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Freelance Software Reverse Engineer Jobs in Windsor, CA

TAD PGS, Inc.

Software Engineer

Santa Rosa, CA · On-site

$48 - $55/hr

Pay Rate: $48 - $55 The Software & Controls Engineer II designs, develops, supports, and enhances ... Experience reverse engineering legacy control systems, mapping I/O points, documenting signal flow ...

Chipton Ross

Software Engineer

Santa Rosa, CA · On-site

$55/hr

Job #218999 Chipton-Ross is seeking a Software Engineer for a contract opportunity in Santa Rosa ... Experience reverse engineering legacy control systems, mapping I/O points, documenting signal flow ...

All JobsSoftware Reverse Engineer JobsFreelance Software Reverse Engineer JobsFreelance Software Reverse Engineer Jobs in Windsor, CA

Freelance Software Reverse Engineer information

See Windsor, CA salary details

$16

$52

$145

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

As of Aug 8, 2026, the average hourly pay for freelance software reverse engineer in Windsor, CA is $52.39, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $26.68 and $67.84 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 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 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 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 Windsor, CA? For Freelance Software Reverse Engineer jobs in Windsor, CA, the most frequently searched job titles are:
What cities near Windsor, CA are hiring for Freelance Software Reverse Engineer jobs? Cities near Windsor, CA with the most Freelance Software Reverse Engineer job openings:
Freelance Software Reverse Engineer jobs near you
Infographic showing various Freelance Software Reverse Engineer job openings in Windsor, CA as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 88% Full Time, 8% Part Time, and 4% Contract. Highlights an 88% Physical, 3% Hybrid, and 9% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $108,965 per year, or $52.4 per hour.

Software Engineer

TAD PGS, Inc.

Santa Rosa, CA • On-site

$48 - $55/hr

Contractor

Medical, Retirement

Re-posted yesterday

Job description

We have an outstanding Contract position for a Software Engineer to join a leading Company located in the Santa Rosa, CA surrounding area.

Pay Rate: $48 - $55

The Software & Controls Engineer II designs, develops, supports, and enhances software and control systems used to manufacture and test thin-film materials and related products. This position supports automated and electro-mechanical manufacturing equipment through software development, PLC programming, controls troubleshooting, system documentation, and equipment upgrades. The engineer works closely with Engineering, Maintenance, Production, and other technical teams to improve equipment reliability, resolve technical issues, and support the modernization of manufacturing systems.

Responsibilities:
  • Design, develop, modify, test, and support software and control systems used in automated manufacturing and test equipment.
  • Develop and troubleshoot PLC logic, control software, operator interfaces, instrumentation, sensors, actuators, and equipment communications.
  • Support Maintenance and Engineering teams with equipment troubleshooting, root cause investigations, corrective actions, and reliability improvements.
  • Document control systems by updating wiring diagrams, mapping I/O, documenting signal flow, and creating as-built technical documentation.
  • Support equipment upgrades and legacy system modernization, including hardware replacement, software migration, testing, commissioning, and production release.

Basic Hiring Criteria:
  • Minimum 1-2 years of experience with one or more of the following PLC programming tools (Siemens TIA Portal, Allen-Bradley RSLogix, GE Fanuc LogicMaster), PLC troubleshooting, industrial automation, or control-system support.
  • Minimum 1-2 years of experience troubleshooting electrical controls, instrumentation, sensors, actuators, motor controls, or electro-mechanical equipment.
  • Minimum 1-2 years of experience reading and interpreting electrical schematics, wiring diagrams, I/O lists, control drawings, or mechanical drawings.
  • Minimum 1-2 years of experience developing, modifying, testing, or debugging software used to control automated equipment or manufacturing systems.
  • Minimum 1-2 years of experience creating or maintaining technical documentation, wiring diagrams, equipment configuration records, software revisions, or change-control documentation.

Desired Qualifications:
  • PLC programming experience with Siemens TIA Portal, Allen-Bradley RSLogix, Studio 5000, GE Fanuc LogicMaster, or similar PLC platforms.
  • LabVIEW programming experience using National Instruments development tools.
  • Experience with industrial wiring, control panels, field devices, instrumentation, equipment communications, or conductor termination.
  • Experience reverse engineering legacy control systems, mapping I/O points, documenting signal flow, or creating as-built electrical drawings.
  • Experience with equipment upgrades, hardware obsolescence planning, software migration, manufacturing data systems, relational databases, document control, or formal change management.

Benefits offered to vary by the contract. Depending on your temporary assignment, benefits may include direct deposit, free career counseling services, 401(k), select paid holidays, short-term disability insurance, skills training, employee referral bonus, affordable medical coverage plan, and DailyPay (in some locations). For a full description of benefits available to you, be sure to talk with your recruiter.

Military connected talent encouraged to apply.

VEVRAA Federal Contractor / Request Priority Protected Veteran Referrals / Equal Opportunity Employer / Veterans / Disabled 

To read our Candidate Privacy Information Statement, which explains how we will use your information, please visit http://www.tadpgs.com/candidate-privacy/ or https://pdsdefense.com/candidate-privacy/

The Company will consider qualified applicants with arrest and conviction records in accordance with federal, state, and local laws and/or security clearance requirements, including, as applicable:

  • The California Fair Chance Act
  • Los Angeles City Fair Chance Ordinance
  • Los Angeles County Fair Chance Ordinance for Employers
  • San Francisco Fair Chance Ordinance
Education:Bachelors DegreeEmployment Type: CONTRACTOR

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