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Fpga Reverse Engineer Jobs in Reston, VA (NOW HIRING)

Zetier

CNO Embedded Engineer

Arlington, VA · On-site

DSP, FPGA, PCB, RF) * Familiarity with software programming languages (e.g. C/C++, Matlab, Python ... Reverse engineering experience (e.g. gdb, Binary Ninja, IDA Pro) * Developed software on mobile ...

Zetier

CNO Embedded Engineer

Arlington, VA

DSP, FPGA, PCB, RF) * Familiarity with software programming languages (e.g. C/C++, Matlab, Python ... Reverse engineering experience (e.g. gdb, Binary Ninja, IDA Pro) * Developed software on mobile ...

AeroVironment

Senior RF/DSP Engineer

Leesburg, VA · On-site

Work with RF, FPGA, embedded software, data science, test, and mission teams. * Document ... Exposure to reverse-engineering undocumented or partially documented wireless waveforms and ...

Slope

Senior RF Systems Engineer, Cyber

Washington, DC · On-site

$166K - $220K/yr

Experience with reverse engineering legacy systems or reconstructing architecture where documentation is incomplete. * Background with FPGA/SoC-based platforms, high‑speed digital systems, or multi ...

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All JobsFpga Reverse Engineer JobsFpga Reverse Engineer Jobs in Reston, VA

Fpga Reverse Engineer information

See Reston, VA salary details

$85.3K

$141.8K

$202.9K

How much do fpga reverse engineer jobs pay per year?

As of Sep 10, 2026, the average yearly pay for fpga reverse engineer in Reston, VA is $141,785.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $92,600.00 and $185,200.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What does an FPGA reverse engineer do?

An FPGA Reverse Engineer specializes in analyzing, understanding, and reconstructing the functionality of FPGA (Field-Programmable Gate Array) designs, often without access to original documentation or source code. Their work involves extracting bitstreams, interpreting logic functions, and sometimes recovering or modifying firmware for security analysis, legacy system support, or hardware research. This role requires a strong background in digital design, hardware description languages (HDLs), and embedded systems.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as an FPGA reverse engineer, and why are they important?

To thrive as an FPGA Reverse Engineer, you need a solid background in digital logic design, hardware description languages (such as VHDL or Verilog), and a degree in electrical engineering or a related field. Familiarity with FPGA development tools (like Xilinx Vivado or Intel Quartus), logic analyzers, and decompilation or reverse engineering software is essential. Exceptional analytical thinking, attention to detail, and problem-solving skills help you unravel complex designs and communicate findings clearly. These competencies are crucial for accurately understanding, replicating, or securing FPGA-based systems in critical hardware environments.

What are the common challenges faced by FPGA reverse engineers when analyzing proprietary bitstreams or undocumented hardware designs?

FPGA Reverse Engineers often encounter challenges such as limited documentation, proprietary or obfuscated bitstream formats, and complex hardware abstraction layers. Disassembling and interpreting bitstreams without clear reference material requires a strong understanding of digital logic, FPGA architecture, and embedded systems. Collaboration with other hardware engineers and leveraging specialized reverse engineering tools are essential for overcoming these obstacles and ensuring accurate analysis.

What is the difference between Fpga Reverse Engineer vs FPGA Design Engineer?

AspectFpga Reverse EngineerFPGA Design Engineer
Required SkillsHardware analysis, reverse engineering, FPGA protocolsFPGA development, HDL coding, digital design
Work EnvironmentSecurity, defense, embedded systemsConsumer electronics, telecommunications, aerospace
CertificationsOften none specific, but security clearances may be neededFPGA/ASIC design certifications, e.g., Xilinx or Intel certifications

While both roles involve working with FPGA technology, Fpga Reverse Engineers focus on analyzing and understanding existing FPGA designs, often for security or troubleshooting purposes. FPGA Design Engineers create new FPGA hardware solutions from scratch, emphasizing development and implementation. Both roles require strong FPGA knowledge but differ in their primary objectives and work environments.

What are popular job titles related to Fpga Reverse Engineer jobs in Reston, VA?

For Fpga Reverse Engineer jobs in Reston, VA, the most frequently searched job titles are:

What job categories do people searching Fpga Reverse Engineer jobs in Reston, VA look for?

The top searched job categories for Fpga Reverse Engineer jobs in Reston, VA are:

What cities near Reston, VA are hiring for Fpga Reverse Engineer jobs?

Cities near Reston, VA with the most Fpga Reverse Engineer job openings:

Fpga Reverse Engineer jobs near you
Infographic showing various Fpga Reverse Engineer job openings in Reston, VA as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 92% Full Time, 2% Part Time, and 6% Contract. Highlights an 87% Physical, 4% Hybrid, and 9% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $141,785 per year, or $68.2 per hour.

Digital Design Engineer

Manassas, VA • On-site

General Dynamics Mission Systems, Inc
Guided Missile and Space Vehicle Manufacturing • 10K+ employees
Learn more about General Dynamics Mission Systems, Incexternal

$119K - $133K/yr

Full-time

Medical, Retirement

Re-posted 17 days ago

General Dynamics Mission Systems rating

8.1

Company rating: 8.1 out of 10

Based on 31 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

Job description

Basic Qualifications
Bachelor's degree in Electrical or Computer Engineering, or a related Science, Engineering or Mathematics field, plus a minimum of 2 years of relevant experience; or Master's degree, plus 6 months of relevant experience.
CLEARANCE REQUIREMENTS:
Department of Defense Secret security clearance is preferred 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
Key Responsibilities
  • Design of digital electronics including Field Programmable Gate Array (FPGA) development and circuit design
  • Responsible for definition, design, verification and documentation
  • Determines architecture, system simulation, and detailed design approach
  • Defines module interfaces and all aspects of device design and simulation
  • Evaluates the process flow including but not limited to high level design, synthesis, place and route, timing and power utilization
  • Creates test and simulation plans that establish functional criteria
  • Verifies test results and analyzes performance
  • Verification and validation on target hardware

What Sets You Apart:
  • Solid understanding of electronics principles, topologies, and design methodologies
  • Ability to learn new technologies and handle increasing design complexity
  • Analytical and problem-solving skills with hands-on debugging capabilities
  • Commitment to ongoing professional development in electrical engineering
  • Effective communication skills with ability to present technical concepts clearly

We Encourage You to Apply if You Have Any of These Preferred Skills or Experiences:
  • Experience with schematic capture and PCB layout tools (OrCAD, Xpedition, or similar)
  • Working knowledge of networking electronics
  • Understanding of System-On-Chip (SoC) design with embedded processor on FPGA
  • Experience with application programming on embedded processors
  • Ability to "reverse engineer" existing designs and update functionality for new requirements
  • Proven troubleshooting and root cause analysis skills for complex electronic systems
  • Utilize AI for innovation, technical verification, and process improvement

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 part of the Manassas, Virginia facility.
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 $119,941.00 - USD $133,059.00 /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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