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Freelance Software Reverse Engineer Jobs in Ashburn, VA

DEGREE (Level Desired) Bachelor's Degree DEGREE (Focus) Computer Science, Cybersecurity, Software ... Reverse engineer mobile app binaries * Conduct security audits on Android systems * Document ...

DEGREE (Level Desired) Bachelor's Degree DEGREE (Focus) Computer Science, Cybersecurity, Software ... Reverse engineer mobile app binaries * Conduct security audits on Android systems * Document ...

DEGREE (Level Desired) Bachelor's Degree DEGREE (Focus) Computer Science, Cybersecurity, Software ... Reverse engineer mobile app binaries * Conduct security audits on Android systems * Document ...

Minimum 3 years of experience developing, testing, and debugging software in C, C++, and Python * Minimum 3 years of demonstrated experience using IDA Pro and/or Ghidra for reverse engineering

Cyber Reverse Engineer, Senior Job Category: Engineering Time Type: Full time Minimum Clearance ... Responsibilities include investigating embedded software/hardware devices, understanding digital ...

Senior Reverse Engineer

Arlington, VA · On-site

$120K - $165K/yr

Responsibilities : • Reverse engineering complex software or firmware targets, ranging from typical Windows/Linux binaries to embedded firmware running non-traditional computer architectures and ...

Showing results 41-60

Freelance Software Reverse Engineer information

See Ashburn, VA salary details

$15

$48

$135

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

As of Sep 12, 2026, the average hourly pay for freelance software reverse engineer in Ashburn, VA is $48.79, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $24.81 and $63.17 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is a freelance software reverse engineer?

Freelance software reverse engineers are independent professionals who analyze and deconstruct software to understand its inner workings, functionality, and design. They often work on projects like software debugging, security analysis, compatibility research, or recovering lost source code. Unlike in-house engineers, freelancers take on contract-based assignments for different clients rather than working for a single employer. Their work often requires advanced technical skills and a thorough knowledge of programming, operating systems, and software architectures. This role can be essential for organizations seeking to improve software security, ensure compliance, or maintain legacy systems.

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

To thrive as a Freelance Software Reverse Engineer, you need advanced knowledge of programming languages, binary analysis, operating system internals, and a strong background in computer science or related fields. Expertise with technical tools such as IDA Pro, Ghidra, OllyDbg, Wireshark, and proficiency in using debuggers and disassemblers is typically required. Strong analytical thinking, problem-solving, attention to detail, and effective communication with clients are standout soft skills in this role. These competencies are crucial for efficiently deconstructing software, understanding its functionality, and delivering actionable insights or solutions for clients.

What are some common challenges faced by freelance software reverse engineers when working with clients?

Freelance software reverse engineers often encounter challenges such as incomplete or unclear project requirements, which can make it difficult to determine the exact scope of work. Additionally, working with obfuscated or poorly documented code can slow progress and require creative problem-solving. Communication is key, as clients may not always understand the technical complexities involved, so setting realistic expectations and providing regular updates is essential. Freelancers must also stay current with evolving tools and legal considerations, especially when handling proprietary or protected software.

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

AspectFreelance Software Reverse EngineerFreelance Malware Analyst
CredentialsKnowledge of programming, debugging, and reverse engineering toolsKnowledge of malware behavior, analysis tools, and cybersecurity principles
Work EnvironmentRemote, project-based, often collaborating with security teams or clientsRemote, focused on analyzing malicious code and threats for clients or security firms
Industry UsageSoftware development, cybersecurity, security consultingCybersecurity, threat intelligence, incident response
Search & Comparison IntentOften compared for skills in reverse engineering and software analysisCompared for expertise in malware detection and cybersecurity threats

While both roles involve analyzing software, Freelance Software Reverse Engineers focus on understanding and deconstructing software code, whereas Freelance Malware Analysts specialize in identifying and mitigating malicious threats. The two roles often overlap but serve distinct purposes in cybersecurity and software development.

What are popular job titles related to Freelance Software Reverse Engineer jobs in Ashburn, VA?

For Freelance Software Reverse Engineer jobs in Ashburn, VA, the most frequently searched job titles are:

What job categories do people searching Freelance Software Reverse Engineer jobs in Ashburn, VA look for?

The top searched job categories for Freelance Software Reverse Engineer jobs in Ashburn, VA are:

What cities near Ashburn, VA are hiring for Freelance Software Reverse Engineer jobs?

Cities near Ashburn, VA with the most Freelance Software Reverse Engineer job openings:

Infographic showing various Freelance Software Reverse Engineer job openings in Ashburn, VA as of September 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% Internship, 1% As Needed, 83% Full Time, 12% Part Time, and 3% Contract. Highlights an 84% Physical, 3% Hybrid, and 13% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $101,473 per year, or $48.8 per hour.

