra, hex editors, and JTAG debuggers, alongside knowledge of hardware interfaces, is typically required. Analytical thinking, attention to detail, and strong problem-solving skills are crucial soft skills for dissecting and interpreting complex firmware. These skills are vital for uncovering vulnerabilities, troubleshooting hardware-software interactions, and ensuring device security and reliability.

What are some common challenges faced by Firmware Reverse Engineers when analyzing proprietary embedded systems?

Firmware Reverse Engineers often encounter proprietary architectures and undocumented protocols, making it challenging to understand system behavior without official documentation. Extracting firmware from secure or encrypted devices can also require creative problem-solving and specialized tools. Additionally, staying current with new hardware and anti-tampering techniques is essential, as manufacturers frequently update their defenses. Collaboration with hardware engineers and cybersecurity teams is common to overcome these obstacles and ensure a thorough analysis.

What is a Firmware Reverse Engineer?

A Firmware Reverse Engineer is a specialist who analyzes and deconstructs firmware—software programmed into hardware devices—to understand how it works, identify vulnerabilities, or modify its behavior. This role often involves using tools to extract firmware from devices, disassembling code, and studying its structure and functionality. Firmware reverse engineers play a critical role in security research, vulnerability assessment, and ensuring device integrity. They may work for cybersecurity companies, hardware manufacturers, or government agencies. The work requires expertise in embedded systems, programming languages like C/C++, and knowledge of various hardware architectures.

What is the difference between Firmware Reverse Engineer vs Embedded Systems Engineer?

AspectFirmware Reverse EngineerEmbedded Systems Engineer
Required CredentialsTypically requires a degree in Computer Science, Electrical Engineering, or related fields; certifications like GREM or OSCP are commonUsually holds a degree in Electrical Engineering, Computer Engineering, or related fields; certifications like CISSP or PMP may be relevant
Work EnvironmentPrimarily in security labs, research environments, or R&D teams focused on analyzing and understanding firmwareInvolved in designing, developing, and testing embedded hardware and software in manufacturing or product development settings
Industry UsageCommonly found in cybersecurity, defense, and hardware security sectorsPrevalent in consumer electronics, automotive, aerospace, and IoT device manufacturing

While both roles involve working with hardware and software, Firmware Reverse Engineers focus on analyzing and understanding existing firmware, often for security purposes. Embedded Systems Engineers design and develop firmware and hardware for new products. The two roles share technical skills but differ in their primary objectives and work environments.

Infographic showing various Firmware Reverse Engineer job openings in the United States as of May 2026, with employment types broken down into 2% Internship, 1% As Needed, 45% Full Time, 15% Part Time, 34% Contract, and 3% Nights. Highlights an 95% Physical, 2% Hybrid, and 3% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $167,438 per year, or $80.5 per hour.

Firmware Reverse Engineer 3 - (Ghidra, IDA Pro, Python)

Akina

Annapolis, MD

$232K - $283K/yr

Other

Retirement, PTO

Posted 2 days ago

Job description

Firmware Reverse Engineer 3 - (Ghidra, IDA Pro, Python)
Clearance: TS/SCI w/ poly
Position ID: 20-25-005-SWE3
Location: Annapolis Junction, Maryland
Description:
This Software Engineer will focus on improving the tools and workflows used by reverse engineers. The role involves enabling automation and AI-assisted capabilities for reverse engineering tasks, with a focus on binary analysis, disassembly, and workflow optimization for complex software and device platforms.
  • Design and implement tooling enhancements to support reverse engineering workflows for firmware, embedded systems, and application software.
  • Experiment with autonomous or semi-autonomous agents to assist with development workflows.
  • Extend or integrate reverse engineering tools such as Ghidra.
  • Develop automation for common reverse engineering tasks, including analysis and documentation.
  • Apply AI-assisted techniques to binary analysis, annotation, and pattern identification.
  • Collaborate with customers and teammates to gather feedback and iterate on solutions.
  • Measure and document the effectiveness of tooling improvements.
Position Required Skills:
  • Hands-on experience with reverse engineering tools such as Ghidra or IDA Pro.
  • Strong understanding of low-level software concepts (assembly, binaries, memory, calling conventions).
  • Experience developing software tools, scripts, or plugins to support analysis workflows.
  • Proficiency in at least one scripting or programming language commonly used in RE workflows.
  • Ability to prototype, evaluate, and refine experimental tooling.
  • AI/LLM curious and ready to learn on-the-job; familiar with AI/LLM and interested in taking their skills to the next level.
Position Desired Skills:
  • Experience reverse engineering Linux-based network devices or embedded systems.
  • Experience reverse engineering network traffic and web applications.
  • Familiarity with firmware analysis, bootloaders, and networking protocols.
  • Experience applying automation or AI techniques to reverse engineering tasks.
  • Knowledge of Python or similar scripting languages used in RE tooling.
  • Knowledge of agentic AI frameworks or orchestration systems.

SWE3 Qualifications:
12 yrs., B.S. in a technical discipline or 4 additional yrs. in place of B.S.
Salary Range: **$232k-$283k (Annually)
**The range displayed above is a likely salary range for this position. This is not, however, a guarantee of compensation or salary. Rather, salary will be set based on experience, geographic location and possible contractual requirements and could fall outside of this range.
Akina is a Woman Owned, Service Disabled, Veteran Owned, Small Business, looking for talented and ambitious individuals to join our team. We offer a generous compensation package that includes 24 days PTO accrued annually and 11 federal holidays. Our 401k is 100% vested on your start date and the company makes a direct contribution worth 10% of your salary. Akina covers 100% of healthcare costs for employees and 50% toward dependents. We offer educational assistance towards college classes and will cover costs associated with job related training and certifications.
Akina is committed to excellence and creating innovative and flexible solutions for our clients. We are a small company with an open ear to our employees' needs in order to attract and retain quality talent that enables our customer's mission.
We are an equal employment opportunity employer and all qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, disability status, protected veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by law.
www.akina-inc.com/careers

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