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Freelance Malware Reverse Engineer Jobs in Riverside, CA

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Freelance Malware Reverse Engineer information

See Riverside, CA salary details

$15

$49

$137

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

As of Jul 11, 2026, the average hourly pay for freelance malware reverse engineer in Riverside, CA is $49.77, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $25.34 and $64.47 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a Freelance Malware Reverse Engineer, and why are they important?

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 are popular job titles related to Freelance Malware Reverse Engineer jobs in Riverside, CA? For Freelance Malware Reverse Engineer jobs in Riverside, CA, the most frequently searched job titles are:
What job categories do people searching Freelance Malware Reverse Engineer jobs in Riverside, CA look for? The top searched job categories for Freelance Malware Reverse Engineer jobs in Riverside, CA are:
What cities near Riverside, CA are hiring for Freelance Malware Reverse Engineer jobs? Cities near Riverside, CA with the most Freelance Malware Reverse Engineer job openings:
Freelance Malware Reverse Engineer jobs near you
Cyber Digital Forensics Analyst

Cyber Digital Forensics Analyst

Eliassen Group

Anaheim, CA • On-site

$30 - $35/hr

Contractor

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement

Posted 16 days ago

Job description

Description:

On-site in Orange County, CA

Our client seeks a Cyber Digital Forensics Analyst to support a 24x7x365 Security Operations Center. The analyst will conduct digital media forensics, contribute to incident response, maintain and enhance the SOC forensics program, and produce clear technical reporting. The role includes shift rotations, weekend coverage, and some holidays. The initial period of performance is roughly six months with training on a day shift. Candidates must meet background clearance requirements and hold a relevant forensics certification.

This is a contract to hire opportunity. Applicants must be willing and able to work on a w2 basis and convert to FTE following contract duration. For our w2 consultants, we offer a great benefits package that includes Medical, Dental, and Vision benefits, 401k with company matching, and life insurance.

Rate: $30.00 to $35.00/hr. w2

Responsibilities:
  • Act as the primary liaison for forensics analysis tasks including analysis of digital media devices to identify, reverse engineer, and de-obfuscate content related to a security incident.
  • Maintain the Digital Forensics Program for the SOC, including process enhancements and upskilling the team with drafted technical reports.
  • Support SOC operational duties for networks and systems during security incidents.
  • Augment cyber threat intelligence development and reporting generated from forensics investigations.
  • Identify, develop, and implement automation tasks for the SOC Forensics Program.
  • Research, evaluate, and recommend new security tools, techniques, and technologies aligned to IT security strategy.
  • Use COTS/GOTS and custom tools and procedures to scan, identify, contain, mitigate, and remediate vulnerabilities and intrusions.
  • Perform analyses to validate established security requirements and recommend additional safeguards.
  • Provide occasional briefings to senior staff on forensics investigation results.
Experience Requirements:
  • Programming with Python, C++, or JavaScript.
  • Evidence acquisition and Chain of Custody process.
  • Host, cloud, identity, and network forensics experience.
  • Packet capture, volatile memory, suspicious script analysis, and forensics experience.
  • Familiarity with physical device imaging software and digital forensics software.
  • Knowledge of IDS/IPS, firewalls, and anti-malware technologies.
  • Incident response experience.
  • Experience analyzing security alerts via Microsoft Sentinel SIEM or similar SIEM tools.
  • Malware analysis technical report writing.
  • Adherence to SOC Standard Operating Procedures.
Education Requirements:
  • A bachelor’s degree in a related field is required. Two years of related experience is highly preferred. Additional experience may substitute for education. Relevant certification required: Magnet Certified Forensics Examiner (MCFE), Encase Certified Examiner (EnCE), Digital Forensics Essentials (DFE), GIAC Certified Forensics Analyst (GCFA), or similar certification. Required background screenings include County Live Scan, Child Support Services background clearance, and County Probation background.
Recruitment Transparency Notice
 
Eliassen Group values transparency in our recruitment practices. Please be advised that Eliassen Group utilizes artificial intelligence (AI) tools as part of its initial application screening and hiring process. You may receive email and SMS notifications from the Eliassen Virtual Recruiting Team (noreply@eliassen.com, 781-808-2924) inviting you to complete a brief voice screening as part of your application process. These tools assist our hiring teams in different ways, including but not limited to, assistance in reviewing application materials to help identify candidates whose qualifications most closely match the requirements of the position. All AI-assisted evaluations and responses are reviewed by human recruiters before any hiring decisions are made. The use of AI in our process is intended to support fairness, efficiency, and consistency, and Eliassen Group takes measures to prevent bias or discrimination in connection with its hiring practices. By proceeding, you acknowledge, agree, and consent to Eliassen Group’s use of these tools, including AI tools, as part of the application and hiring process.
 

Skills, experience, and other compensable factors will be considered when determining pay rate. The pay range provided in this posting reflects a W2 hourly rate; other employment options may be available that may result in pay outside of the provided range.W2 employees of Eliassen Group who are regularly scheduled to work 30 or more hours per week are eligible for the following benefits: medical (choice of 3 plans), dental, vision, pre-tax accounts, other voluntary benefits including life and disability insurance, 401(k) with match, and sick time if required by law in the worked-in state/locality.If anyone reaches out to you about an open position connected with Eliassen Group, please ensure that you are working directly with us by confirming the following:

· When you work with Eliassen Group, all email communication will come from an Eliassen.com address, never Gmail, Yahoo, etc.

· Eliassen Group will never ask you for personal information (home address, bank account, or check routing number) until you have worked with someone clearly associated with Eliassen Group.

If you have any indication of fraudulent activity, please contact fraud@eliassen.com.

 
About Eliassen Group:
 
Eliassen Group is a strategic consulting firm that helps organizations reach further and achieve more through our technology, business advisory, and life sciences solutions. For nearly 40 years, we have combined exceptional people, deep domain expertise, and intelligent capabilities to expand our clients’ capacity and accelerate meaningful outcomes. We are driven by a purpose to positively impact the lives of our employees, clients, consultants, and the communities we serve.
 
Eliassen is committed to building a diverse and inclusive team from a variety of backgrounds, perspectives, and skills. We are an Equal Opportunity and Affirmative Action Employer and all employment decisions are based on merit, performance, and business needs. Eliassen does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, gender identity or expression, sexual preference or orientation, sex (including pregnancy, childbirth, and related medical conditions), marital status, creed, religion, physical or mental disability, genetic information, military or veteran status, age, ancestry, national origin, citizenship status, prohibited criminal record inquiries of applicants and employees, or any other category protected by federal, state, or local laws.
 
Don’t miss out on our referral program! If we hire a candidate that you refer us to then you can be eligible for a $1,000 referral check!
 
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About Eliassen Group

Sourced by ZipRecruiter

Eliassen Group provides strategic consulting and talent solutions to drive our clients' innovation and business results. Our purpose is to positively impact the lives of our employees, clients, consultants, and the communities in which we operate. Leveraging over 30 years of success, our expertise in talent solutions, life sciences consulting, Agile consulting, cloud services, risk management, business optimization, and managed services enables us to partner with our clients to execute their business strategy and scale effectively. Headquartered in Reading, MA, and with offices from coast to coast, Eliassen Group offers local community presence and deep networks, as well as national reach.

Industry

It services

Company size

5,001 - 10,000 Employees

Headquarters location

Reading, MA, US

Year founded

1989

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