Freelance Embedded Firmware Engineer Jobs in Washington

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 Qualifications Education 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.