1

Firmware Reverse Engineer Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Senior Principal Reverse Engineer

Arlington, VA · On-site

$144K - $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 ...

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

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

Perform reverse engineering of hardware components, software applications, operating systems, and firmware to determine functionality, code structure, and system behavior. * Analyze binaries ...

Perform reverse engineering of hardware components, software applications, operating systems, and firmware to determine functionality, code structure, and system behavior. * Analyze binaries ...

Perform reverse engineering of hardware components, software applications, operating systems, and firmware to determine functionality, code structure, and system behavior. * Analyze binaries ...

Software Reverse Engineer

Bethesda, MD · On-site

$180K - $220K/yr

As a Software Reverse Engineer, you will be responsible for conducting software exploitation ... drivers/runtimes, firmware, and other binary data. • Perform exploitation of programs and ...

Software Reverse Engineer

Arlington, VA · On-site

$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

Analyze and reverse engineer software binaries and embedded firmware on traditional and embedded systems to identify functional behavior. Conduct code review and vulnerability analysis on software ...

Software Reverse Engineer

Melbourne, FL · On-site

$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

Software Reverse Engineer

Arlington, VA · On-site

$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

Showing results 41-60

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.

Reverse Engineer with Security Clearance

Annapolis Junction, MD • On-site

Other

Re-posted 10 days ago


Job description

Swift is a privately held, mission-driven and employee-focused services and solutions company headquartered in Reston, VA. Our capabilities include Software Development, Engineering & IT, Data Science, Cyber Enablement, Logistics, and Training. Founded in 2019, Swift supports Civilian, Defense, and Intelligence Community customers across the country and around the globe. We are looking for a Reverse Engineer to join a growing team in the Annapolis Junction, MD area supporting mission-driven work in complex, high-priority environments. The Reverse Engineer will analyze software and firmware to understand functionality, identify vulnerabilities, and support mission objectives. This role involves working with compiled code, binary artifacts, and system behavior to uncover exploitable conditions and enable both offensive and defensive capabilities. Depending on level, this role may include developing custom tools, conducting advanced vulnerability research, and leading reverse engineering efforts across complex systems and architectures. Responsibilities: * Conduct reverse engineering of software and/or firmware to analyze functionality and identify vulnerabilities
* Analyze compiled code, binaries, and system behavior to identify malicious or exploitable conditions
* Perform static and dynamic analysis in support of mission objectives
* Support or develop tools, scripts, and methodologies for exploitation and vulnerability discovery
* Apply low-level programming and debugging techniques, including assembly-level analysis
* Collaborate with mission teams to support operational and technical objectives
* (Higher levels) Lead reverse engineering efforts, develop novel methodologies, and mentor junior engineers Requirements: * Bachelor's degree in Computer Science, Engineering, Mathematics, or related field
* Coursework must include algorithms, computer architecture (not network architecture), programming methodologies/languages, data structures, logic/computation, and advanced mathematics
* Experience with reverse engineering, binary analysis, debugging, and/or software/system engineering
* US Citizenship and active TS/SCI with Full Scope Polygraph required Level 2: * 5+ years of relevant experience
* Experience with reverse engineering of software or firmware
* Experience with low-level programming and assembly language
* Experience with debugging and binary analysis
* Exposure to vulnerability analysis and/or exploit development
Degree Substitution: * Master's + 3 years OR PhD + 2 years OR Associate's + 7 years (with relevant experience) Level 3: * 8+ years of relevant experience
* Experience with advanced reverse engineering of complex software systems
* Experience with static and dynamic binary analysis
* Experience with exploit development and vulnerability analysis
* Experience with assembly-level debugging and tool development
Degree Substitution: * Master's + 6 years OR PhD + 4 years OR Associate's + 10 years (with relevant experience)
Level 4: * 11+ years of relevant experience
* Expert-level experience in reverse engineering and binary/firmware analysis
* Experience leading complex reverse engineering or exploitation efforts
* Experience with vulnerability discovery and exploit research
* Experience developing tools, methodologies, and advanced debugging techniques
Degree Substitution: * Master's + 9 years OR PhD + 7 years OR Associate's + 13 years (with relevant experience)