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Freelance Malware Reverse Engineer Jobs in Lancaster, TX

Malware reverse engineering skills. * Expertise with incident response frameworks. * Experience in the financial sector. * SANS, CHFI, OSCP or similar certification. This role requires working from a ...

Malware reverse engineering skills. * Expertise with incident response frameworks. * Experience in the financial sector. * SANS, CHFI, OSCP or similar certification. This role requires working from a ...

Malware reverse engineering skills. * Expertise with incident response frameworks. * Experience in the financial sector. * SANS, CHFI, OSCP or similar certification. This role requires working from a ...

Cyberbit Range deploys real-world attacks using reverse-engineered malware onto a virtual corporate network, allowing users to defend against live attacks using commercial-grade security tools to ...

GIAC Certified Forensic Examiner (GCFE), GIAC Certified Forensic Analyst (GCFA), GIAC Certified Reverse Engineering Malware (GREM), Certified Computer Examiner (CCE), AccessData Certified Examiner ...

Cyberbit Range deploys real-world attacks using reverse-engineered malware onto a virtual corporate network, allowing users to defend against live attacks using commercial-grade security tools to ...

Freelance Malware Reverse Engineer information

See Lancaster, TX salary details

$14

$45

$125

How much do freelance malware reverse engineer jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 13, 2026, the average hourly pay for freelance malware reverse engineer in Lancaster, TX is $45.23, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $23.03 and $58.56 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a freelance malware reverse engineer?

To thrive as a Freelance Malware Reverse Engineer, you need advanced knowledge of computer science, cybersecurity principles, assembly languages, and malware analysis techniques, often supported by a degree in a technical field or specialized training. Familiarity with tools such as IDA Pro, Ghidra, OllyDbg, Wireshark, and relevant certifications like GREM or OSCP are highly valuable. Analytical thinking, attention to detail, persistence, and strong problem-solving abilities are crucial soft skills for this role. These competencies are essential for effectively identifying, dissecting, and mitigating cyber threats in diverse environments.

What does a freelance malware reverse engineer do?

A Freelance Malware Reverse Engineer specializes in analyzing malicious software to understand its behavior, origins, and potential impact. They use reverse engineering tools and techniques to dissect malware, identify vulnerabilities, and develop countermeasures or detection signatures. Working independently or on a contract basis, they often support cybersecurity firms, enterprises, or government agencies in investigating cyber threats and improving digital defenses. Their expertise is crucial in responding to emerging threats and preventing future attacks.

What are some common challenges freelance malware reverse engineers face when working independently?

Freelance malware reverse engineers often encounter challenges such as limited access to proprietary tools and resources that are typically available in larger organizations. Additionally, they must keep up with rapidly evolving malware techniques and stay current on the latest industry trends, often on their own initiative. Managing client expectations, ensuring clear communication about technical findings, and maintaining strict confidentiality with sensitive data are also crucial aspects of the role. Networking with other professionals and participating in online security communities can help overcome some of these hurdles.

What is the difference between Freelance Malware Reverse Engineer vs Freelance Security Analyst?

AspectFreelance Malware Reverse EngineerFreelance Security Analyst
CredentialsKnowledge of reverse engineering, malware analysis, programming skillsUnderstanding of security protocols, risk assessment, certifications like CISSP or CEH
Work EnvironmentTechnical labs, isolated environments, cybersecurity firmsCorporate, consulting, or freelance settings focusing on security posture
Industry UsagePrimarily in cybersecurity, malware research, incident responseBroader security field including threat detection, compliance, and policy

While both roles involve cybersecurity expertise, Freelance Malware Reverse Engineers focus specifically on analyzing and dissecting malicious software, whereas Freelance Security Analysts assess overall security risks and implement protective measures. The roles often overlap but differ in scope and technical focus.

What cities near Lancaster, TX are hiring for Freelance Malware Reverse Engineer jobs? Cities near Lancaster, TX with the most Freelance Malware Reverse Engineer job openings:

Senior Principal Reverse Engineer

慨正橡扯

Arlington, TX • On-site

$110 - $150/hr

Other

Posted 7 days ago


Job description

Nightwing provides technically advanced full-spectrum cyber, data operations, systems integration and intelligence mission support services to meet our customers’ most demanding challenges. Our capabilities include cyber space operations, cyber defense and resiliency, vulnerability research, ubiquitous technical surveillance, data intelligence, lifecycle mission enablement, and software modernization. Nightwing brings disruptive technologies, agility, and competitive offerings to customers in the intelligence community, defense, civil, and commercial markets.

