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Firmware Reverse Engineer Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Two Six Technologies

Software Reverse Engineer

Herndon, VA · On-site

$112K - $168K/yr

Reverse engineer wireless and embedded systems, identifying vulnerabilities and assessing their ... Analyze firmware, software protections, and wireless protocols to uncover security flaws. * Utilize ...

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Firmware Reverse Engineer information

See salary details

$75K

$167.4K

$205K

How much do firmware reverse engineer jobs pay per year?

As of Sep 11, 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 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 are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a firmware reverse engineer?

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 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.

What are popular job titles related to Firmware Reverse Engineer jobs?

For Firmware Reverse Engineer jobs, the most frequently searched job titles are:

Infographic showing various Firmware Reverse Engineer job openings in the United States as of September 2026, with employment types broken down into 67% Full Time, and 33% Contract. Highlights an 100% In-person job distribution, with an average salary of $167,438 per year, or $80.5 per hour.

Principal Firmware Reverse Engineer

Annapolis Junction, MD • On-site

Staffed4U
See more jobs at Staffed4Uexternal

$293K - $306K/yr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

This job post has expired 4 days ago. Applications are no longer accepted.

Key responsibilities

  • Design, develop, and implement tooling enhancements to improve software analysis and reverse engineering workflows.

  • Develop automation solutions and scripts to support analysis of firmware, embedded systems, and other computing platforms.

  • Evaluate, prototype, and integrate emerging automation and AI technologies to enhance software analysis activities.

Job description

Principal Firmware Reverse Engineer

Location: Annapolis Junction, MD
Clearance: TS/SCI with Polygraph required
Work Type: On-site
Salary: $293,000-$306,000

Position Overview

We are seeking an experienced Senior Reverse Engineer to support the development, enhancement, and automation of software analysis and reverse engineering workflows. This role focuses on improving the tools, processes, and technologies used to analyze software, firmware, embedded systems, and complex computing platforms.

The successful candidate will design and develop automation capabilities, integrate emerging artificial intelligence technologies into analysis workflows, and enhance the effectiveness and efficiency of software analysis activities. This position offers the opportunity to work at the intersection of reverse engineering, software development, automation, and applied AI.

Key Responsibilities
  • Design, develop, and implement tooling enhancements that improve software analysis and reverse engineering workflows.
  • Develop automation solutions to support the analysis of firmware, embedded systems, application software, and other computing platforms.
  • Extend, customize, and integrate software analysis and reverse engineering tools.
  • Develop scripts, plugins, and software utilities that automate common analysis, documentation, and reporting tasks.
  • Evaluate and apply artificial intelligence and machine learning technologies to support software analysis, annotation, pattern recognition, and workflow optimization.
  • Research, prototype, and evaluate emerging automation technologies and AI-assisted development capabilities.
  • Collaborate with stakeholders, engineers, and analysts to gather requirements and improve tool usability and effectiveness.
  • Measure, document, and communicate the impact of tooling enhancements and workflow improvements.
  • Develop technical documentation, user guides, and implementation recommendations.
  • Support continuous improvement initiatives for software analysis and development workflows.
Required QualificationsEducation and Experience
  • Bachelor's degree in Computer Science, Software Engineering, Computer Engineering, Cybersecurity, or a related technical discipline and twelve (12) years of relevant experience; OR
  • Four (4) additional years of directly related experience may be substituted for the degree requirement.
Technical Qualifications
  • Hands-on experience using software analysis and reverse engineering tools such as Ghidra, IDA Pro, or similar platforms.
  • Strong understanding of low-level software concepts, including:
    • Assembly language
    • Binary formats
    • Memory management
    • Calling conventions
    • Executable file structures
  • Experience developing software tools, plugins, scripts, or automation capabilities that support technical analysis workflows.
  • Proficiency in one or more scripting or programming languages commonly used for software analysis and automation.
  • Experience prototyping, evaluating, and refining experimental software tools and workflows.
  • Familiarity with artificial intelligence and large language model (LLM) technologies and a demonstrated interest in applying these capabilities to technical problem solving.
  • Strong analytical and problem-solving skills.
Preferred Qualifications
  • Experience analyzing Linux-based systems, network-connected devices, or embedded platforms.
  • Experience analyzing network communications, protocols, or web application architectures.
  • Familiarity with firmware analysis and embedded system architectures.
  • Understanding of networking concepts and common communication protocols.
  • Experience applying automation, machine learning, or AI-assisted techniques to software analysis workflows.
  • Experience developing tooling using Python or similar scripting languages.
  • Familiarity with AI orchestration platforms, agent-based automation frameworks, or workflow automation systems.
  • Experience integrating AI capabilities into software development or analysis environments.
Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities
  • Strong software analysis and reverse engineering capabilities.
  • Strong software development and automation skills.
  • Ability to evaluate and improve technical workflows through automation and tooling.
  • Strong analytical, investigative, and troubleshooting skills.
  • Excellent written and verbal communication skills.
  • Ability to work independently while collaborating effectively with multidisciplinary teams.
  • Strong attention to detail and commitment to technical excellence.
  • Ability to learn and apply emerging technologies in a rapidly evolving environment.
Benefits

This position includes a competitive and flexible benefits package, including:

  • Medical
    Employer pays 100% of the monthly premium for the employee and 80% for the employee’s dependents.

  • Health Savings Account (HSA)
    Save for all medical, dental, vision and prescription expenses by contributing pre-tax money to an HSA account. Employer contributes 50% of the annual deductible (prorated to start date).

  • Dental and Vision
    Employer pays 100% of the monthly premium for the employee and 80% for dependents.

  • Life Insurance
    100% company-paid Life and Accidental Death & Dismemberment (AD&D) coverage offered to all full-time employees.

  • Short-Term Disability
    100% company-paid short-term disability. This benefit pays out 60% of earnings, with a $1,500 maximum for up to 12 weeks.

  • Retirement Plan
    Automatic 6% of salary contributed to the company 401(k) plan, fully vested. Employee match encouraged but not required.

  • Paid Time Off (PTO) & Holidays
    5–6 weeks of PTO based on tenure with the company, in addition to 11 paid holidays.

  • Tuition Reimbursement
    $5,000 annually for courses directly related to job role and responsibilities.

  • Training Reimbursement
    Paid training, certification courses, and conferences to support employee career growth.

We do not discriminate in employment on the basis of race, color, religion, sex (including pregnancy and gender identity), national origin, political affiliation, sexual orientation, marital status, disability, genetic information, age, membership in an employee organization, retaliation, parental status, military service, or other non-merit factor.