Hybrid Software Reverse Engineer - FUTURE NEED with Security Clearance

Vienna, VA • On-site

Cipher Tech Solutions, Inc.
Software Development • 51 - 200 employees

$43.27 - $96.15/hr

Other

Medical, Dental, Vision, Retirement, PTO

This job post has expired 2 days ago. Applications are no longer accepted.


Job description

FUTURE NEED - Not a current vacancy. If you apply, this could be a multi-year process. Location: Vienna, VA Description: This is a forensic software development and reverse engineering position combined into one! The candidate will be primarily focused on conducting software Reverse Engineering activities using a combination of static and dynamic tools. Additionally, the candidate will provide support in the form of application development, scripting, debugging, and value-added software development expertise to a digital forensic lab, while maintaining existing software and develop new software to customer specifications. Regardless of whether you are applying to a software developer or reverse engineer position, if your application is approved, we will test you on both skills as part of our hiring process. At this time, the majority of our open positions require an aptitude in both domains. Requirements: * Must be a US Citizen who is willing to be sponsored for a US government security clearance * Must have a Bachelors degree in one of the following: Computer Science, Computer Engineering, Electrical Engineering, Math, or Physics * Must have ability to read and understand assembly code (x86 and x64 Assembly) * Must have proficiency in one of the following: C, C++, C#, Java, or Python * Must be familiar with both high (i.e. Java) and low (i.e. C/C++ or Assembly) level programming languages * Excellent customer service and communication skills as well as the ability to prioritize and meet deadlines. * Strong leadership interpersonal and verbal/written communications skills that enable the ability to work effectively in a collaborative team environment. Desirable: * Experience in computer engineering or a related field with in-depth knowledge of software reverse engineering and/or software development. * Experience using static analysis tools such as IDA Pro and dynamic analysis tools including debuggers (this can include academic experience) * Proficiency in development for IDA Pro * Experience with reversing ARM * Proficiency in Android/Linux OS internals * Familiarity with EnCase, FTK, or other forensic software tools * SANS certifications * Experience with malware analysis Benefits: * Mission focused work environment * Subsidized medical/dental/vision insurance * HSA contributions * 401k matching * Holiday and Paid Time Off (PTO) * Monthly WAN parties & quarterly events * Flexible hours Remote work is not an option. We do offer relocation assistance. Please see our careers page or inquire with your recruiter about the terms and conditions. Salary and other Compensation: The hourly rate of pay ranges from $43.27 - $96.15 The salary range for this position is subject not only to the hire's skills, education, expertise, and years of experience, but also to features of the final position offered to the hire: including, but not limited to the location of the position, clearance required for the position, and the contract associated with the position. See our Perks & Benefits page for a general description of benefits and other potential compensation benefits: https://www.ciphertechsolutions.com/careers/perks-benefits/ About Us: At Cipher Tech Solutions, Inc. (Cipher Tech), we take great pride in supporting some of the most mission critical work in the Department of Defense and the Intelligence Community. The majority of our company is comprised of extremely talented software developers who write production tools which directly support one of two missions: digital forensics and malware reverse engineering. Digital forensics is the practice of extracting and processing evidence from computers, phones, tablets, cameras, flash-drives, and just about any other form of digital media. The results of our work are then used to support federal and military law enforcement, counterintelligence, and counter terrorist activities. Malware reverse engineering is the practice of analyzing malicious code. The goal of a reverse engineer is to understand how the malicious code works and determine facts such as: *How did it infect the victim's computer *What kind of information it is seeking to steal *How is it communicating with the author (actor) *Who that actor might be. Vaccination Notice: Please be aware that you are applying for a position to work as a federal contractor. As such, Cipher Tech will require, and your employment will be subject to, such vaccinations as are required by federal, state, and local law requirements. Important Security Clearance Information: Be aware that you are applying for a job that requires a U.S. Government Security Clearance. If you do not already hold a U.S. government security clearance, we do have the ability to sponsor, however be advised that this can be a multi-year process. The U.S. government will not issue security clearances to recent users of illegal drugs. On your application to us, you must acknowledge that you have not engaged in any illegal drug use within the past twelve months (illegal drug use includes, but is not limited to, the use of illegal substances, the misuse of prescriptions, the misuse of over-the-counter substances, and the use of medical or recreational marijuana that may be deemed legal at the state level but is still considered illegal by the federal government). NOTE: CIPHER TECH WILL NOT DISCRIMINATE AGAINST ANY QUALIFIED APPLICANTS WITH A DISABILITY, INCLUDING ILLEGAL DRUG USERS WHO HAVE RECENTLY SOUGHT PROFESSIONAL TREATMENT FOR A DRUG PROBLEM. -- Cipher Tech is an Equal Opportunity Employer. All hiring and employment decisions are made on the basis of business requirements, performance, and merit with no regard to race, color, religion, sexual orientation, gender, gender identity, national origin, or other protected status. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity or national origin.