1

Freelance Software Reverse Engineer Jobs in Irvine, CA

DevOps Engineer, AVP

Irvine, CA · On-site

$56.50 - $77.50/hr

Analyze, reverse engineer, and document legacy applications and build processes for modernization ... Promote software quality through automated testing, release validation, code review, security ...

DevOps Engineer, Config Management - AVP

Irvine, CA · On-site

$56.50 - $77.50/hr

Design and implement software delivery solutions using GitHub Actions, Artifactory-driven promotion strategies, DevSecOps controls, and standardized deployment frameworks * Analyze, reverse engineer ...

Sr. .Net Software Engineer

Irvine, CA · On-site

$112K - $190K/yr

As a Sr. Software Engineer, you will lead the design, stabilization, and delivery of scalable ... Experience or knowledge of IT Asset Disposition (ITAD) and reverse logistics processes is highly ...

New

Sr. .Net Software Engineer

Irvine, CA · Hybrid

$112K - $190K/yr

As a Sr. Software Engineer, you will lead the design, stabilization, and delivery of scalable ... Experience or knowledge of IT Asset Disposition (ITAD) and reverse logistics processes is highly ...

New

... software delivery solutions, including GitHub Actions, Artifactory-driven promotion strategies, DevSecOps controls, and standardized deployment frameworks. * Analyze, reverse engineer, and document ...

next page

Showing results 1-20

Freelance Software Reverse Engineer information

See Irvine, CA salary details

$15

$51

$141

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 Irvine, CA is $51.21, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $26.06 and $66.30 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 the most commonly searched types of Software Reverse Engineer jobs in Irvine, CA?

The most popular types of Software Reverse Engineer jobs in Irvine, CA are:

What are popular job titles related to Freelance Software Reverse Engineer jobs in Irvine, CA?

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

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

The top searched job categories for Freelance Software Reverse Engineer jobs in Irvine, CA are:

What cities near Irvine, CA are hiring for Freelance Software Reverse Engineer jobs?

Cities near Irvine, CA with the most Freelance Software Reverse Engineer job openings:

Infographic showing various Freelance Software Reverse Engineer job openings in Irvine, CA as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 85% Full Time, 10% Part Time, and 4% Contract. Highlights an 89% Physical, 4% Hybrid, and 7% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $106,513 per year, or $51.2 per hour.

Staff Software Engineer, Security

Costa Mesa, CA • On-site

Anduril Industries
Guided Missile and Space Vehicle Manufacturing • 501 - 1,000 employees

Full-time

Re-posted 16 days ago


Anduril rating

9.1

Company rating: 9.1 out of 10

Anduril

Based on 17 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz


Job description

The Tactical Recon and Strike (TRS) team at Anduril develops aerial small drones (Group 1-3) and all equipment to test, deploy and operate. The team is responsible for taking products like Ghost, Anvil, Bolt and Altius from paper sketches to operational systems. We work in close coordination with specialist teams to solve some of the hardest problems facing our customers. We are looking for software engineers, hardware engineers, roboticists, and front-end mobile developers who are excited about creating a powerful robotics platform that can be tasked and viewed in real-time through a variety of interfaces.

As a Staff Software Engineer - Security , you will take ownership of and enhance the security roadmap for TRS products and software services, working closely with engineering teams to create solutions that not only meet but exceed industry-standard security goals. You will engage with various teams to identify and remediate vulnerabilities in designs, implementations, integrations, and processes, while also designing and developing security software for embedded systems. The ideal candidate will possess a strong background in software engineering with a focus on platform security, enabling them to conduct complex security architecture reviews, research and mitigate exploits targeting hardware and software, and implement critical features in collaboration with engineering teams to build resilient products.

*This position will be located in our Costa Mesa CA, Seattle WA. We offer full relocation benefits if necessary.


WHAT YOU'LL DO
  • Own the development and maturation of TRS products and software services security roadmap.
  • Collaborate and build solutions with engineering teams to meet and exceed industry-standard security goals
  • Engage with teams to remediate uncovered weakness in designs, implementations, integrations, and processes
  • Design and Develop embedded system security software
REQUIRED QUALIFICATIONS
  • Strategic vision and technical depth, maintaining active involvement in security architecture and implementation
  • Proficient with one or more programming languages (e.g. C/C++, Rust, Python)
  • Experience assessing security of firmware, applications, network, IoT, or embedded systems
  • Experience developing features for and improving security of firmware, applications, network, or embedded systems
  • Experience building, testing, and delivering production-ready systems, especially for embedded and/or Linux systems
  • Familiarity with anti-tamper and reverse engineering mechanisms
  • Experience in Platform security engineering and secure SDLC implementation
  • Strong and professional communication skills (written and verbal)
  • Demonstrated commitment to practical, mission-enabling security solutions
  • Must be eligible to obtain and maintain a US TS clearance
PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS
  • Familiarity with security architectures of embedded, aerospace, or cyber-physical systems
  • Experience with programmable logic devices and their development tools
  • Knowledge of cyber threat actors, their TTPs, and their implications for weapon and space system operations
  • Regularly builds, tests, and delivers production-ready systems, especially for embedded and/or Linux systems
  • Experience conducting incident response in cloud systems and embedded systems

Working at Anduril

About Anduril, in their own words

From Anduril

As the world enters an era of strategic competition, Anduril delivers cutting-edge autonomy, AI, computer vision, sensor fusion, and networking technology to the warfighter in months, not years.


What Anduril employees say

Pay

Benefits

Hours and flexibility

Workplace

Get the full story on Breakroom


Anduril Industries logo

About Anduril Industries

Sourced by ZipRecruiter

Anduril Industries is a trailblazer in the technology industry based in Costa Mesa, CA, US. Founded in 2017 by Palmer Luckey, the creator of Oculus VR, the company focuses on developing innovative technology to equip and empower those in the defense sector. Its primary products include cutting-edge autonomous systems and AI software that assist in combating threats to national and global security. The mission of Anduril Industries is to integrate technology and defense by building transformative, scalable solutions that ensure a safer world.

Industry

Guided missile and space vehicle manufacturing

Company size

501 - 1,000 Employees

Headquarters location

Costa Mesa, CA, US

Year founded

2017

Social media