Nightwing is supporting a U.S. Government customer to provide support for onsite incident response to civilian Government agencies and critical asset owners who experience cyber-attacks, providing immediate investigation and resolution. Contract personnel perform investigations to characterize the severity of breaches, develop mitigation plans, and assist with the restoration of services. Nightwing is seeking a Subject Matter Expert with hardware reverse engineering to support this critical customer mission.

The Subject Matter Expert Hardware Reverse Engineers will provide specialized expertise in hardware reverse engineering focused on operational technology (OT) and industrial control systems. This position requires deep technical knowledge of proprietary hardware systems, exploitation methodologies, and defensive strategies to support forensic investigations of compromised edge devices and systems where threat actors have embedded malware deeply within hardware components.

This position focuses on the analytical and investigative aspects of hardware forensics, with particular emphasis on operational technology and industrial control systems. The ideal candidates will have strong reverse engineering skills and deep understanding of threat actor methodologies targeting critical infrastructure.

Responsibilities:
  • Conduct comprehensive hardware reverse engineering of OT and ICSD devices
  • Analyze network-edge devices and embedded systems compromised by advanced threats
  • Perform deep-dive analysis of proprietary hardware targeted by adversaries
  • Conduct reverse engineering, failure analysis, vulnerability analysis, and other research techniques to understand complex hardware systems, assess the functionality of components, and identify exploitation risks
  • Identify and extract deeply embedded malware from hardware components
  • 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 emulation capabilities for hardware analysis
  • Document exploitation methodologies and defensive countermeasures
  • Develop standard operating procedures for hardware forensics workflows
  • Train CSD analysts on hardware reverse engineering techniques
  • Provide expert consultation on edge device security and vulnerabilities
  • Support forensic investigations in environments lacking EDR visibility
  • Analyze proprietary communication protocols and embedded systems functions
  • Identify hardware backdoors, implants, and malicious modifications
  • Collaborate with electrical engineers on chip-off forensics procedures
  • Provide reach-back support to operational analysts during active investigations
  • Contribute to research initiatives on emerging hardware threats
  • Document technical findings and intelligence for stakeholder dissemination
Required Skills:
  • U.S. Citizenship
  • Must have an active TS/SCI clearance
  • Must be able to obtain DHS Suitability
  • 10+ years of experience in hardware reverse engineering or embedded systems analysis
  • Deep expertise in OT/ICS hardware platforms and vulnerabilities
  • Ability to analyze novel or proprietary systems with limited documentation
  • Strong communication skills for explaining complex technical findings
  • Experience working collaboratively in research-oriented environments
  • Strong experience with firmware reverse engineering and analysis
  • Proficiency with reverse engineering tools (IDA Pro, Ghidra, Binary Ninja)
  • Deep understanding of ARM, MIPS, PowerPC, and other embedded processor architectures
  • Experience analyzing network-edge devices (routers, switches, firewalls, IoT devices)
  • Knowledge of hardware debugging interfaces (JTAG, SWD, UART)
  • Strong programming and scripting skills (Python, C, Assembly)
  • Understanding of exploitation techniques targeting embedded systems
  • Experience with malware analysis in hardware/firmware contexts
  • Excellent analytical and problem‑solving abilities
Desired Skills:
  • Experience supporting federal cybersecurity or critical infrastructure protection programs
  • Experience performing inspection, imaging, decapsulation, deprocessing, and other activities related to hardware reverse engineering and exploitation in a state-of-the-art microelectronics exploitation laboratory
  • Background in offensive security or penetration testing of OT environments
  • Advanced certifications in reverse engineering (GREM, GXPN, or similar)
  • Experience with SCADA, PLC, RTU, and other industrial control components
  • Knowledge of critical infrastructure sector technologies (energy, utilities, manufacturing)
  • Familiarity with supply chain security and hardware implant detection
  • Experience with system emulation platforms and virtual hardware analysis
  • Understanding of threat actor TTPs targeting OT and edge devices
  • Background in electronics manufacturing or hardware security research
  • Experience with chip decapsulation and invasive hardware analysis techniques
Required Education:

Bachelor’s degree in Electrical Engineering, Computer Engineering or related discipline; Master’s degree or PhD preferred.

Desired Certifications:
  • DoD 8140.01 IAT Level III
  • PMP
  • Syndeo: ESS-3417, ESS-3418

Nightwing is an Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action Employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability or veteran status, age or any other federally protected class.

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